NUNN IN THE OVEN
Pass the Pork at Smokeout
Mon. July 18, 2016 12:00 AM
by Jerry Nunn
Windy City Smokeout cooked for three days starting July 15 at 560 W. Grand Ave. on the Tribune property and for me it was surprise. Balancing beer, BBQ, and bands can be tricky but somehow they did it, while feeling much bigger than a mere block party. Parking was a little tough but upon arrival booth after booth of food was downright overwhelming to the stomach.
Reality show star Jessie Jame Decker, previously interviewed in Windy City Times, not only brought fans onstage to dance with her but had a group of hunks remove their shirts calling them her Chippendale dancers then singing her country tinged tunes.
The Smokeout Stage was the larger place to play for groups like Big & Rich and Old Dominion. The Whiskey Jam Stage was compact but allowed fans to get up close and personal with the performer.
Rum, tequila, and whiskey made big presentations with separate free standing experiences, some that included lawn games and ping pong.
The BBQ was everywhere and vendors offered a couple of samples to choose from along with a few sides.
There were so many choices to pick from but among them were Bub City, Blackwood BBQ, Ubons, and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.
Chef Art Smith's Chicago q had tasty fried chicken served up by a friendly staff. Pappy's Smokehouse had a Memphis style pulled pork sandwich that was generous in size.
Smoque's brisket was so good it didn't need added sauce and Lillie's Q chicken wings were mouthwatering.
For what seemed like a straight festival, the irony was that Big Gay Ice Cream couldn't keep their New York flavors in stock and was sold out almost the whole weekend.
No matter what your type, there were plenty of gals and guys to gaze at while gulping down beer and BBQ. Save a horse, eat a pork sandwich!
Plan to pig out next year at windycitysmokeout.com .