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Metzgerei Freyberger promotes young talent
Pascal Karatay from the Freyberger butcher shop won gold at the first Butcher Wars Germany at the BBQ Days in Stuttgart. Last Sunday, the BBQ Days took place at the trade fair in Stuttgart. This included the Butcher Wars Germany event. "When I heard about it, I just had to be there - there was no other option," Pascal Karatay replied.
The format originally comes from Australia. Young and old from the entire butcher trade compete against each other in a sporting competition. Regardless of whether you are a master butcher or a journeyman - everyone from the trade is welcome. This includes specialist sales staff and trainees. "It was clear to me from the start that I would have to train very hard. Especially because I was going to compete against butchers and I never learned how to do that myself," explains the specialist sales staff and meat sommelier.
The goal: to prepare a side of pork expertly within 25 minutes, i.e. deboning and cutting it and presenting it ready for the counter. This means that the participants make products from the part of the pig and arrange them in a way that is pleasing to the eye. There are no limits to the creative presentation. "I trained weekly and learned everything myself," reveals Karatay. But that was only possible because his wife Aylin supported him. "Without my wife, this personal project would never have been possible. I am really incredibly grateful that she gave me such a helping hand," confirms the father of two.
An independent jury evaluates the cleanliness of the boning, compliance with hygiene regulations and the presentation and quality of the products as an overall concept. The whole thing takes place on stage in front of an audience and is broadcast live with cameras. "Of course I was nervous! But I also have to thank Dirk Freyberger and the whole butcher's shop. The butcher's shop supported me, gave me the opportunity to train and also gave me the freedom I needed," emphasizes the meat sommelier.
There are five rounds in total. In each round, three participants are on stage at the same time. During the competition, the judges examine the way the other participants work and analyze the entire process before evaluating the final presentation. At the same time, the participants collect all the leftover meat and bones in special containers. This allows the jury to ensure a thorough inspection. "It was pure stress. It was only with Butcher Wars Germany that I understood what you can achieve in 25 minutes," explains the Würzburg native.
Pascal prevails over master butchers, other specialist salespeople and other craftsmen. The 27-year-old shines with his speed and filigree creative creation of his counter presentation. His work of art is magnificent and noble. Roses, golden sparks and a gold-plated bull's skull put his products in the spotlight. The specialist salesperson takes first place and wins the first Butcher Wars Germany. "I am overwhelmed, I never thought I would get this far. Training with Dirk and his loving strictness were crucial to this success," says Pascal. It is also essential that the butcher's trade is presented in this form. "The trade is such a beautiful thing and it is a shame if no one sees it. After all, the connection to the valuable foodstuff meat must not be lost. This is the only way we can show that there are real people behind all of this," explains Karatay.
