As you walk up out of the 23rd street station, the flavor of city air changes from the rank humid and stale subway variety to a unique and highly uncommon noise raising mixed aroma of charcoal, beef and spiced sauce. Thousands of people clamored around in Madison Square Park this weekend for the fourth annual New York Big Apple Bar-B-Queue Block Party. Pitmasters from Texas (Southside Market & BBQ and The Salt Lick BBQ), Alabama (Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q), Tennessee (B.E. Scotts Barbecue), Illinois (17th Street Bar & Grill ), North Carolina (Mitchell’s BBQ) and yes even New York (RUB and Blue Smoke) lined Madison Avenue along the park.
Unlike previous years, this time around the organizers added a much needed Beer garden, hosting local brew favorite Brooklyn Brewery. The BBQ starved hordes of New Yorkers came out despite (or creating) the hour long waits for brisket, sausage, rib tips or pulled pork sandwiches. I’m sure there were sides and deserts offered, however, after a brisket sandwich, some ribs and pulled pork I only had beer tickets left to fill the stomach.
There were a few bands, even a Willie Nelson look-a-like. We ended the afternoon, after the last cup topped the keg taps. Excellent work on the Q, yet I still feel my years on the webber can top some of the racks served up this past weekend. Too bad I have to wait another 360 days till the next round.
“Whole Hawg……From the rooter to the pooter. “
“Vegetarian: an old Indian term, meaning “bad hunter.”