Ribfest?
Again?
If it seems like it’s only been a few months since downtown Ottawa was awash in the aroma of sizzling, smoked ribs it’s because, well, it’s only been a few months.
The “ribbers” who packed up along the Sparks Street Mall in late June are back in late September for the fall edition known as Ribtoberfest - a barbecue-style Oktoberfest. (Yes, I know it’s not October yet. Work with me here.)
It seems Ottawans can’t get enough of the sticky-fingered treat. Ribfest has become a biannual event.
In fact, of all the ribfests these ribbers travel to across North America, Ottawa is the only city they visit twice.
Ribtoberfest 2014 features ribbers hailing from as far away as Jacksonville, Florida and Albuquerque, New Mexico, each with their unique recipe for aging, smoking, searing, and slathering their own special ribs.
If ribs aren’t your thing, there is also plenty of barbecued chicken, pulled pork and other food options. And, in honour of Oktoberfest, each rib station also has something German on the menu, from sausages to strudel.
Admission is free. The event also promises bands and buskers on the weekend.
And there are plenty of paper towels.
Ribtoberfest 2014 runs now to Sunday, Sep. 28th on the Sparks Street Mall.
