ICYMI: The Top NYC BBQ Stories of 2019 (So Far)
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Hey everyone! I’ve been under the weather this week, so it’s been difficult to put together something fresh for this issue. In lieu of that, I want to take this chance to do a few quick things.
First, I’d like to say welcome to the many new subscribers of the newsletter and thank you to all regular readers for your continued support. Second, I’d like to highlight a few of the best barbecue stories from this year, just in case you missed them. (And there’s so much going on these days, that’s not an outlandish thought.)
Here are five of the biggest barbecue highlights of NYC BBQ Weekly in 2019:
The 9 Best BBQ Bites in NYC
This list is a cheat sheet of some of the best dishes you can find at NYC’s barbecue joints. These include such items as the burnt ends from John Brown Smokehouse (see above), the beef ribs from Hometown Bar-B-Que, and smoked wings with Alabama white sauce from Blue Smoke.
Izzy's Taqueria, a Kosher Brooklyn BBQ Taco Joint, Is Revolutionary
The relatively new Izzy's Taqueria in Crown Heights is from the same mind behind the great kosher barbecue joint Izzy's Brooklyn Smokehouse. It has great tacos and some of the meats (like brisket and pastrami) are smoked next door, giving the food a lot of flavor.
Pig Beach’s Jeff Michner Benefit Was A Glimpse of NYC BBQ’s Future
A few weeks ago, one of the best barbecue events of the year was held at Pig Beach NYC — the Jeff Michner BBQ Benefit. Pitmasters from around the country like Chris Lilly (left) and Tank Jackson were there to show support for the family of Michner, who passed away last year. If you missed it, don't worry, Pig Beach plans to do more events like it in the future.
Newcomer Juicy Lucy BBQ Stuns With Brisket King 2019 Win
We were absolutely floored by the contenders at Brisket King NYC 2019, but the team that took first prize was from not-even-open-yet Juicy Lucy BBQ of Staten Island. The team has a secret weapon — the pitmaster previously worked at Austin's Franklin Barbecue, one of the best joints in the nation. We can't wait to visit when it opens (I've been told) later this month.
Don't Miss Rib King NYC 2019, NYC BBQ's First Curated Event
Last but not least, I'm proud to be curating my first all-you-can-eat-and-drink event — Rib King NYC 2019 on May 30. We've got lots of great names participating, including Cash Only BBQ, Hill Country, Izzy’s Brooklyn Smokehouse, Mable’s Smokehouse (see their ribs above!), Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue, Queens Bully, Pig Beach NYC, and Wandering Que. Don't miss it.
I’ll be back next week with reporting on an exciting upcoming barbecue joint in Brooklyn. Until then, be well everyone.
Sean Ludwig
Founder, NYC BBQ
EAT ALL ABOUT IT
The Z-Man Sandwich with brisket, onion rings, and provolone from Joe's Kansas City is flown to NYC by actor Paul Rudd.
Here are the top BBQ and food stories in the New York area this week:
NYC-based actor Paul Rudd (you might know him as Ant-Man) loves the Z-Man Sandwich from hometown spot Joe’s Kansas City so much that he has it flown to New York, according to Bon Appétit. The Z-Man has brisket, smoked provolone, onion rings, and BBQ sauce, and I can confirm it’s a delicious item. However, Paul, if you need good BBQ recommendations that you don’t need to get flown in, I got you. Email me.
The BelAir BBQ Diner in Endicott, New York was recently profiled by the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin. BelAir chef and pitmaster Kevin Woodard previously worked for Memphis joints Charlie Vergos Rendezvous and Interstate Barbecue before opening the restaurant and soon he will open a second location.
Late-night burger joint Corner Bistro is bringing its very well-liked burger to Hell’s Kitchen-based food hall Gotham West Market. The burger is one of the best in the city, so it will be worth seeing if the new joint holds up.
IRL BBQ
Taco Sessions at Hill Country this Monday promise to be both enlightening and delicious.
Here are the top BBQ (and related) food events coming soon to the New York metro area:
May 6: Hill Country in Manhattan will be hosting the authors of Tacos of Texas, Jarod Neece & Mando Rayo, for Taco Sessions. The evening will consist of a screening of Jarod & Mando’s newly released seven-part docuseries that explores iconic tacos across Texas. You’ll also get to eat some Texas-style barbecue tacos too. Use the promo code “migas” for $10 off! Buy tickets here.
May 18: The World’s Fare 2019 at Citi Field in Queens will be taking place again in mid-May. More than 100 vendors will come together and unite through authentic food, drink and music curated by the city’s leading culinary advocates. Buy tickets here.
May 18-19: Harlem's food and the people who make it are waiting for your taste buds during The Harlem Stroll. This ticket gives you access to an unlimited walk around tasting of 20+ of the best restaurants in Harlem, including Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Charles' Country Pan Fried Chicken. Buy tickets here.
May 30: Don’t miss Rib King NYC 2019, the first barbecue event curated by NYC BBQ. This event in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is produced by Food Karma Events and will be a celebration of ribs and rib creations with more than 10 pitmasters and chefs from NYC. Early bird ticket sales end on May 1, so don’t delay. Buy tickets here.
June 8: The NYC Bacon and Beer Classic 2019 will take place at the Brooklyn Mirage and will celebrate two of the best things in life: bacon and beer. Over 50 local restaurants will be serving bacon-inspired dishes, and local breweries will be pouring over 100 top craft beers. Early bird tickets are on sale now. Buy tickets here.
SAY HELLO
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