This year we are altering the way we run things at Meatfest. In the past we trotted out a different meat every hour and that schedule has stood the test of time for 20 years but with a new venue and some new options we are changing things up.

First a few words about our new venue. We will be at the NEW BBQ Underground restaurant at 132 Marshall Street in Leicester, MA at Maple Hill Disc Golf Course.  It is about 3 miles from our house and has plenty of parking. When you get to the course, we encourage you to follow the road from the main parking lot past the 18th hole and past the pro shop to the grassy field near the wood piles. Please park in that area and look for the sign for BBQ Underground. We are on the second floor of the large brown building. We do have both inside and outside spaces for you to hang out as well as a pool table, darts, video games, and foosball. Also, you are welcome to play a round of disc golf at Maple Hill ( the number one rated disc golf course in the country) before the party if you would like. For timing purposes, it takes approximately 2.5 hours to play a round and you will walk about 3 miles.

At 4:00 we will be bringing out the chili. We can not change the traditional kick off of Meatfest and we need to see if we can break the record for how fast we “kick” it. After the chili is no more, we will immediately start opening up the lines for the other foods. Some will not be making an appearance until a bit later during the party (Brisket will be the last appearance) and some will be available immediately. You will have to carefully select your strategy to get what is available now or later. We will not be sharing our kick off times so keep an eye out.

A few words of warning, when we run out of a specific meat that meat is gone for good. If you want the chili, make sure you are on time and stand in line. We will not hold some for you — even if you offer Chris some very fancy beer. Pro tip — the chili lasted less than 8 minutes last year.

Asking the chef when the limited edition or special event surprises will be available will not get you priority delivery.  (This is where we typically mention that you might get priority if you hand Elyssa a baby.)  Families are welcome but realize that if you hand a baby to Elyssa there is a good chance she will not put them down all day.

Do not ask for advance tastings. Trying things early might not allow you to get to the brisket. Of course, there might be a “chef cut” you can get if you bring Chris or one of the Assistant Pitmasters some beer.

We ask that our guests help with sides that they think would go well with BBQ. If you make an amazing salad or side that would pair nicely with pulled pork or brisket, please bring it. I am sure the famous broccoli salad with a pound of bacon will make an appearance. Can you top it?

Along those same lines we do not provide anything to drink other than water. We hope that our friends will bring beers and non alcoholic beverages for everyone to share. Impress the cook with something unusual and you might get a special advance tasting.

We will still prioritize those under 18 for mac and cheese. Don’t send your child up to do your dirty work, though. Play fair.

Again, this year we will be joined by Esther. You won’t be able to miss her. She wil be fired up an working near the entrance to the restaurant.  She will be the fire breathing, smoke billowing, black steel beauty that will be doing most of the heavy lifting this year. Be sure to stop by and admire her when you arrive. She might be cooking something just for you.