A big hunk of barbequed beef a day keeps the doctor away…or at least that’s what they’re saying about the 5th Annual Big Apple BBQ Block Party. Combining America’s most iconic culinary institution with good ole’ American live music like jazz, bluegrass, blues, and rhythm and blues, the Big Apple BBQ Block Party will satiate your hunger on a number of levels. But don’t start thinking that just because it’s American it’s going to be low class; the real pit barbecue is manned by “pitmasters,” a group of the best barbecue chefs in the country. While some hail from New York, chefs at favorites like Rack & Soul, Blue Smoke, Dinosaur Bar-B-Q and the soon-to-open Hill Country, pitmaster Michael Rodriguez is coming to sizzle and sear from the world-renowned Salt Lick in Texas. Held on June 9th and 10th from noon until 6pm at Madison Square Park, the Big Apple BBQ attracts people from all over to the finger-licking good time. And just in case you want to become a pitmaster yourself (the name itself is pretty impressive), they’re holding seminars on topics like “Make Your Own Rub” in a large tented area on 24th St. Reserve your tickets for the seminars now, but the BBQ Block Party itself doesn’t require any reservations,  just growling stomachs!

Big Apple BBQ Block Party, Madison Square Park, (23rd St. & Broadway).