SIMCOE Doug Easterbrook of Townsend Butchers in Simcoe recently took home the title of Ontario’s Finest Butcher in a competition hosted by Meat and Poultry Ontario.
Easterbrook is a four-time veteran of the competition, who, earlier this year, also competed in the World Butcher Challenge as part of team Canada.
He battled 17 of Ontario’s best butchers in an elimination round held on Sept. 12 and was one of three finalists who moved on to the final round held Oct. 14 at the Meat Industry Expo in Niagara Falls, Ont.
“It’s great to be part of such a great competition,” said Easterbrook. “It gets you out of your comfort zone and puts your skills and experience to the test. It’s a quick 30 minutes. You have to be focused and prepared going into it.”
The theme of this year’s “black box” round was “Bougie Bites.” Easterbrook, along with fellow finalists, had 30 minutes to transform two whole chickens, a pork loin and beef shoulder clod into several display-ready items.
The finalists were judged on their level of skill, creativity and consumer appeal.
The four judges determined Easterbook the winner.
“Meat cutting is a lost art and our industry has a constant need for skilled butchers in Ontario,” said Franco Naccarato, executive director of Meat and Poultry Ontario. “We are excited to see this competition grow year over year, showcasing the amazing talent of butchers from across the province.”
Easterbrook said being involved in the contests over the years has “opened up many opportunities and built great relationships with some true professionals within the industry.”
In addition to giving the official champion’s black jacket, Easterbook took home a prize package of cooking items valued at more than $3,000.