#babp

Just know that this was on a résumé for a day job:

- Caffeinated myself from 11pm-7am

-Gained knowledge and skills acquired through practical work experience

     This Saturday and Sunday, June 8th and 9th, marks what I consider the best kick off for the summer. No, it’s not the movies in the park or the summer solstice, it’s the Big Apple Block party. This year marks the 11th incarnation of the BABP, and personally this will be my 4th time in attendance. Last year they expanded to include a stint in Denver, and as I was in Boulder it made total sense for me to swing by. It ended up being the highlight of my summer, and it was so good being able to attend both NY and Denver Block parties.

        The NY block party takes up the East and North sides of Madison Square Park and the interior of the park. The Barbecue stations dominate the East side and North side, with dessert stands dotted in between. The pitmasters come from all over the country, even as far west as Las Vegas. My personal favorite is Ed Mitchell, of Food Network fame, who makes a whole hog and chops it up. Make sure to ask him for some of the crisp skin of the pig. Unless you have a fastpass (these sell out quite quickly), you’ll need to get there early. The lines start forming at about 10:30 AM, 30 minutes before the stands actually open. In addition, as the day gets into full flow there are educational seminars and live music. Make sure to check the weather before you leave, soggy barbecue is ok but shivering in the rain is a big problem when eating barbecue. This event is great with friends- everyone can get a taste of all the amazing different barbecues.

          Now, besides the food, the BABP offers some great seminars and live music. From 11-4 and 11-3:30 on Saturday and Sunday respectively, there will be seminars on everything from how to make Nashville hot chicken, to all the different ways to use pickles. On Saturday, there will be 3 performers playing in the interior of the park, kicking off with Rock N Roll from the Spaminato brothers, followed by Barrence Whitfield and the Savages. Capping off the day at 4:30 is the Marcia Ball. These events will be great entertainment for all of the family to enjoy while tucking into some great barbecue.

       If you have some free time and a hunger for some barbecue, make your way to Madison Square Park this weekend.