Cookout NYC – An Awesome Day on Governor’s Island

Cookout NYC
http://cookoutnyc.com
Governor’s Island, NYC

Outdoor space is at a premium in a city like New York. Moreover, outdoor space where you can have a BBQ is even harder to find. Most buildings won’t allow charcoal grills and propane tanks are straight up illegal in Manhattan, so the amount of grilling here is scarce. That’s why when the fine folks at Food Karma Projects announced Cookout NYC, “the ultimate outdoor cooking and country fair event,” people flocked to get tickets.

The event was the single best event I have ever been to on Governor’s Island and far and above one the best I have ever attended outdoors in NYC. Congrats to Jimmy Carbone (of Jimmy’s No. 43) and his whole staff on putting on an event that was fun, delicious, diverse and while the Six Point beer was definitely a flowin’, the crowd was one that was more foodie, fun-loving than boozy and buzzed out. With eats from My Friend’s Mustard, the Fuhgeddaboutit BBQ crew from the Waterfront Ale House, Wild Idea Buffalo Co., Earl’s Beer & Cheese Shop, Dickson’s Farmstand as well as a Burger and a Hot Dog Cook Off, with music, sun and Mama O’s Premium Kimchi “Kimchipolooza” event, the day was packed with goodness.

Attendees were encouraged to vote for their favorites from 3 categories; Best Burger, Best Hot Dog & Best Shaved Ice while a team of official judges did the same as well. The judges, which included YOURS TRULY and a number of other well known eaters, had to chomp their way around the Island, gathering later to confer on what was the best of the best.

Here are the OFFICIAL results of the Cook Off:

PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNERS
Best Burger: High Point Farms
Best Hot Dog: AsiaDOG
Best Shaved Ice: Wooly’s Ice

OFFICIAL WINNERS
Best Burger:  High Point Farms
Best Hot Dog: My Friend’s Mustard
Best Shaved Ice: Wooly’s Ice
Best Sandwich: Fatty ‘Cue
Best In Show: Carnitas Shack
Best Sides: Jimmy’s No. 43
Best Umami: Kuma Inn

The real winners were those who attended and everyone from Food Karma Projects who put on such an awesome event. Some of the profits from Cookout NYC will be benefiting Just Food’s Farm School.

AND NOW THE FOOD PORN!

Fatty ‘Cue
– Grilled Garlic Bread, Smoked Brisket, Melted Blue Cheese, Fresh Greens and Dressing.
**This was my fave item!

Mama’s Food Shop
– Burger with House-Pickles, Poblano relish & Wholegrain Mustard on a Potato Roll

East Village Meat Market
– Smoked Kielbasa on Wholegrain Bread with Mustard and Sauerkraut

Jimmy’s No. 43
-Marinated Chicken

My Friend’s Mustard
– Kielbasa with custom made Jalapeno IPA My Friend’s Mustard, Beer-Caramelized Onions and Jalapeno Peppers.

Blind Tiger Ale House
– Pulled Pork Sandwich with Kimchee

High Point Farms
– Farm Fresh Hamburger with Pepper-Jack Cheese and Ketchup

AsiaDOG
– Hot Dog with Sesame Pickled Cabbage on a Grilled Roll

Wild Idea Buffalo Co.
– Braised Buffalo Short Ribs
– Petite Buffalo Sliders with Charred Tomato
**This was my fave Burger and the Short Ribs were unbelievable!

Fuhgeddaboutit BBQ crew from the Waterfront Ale House
– Pork 2 Ways: Sliced Loin & Pulled

Mama O’s Premium Kimchi
– Kimchee Chili Dog


The Shaved Ice Shop
– Shaved Ice, Red Beans, Fruity Pebbles & Pop Rocks

Wooly’s Ice
– Shaved Ice with Leche Syrup

Earl’s Beer & Cheese Shop
– Pork Belly Served over Potato Chips

Dickson’s Farmstand
– BACON!

After all that delicious and amazing food, plus a ton of great craft beers from Six Point (with no lines thanks to Thrillist Rewards!!), my friends Paul, Marc, Nick and I could barely stand up on the ferry back to Manhattan.

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
429 Burgers

July 10, 2011 – 12:11 pm