If your arteries have been feeling a little too unclogged lately, this is the weekend to stuff them right back up, with two meat-heavy food events hitting the city today and tomorrow.
First, the traveling Beer, Bourbon and Barbecue Festival is in Manhattan today, serving up saucy treats from La.venue in Chelsea (608 West 28th Street). The event is split into two sessions: one from noon to 4 p.m. featuring bacon selections from local barbecue joints like Hill Country Barbecue Market, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Mexicue and Southern Hospitality; the other from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., featuring four whole pigs and goodies like pulled pork, ribs, and brisket.
Food is unlimited for both sessions, so you're free to stuff yourself with swine at will; there's also unlimited beer and bourbon to wash the hog down, and a bluegrass band to serenade you while you do it. Tickets for the first session are $135, and $120 for the second.
And if the barbecue's just too much for you, swing by The Bell House in Gowanus, Brooklyn (149 7th St) from 2 to 5 p.m. tomorrow for The Meatball Takedown. Chef Matt Timms hosts this hearty cook-off between 30 or so amateur chefs, all of whom are vying to make the perfect meatball. For $15, you get to sample their creations and vote for your favorites. Bon Appetit!
