NYC Tastes

The Big Apple BBQ is always such a great event each year.  I'm a little biased since it's only one block from my apartment which means I can run home at any point to put leftovers in the fridge, use the bathroom or grab a beer; but seriously it's an amazing event.  This year I got there early to hit up Salt Lick BBQ from Driftwood, Texas.  The line was already long at 10:45 but they kept people happy with trays full of brisket and short rib samples. Plus kudos to the crew- I was probably about 150 people back at the start time of 11:00 AM and had food in hand by 11:10.  Salt Lick was doling out thick, juicy sausage with slices of brisket and some of the best BBQ sauce I've ever had.  I came back Sunday afternoon to buy a bottle for home but they were long gone. This will definitely be on my to-do for next year. I hit up all the usual suspects Dinosaur BBQ, Martins, etc. but in need of a little something sweet with my meat I booked it to Sugaree's. ...

It was a gorgeous day for the 12th annual Big Apple BBQ held in Madison Square Park this weekend. We've been lucky enough to attend 10 of these festivals and made sure to get there early for some of our favorites.  Pappy's Smokehouse was number one on Mr. T's list this year. These guys are out of St. Louis and specialize in Memphis Style ribs, dry rubbed and smoked over apple and cherry wood.  They're sticky and sweet...perfect with their maple glazed baked beans. I had two favorites this year...one being the Whole Hog from Ed Mitchell.  This mammoth sandwich is tender and rich with crunchy pieces of crackling sprinkled throughout.  No sauce is needed on this it's perfection just as it is. My other favorite is Big Bob Gibson.  His pulled pork is smoky and sweet with a tangy mustard coleslaw on the side that's a great complement to the meat. It was nice to see a few new guys this year...

The weather gods let the incredible sheets of rain stop for two glorious days of the Big Apple BBQ Block party.  I got there early with my Fast Pass for the best Pulled Pork sandwich I've ever eaten at Big Bob Gibson. Pitmaster Chris Lilly was on hand and the sandwich was just as incredible as I remembered... nice brunt ends and lots of saucy meat.  Then it was onto 17th Street for their smoky Baby Back Ribs. I had to take a break and do a little walk around the park to get some stomach room going...hey there's Ed Mitchell checking on his whole hog! I still wasn't ready for round two so I stopped into Eleven Madison's Kentucky Bourbon party and ordered an incredible Old Fashioned. Normally drinking an Old Fashioned at 11:45 in the morning would be crazy but it seemed totally appropriate on BBQ weekend. The band was fantastic.  I stayed for the whole set and finally felt ready for round two.  Over to Jim N' Nick's for some ...

Let's see what's going on around town. Madison Square Park comes alive with BBQ and music for the annual Big Apple BBQ on Saturday and Sunday.  I got my Fast Pass in the mail months ago and can't wait to get started checking out all the food and drinks. My favorites from last year include the always popular Big Bob Gibson's pork shoulder sandwich and the spicy, sweet meat from Mitchell's out of Tennessee.  You really can't go wrong with anything at the festival...check out some past eats  here  or head over to  Serious Eats  for their incredible BBQ battle plan.  If your heading downtown instead Smorgasbar is another great option.   It's located in South Street Seaport and filled with lots of wonderful food options like Pizzamoto and Milk Truck Grilled Cheese.  Plus they have great big tables right in the center perfect for sitting in the sun and sipping on some beer from the actual Smorgasbar. There's some tasty lo...

It was another fabulous year at the Big Apple BBQ!  Mr. T and I couldn't get over the fact that the first one was 10 years ago.  Holy Smokes we're old.  Here's a run down on some food. I started out Saturday morning in the Ed Mitchell line. I couldn't decide between the Whole Hog or Whole Turkey so I got one of both. Then it was over to Big Bob Gibson where I had the best Pork Shoulder sandwich I've possibly ever had. Baby Back Ribs from Pappy's Smokehouse. Smoked Sausage and Pimento Cheese from Jim 'N Nick's. Checkered Pig St. Louis Style Ribs. Not pictured because it was devoured too quickly were Baby Back Ribs from 17th Street and some seriously delicious baked beans. I returned on Sunday with Mr. T and we enjoyed some beers in the sun while listening to the music.  It was another fantastic event in the park and truly a not miss event for meat eaters and BBQ lovers everywhere. I look for...