Scrolling down Instagram about a month ago and I saw this little gem…

via Instagram

First thought: How has a woman of international fame NEVER had lamb before the age of 34?

Second thought: DAMN that looks good and I am kind of hungry now.

Lamb is delicious and that is a flat out fact. My office is obsessed with lamb shawarma so much that when we expect it for lunch on Fridays, we count down the days until it gets there. Yet a lot of people are pretty squeamish about eating lamb. Whether it’s the fear of the unknown or the childhood memory of that Lisa-centric episode of the Simpsons, the average dude on the street will opt for beef or chicken.

If you’re skipping lamb you are missing out. It’s delicious, yes, but it is also a part of Texas culinary history. Sheep ranching began when the first Spanish settlers came to Texas. Today, we are the largest lamb producing state in the country. With Austin’s exciting culinary scene, bringing the Lamb Jam back to the Capitol City is a no brainer.

On Sunday, February 28, 12 of the region’s finest chefs will gather at Barr Mansion for the American Lamb Jam Global Flavors Tour—the annual event where attendees as well as food media vote on top Texas chefs; inventive American lamb dishes.

New and returning regional chefs will prepare local lamb fare infused with Mediterranean, Asian, Latin or Middle Eastern flavors. Austin’s food media will judge the dishes in a blind taste test, and attendees will do their own tastings to vote for a “People’s Choice” winner. Victors are named in each global flavor category and a “Best in Show” champion will advance to the New York finale later this year to compete with Lamb Jam winners from Seattle, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Boston, for the ultimate title of “Lamb Jam Master.”

“Texas is the nation’s largest lamb producer, and we have no doubt Texas chefs will live up to the big reputation,” says Megan Wortman, executive director of the American Lamb Board. “The Austin event is sure to give lamb fans an intensely savory experience that celebrates lamb’s versatility.”

Tickets are $60 a person and can be purchased online. If a group of friends or family wants to make a day of it, the American Lamb Board is offering a “Flock Special”.  The Special includes 4 tickets for the price of 3 and is available on the website—so go ahead and bring the entire flock and spend the afternoon sampling the best of local breweries, winemakers, food artisans, and chefs.

For more information visit www.americanlamb.com or online here. Follow the American Lamb Board on Facebook or Twitter.

Event details:

Event is 21+ only.

Lamb Jam: Sunday, February 28, 2016

3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Barr Mansion
10463 Sprinkle Road
Austin, Texas 78754

Participating chefs:

• Danny Kievit – Moonshine Grill (Austin)
• Camden Stuerzenbeger – Fork & Vine (Austin)
• Shawn Cirkiel – Olive & June (Austin)
• Joe Anguiano – VOX Table (Austin)
• Chris Hurley – The Bonneville (Austin) 
• Reina Morris – Buenos Aires Café (Austin)
• Frank Mnuk – Geraldine’s (Austin) 
• Julio Peraza – Madrina/Proof + Pantry (Dallas)
• Robert Lyford – Patina Green Home and Market (McKinney)
• Barrett Black – Black’s BBQ (Austin)
• Jacob Weaver – Juliet (Austin)
• Brian Moses – Contigo (Austin)

This event is organized by the American Lamb Board, and a portion of the ticket sales will benefit The Austin Food & Wine Alliance. Visit americanlamb.com for ticketing and event information.