Bootleggers Café competes in statewide "Virginia is for Lovers Culinary Challenge"

FRANKLIN CO. (WSLS 10) - Officials say Bootleggers Café in downtown Rocky Mount is among the list of statewide competitors in the 2015 Virginia is for Lovers Culinary Challenge. 

They say the restaurant's Double Smoked Fatty is one of 32 entrées competing for the championship title. The dish features local ground beef, pork and veal wrapped in applewood smoked bacon and stuffed with house smoked pulled pork, cheddar and jack cheeses, onions and homemade pickled peppers. It's then finished with tomato gravy over smashed potatoes and petite green beans.

Presented by Virginia Tourism Corporation; restaurants, locals and visitors submitted nominations for the annual contest in February. 

Officials say competing entrées had to have a strong Virginia influence or utilize local ingredients, and must also be on the menu at a restaurant in Virginia.

Now, throughout March, the public is encouraged to vote online for their favorite entrées. Votes will first narrow the field of contenders to 16, followed by a series of voting challenges and bracket-style competition to determine the overall champion. To vote and to follow the competition, visit CLICK HERE and for more about Bootleggers Café, visit HERE.