By: Moe Ellis
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Chefs from all over the world traveled to Bentonville to compete in the World Squirrel Cook-Off. Dishes must include 80% squirrel meat but chefs could use creativity when deciding what to make.
Squirrel jambalaya, squirrel curry on french fries, and fried squirrel sandwiches were crowd favorites of the event. For those cautious about trying the meat, chef Bud Bond from the Bucksnort Team said health benefits and accessibility should make you feel more at ease.
“They’re delicious. It’s nutritious, it’s organic, and they’re very abundant,” said Bond. “They’re a natural resource. They’re everywhere.”
Thousands of hungry attendees showed up to try the squirrel dishes, bringing friends, family, and even pets to accompany them.
Participating chefs made sure to take precautions while preparing the dishes. Chef Jeff Bell said his team made sure everything was carefully made for consumption. Chef Bell also said he and his team came to compete to serve people something unique they couldn’t try anywhere else.
“We came here to cook squirrel,” said Bell. “We came to serve the masses something they’ve never had before.”
The World Squirrel Cook-Off is an annual event that began in 2011.