Buffalo's Best Kielbasa contest winners announced

Five winners from 41 entries chosen by panel of judges

Buffalo’s Best Kielbasa contest was back to crown the best homemade sausagemakers in Western New York. The culinary showdown took place Saturday at Flying Bison Brewing Co., kicking off the “Pils, Pierogi & Polka” event. Attendees enjoyed samples of smoked kielbasa, horseradish and Polish mustard from Bacik Foods.

A record 41 entries were received this year, all from homemade sausagemakers. Winners were announced in the following categories:

√ Fresh Traditional – Kenneth Gawal

√ Smoked Traditional – Mark Terejko

√ Fresh Holiday (with marjoram) – Mike & Maureen Kozlowski

√ Smoked Holiday (with marjoram) – Tom Kozlowski

√ Non-Traditional – Mark Bednarz

The following judges picked the winners from the entries received:

√ Myron Deputat – Those Idiots

√ Denise Drews – Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority

√ Kelly Dudzik – WGRZ-TV Channel 2

√ David Franczyk – Co-founder, Buffalo’s Best Kielbasa Contest

√ Dave Greber – WIVB-TV Channel 4

√ Tim Herzog – Flying Bison Brewing Co. (retired)

√ Tod Kniazuk – The Big Easy in Buffalo / St. Adalbert Basilica

√ Jim Lawicki – Bacik Foods

√ Hon. Mitch Nowakowski – Fillmore District representative, Buffalo Common Council

√ Chef Johnny Paa – The Sausage Maker

√ Sr. Johnice Rzadkiewicz – Response To Love Center

√ Tom Sieracki – Captain Tom & The Hooligans

√ Susan Swiatkowski – Niagara Wine Trail

√ Andy Wegrzyn – Buffalo Distilling Co.

“Thanks to everyone who entered, sharing their family recipes and traditions for this event,” organizer Tod Kniazuk said. “Thanks also to our sponsors for making it possible to continue this great addition to the Polish Easter season.”

Buffalo’s Best Kielbasa contest is presented with support from Fillmore District Common Council Member Mitch Nowakowski, The Sausage Maker, Bacik Foods, The Big Easy in Buffalo, and Flying Bison Brewing Co.