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Bacon & Beer Classic 2016 – New York City
In the world of culinary arts, there are some flawless combinations. Peanut butter and jelly? Yummy. Strawberries and bananas? Yes please. Tortilla chips and salsa? Can’t get enough. However, there is one pairing that inspires extreme devotion and has also birthed an entire genre of festivals nationwide. I’m speaking, of course, of the almighty duo of bacon and craft beer.
In fact, this combination is so revered that one of our Editor’s Choice events this issue focuses solely on that pairing. We’re proud to announce that the Bacon and Beer Classic is an Editor’s Choice for our spring 2016 issue!
The event will be held at Citi Field from April 22-23 and will feature over 50 bacon-infused delights, over 100 craft beer samples, contests, games and more. Organized by Cannonball Productions, “a New York City-based event production company dedicated to creating big, bold, one-of-a-kind experiences,” this will mark the third year they have helmed the Bacon and Beer Classic.
General Admission tickets start at $69 and VIP access will cost you $129, but prices will increase in the weeks leading up to the event. All tickets include a complimentary Bacon and Beer Classic tasting glass.
Kate Levenstien, founder of the Classic, says the combination of bacon and beer was always bound to be a success. "Nothing brings Millennials together better than sharing great beer and grub,” Levenstien said. “The perfect marriage of food, drink and adventure, our festivals give attendees the opportunity to experience something they already love in a completely new way."
“Foodies and baseball fans alike will have the opportunity to explore the iconic home of the Mets while indulging in delicious bacon dishes and craft beer,” says Levenstien. “Guests can also try their hand at giant Jenga, strike a pose at the photo booth, battle it out on the bungee run, brand themselves with temporary tattoos and more.”
Chefs from Bareburger, Route 66 Smokehouse, Schmackary's Cookies and more will bring their most inventive bacon-infused dishes to the plate. As with any great food and beverage festival, a panel of judges will also be on hand to rate the best dishes and beers.
Don’t feel bad about splurging on that VIP ticket; a portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go to local charities in order to better the surrounding community. The Classic has partnered with local food rescue organizations as well as national charities like City Harvest, Citymeals-on-Wheels, Zero Percent and more.
Most events of this size are held in civic centers or local event halls, but the the Bacon and Beer Classic eschews these locales in favor of iconic sports stadiums. "I conceptualized the idea for the Classic after throwing themed dinners in Chicago,” Levenstien explains. “I realized I needed a bigger venue than the typical corner pub. Sports stadiums seemed like an ideal fit for our foodie spin on the classic foot-long hot dog and tall-boy beer."
There will be three sessions spread out across two days: Friday from 8-11 p.m., Saturday from 1-4 p.m. and Saturday from 7-10 p.m. The 2015 iteration of the Classic was sold out, so don’t wait to get tickets or you might miss out on all the terrific pork delights and tasty craft brews!
If you can’t make it to Citi Field, don’t worry; there are seven versions of the event held throughout the year around the nation, including Denver’s Mile High Stadium and Seattle’s Safeco Field. Find a city near you at www.baconandbeerclassic.com.