MasterChef finalist Tyler Viars of Clinton County has a new venture: Tank’s Brew & ’Que food truck.
Viars offers his take on Southern barbecue, having lived in the South for 10 years. The menu items, which are continuing to expand, are inspired either by family and friends or the regions of the country where he’s lived.
This Friday evening, Viars’ cooking will add to the atmosphere at the Party at the Mural in the mural parking lot next to the General Denver in Wilmington.
But most weekends, the food truck will be located on-site for events at the World Equestrian Center — home of Roberts Arena, on State Route 730 near Wilmington.
“I didn’t know anything about horses before being out there. I’m learning a lot; it’s a really cool deal,” Viars said this week.
His signature items include pork and brisket, his mother’s cole slaw, monster sandwiches, half-pound platters, quesadilla, mac and cheese, and his mom’s chocolate chip cookies.
“That’s what got me started was Mom’s chocolate chip cookies. As a young boy I would pour the chips into the dough and get to have some of the dough. That’s how Tyler got his start in cooking,” he remarked.
The price range is about $10 to $12 for “a lot of food,” he said.
A coming attraction: Miss Sandy’s Southern green beans. The recipe is courtesy of his best friend’s mother, whom Viars called a “phenomenal” cook.
Horse shows at the Roberts arenas are free for spectators, with ample seating. This horse show facility with indoor and outdoor arenas also hosts dog shows, weddings and other events.
Currently, there is major construction occurring at the World Equestrian Center location, and visitors are directed to use a SR 730 entrance that’s west of the traditional main entrance.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768 or on Twitter @GHuffenberger.
