Big Apple BBQ Block Party - Day 2 - June 12, 2011

This weekend marked that most wonderful time of the year in NYC with the Big Apple BBQ Block Party, a 2-day meatathon in Madison Square Park featuring some of the country's top pitmasters.  This year's festival was as mouthwatering—and as crowded—as ever.  I attended the second day of the event, and had the pleasure of stuffing my gullet with what in my not so humble opinion was the cream of the crop of the event.

Pitmaster Ed Mitchell of Wilson, NC was in town for the event once again, serving his divine pulled pork sandwiches (with cracklin'!) and—new for this year—smoked turkey.

To get my rib fix, I went visited tent for Memphis' 17th Street Bar & Grill.  

 The Salt Lick from Driftwood, Texas, offered up brisket and sausage that were well worth the wait in line.

As it does every year, Eleven Madison Park offered Mint Juleps, glasses of bourbon, and good music.

Pitmaster Bob Lilly of Big Bob Gibson's in Decatur, Alabama, smoked some amazing pork butts.  The line to the Big Bob stand was by far the longest of any at the festival, but I'm glad I waited it out.

Finally, Jim 'N' Nick's is always a go-to for some excellent smoked sausages.

And with that, I can't wait until Big Apple BBQ Block Party 2012!