Today was hot and absolutely amazing! Today I started early in the afternoon at the Big Apple BBQ Fest which took place in Madison Park today and tomorrow! Not only was it hot but it was a lot of fun to see food, music, hear seminars and to hear happy people getting excited about BBQ. I have to say that I was a BBQ novice but after a recent visit to Dinosaur BBQ in Harlem, I had a renewed respect (yes how does a Midwestern girl not get into BBQ until a late age - I don't know but I am definitely interested and got a lot of information). After picking up my press passes (thanks Katy) I went to the seminars first. Sponsored by Snapple and Every Day With Rachael Ray, I really wanted to see what was going on and sit in on a few demos if possible. I had the luxury of making it in to my first cooking demo "On the Side". This was lead by two Food Editors of my favorite magazine - Every Day with Rachael Ray. Pamela Mitchell and Teri Tsang Barrett shared interesting sides that you can include on your barbecue which are just as important as the main attraction! I came in right when they handed out the amazing golden sweet tea and I also sampled the hush puppies that I hadn't had in quite some time. This video clip includes the segment about the hush puppies. Teri is on the right and Pamela is on the left! These ladies were a lot of fun to listen to and was a great way to introduce me to my day!