First up this week is Michael Kiolbassa, The King of the family owned and operated business in Texas.
There are many sausage companies and sausage brands. But there’s only one that’s as BIG AND BOLD as the state of Texas itself: Kiolbassa Smoked Meats. Genuine. Honest. Always delicious. Since 1949, the Kiolbassa family has been devoted to the time-honored tradition of hand-crafting sausage and bacon the slow, authentic way. We use only the finest cuts of meats and the freshest spices. We slow-craft our meats in small batches, then it’s smoked over hardwood. It’s never hurried, never compromised and contains no MSG or fillers. Just real, authentic meats crafted the old-fashioned Texas way. Bold. Hearty. And so satisfying. You’ll want to take your time enjoying Kiolbassa Smoked Meats. Because we sure took our time making them.
In October of 1949, Kiolbassa opened its doors to the Southwest side of San Antonio and began selling their smoked sausages. It would be slowly smoked with natural hardwoods, and made only in small batches.
Michael Kiolbassa
Coming up quickly behind him, Robert’s son Michael started as a salesman within the company in 1987. He quickly learned the ropes of the business and the meat industry, and knew it was important to begin building partnerships with other local grocers.
After investing a lot of time and effort into networking, Kiolbassa became available in a few select HEB stores across San Antonio. Michael began delivering the product to HEB from his own truck, and as Kiolbassa gained popularity, it was picked up in HEB distribution centers. A few years later, Kiolbassa was able to gain distribution to Costco stores around the country.
Learn more at: www.kiolbassa.com
Later in the show I’ll be talking to long time friend Tiya Tonn, avid promoter of Butler County beef, including her own brand of premium beef, Satchel Creek Farms. Tiya and I will tell you all about the upcoming event “2022 Farm to Fork and So Much More.”
The Butler County Farm Bureau Association is now selling tickets for its annual Farm to Fork and So Much More event in July. This year the event expands to eight days, July 16 to July 23, and includes agribusiness workshops and a public agri-art exhibit. Follow on Facebook!
Since 2016, the annual event brings urban and rural people together. The highlight is the one-day bus tour on July 23 that brings urban consumers to rural parts of the county to visit the farms and ranches, and the families producing their food source. The tour ends at Fulton Valley Farms south of Towanda with a dinner featuring locally sourced foods prepared by culinary chefs and students of Butler Community College’s Redler Institute of Culinary Arts.
“Everything we serve at dinner is produced in Butler County,” said Tiya Tonn, Butler County Farm Bureau Association county coordinator and Farm to Fork chair. “Whether its beef, pork, vegetables, fruit, breads, honey, cheese, it is all from our local producers. This is always a highlight. Each year people really enjoy it.” Learn more and get tickets
Good Life Guy’s Wine of The Week:
2019 Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Cabernet Sauvignon
This rich Cabernet Sauvignon unfolds with rich aromas of black cherry, mocha and sweet toasted oak notes. Bold tannins frame a powerful mid-palate layered with mouth-filling flavors of black cherry and milk chocolate. Smooth and balanced, an elegant finesse defines the long and lingering finish. ABV14.5% Pairs well with grilled Fillet Mignon, robust pasta, blue cheese. Learn more here! Follow on Facebook and Twitter
Grab a bottle at Jacob Liquor Exchange on N. Rock Road and taste with Good Life Guy
Critical Acclaim Tasting Panel 92
Distinctive and seductive, with a mélange of dark red fruit, mocha, and cedar in a generous and round body. This red unites power with princely charm.