Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn is sharing its mutton with the world. Patrick Bosley and his family’s famous food is going to be featured at the seventh annual Bourbon Classic in Louisville on Feb. 23.
The event is an educational opportunity featuring moderated discussions, demos and tastings, followed by bourbon tastings from Bourbon Classic distillers and dishes from Bosley and three chefs from season 16 of “Top Chef,” which is set in Kentucky.
When Bosley was asked why he felt he was selected to be invited to this premium event, he said, “By reputation, I assume. They wanted a taste of Kentucky.”
The Bourbon Classic’s grand finale will feature an electric lineup of culinary experiences where each chef will showcase a Kentucky-centric culinary dish.
Bosley is preparing mutton sliders for the tasting, which he referred to as “a paired down version of the chopped mutton sandwich,” adding that there really weren’t many good ways to offer tasting-sized samples of the food otherwise.
According to Moonlite’s website, “mutton is one of the best-tasting meats around, and there’s nothing like a good barbeque to bring it out.”
A news release said, “It’s hard to match the authenticity and storied traditions of Kentucky’s beloved bourbon — unless you’re Owensboro’s Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn. The pride and joy of Western Kentucky barbecue, Moonlite Bar-B-Q has been a decadent culinary institution for over 60 years.”
Bosley was appreciative of the recognition and is anticipating the opportunity for others to experience a little bit of Owensboro at the event.
“I’m excited to be an ambassador for Owensboro,” Bosley said. “It’s an opportunity to show off Owensboro to a broader community. People are coming from all over to taste the best of barbecue.”
Bosley also gave a nod to the familiar Kentucky references of bourbon, bluegrass and barbecue and how this event was an opportunity to support that culture.
“Bourbon put us on the map, but Kentucky has an incredibly rich culinary history and a brilliant future ahead,” said Bourbon Classic co-founder, Seth Thompson. “Like bourbon, Kentucky cuisine is an authentic part of our culture and who we are. Our burgeoning culinary scene is the perfect pairing with Bourbon in defining Kentucky as its own unique lifestyle destination. We’re extremely grateful for Kentucky Tourism’s support in creating Saturday evening’s sensational culinary experience.”
Tickets for Bourbon Classic events are $165 and are available at BourbonClassic.com.
