The third annual Bacon and Beer Classic returns to CitiField this weekend.
The event travels to cities across the country. But in Flushing, organizers will bring home the bacon, with more than 10,000 pork and beer lovers expected to attend the sold-out festival.
"They're going to be able to come in, get a cup and then explore the entire stadium from top to bottom and eat and drink as much as they can," said Kate Levenstien, CEO & founder of Cannonball Productions. The New York City-based startup hosts the event.
"So many different restaurants come out, that it's a good taste of all different sorts," said returning ticket holder Brandon Moriarty.
More than 50 chefs and restaurants will serve bacon-infused dishes, like bacon pretzels, bacon gumbo and bacon cheesecake.
"One of the most popular dishes is like a s'mores dish which is bacon on a stick, dipped in chocolate, wrapped in marshmallows," said Levenstien.
For chefs, the event is an opportunity to sizzle with creativity.
"This ain't your momma's breakfast bacon," said Rhonda Kave, founder of Manhattan-based Roni-Sue's Chocolates. "We're actually making our maple bacon caramel. We covered an entire tray with caramel then crumbled bacon and then pour caramel on it so it just really gets embedded there.”
Many bites come from local businesses, like bacon sliders from Ottomanelli & Sons in Woodside.
Beer from more than 120 local breweries will be on tap, like Queens Brewery in Ridgewood.
“This is happening in our borough so I say, 'welcome' in Queens," said Nelson Rockefeller, founder of Queens Brewery.
The beer vendor also looks forward to biting into his favorite bacon style, which is "as thick as possible."
"There was a kind that was soaked in bourbon that was really good," said Moriarty, a resident of New Jersey.
The festival is about much more than just grub and suds. The Bacon and Beer Classic also celebrates the spirit of baseball, at the Mets' home field.
"VIPs can actually get down in the fields in the dugouts and get to sit down in their favorite player's home spot," said Levenstien.
Attendees will also get to burn calories, with games like giant Jenga and a bungee run.
The indulgent food fest also has a philanthropic twist. All leftovers will go to City Harvest.