This past Sunday, two blocks of Cambridge Street were closed off to make way for the 4th annual “Smoke This” Ribfest, sponsored by the East Cambridge Business Association. As a longstanding member of the ECBA, several of us at ABG donated our afternoon to volunteer at this lively and taste-bud-friendly event.
The event went off without a hitch and was a great time by all accounts. 20 local restaurants set up tents on Cambridge St making the finest barbecue. They were accompanied by two beer gardens and live music. It was hard to imagine a better way for friends and family to spend a Sunday afternoon. All pre-sale Taste Tickets were sold out, and the few available on the day of were quickly snatched up. From noon to 4:00 pm, thousands of people passed through to sample delicious ribs and celebrate a great weekend in Boston, with the Head of the Charles going on and Red Sox advancing to the World Series.
Each year at the event, there is a poll where two restaurants win either “People’s Choice” or a judge-presided “Best Ribs.” There were repeat winners in both categories, with Bambara winning Best Ribs and East Side Bar and Grille taking home People’s Choice. Personally, this volunteer enjoyed the fine barbecue of Atwood’s Tavern, where I punched tickets for most of the afternoon.
Special thanks to Steve LeMaster of the ECBA for not only making this event possible, but helping it grow bigger year after year. It has become a valuable tradition within the East Cambridge community, and ABG Realty is glad to be a part of it.