Sliderfest hits a homerun with Fonthill foodies
Five local chefs. Five unique sliders. And one hungry community eager to take a bite and choose their favourite.
Fonthill’s second annual Sliderfest, presented by PenFinancial Credit Union, is a unique chef competition which doubles as a fundraiser for Fonthill Lions Club.
Although Saturday’s weather was a bit unpredictable at the beginning, more than 500 people came out to show their support — or at least just sink their teeth into something different.
“It’s been fantastic despite having several bouts of rain,” said Marylou Hilliard, director and co-chair of Sliderfest. “People come prepared. Some of them have full tents with their families inside of them. They’re having a good time eating the feast and enjoying.”
Many people think sliders are simply miniature hamburgers, but they are more than that, said Hilliard.
“We had to beg somebody to make a burger this year. There’s only one on the menu.”
Besides a Canadian-themed burger slider from Righteous Monger, there were duck sliders from Churchhill Natural Meats, roasted pork sliders from Peninsula Lakes, rib sliders from Root & Bone and a vegetarian slider from Iggy’s Pub and Grub.
“We’re the only vegetarian one. We champion for the little man,” said Matt Davis of Iggy’s. “We dare to be different. In a world full of pork, we’re like, ‘Here’s some chick peas.’”
Chef Mark Hand from Righteous Monger said it has been a great day.
“Other than the rain right at the start. And then there was that great rain shower with the sun. It’s great. Everybody supports the community and it’s been a good day.”
Sliders were not all that was offered at Sliderfest.
“We’re also known for our freshly cut potato fries and we’ve
got corn, fresh from the field,” said Hilliard.
Local band Rhythm Hounds returned this year to entertain the crowd with the blues.
“The music is great,” said David Levar, executive chef at Peninsula Lakes.
“It’s such a great cause and you know that all the money goes to something worthwhile. Everyone is so nice and so happy. We’re just happy to help out the community.”
All money raised goes to local charities and events, and some Ontario and international ones.
“The big charities we support (help with) sight impaired and hearing impaired … but it’s a wide variety we support. If I tried to name them all it wouldn’t fit,” said Hilliard.
And what about those sliders? At one point the line of people waiting to try a rib slider at Root & Bone’s booth was so long the cooks were working in a frenzy.
“Everything is done from scratch. We cook to order,” said Frederick Demers as he continued to work the barbeque. “The chef wants everything local. Everything. He’s really committed to the community.”
Root & Bone placed second in the competition.
“This is like heaven on a bun,” said Patti Williams after taking her first bite of the duck slider from Churchhill Natural Meats. “The flavours all blend together. Nothing really fights with each other. It’s perfect. This is our fifth one (to try) and it definitely gets our vote.”
After tallying the votes, it was clear Williams’ taste buds were with the majority. Churchhill Natural Meats took first place for a second year.
What is the secret to the people’s choice slider?
Working with quality meat, said chef Raymond Haymes.
“We’re a meat shop so we start with antibiotic- and hormone-free meat. We make our own espresso bacon. And we make everything from the sauce to the buns.”