NYCWFF: Burger Bash and The Cookout – A Hip Hop Celebration
The New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF) continues to impress with its incredible lineup of food-centric events. This year, we had the chance to attend two standout experiences: the Blue Moon Burger Bash: Champions vs. Challengers and BACARDĺ presents JJ Johnson’s The Cookout: A Hip Hop Celebration. Both events showcased the unique blend of culture, culinary talent, and excitement that NYCWFF is known for.
Blue Moon Burger Bash: Champions vs. Challengers
Held at the Invesco QQQ Festival Campus at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, the Blue Moon Burger Bash returned to its original home in Brooklyn after 15 years, creating a sense of nostalgia for longtime attendees. This year’s event, hosted by Rachael Ray, featured a thrilling new twist—past Burger Bash champions went head-to-head against new challengers, all competing to claim the ultimate burger crown.
The evening kicked off with over 25 of New York City’s top burger creations, each crafted using Pat LaFrieda’s custom burger blend. From classic beef patties with melted cheese to more inventive offerings like truffle aioli or spicy sriracha-infused burgers, every bite highlighted the chefs' creativity and skill.
One of the event’s most exciting aspects was the competition itself. Celebrity judges selected their favorite for the Judge’s Choice Award, while attendees had the power to vote for the Blue Moon People’s Choice Award, deciding which burger deserved the title of this year’s best. Live music, refreshing Blue Moon beer, wine, and spirits added to the festive atmosphere, as burger lovers from across the city gathered to enjoy the event under the stars.
The Burger Bash truly captured the spirit of friendly competition, great food, and a love for all things burger. With Rachael Ray bringing her signature enthusiasm, and top chefs giving their all, it was a night to remember.
The Cookout: A Hip Hop Celebration of Culture and Cuisine
On Sunday, we headed to BACARDĺ presents JJ Johnson’s The Cookout: A Hip Hop Celebration, held at the same Brooklyn Army Terminal, which was transformed into a vibrant space celebrating the intersection of Black cuisine and hip hop culture.
Hosted by JJ Johnson, a James Beard Award-winning chef, and Rev Run, legendary rapper and founding member of Run DMC, this event brought together incredible food and music for an unforgettable evening. The event showcased top Black chefs from across New York, who prepared dishes that were as rich in flavor as they were in cultural significance.
The event also honored hip hop’s roots in New York, with performances by Kid Capri, Freeway, and other notable artists. The crowd was on their feet as they enjoyed the beats and bites, with hip hop and delicious food blending seamlessly into a celebration of both art forms.
As we sampled dishes—from BBQ to soul food—each plate told its own story, much like the music that filled the air. Attendees enjoyed a variety of drinks, including BACARDĺ cocktails, and danced into the evening with live performances, making The Cookout a perfect close to the festival.
Both the Blue Moon Burger Bash: Champions vs. Challengers and The Cookout: A Hip Hop Celebration were standout events at NYCWFF, each offering its own unique take on food and culture. Whether it was indulging in inventive burgers or celebrating the fusion of Black cuisine and hip hop, they exemplified what NYCWFF does best—bringing people together through a shared love of food.
If you’re looking to experience top-notch food, vibrant culture, and unforgettable entertainment, NYCWFF is the place to be. We can’t wait for next year!
Check out our reel for the event - InvitedNYC | Kicked off an epic weekend at @nycwff with the Blue Moon Burger Bash, where we got to taste some of the best burgers in NYC from top... | Instagram
