Area Businesses Compete in Pints & Pork Challenge Saturday

By Erin Gallagher

New Lenox’s Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company, and Irish Pig BBQ, along with Manhattan’s Road House 52 are among the many craft breweries and restaurants competing in a the Pints & Pork Challenge in Manhattan Saturday. New Lenox resident Casey Moss will perform live acoustic guitar music.

In a growing trend of craft beer competitions, eight breweries from around Chicagoland, will team up with area restaurants to go head-to-head.

Attendees will spend a lazy autumn afternoon October 1st, from Noon to 4 p.m. to listen to acoustic guitar, drink at least 20 different craft beers, and sample at least eight different gourmet pork dishes, then vote for their favorites.

“Unlike so many other craft beer festivals, Manhattan’s country atmosphere promises to be a charming way to relax for a good cause,” said event chair Steve Smolinske. “This is a great excuse to get a baby sitter.”

The “escape the asphalt” themed-event will be held the grass at St. Joseph Church campus, 255 W. North Street (which is U.S. 52), with all proceeds benefitting the church and school.

Tickets are available online at http://www.pintsandpork.com for $40 in advance. In the event any are remaining the day of the event, cost is $45 at the gate. Parking is free, and entertainment is included.

Each brew/pork team will offer their best pair for competition. Attendees will vote for their favorites, and trophies will be awarded. There will also be expert judges from their industries who award Judge’s Choice Awards. Celebrity Guest Judge for the pork dishes is Will County Executive Larry Walsh, and WJOL’s morning host Scott Slocum will judge beer.

The scene will be set with the changing autumn leaves, pumpkins, straw bales, and tremendous talents of New Lenox’s Casey Moss playing acoustic guitar. covering classics such as, “Come Together,” by the Beatles; “Evergreen,” by Ed Shereen; and “My Girl,” by the Temptations.

This event is the church’s only fundraiser, with proceeds benefitting the parish, school, and community. In December, the church will celebrate its 125th anniversary, and the school celebrated 90 years in September 2015.

The brewery and restaurant line up includes Oak Park Brewing, Oak Park; Noon Whistle Brewing, Lombard; Arrowhead Ales Brewing Co., New Lenox; 350 Brewing Co, Tinley Park; Evil Horse, Crete; All Rise Brewing, Chicago; Granite City Food & Brewery, Orland Park; Blue Nose Brewery, Hodgekins; Irish Pig BBQ, New Lenox; Road House 52, Manhattan.

Tickets, directions, and information are at www.pintsandpork.com.