Glad to see the Big Apple BBQ got the messages about the size

After sitting out a couple years after making all the Big Apple BBQ's since moving out here, Johnny was pleased to see the sheer size of the event had been scaled back. 26th St. didn't have pitmasters set up on both sides of the street and the set up didn't just keep going up Madison Ave until it just seemed to finally stop. There also seemed to be better organization around the food pick-up spots. Also, even though it was 95º today if you got there at 11 when it started, sat under that Amazon thick tree canopy on the far east side of the park, the breeze made it feel like 80º. You could enjoy ribs and brisket and chicken wings and pulled pork sandwiches and still make room for a fried apple pie without getting overheated.

Glad to see a great great event has righted the ship.

Anyone else thinking Spring today?

Tulips, daffodils, crocusesez's, and all the spring flowers are popping up everywhere. Another week or so we'll get this in Madison Square Park or the one below from right here in Cool City. Our winter that wasn't is giving way to the Spring that is!

Shake Shack in Madison Square Park is closing...for 5 months

Yes, five months. Rehabbing the old gal and all. Expanding the kitchen and what not. Still...

So, the Big Apple BBQ...

First here's a panorama of the fun in Madison Square Park yesterday (and the BBQ is going on today until 6pm):

Did you count the strollers? Here comes the waking that fine line without offending those with kids. The food of course is all first class or these pitmasters would not be at the Big Apple BBQ. Johnny, a veteran going back to the first BABBQ, expected this event would grow as people learned about how great it was.

It has reached critical mass, however. The event organizers, in a money grab have completely oversold the Fast Passes that allow holders along the inside of the BBQ tables, along the sidewalk, while those without use the streets for access. It began to really get crowded last year and Johnny suspected then they had oversold for what the event would well handle. However last year the Fast Passes were still quicker than not having one. This year that tipping point changed at some pitmaster stations. There were actually shorter lines for those without the Fast Passes and that is a problem. When you get the dozens of strollers inside that inner ring in the Fast pass area, they continually block the passageways, block food lines and block access to porta-johns. As always they seem to not notice they are holding people up. One woman with a stroller actually told someone Johnny was at the BBQ with to quiet down as her baby was sleeping in the stroller. Yeah, right, OK, lady. If you listen to music in the video you think she might have been a little out of line?

So yes, the stroller crowds are making the Saturday BABBQ their own to the chagrin of many of us veterans. Johnny thinks he'll try Sunday next year and if it's overrun with the strollers then he might have to give it up. A great event suffering under the weight of it's own success, both externally and internally.

Now, on with the pictures!

It's almost here, the porkiest weekend of the year!

Too much pork for just one fork? Not possible. That's right BBQ fans, tomorrow and Sunday in NYC's Madison Square Park brings one of Johnny's fav-o-rite events all year, the Big Apple Barbeque and Block Party.

Pitmasters from all over the USA are gathering around Madison Square Park at 23rd and 5th Ave. as we speak getting ready to amaze your tastebuds and tickle your tummy. This is quite simply a wonderful event in the absolute best place you could have it in the city. It's just pitch perfect.

Temps tomorrow will be rising to around 83º degrees and it'll be in the 70º's under the canopy of trees in MSP. Add the beer tents and live music to the mix and baby, you've got something.

So come on out and eat yourself silly. You can learn more about the event here.

Here's Southern Culture on the Skids (Who played the Big Apple BBQ in 2012) with 'Too Much Pork for Just One Fork'

Too much pork for one fork? We'll just see about that

Weather got you down today bunky? Well this storm is supposed to pull out of here early tomorrow morning leaving us with temperatures in the low to mid 70's which is perfect for this weekend's Big Apple Barbecue in Madison Square Park. The top pitmasters from all over these United States will be bringing their special rubs and sauces and cooking it all up for you. Hit that website up above for more info. The fabulous Marcia Ball will be performing on stage Saturday at 4:30 which is well worth the FREE price of admission (gulping pigs extra). Come one come all and leave no fingers unlicked!

There's not a better Saturday afternoon in June than the Big Apple Barbecue and Block Party

What a grand Saturday afternoon in New York. The Big Apple Barbecue and Block Party is one of those wonderful events Johnny looks forward to each year like pork Christmas. Again it does not disappoint.

A few pictures from around Madison Square Park and a video from Southern Culture on the Skids performing 8 Piece Box. It answers the question what happens if you invite dancers from the audience up on stage and give them each a piece of fried chicken.

Too much pork for one fork? We'll just see about that

Tomorrow and Sunday is the annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party in Madison Square Park. Actually the barbecue will be easily smelled blocks away as pitmasters from all over ring the park offering their delicious takes on all things pork. The hardwood chips and charcoal start heating up at noon.

To add to this wonderful atmosphere the band Southern Culture on the Skids will perform tomorrow at 4:30. Good times to be certain.

Sunday open thread

Johnny's got some unfinished business in Madison Square Park this afternoon with some more yummy pig. Fell free to talk about anything that floats your boat.

It's the Big Apple BBQ and Block Party today and tomorrow in Madison Square Park

Madison Square Park has already begun filling with the delicious smell of plump little piggies on the grill as pitmasters from all over have come to New York to feed the hungry (Like Johnny). There will be awesome BBQ, music and some pitmaster seminars on how to make your friends dig the pig you cook for them.

Johnny will see you there!

Amazing shot of tulips as you enter Madison Square Park from 23rd and Broadway yesterday

Click it for the big version, you may even wanna keep this one...

New rule: If you are planning on advertising for something--use bikini women

These two sure drew a crowd today at 5th and 23rd in front of the Flatiron Building next to Madison Square Park. You know, the weather was nice, Johnny had been up to the Beacon Theater last night for the concert with Neko Case, he'd been over to St. Peter's at the Yanitelli Center for some early morning basketball, why not head back into Gotham on a nice day to sit outside at Shake Shack one more time. If you want shots of bikini women on November 17, you need to be a man-about-town. Yes if you click it they get bigger.