Celebrate Big Apple Barbecue Brought Together NYC’s Best Pitmasters
In the world of New York City barbecue, few events have been more meaningful than the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, which was held between 2002 and 2018. That event brought many of the top pitmasters from around the country to Madison Square Park in Manhattan, including the likes of Rodney Scott, Chris Lilly, Ed Mitchell, Pat Martin, and Sam Jones. It regularly attracted tens of thousands of BBQ fans and was one of NYC’s most attended annual events.
When the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party ended in 2018, Madison Square Park said the event had “outgrown” the park and claimed it would move to a new home. It didn’t happen in 2019, and then the pandemic turned NYC upside down in 2020, getting us further from the chance of that event ever happening again.
More than 700 attendees gathered in Madison Square Park last week for Celebrate Big Apple Barbecue.
Last Tuesday, more than 25 pitmasters from the New York City metro area gathered for a much smaller version of that barbecue celebration with a new fundraising event called Celebrate Big Apple Barbecue. While relatively relaxed, this was still the first barbecue event held in Madison Square Park since the 2018 Block Party and a big deal for all those who have fond memories of the old event.
The brisket from Hometown Bar-B-Que was one of the best bites of the night.
Celebrate Big Apple Barbecue focused on bringing together an impressive collection of local BBQ talent from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. In all my time covering the NYC area barbecue scene, I haven’t seen so many top pitmasters all in one place. The list included Billy Durney of Hometown Bar-B-Que, Hugh Mangum of Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, Ed Randolph of Handsome Devil, Bret Lunsford of Blue Smoke, Robert Cho of Kimchi Smoke, Ruben Santana of Bark Barbecue, Kenny Callaghan of Boots & Bones (who co-founded the Block Party), and many more.
Hometown Bar-B-Que owner Billy Durney and Mighty Quinn's BBQ co-founder Hugh Mangum share a moment at Celebrate Big Apple Barbecue.
On top of the event featuring so much talent, it also showcased the diversity and depth of the NYC BBQ scene. Pitmasters showcased barbecue styles that included Texas, Kansas City, Dominican, Korean, Mexican, and even vegan. Some of the items served were regular staples found at the pitmasters’ restaurants while others were new dishes.
The smoked pork cheek with salsa verde from Mighty Quinn's was incredibly delicious.
Some of the best bites of the night included the brisket from Hometown Bar-B-Que, pork cheeks with salsa verde from Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, brisket taco from Carlito’s Barbecue Taqueria, barbacoa tostada from Hindsight Barbecue, beef back ribs from Jase’s BBQ, whole hog sandwich from Handsome Devil BBQ, the smoked turkey sandwich from Red White and Que Smokehouse, and the smoked bologna from Au Jus. (See more food highlights and pictures here.)
Pitmasters from Bark Barbecue, Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria, and Kimchi Smoke chat later on at the event.
Roughly 700 attendees enjoyed the plethora of barbecue bites but the event felt noticeably small, likely due to high ticket prices. However, the event being smaller also meant that it was more relaxed than most food events, and you didn’t have to wait long for food or drinks.
The whole hog from Handsome Devil BBQ was on point, as always.
Marc Glosserman, founder of Hill Country Barbecue in Manhattan and Co-Chair of the event, said Celebrate Big Apple Barbecue was a success, and the park is discussing the possibility of hosting another barbecue event next year. I’m hopeful the event can return but find a way to include more local barbecue fans by reducing ticket prices or finding another mechanism to bring in more people.
Darlene Lawrence from Sands Jerk Hut puts the finishing touches on her jerk chicken.
I and many others I spoke with had a great time at Celebrate Big Apple Barbecue. It was an impressive local showcase for how much great barbecue can be found in the Tri-state area, and it was great to eat barbecue in Madison Square Park once again.
Sean Ludwig (NYC BBQ)
Co-Founder, The Smoke Sheet
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—La Barbecue owner and acclaimed photographer LeAnn Mueller passed away last week at 51. (Photo by John Pingry)—
HOT OFF THE PRESS
In a shocking bit of news last week, la Barbecue owner and photographer LeAnn Mueller passed away last week. Mueller was the co-owner of la Barbecue, the first woman- and-lesbian-owned barbecue restaurant in Texas, and a photographer who had shot big names including Jay-Z, LL Cool J, and Joel Osteen. Texas Monthly BBQ Editor Daniel Vaughn wrote about Mueller’s legacy, which will be carried on by her wife Ali Clem. “LeAnn’s most lasting legacy, which Ali will continue to carry on, is advocating for the respect of women in barbecue,” Vaughn wrote. The restaurant la Barbecue continues to be open, not even closing for a day. “I’ve got employees I need to support and families that work here, so we’ve just got to keep rolling, and that’s something we talked about many times over,” Clem said. READ MORE.
This summer, Interstellar BBQ is opening a taco truck with a South Texas menu called Yellow Bell Tacos at the new Austin Beerworks location in northeast Austin. Interstellar BBQ was rated as the number two BBQ joint in Texas by Texas Monthly on their last big list, so it’s a big deal when the joint is working on something new. We’re excited to see more when Yellow Bell Tacos opens soon. READ MORE.
CBS News program The Dish released a 20-minute journey of barbecue across the country, with stops at Davila's BBQ, Rodney Scott's BBQ, and Horn Barbecue. The video dives into topics including family traditions, what has made these businesses successful, and much more. WATCH HERE.
Popular Las Vegas barbecue restaurant Jessie Rae’s BBQ was “a total loss” after a devastating electrical fire last week. The restaurant’s second location in Henderson is still open for service. “Just want to say thank you all for the support,” the owners wrote on social media. “We love our city and everyone in it. I'm not sure what happens next, but we will keep everyone posted, and hope we can be up and running one day soon. Thank you all again. It means a ton to us.” READ MORE.
ADDITIONAL READS
The National High School BBQ Championship took place this week, with young teams from around the country competing.
These are the four best steaks for grilling, according to acclaimed expert Steven Raichlen.
Tasting Table talked to Aaron Franklin about the evolution of barbecue.
Following in the footsteps of other great women pitmasters, Angie Harris has taken the helm at Rodney Scott’s BBQ in Atlanta.
The Hutchins BBQ family feud has ended, and the Original Roy Hutchins Barbeque opens in Trophy Club separate from Hutchins Barbeque.
Upscale KC-themed BBQ restaurant 18th and Vine has closed in Dallas.
Kyle St. Clair of One90 Smoked Meats details the arduous USA inspection process to sell BBQ in grocery stores.
From Attica prison to offset smokers, Southern Q pitmaster Sylvester West has paid his dues.
GQue Barbecue in Denver offers ‘competition-style’ barbecue while teaming with local suppliers.
—Bama-Q’s best teams put their skills to the test in a sizzling steak cookoff in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.—
WATCH
Tuscaloosa Steak Cook-Off — Bama-Q TV
In this episode of Bama-Q TV, a sizzling steak competition takes place in the heart of college football country in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 50 teams from across the country battle it out in 100-degree weather, all while putting their skills to the test in a steak cook-off. But that's not all – watch as the kids take on their own cook-off challenge. Get to know some of Bama-Q TV's favorite teams, including Ronald from Hotty Totty, John from All Q'ued Up, Russ from Red Bones, Chester from The Specialist, Rylee from Steak Princess, Amanda from Sweet Cheeks, Travis from Southbound BBQ, Tim from Aight Guys, Bobby from Twisted Oliver BBQ, Bruce from Hey Bruce BBQ John from Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, Jeff from Mood Swing, and many more. Their dedication, passion, and expertise will leave you in awe as they fire up their grills and bring their A-game to the competition. WATCH HERE.
LISTEN
Doug Scheiding of Rogue Cookers — The Pitmaster’s Podcast
In this episode of The Pitmaster’s Podcast, hosts Rusty Monson and Anthony Lujan talk to world champ Doug Scheiding of Rogue Cookers about tips and tricks of pellet grills. There is a lot of excellent info in this one for those new to pellet cookers and those who have used pellet cookers for years. This is one episode you don't want to miss. LISTEN HERE.
READ
Global Smoke: Bold New Barbecue Inspired by The World's Great Cuisines — Cheryl Alters Jamison
Cooking low and slow over wood smoke is practiced and enjoyed in dozens of the world’s tastiest cuisines. Yet almost every barbecue book available zooms in on the US South and Texas as the only sources of authentic BBQ recipes, neglecting the rest of the US and, for that matter, the rest of the world. In Global Smoke, four-time James Beard Cookbook Award winner Cheryl Alters Jamison sets the record straight. She masterfully expands the geographic range of barbecue, and she takes the barbecue cookbook beyond the near-constant repetition of recipes for ribs, pork shoulder, and brisket. Through this trailblazing cookbook, you will discover that fish and seafood, vegetables and fruits, chicken and turkey, lamb, and a host of unexpected things can be smoke-cooked to perfection. ORDER HERE.
—Andy Groneman of Smoke On Wheels BBQ shows off how to make a no wrap brisket. (Photo by Tarik Sykes)—
No Wrap Brisket
By Proud Souls Barbeque & Provisions
This week’s Recipe of the Week comes to you from Proud Soul Barbeque & Provisions. Kansas City pitmaster Andy Groneman of Smoke On Wheels BBQ demonstrates how he makes a no-wrap brisket on Yoder Smokers YS640s. Andy trims down the brisket, seasons it, and smokes it for 14 hours. Throughout the process, you have to spritz the meat to keep moisture.
—There are a ton of exciting BBQ events happening this summer.—
June 23-24, 2023: Q BBQ Fest — Kansas City, Missouri
Arrowhead Events, the special events arm of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Eximius Productions have announced that the third-annual Q BBQ Fest – Kansas City will return to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for a two-day event on Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24. This year's elevated barbecue festival format will be held inside GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for the first time, giving guests the chance to sample the best barbecue from local, regional and national pitmasters inside the home of the Chiefs. MORE INFO HERE.
July 8, 2023: 13th Annual Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival — Brooklyn, NY
It’s time to get smokin’! The 13th annual Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival is returning on July 8, 2023, to Brooklyn to celebrate the summer! The event takes place at Industry City and will feature a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. Admission buys you a sampling glass to enjoy an all-you-care-to-taste sampling of beer and bourbon. MORE INFO HERE.
July 13-16, 2023: Windy City Smokeout — Chicago, Illinois
Get ready for beer, BBQ, and country tunes, because the Windy City Smokeout BBQ & Country Music Festival is returning to Chicago. The Windy City Smokeout is one of the largest barbecue festivals in the U.S. and typically features the world’s best pitmasters and more than 15 musical acts. MORE INFO HERE.
July 23, 2023: Tex-Mex BBQ Block Party 2023 — Houston, Texas
The Houston Barbecue Festival and Saint Arnold Brewing Company announce the 2nd Annual Tex-Mex BBQ Block Party to celebrate the growing influence of Tejano and Tex-Mex cooking traditions in contemporary Central Texas-style craft barbecue. Several major Texas BBQ joints will be there slinging up the meats they are known well for. MORE INFO HERE.
August 19, 2023: Blues BBQ Festival 2023 — Manhattan, New York
Get ready for a fun music and food festival in Manhattan. The Blues BBQ Festival returns to Hudson River Park’s Pier 76 on Saturday, August 19. This free, day-long music festival invites exceptional blues artists to perform on our stage. Come for a Saturday filled with great food, great company, and great music. BBQ is typically available from multiple vendors throughout the fest. MORE INFO HERE.
Sept 1-3, 2023: Pinehurst Barbecue Festival — Pinehurst, North Carolina
The Pinehurst Barbecue Festival is a celebration of taste and tradition, featuring award-winning pitmasters from across North Carolina in one of the most picturesque settings in the entire state. Presented by Pinehurst Resort, US Foods, and Our State Magazine, the three-day festival, staged in the Village of Pinehurst, offers a unique culinary experience of various barbecue meats, seafood, and traditional sides, plus bourbon tasting and BBQ classes. MORE INFO HERE.
September 4-7, 2023: Barbecue University 2023 — Solvang, California
BBQ master Steven Raichlen will once again be hosting Barbecue University this year. This time, it will be held at Alisal Ranch in Solvang, California. You'll get a chance to experience Steven’s inimitable teaching style designed to help you take your grilling to the next level and much more. Get ready for Steven’s spontaneous improvisations, the Instagram-worthy presentation table, the final exam, and of course, the coveted Barbecue University diploma. MORE INFO HERE.
September 9, 2023: Pig Island — Staten Island, New York
Back for its 14th year, Pig Island NYC is returning to Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens on Staten Island for its third year in a row. More than 20 chefs will come together for this pork-laden festival and compete to see who has the most delicious dish. There will also be craft beer, hard cider, spirits, and other food offerings. BUY TICKETS HERE.
Sept 27 - Oct 1, 2023: American Royal World Series of Barbecue — Kansas City, Kansas
The American Royal World Series of barbecue is the largest BBQ competition in the country. On top of a massive KCBS competition with roughly 500 teams, this signature Kansas City event includes public-facing activities, including live music, delicious BBQ and local food, a lineup of kids activities, and a vendor fair authentic to Kansas City and BBQ enthusiasts. MORE INFO HERE.
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