Mega-BBQ competition Derby Week benefits Ky Harvest

Blue Smoke, a Manhattan restaurant mixing and matching various traditions, is mentioned:

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Actually I ate here on a recent visit to the Big Apple. I was all ready to lay the mouth on the joint (I mean BBQ in NYC...Come ON) but alas it was spot on perfect "Q". A bit spendy...no make that a LOT spendy but great BBQ none the less.

Mr Meyer’s restaurant

Would that be Danny Meyer of Union Square Cafe? He knows his stuff all right.

Indeed it is. I have eaten there several times and never had a bad meal. They serve sweet potato wedges with a maple dipping sauce that is out of this world. Their drinks list is extensive and Brooklyn Brewery has crafted at least one beer specifically for pairing with their barbecue. There is also a nice jazz club on site.

Edited: Contestants were finally paid

[Robin Garr]

the organizer does not return phone calls or emails.

That ain't right. Was it an outside organizer, or someone at Kentucky Harvest, Wayside or Sysco? I'd think calls around to the executive offices of all three sponsors ought to break something loose.