Big Apple Barbecue Block Party
There was really only one reason for me to go to the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, and that was to eat some of Mitchell's chopped pork barbecue without having to make the trip home to North Carolina.

In my opinion, it was also the only barbecue at the party worth waiting for in those ridiculously long lines. But you don't have to take my word for it -- this woman was also in line for Mitchell's and something tells me she knows and loves her barbecue more than the rest of us:

If you missed the weekend's festivities, you don't want to miss BBQ NYC 2004 featuring Big Island Bar-B-Cue and Travis the Cuemaster on Saturday, July 24th.
UPDATE: Be sure to check out the "Live" from the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party '04" thread at eGullet, if only to read the first post by Steven A. Shaw a.k.a "Fat Guy" on Mitchell's Barbecue, including his visit to Wilson, NC.
Damn, that's an awesome tattoo. Most inspiring for me was standing in line at Mitchell's and watching Mr. Mitchell pull huge sheets of crackling-crisp pork skin off the cooker.
After he was done, I went over to meet Mr. Mitchell. He offered me an elbow to shake (since his hands were covered in pig fat), and I thanked him for representing North Carolina here.
And thanks for the eGullet link. Awesome pictures there.
(And now I'm seriously homesick...I miss Allen & Son in Chapel Hill...)
Posted by: Vidiot | June 14, 2004 at 11:50 AM
The only thing that could have improved the Mitchell's experience is a serving of hot hush puppies. Yum! I grew up eating Wilber's Barbecue(Goldsboro, NC), and can't wait to go back and visit later this summer.
Posted by: Alaina | June 14, 2004 at 03:18 PM
It's unfortunate that people only think about pork when it comes to BBQ...The K.C. Barons Rub BBQ Brisket was with out a doubt best in show....its the hardest cut to cook and it takes the longest time to prepare
Posted by: MR q | June 16, 2004 at 10:04 AM