Jonathan Burrows, creator and owner of LA's Mr. Cecil's California Ribs, called me recently, bubbling with excitement to report that he was going to be part of the Sixth Annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party in New York City. Held on June 7th and 8th from noon–6 PM in Madison Square Park, the event sells plates of what it calls "the country's best barbecue" for $8 apiece.

Mr. Cecil is the only invitee from California – and one of only a few from the west. And they're there with some major players – among them, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q from Decatur, AL, Mitchell's BBQ from Wilson, NC and Salt Lick from Driftwood, TX.

Burrows points out that the event is the same weekend as the James Beard Awards. Which means when the tuxedoed swells grow weary of tuna tartar and seared foie gras, they can head on downtown to eat some real food. Real food with real people – what a concept!

– Merrill Shindler