We don’t need to tell you that we’ll never forget September 11th. We don’t need to tell you to thank your firefighters whenever you see then. We also don’t need to tell you to thank your police officers when you see them. In fact, don’t forget to thank all of the first responders every time you see them. Sure, we treat them extra nice on somber days like 9/11. However, these people are here for us every day 24/7.  Honor them!

While the title of this piece may suggest were talking about the tragic events of 9/11, its partially true. We don’t feel the need to focus on it as we all lived it and continue to feel the pain for those lost. However, we are here to talk about an event over the weekend that honored the 20th anniversary of both 9/11 and community partner Friends of Firefighters which provides free mental health and wellness services to New York firefighters and their families.  This event is Pig Island. If you’ve been following us over the years, you know that this is an event we always look forward to. It takes place right after Labor Day and reminds us that BBQ season isn’t over just yet!

Pig Island NYC was back for its 12th year and returned to Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens on Staten Island for the second year in a row.  The event did not disappoint.  While some of you may bail on the idea of Staten Island, you should embrace it. Especially on a beautiful day where you can travel by ferry. What truly felt like a vacation, traveling down the Hudson River over to Staten Island, we enjoyed more than 20 chefs that came together for this pork-laden festival to compete for the most delicious porcine dishes. There was plenty of craft beer, hard cider, spirits, and other food offerings.

As usual, Food Karma Projects kicked it up a notch and our bellies are still full!