Food Karma Project’s Pig Island NYC™ earned the title of ‘Best of the Fests’ at the Third Annual 8it Awards.
The Staten Island festival that transforms Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden into an all-inclusive, all-you-can-feast picnic won out over top food festivals like Queens Night Market and BagelFest. Now in its 16th year and still breaking ground every season, Pig Island NYC™ pairs local farms and heritage meat producers with both award-winning and rising star chefs. The festival is where chefs and farms have the opportunity to show off exceptional ingredients and skills and celebrate traditional BBQ and global flavors.
“We’re thrilled to win the ‘Best in the Fests’ Award. Just being nominated alongside truly amazing festivals is an honor," said Jimmy Carbone, Pig Island NYC™ founder. “We've created something special in Staten Island," he continues. “Snug Harbor is a Smithsonian affiliate and the most beautiful place in New York City. It’s an amazing place for outdoor cooking and a big draw for the chefs and restaurants who come from all over the country to participate in Pig Island NYC™ every year.”
2024’s Pig Island NYC™ brought together Chicago’s Phil Wingo and the ‘Pork Mafia’ Team with Connecticut’s Radical Roots farm, firing up a 1,000-gallon offset smoker from J&R Manufacturing in Texas. Tank Jackson and his Holy City Hogs joined from South Carolina and New York City’s own Christine Espinal Rosa and Blue Smoke made a final public appearance before shuttering at the end of the year.
Every year, Pig Island NYC™ has also served as an incubator for emerging talent. 2024 was no exception as up-and-coming New York chefs Francis Maling and Kevin Morgan teamed up with Mike’s Hot Honey and Busch’s Beans. Lines for their ribs—and the bean bucket hats merch—stretched well into the festival crowd.
"Winning an award from 8it is especially significant to us,” says Carbone. “8it is all about finding what's next in food and recognizing what’s really, really good, just like we are."
Tickets are now on sale for 2025’s Pig Island NYC™ at pigisland.com, with special VIP Packages and Kick Off Pricing Tickets available.
This year’s Pig Island NYC™ will take place on Saturday, September 6, once again pairing rising star and award-winning chefs with local farms and heritage meat producers. There will be exclusive Pig Island NYC™ collaborations, plant-based selections from the vegetable grilling station, hard cider, wine, spirits, and craft beer, and hot sauces from Sauce King NYC™ award winners. An image gallery for press use is available here. For more information about Pig Island NYC™ or to schedule an interview, please contact Jimmy Carbone at jimmypotsandpans@gmail.com or (917) 386-8357. Read more about Pig Island NYC™ at pigisland.com. For all the latest updates, follow Pig Island NYC™ on Instagram @pigislandnyc.
About Food Karma Projects: Food Karma Projects events are grassroots-style celebrations that bring together award-winning and rising star chefs, restaurants, artisan producers, and distributors. Founded by Jimmy Carbone, Jimmy made his mark with Jimmy’s No. 43, an iconic bar in New York City’s East Village known for its approach to craft beer and local food. He expanded his dedication to regional food communities with the founding of Food Karma Projects and under his direction, Food Karma Projects gatherings are recognized for their collaborative success stories.
Food Karma Projects’ diverse portfolio ranges from long-standing events to fresh new soirees, including Brisket King® NYC, Rib King NYC™, Pig Island NYC™, Bowl of ‘Zole™, and CiderFeast™. Each festival offers immersive experiences that attract food enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. For more information, visit foodkarmaprojects.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.