When the weather is perfect, you find reasons to be out and about with friends. With many people working various hours, it's fun to reconnect with those you work with or never see at some type of an event or a regular hangout. The 1st Annual Hudson Square Music & Wine Festival takes place every Tuesday through August 11th and is not only a great time to hang out, but from 5 - 7pm, you can enjoy music, bbq and of course wine that is brought to you by City Winery. It's a fun block party that you can always head out to before you head home or continue the night! Take some time to check out who will be performing each week and note that other vendors will be at this event as well so you'll want to check them out as well!

Ah one of the final segments from this week's Big Apple BBQ Festival shows how the city brings everyone together. Typically these streets would be full of cars (I loved sitting in one of my seminars and realizing that my feet were crossed on a manhole cover) and yet this weekend, everyone enjoyed a large and safe block party. It was nice to see everyone in their summer outfits and sunglasses with either a beer or a plate of food in their hands. One of the cutest places that I saw in terms of booths was Baker's Ribs! I love the cute little pink pig in green writing. Once again I was impressed with how hard people worked and how hot it was outside but everyone was equally impressed - especially the guy in the navy shirt with the sunglasses! Fortunately that was my boyfriend who enjoyed taking in the sites and enjoying the food. It's always nice to see how the city can come together to enjoy a great event and the music was absolutely amazing!

 

One of the creators of this event was one of the most notable BBQ restaurants - Blue Smoke. Throughout all the panels, everyone had talked about them and I was definitely interested in checking out how they created the amazing tastes that were making people smile. As I walked around the park, it was interesting to see all the ways that people make their signature barbecue. The Big Apple BBQ Fest had so many booths that at first, I didn't really think about the main attraction - actually seeing everyone cook! Thankfully, my boyfriend (the guy in the navy shirt with sunglasses on) took out his camera, which made me think of my Flip. Although I didn't attend today, it was hot yesterday and I don't know how everyone was able to keep working with the heat of the pits and also the weather! I did learn one lesson, when it came to the end of the day and you saw that no one was in line, that's when you knew that they were all out. Unfortunately we had to pass up a few booths because of this. Enjoy seeing the hard working folks at Blue Smoke.

 

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!

 

This weekend is going to be hot and when it's hot - you have to get nibbles and beverages! Think back to previous weekends - maybe you grabbed icecream in the park, had brunch at an outdoor cafe or you enjoyed a back patio with friends. You have to change it up a bit by making sure you head out to the Big Apple BBQ sponsored by Snapple this weekend! I am so excited as The Kitten Lounge will be attending this event! I can't wait to tell you guys some of the hottest places in the city to enjoy BBQ and what cities are definitely bringing it too! Now if you want more than BBQ, you will enjoy yummie sides, dessert and beer! In addition to hanging out in Madison Park with tons of people that will be your jolly new friends, there will be live music and seminars. When you check in this weekend on the Kitten Lounge, I will bring you recaps of what you can enjoy as I will be there on Sat and Sun will have closing thoughts on this 10th annual event. In addition, my Flip will be coming with me as well. To check out the schedule and to see what works for you, make sure you visit their snazzy site! If you were fortunate enough to get your Fast Pass - congrats, I can't wait to try all the amazing items. If not, everything is reasonably priced and waiting - come on an empty stomach and remember to drinks lots of fluids! The inconsistent weather of this week will be worth it to enjoy the sun and heat of the weekend.