Cutchogue Chicken Barbecue Draws Hungry Crowd: Photos

CUTCHOGUE, NY — It's a tradition that's been going strong for 61 years — and the huge crowd that turned out Saturday night for the Cutchogue Fire Department's Annual Chicken Barbecue brought their appetites to an event that's become a highlight of the summer season on the North Fork.

According to John Lademann, former Chief, who's worked at the pit for 56 years, 3,581 chicken halves were cooked up and served. The grills were heated at about 1:15 p.m., with sand in the pits and 5,200 lbs. of charcoal on top; he and fellow former Chief Matt Martin kept track of when each piece went on the grill, carefully checking temperatures and ensuring the chicken was cooked to a mouthwatering shade of brown.

Lademann, who's been working at the event for 58 years, says he enjoys the barbecue, which brings the community, young and old, together for good food, fun, and laughter. "We have a good time," he said.

CFD's chicken is so good, in fact, that Martha Stewart raved about it after attending in 1997 — and guests were overhead Saturday saying it was the best they'd ever tasted.

But don't ask for the recipe. "It's a secret sauce," Lademann said, smiling.

This year's event chair was Chris Talbot.