Vote Early, Then Eat BBQ
I voted early in Brooklyn, where there have been many people waiting hours to vote.
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With the presidential election happening Tuesday, I can’t pretend I have much more on my mind as I write the newsletter this week. No matter who you support, this is the most important election in modern history, and I’d encourage everyone to get out and make your voice heard.
On Wednesday afternoon, I waited in line to vote early in Brooklyn. It’s the first time I’ve ever been able to vote early in an election and I would highly recommend it to everyone else who can do it. Voting early frees you up on Election Day. You don’t have to worry if you’re not feeling well that day and don’t have to worry about crowded locations where you may not feel safe.
If you are in the NYC area, you can find your early voting information here. To speed up the voting process, no matter where in the U.S. you live, you can find out who and what are on your ballot here.
A well-worn Vote NYC sign on the ground during early voting in Brooklyn.
Since this is a barbecue newsletter (typically), I would highly encourage you all to go eat some barbecue from your local joint while you are in line or after you vote. For those in and around NYC, I have you covered whether you are looking for indoor dining, outdoor dining, or takeout/delivery options.
Barbecue has been part of the political landscape for decades, but in 2020, it has not been a major factor in national politics. You can blame COVID-19 for that, as the pandemic has canceled all major political barbecue gatherings.
“This year is the first election season where barbecue really hasn’t played a huge role,” Robert Moss, author of Barbecue: The History of an American Institution, told me recently. “From the very early days of the Republic, barbecues became part of political campaigns. It was how you gathered large groups together. … But this timing doesn’t lend itself to having thousands of people coming together."
Hill Country Barbecue has a funny "recipe of the week" for election night in their weekly newsletter.
I’ve also heard a few local barbecue joints will be open on Election Night if you want to eat barbecue, drink cocktails, and hang out in a socially distanced fashion with friends. At the very least, I know Hill Country Barbecue Market in Manhattan will be open with specials on Election Night, and I’m sure a few other spots will also have low-key watch parties as well.
Please take care of yourselves everyone and see you on the other side next week.
Sean Ludwig
Founder, NYC BBQ
EAT ALL ABOUT IT
The fried chicken sandwich from Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue is a perfect item to eat in line while you are voting in Prospect Heights.
Here are the top BBQ and related food news stories you need to know about this week:
If you couldn’t tell from above, I strongly recommend getting out and voting. But while you’re waiting in line, why not grab some delicious food? Thrillist has a list of 10 best handheld dishes to eat while in line for early voting in NYC, which includes the fried chicken sandwich at Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue and the chopped brisket sandwich from Juicy Lucy BBQ.
Speaking of Juicy Lucy BBQ on Staten Island, it has been playing movies at its drive-in movie theater since early July, but with the cold weather incoming, its time is over. Owner Richie Holmes said the drive-in will close up shop on November 30. He also said he’s open to bringing the theater back in the spring if there is enough demand and if regulations permit it.
Yonkers, NY has a good new fast-casual barbecue option with Whole Hog Cafe, which has a menu that includes ribs, pulled pork, chicken, brisket, smoked sausage, and more.
If you’re ever in Boston, Boston Magazine outlines the 11 best places to get BBQ around Boston right now, including The Smoke Shop BBQ, Sweet Cheeks Q, M&M BBQ, Redbones, and The Porch.
Glen Cove, NY has a new barbecue option with Laura's BBQ Waterfront Smokehouse. Owners Laura and Lloyd Adams have been making Texas-style BBQ since 2004 through their Laura's BBQ Shack catering business.
Philly Live’s Aunyea Lachelle stopped by Philadelphia’s Angry Deekin Ribs for a taste of chef Craig Martin’s “Philly-Style” BBQ ribs, wings, and more.
Finally, if you want to make some barbecue at home, the New York Times recently published a relatively easy Barbecue Pulled Chicken recipe.
IRL BBQ EVENTS
The Great Queens Chicken Wing Hunt starts soon, where you can take part in trying the best wings in Queens.
November 8, 2020 - February 8, 2021: The Forest Hills Wings Fest has been canceled but it has turned into The Great Queens Chicken Wing Hunt instead. From 11/8 through 2/8, you can pick up a “Wing Hunting Season Pass” and visit great joints around Queens to try wings. At each participating location, you’ll get four jumbo wings. Buy tickets here.
January 30, 2021: The 11th Annual Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival will be back at the Brooklyn Expo Center in Greenpoint. The event focuses on bourbon and beer tastings, along with multiple barbecue joints serving up lots of excellent smoked meats. More info here.
April 21, 2021: If you love brisket, you won’t want to miss Brisket King 2021. More than 15 chefs and pitmasters will be there serving up their takes on brisket and pastrami. Read more about the 2019 edition of Brisket King or about the importance of Brisket King to the BBQ community. Buy tickets here.
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, information concerning events in NYC is subject to change, and events may be rescheduled. CHECK OUT THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR HERE
SAY HELLO
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