Join us on Sunday, February 24th from 1 to 6 PM at St. Clements Hall, 3030 Tremainsville Rd. for the 8th Kielbasa Cook Off sponsored by PACT. Admission is $5 per person, $3 for PACT members and children 5 and under free. Kielbasa, mizeria, kapusta, placek, paczki, and piwo (that’s beer) will be on the menu.
The 2019 Kielbasa Cook Off is almost upon us so we thought you would like to know a little bit about each of this year’s contestants.
Here are the 2019 Kielbasa Cook Off competitors:
Dan Evanski, from Pinckney Michigan. Look for “Ski’s Sausage” to try his kielbasa recipe. His recipe is a 4th generation kielbasa recipe from Poland. Dan learned how to make kielbasa from his dad and has been making it his whole life. He likes to get his family involved in the kielbasa making to ensure it continues to the next generation. Dan believes his salt and spice ratio that has been perfected over many years is the perfect combination for the best flavor.
Ron Smith and Mike Hofner have been making kielbasa together for a long time. They have entered previous cook offs under the name “Dziadzia & Busia’s Old Fashion Recipe” and they have placed in the top three numerous times. Ron has been making his kielbasa recipe for many years. He remembers making it at the age of 5 when he would stand on a crate and grind the meat. His father used to sell his kielbasa to Rojek’s catering for weddings. He believes his kielbasa recipe is the best because in his words, “That’s what the people say.” Making their recipe is a family project and they will take orders for their kielbasa for holidays.
David Krueger, from Lambertville Michigan, returns to see if he will reclaim the first prize title. He named his kielbasa recipe “Zbilski Kielbasa” which is a family name and he has been making it for over 30 years. The recipe that Dave uses was handed down from Grandma Zbilski; straight from Krakow, Poland. He considers his the best because he supplies a lot of kielbasa to his family and friends and he holds the 2017 PACT “Kielbasa King” title. He takes orders for his kielbasa any time especially during the holidays.
Philip Majewski is from Toledo Ohio. To sample his kielbasa recipe, look for the “Kazlo, Simply the Best” name so it will be sure to please. His motto is “Well you’ve tried the rest, now have the best.” Making kielbasa is a family activity and Phil has been making it for at least 50 years. His recipe comes from his grandfather on his mother’s side. Phil considers his the best because he has made at least a ton of his kielbasa over his 55 years of life and has gotten many numerous compliments.
Diana, Gene and Sabrina Pilaczynski are from Toledo Ohio. The name of their kielbasa will be under “Oink K. Basa” so make sure you try it. The recipe that they use has been passed down for generations. They have been making it for 50 years. Diana says that making their kielbasa is definitely a family activity and it has made 5 generations of Pilaczynski’s happy and smile. When asked why their kielbasa is the best, she says “because it just is.”
Norm Symkowiak has participated in all but one of the Kielbasa Cook Off as “Busia’s Old Fashion Kielbasa”. He got the recipe from his Busia and can remember making it with his mom and dad when he was a child so he has been making it for about 55 years. He believes his recipe is the best because it is an original old style recipe that he uses. Norm makes his kielbasa both by himself and with his family. He also makes a smoked kielbasa, a hot vegetable mix and dill pickles. When he’s not making kielbasa, he is busy making some of his other Polish foods include pierogi, cruchiki and soups. You can order any of his food.
George Wolfer from Cincinnati Ohio is competing under the “Lenny & Spud’s Fresh Kielbasa” name. His initial recipe was given to him by his wife’s uncle Swi (Swiderski) and his sausage making bud named Spud. He has modified the texture of their recipe over the years. He believes his to be the best based on his wife’s Toledo Polish relatives. He has been making it for 38 years. Now that his children are no longer living at home, he makes the kielbasa by himself. He want everyone to know he has no MSG in his kielbasa but a lot of TLC.
David Wyraz is from Perrysburg Ohio and will be sharing his kielbasa recipe under the name “Chet’s Best Kielbasa”. He is using his father’s recipe. He has been making his kielbasa for four years and considers the flavor of his kielbasa to be the best. He says it took many years for his father to perfect his recipe and Dave would like to share it with you. Making the kielbasa is a family affair at the Wyraz household.
Rob and Kris Zielinski, is from Perrysburg Ohio. Rob’s kielbasa can be found under the name He has perfected his recipe by trial and error. Rob considers his the best because “you can taste all the flavors, none are over powering; just a great taste.” He has been perfecting his recipe for 7 years and he makes it with his family and close friends. Rob started making kielbasa with his family because they just wanted to make their own and realized it was fun to do; it’s family and friends who like to get together and spend time making it.
All contestants would like to invite you to purchase some of their kielbasa at the cook off or order it from them. Remember, Easter is just around the corner!
