Coming up in May is the 2nd annual BBQ festival, held at Santa Monica beach. I went to the inaugural event last year in September and found it to be a smashing, finger-licking good time. If you know me well, I always enjoy outdoor festivals. Every year you will probably find me at the Garlic Festival in Gilroy, Picnic Day in Davis, the State Fair, and many more. I love me a good festival, especially one that I can save in my calendar and turn into an annual tradition.
Well this, my friends, has the workings of making itself into an annual tradition. Southern California is definitely not known for great barbecue by any stretch. Well, that’s not true. We’re known for BBQ, just of a different kind. Not the Texan kind that’s served with a side of beans and coleslaw, but of the Korean kind that’s paired with a bottle of soju and kimchi. This event brings in BBQ inspired by the great cities of Dallas, Memphis, and Kansas City from shops around SoCal for festivalgoers to sample. To go with your food, there’s a beer truck that serves cold ones to wash down your meal. For entertainment, there’s a stage set up for various live acts to perform. I remember catching a Beatles cover band last year that really got people to get up and dance.
Mmm. Ribs.
A plate will probably run you $10 a pop. This is after the entrance fee of $10 (or $50 for VIP). One person in the group should get a VIP pass so that they can cut behind all the long lines and get food in a hurry. The tickets plus each plate can add up to a lot of money, but it’s really worth it if you scope out a good spot to set up shop and just kick back with your friends eating ribs and drinking beers. Who’s in with me this year?
May 9th and 10th at the Santa Monica Pier
tempting. can’t believe the one in NY is cheaper! nice.
I want ribs now, thanks. I actually want BBQ food right now… hmm ’tis nice weather for it and I have been wanting to smoke a large hunk of pork or something.