This year, Mike Emerson, owner of Pappy's Smokehouse, accepted the invitation from Danny Meyer to join 14 other pitmasters at the 7th Annual Big Apple Barbeque Block Party, to be held tomorrow and Sunday at Madison Square Park in NYC. It's an honor to be selected, to be sure, but one that comes with having to feed approximately 3000 people each day. Emerson sent his equipment, supplies and pit crew ahead several days ago, in several Pappy's-logoed trucks.
So Emerson answers Pappy's phone on Wednesday; it's a gentleman calling from Cleveland: "I saw you guys on Man v Food and thank God you're here...where are you located and do you have any ribs left? I'd like to come by and pick up a slab." A bit confused, Emerson replied that Pappy's was located only in St. Louis, with only one store. "But I just saw your trucks," the guy pleaded. Emerson explained the situation, thanked the man for his inquiry and told him, "well, at least I know where my guys are."
Next stop, New York City. Best dishes, gentlemen. -- George Mahe
