The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party 2014 – Some Personal Highlights

I look forward to attending the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party in NYC’s Madison Square Park on Madison Avenue every year and have attended all but one (missed it because of a conflict with my son’s college graduation) over the past 9 years. While all have been special in their own ways, none have provided better weather than the one this weekend. Saturday was simply spectacular and was the perfect frame for some wonderfully smokey and delicious pork, beef and more.

The single most delicious bite of the day – pork “spaghetti” from Sam Jones at The Skylight Inn

It’s next to impossible to get to every pit in one day. As a result I spent most of my time visiting with old friends and making some new ones. It was glorious! Here are a few highlights and a link to the rest of the photos on Flick’r.

Daniel Delaney and his fabulous beef brisket were new to the BABBQBP this year.

This is the final year that the Barbecue will be run by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, though Danny assures me that they will remain very involved. Starting next year, the event will be run by a group from Austin, Texas led by Chef Tim Love. The location and the basic character of the event will remain the same, but word has it that they are thinking of diversifying the food a bit beyond the basic pork and beef that dominates the line-up now. I am assured that the event is in good hands and I’m already looking  forward to returning to see what is in store.

A Family Affair – Andrew Lilly learns from the best – his father Chris at Big Bob Gibson’s

The legendary Mike Mills of 17th Street Bar and Grill going whole hog

My good friend Gerry Dawes with a rack of 17th St. ribs

John Stage of Dinosaur Barbecue slicing his amazing beef brisket

The one and only Ed Mitchell

Chef Sean Brock came up from South Carolina to work the line for his friend, Rodney Scott.

Barbecue and the Empire State – Pitmaster Rodney Scott doing fantastic whole hog with cracklings.

Will Guidara sharing the drums with a young fan at Eleven Madison Park

Finishing with a little Pappy van Winkle at Eleven Madison Park