This week in 417 food news, a Springfield barbecue chef will be on Food Network, a lobster roll truck is making its way to the Ozarks and a Cuban restaurant closes its doors.
Springfield pitmaster to be on Food Network show
Springfield pitmaster Brad Leighninger of Gettin’ Basted will be going head-to-head with other barbecue experts during this year’s “BBQ Brawl” on Food Network, according to a press release.
Chefs Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan and Antonia Lofaso will each lead a team of pitmasters, including Leighniger. One pitmaster will be crowned “Master of ‘Cue” and have their skills featured on Food Network social platforms.
“This season has something for everyone, whether you are a professional grill master, a weekend warrior or simply love the smokey char of barbecue done right,” Flay said in the press release. “Summertime heralds outdoor cooking, and BBQ Brawl celebrates all that entails with a healthy dose of competition to keep it exciting.”
“BBQ Brawl” premieres 8 p.m. June 1 on Food Network and streams the next day on Max.
Maine lobster food truck coming to the Ozarks
A company that specializes in fast-casual lobster rolls is coming to the Ozarks, according to a press release.
Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks, which appeared on “Shark Tank” in 2012, will be at Hold Fast Brewing, 235 N. Kimbrough Ave., from noon to 8 p.m. May 23 and at Menard’s, 3803 W. University St., from noon to 7 p.m. on May 25.
The company currently runs 85 food trucks across 35 states. In addition to lobster rolls, the menu often includes tater tots, whoopie pies, lobster grilled cheese or quesadillas and lobster bisque or chowders.
Cuban restaurant closes its doors
La Habana Vieja, 220 E. Commercial St., hosted its last dinner on May 14. The Cuban restaurant was forced to close its doors due to immigration policies, the management said in a Facebook post.
“The Management has worked hard to bring Springfield a Cuban restaurant staffed with Cuban people. The kitchen and bar were staffed primarily with Cubans working hard to secure their part of the ‘American Dream,'” the post said. “However, in recent days, our government has elected to rescind their ability to work, thus forcing their departure from La Habana Vieja and the USA.”
Co-owner Freddie Flores said that half the bar staff and 80% of the kitchen staff, all of whom came to the United States legally, could no longer work.
La Habana Vieja opened in 2021.
