With a mission to showcase the independent farms and ranches in Texas actively engaging in ethical and sustainable production processes, The Butchers Ball strives to make a stronger connection between the producer and the consumer. For 2019, over 50 chefs, butchers, farmers, ranchers, educators, bartenders and other leaders in the culinary industry will converge for a day of chef tastings, competitions, demonstrations, discussions, entertainment and more. The day’s festivities will not only educate, entertain and feed the public, but also raise money for the Houston-based nonprofit Urban Harvest and their ongoing farmers markets that directly support the local farming and ranching community. Tickets start at $100 and are available at www.butchersball.com.

For Austinites wishing to drive, Rockin’ Star Ranch is approximately one hour and forty five minutes from Central Austin. A shuttle bus will be available that day departing from Mosaic Sound Collective in East Austin off MLK, one block east of Highway 183. Roundtrip cost will be $50 and more information will be sent to ticket buyers within a week of the event.  

One of the highlights of The Butcher’s Ball is the Golden Cleaver Competition – a public vote for the “best bite” of the day. Participants in the Golden Cleaver Competition over the past three years were asked to nominate their favorite chefs in Texas that are passionate about supporting their local farm and ranch communities, and who are creating impressive cuisine using their products. The 2019 Golden Cleaver competition will feature 20 chefs from across the state who will utilize proteins and produce sourced exclusively from Texas farms and ranches. This year’s Golden Cleaver competitors include:

Bramwell Tripp, Loro, Austin

Sarah Heard & Nathan Lemley, Foreign & Domestic, Austin

Callie Speer, Holy Roller, Austin

Cullen Holle, Jax Brenham, Brenham

Justin Manning, C&J Barbecue, College Station

David Uygur, Lucia / Macellaio, Dallas

Peja Krstic, Mot Hai Ba, Dallas

Mark Scott, Convenience West, Marfa

Brandi Key, Alice Blue, Houston

Dawn Burrell, Kulture, Houston

Evelyn Garcia, Decatur Bar & Pop-Up Factory, Houston

Jonny Rhodes, Indigo, Houston

Martin Stayer, Nobie’s, Houston

Monica Pope, Sparrow Cookshop, Houston

Tony Luhrman, El Topo, Houston (2018 Golden Cleaver Champion)

Wade Elkins, James McFarland, Mike Michna, Reveille Barbecue Co., Magnolia

Austin Simmons, TRIS, The Woodlands

Jeff Balfour, Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, San Antonio

Nicola Blaque, The Jerk Shack, San Antonio

Steve McHugh, Cured, San Antonio