Big Apple Barbecue Block Party 2004

Just got back from the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party 2004. Great time. Great Bands.

The park was packed. The wait for the food was outrageous. But It was worth it! The admission was free and the food was only $6 a serving.

Thanks to the guys at Blue Smoke (www.bluesmoke.com) for putting it all together.

It was a strange experience walking on 26th Street and smelling real BBQ smoke and food everywhere. The crowds were HUGE. I'd say there must have been about 5,000 people there. The size of the crowd proved to me that NYC needs more real BBQ restaurants.

The highlight of the day was that I got to meet a personal hero - Paul Kirk AKA The Baron of Barbecue. Very nice man. Much younger looking in person. He has the patience of a Saint. He must have told his story about how he got started 10 times in the time I was in ear-shot of him. Paul's books have taught me alot about how to do BBQ right.

Paul has written two of my favorite BBQ cookbooks. I should have brought the books with me for signing. So, if you're looking for a cook book to get you started on the road to great BBQ, go out and buy Paul Kirk's Championship Barbecue: Barbecue Your Way to Greatness With 575 Lip-Smackin' Recipes from the Baron of Barbeque. Or if you're already in the Q, pick up his Paul Kirk's Championship Barbecue Sauces. Both books are great and well worth the money.