704 replies to this topic

[Varmint]

This topic is for discussion of the Second Occasional Varmint's Pig Pickin' in Raleigh, North Carolina on Sunday, September 4, 2005.

[Varmint]

Remember, this is a fundraiser for the eGullet Society, so here's the ticket information:

Please consider choosing one of the donation amounts above the minimum contribution – the Society relies on donations to carry out its mission.

Pig Pickin’ Basic Entry -- $30 per person ($12/meal + $18 donation)

Pig Pickin’ “BBQ Lover” Entry -- $50 per person ($12/meal + $38 donation)

Pig Pickin’ “Boss Hog” Entry -- $70 per person ($12/meal + $58 donation)

If you wish to make a larger donation, an in-kind donation or an offer to match donations, please contact me by PM or e-mail.

Payments are not refundable. This event will be held rain or shine.

[hjshorter]

Dean, will you be asking members to help prep and cook? And is someone willing to get a group "eG rate" at a local hotel?

[Varmint]

Yes, Heather, I am expecting to have the same level of fellowship as last go-around. The only main difference between the last time and now is the element of fundraising. We also will be trying to get local chefs involved, and having this on a Sunday increases the chances that it might happen.

As far as hotels are concerned, we have almost finalized getting a hotel at a group rate. We were concerned that this might be a problem, as the NC State Wolfpack will be playing Virginia Tech in football in Raleigh that Sunday night. However, our crackerjack reservation staff (i.e., Jaymes!) appears to have come through again. Once we get it finalized, we'll post the details.

With all that in mind, we'd love for folks to come as early as Friday and stick around until Monday. This is all about fun, and we certainly had plenty of it last time!

[hjshorter]

Thanks Dean. We'll be arriving Friday after dropping the kids off with my mother for the weekend. I can't think of a better way to spend our anniversary than with 100 pounds of barbecue.

Edit to say I just bought our tickets.

Edited by hjshorter, 17 May 2005 - 02:34 PM.

[Varmint]

I can't think of a better way to spend our anniversary than with 100 pounds of barbecue. 

Nothing says "I love you" more than sharing a heaping pile of pork.

[Varmint]

Last time, we had about 30 eGulleteers attend. Who's coming this time around????

[Malawry]

I wouldn't miss it for the world. Varm, can you arrange a turkey fryer again? If so, I would be glad to reprise my hush puppies. I'll also help with absolutely anything and everything, just like I did last time. The first Pig Pickin was the most fun I ever had in a weekend except for the weekend I got married.

[KatieLoeb]

I wouldn't miss it for the world. Varm, can you arrange a turkey fryer again? If so, I would be glad to reprise my hush puppies. I'll also help with absolutely anything and everything, just like I did last time. The first Pig Pickin was the most fun I ever had in a weekend except for the weekend I got married.

I'll second this. I'll happily peel potatoes again, play Bartendress for the Masses, or whatever is required to partake in the fun again.

And those hushpuppies...

[Mayhaw Man]

Of course, as we have discussed. the Lovely Mrs. Mayhaw and I will be there. For a good part of the week, actually.

Have you ever seen the Belushi/Sat. Night Live skit "The Thing that wouldn't Leave"?

Actually, I hope that you haven't.

[Malawry]

I'll second this.  I'll happily peel potatoes again, play Bartendress for the Masses, or whatever is required to partake in the fun again.

Katie, your job is to bring fixings for Dark and Stormys and some more of that magical limoncello. Pwetty pwease!

[Blondie]

I'm in!

[maggiethecat]

Brooks and Dave are having a fried chicken cook-off, right? In addition to the fond memories and the twenty pounds of potatoes we peeled, and the pig --- well, I'm going to give it my best shot!

[Marlene]

My plan right now is to fly in on Wed and pitch in where ever I'm needed. Assuming all is well here.

[Mayhaw Man]

I am frying chicken, yes. Later, Dave will be drinking heavily trying to drown the memory of being spanked in the chicken frying arena. And the next day, when we have the "cold chicken test" he will have to relive all of that embarrassment again. It's all going to be very rough on him, but I am sure that with your support he will pull through.

[Varmint]

Varm, can you arrange a turkey fryer again? If so, I would be glad to reprise my hush puppies.

We'll most definitely get the turkey fryer again. We may need to get you some help making those exquisite hush puppies, as one person can't possibly make them fast enough when they're that good!

[Varmint]

My plan right now is to fly in on Wed and pitch in where ever I'm needed.  Assuming all is well here.

Ah, hell, fly in the week before. I'll cancel my vacation with the L'il Varmints and just have a week-long party with y'all.

Mmmm. Maybe not, as I don't want to upset Mrs. Varmint too much!

[hjshorter]

I am frying chicken, yes. Later, Dave will be drinking heavily trying to drown the memory of being spanked in the chicken frying arena. And the next day, when we have the "cold chicken test" he will have to relive all of that embarrassment again.  It's all going to be very rough on him, but I am sure that with your support  he will pull through.

I don't know. After watching him make the V-D stew the last time I have great respect for Dave's skills. That said, I am looking forward to the competition. Do you need judges?

Edited by hjshorter, 19 May 2005 - 07:49 AM.

[rooftop1000]

since it took me a bit to find the original I thought it best to link for the other newbies....

http://forums.egulle.....hl=pig pickin

My husband has relatives in Jamesville NC that he was talking about just last month...so when I yelled upstairs that there was an EG event only 110 miles from them this fall I think I actually got a yeah sure. I do assume my penance will be riding the motorcycle there from NJ but if I survive the trip next month to Knoxville on it no problem

a cook and a musician can we come

tracey

[Mayhaw Man]

I am frying chicken, yes. Later, Dave will be drinking heavily trying to drown the memory of being spanked in the chicken frying arena. And the next day, when we have the "cold chicken test" he will have to relive all of that embarrassment again.  It's all going to be very rough on him, but I am sure that with your support  he will pull through.

I don't know. After watching him make the V-D stew the last time I have great respect for Dave's skills. That said, I am looking forward to the compettition. Do you need judges?

Yes, I am sure that when it comes to VD, Dave has a distinct advantage.

With chicken though? Well, the truth will be in the frying.

[Varmint]

And please, bring your own skillets.

Bribery of judges is encouraged.

[TomV]

Varm, can you arrange a turkey fryer again? If so, I would be glad to reprise my hush puppies.

We'll most definitely get the turkey fryer again. We may need to get you some help making those exquisite hush puppies, as one person can't possibly make them fast enough when they're that good!

Varm,

I have two turkey fryers I can bring.

Tom
North Raleigh

[Varmint]

We've all but finalized the group lodging, thanks to the great efforts of our member, Jaymes. We'll post all the details on Tuesday, once we get all the contracts signed. However, right now we have 20 rooms set aside at $72 a night and one or two one-room suites for $92 a night (plus tax for each). These are at the Brownstone Inn, the same place as last time.

[Varmint]

Varm, can you arrange a turkey fryer again? If so, I would be glad to reprise my hush puppies.

We'll most definitely get the turkey fryer again. We may need to get you some help making those exquisite hush puppies, as one person can't possibly make them fast enough when they're that good!

Varm,

I have two turkey fryers I can bring.

Tom
North Raleigh

We might take you up on that, Tom, but we also might want you to bring a bunch of your heirloom tomatoes!!!!

[Varmint]

I know y'all have been sweating over the wait, but here's our lodging information:

We are holding group space at the Brownstone Hotel Raleigh, for the nights of September 2nd-5th, $72 per room per night for standard accommodations, and a limited number of 1-bedroom suites for $92. Rates are exclusive of 13% tax. In order to get these rates, you must stay a minimum of two nights. The reservations will be available for booking beginning today. Because we have a limited number of spaces and there are a lot of other events in town that weekend, please PM me for booking information, including the top-secret booking codes.

All reservations will be made by individual call-in and each individual will be responsible for all charges. You must give a credit card number to guarantee your booking, and if your plans change, all reservations MUST BE CANCELLED DIRECTLY WITH THE HOTEL BY 4PM DATE OF ARRIVAL TO AVOID A CHARGE. We are holding a limited amount of group space and due to other events going on in the area, we expect the hotel to sell out well ahead of the Pig Pickin' date. You should reserve early to be guaranteed a room. In addition, we must utilize a certain percentage of our group space in order to guarantee this rate. Please be certain that your name and reservation are included under our group name (which I will provide you via PM) so that you are credited. The cutoff date is AUGUST 16TH, whereupon we must release any unsold space and after that date, NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE GUARANTEED AT THE SPECIAL GROUP RATE.

[JAZ]

I'll be there. I'll be happy to help Katie with drinks, or make appetizers or salads -- whatever I can do to help. When do we start planning the details of the menu?

[Varmint]

Much of the menu will be handled by me. We'll have both styles of North Carolina barbecue, roasted goat, smoked chicken, smoked sausage (any volunteers want to make special, pig pickin' sausage?), Brunswick Stew, Collard greens, butter beans, hush puppies, and lots of desserts. We'll certainly add other dishes, and we'll need help with the desserts. Regardless, this should be quite a party!

Now, who's bringing the bourbon? I'll provide the Blenheim's Ginger Ale for the best possible bourbon and ginger you'd ever want!

[mizducky]

Despite the fact that I can ill-afford a cross-country trip at this point in time ... dayum. You folks are tempting the living blazes out of me.

Maybe I can rationalize it by making a side-trip to Greensboro to visit my sister and nephews. Haven't seen them in a good couple of years ...

[Varmint]

Oh, c'mon, round trip tickets are $245 right now for that cross country trip!!!! That's as cheap as you'll ever find. Of course, add in the hotel and other expenses, and, well, OK, it ain't cheap!

We hope you can make it!

[Varmint]

Dave Scantland has assured me that he'll be making his "Most Excellent Kick-Ass Brunswick Stew" (aka, V-D Stew for Varmint-Dave). Two years ago I gave Dave the task of coming up with a special version of Brunswick Stew that would put to shame all the versions currently found across the State of North Carolina. Here's a thread that chronicles the development process.

The only problem last go-around was that the Stew wasn't finished until after the official party had ended. However, those hardcore eGulleteers who stuck by that night had an awesome snack.

Dave indicated he'll have this prepared well in advance for serving at the Pig Pickin'. Now I'm truly looking forward to this!!!!!