132 replies to this topic

[agm]

Too soon?

[leleboo]

Sunday, May 22. Noon to 6 p.m.

Fort Hunt Park, Alexandria, VA. Site D-001 (we think).

Ladies and gentlemen, start your ovens!

Keep your eye on this space for more information, attendance, who's-bringing-what, et cetera.

New members: PLEASE COME TO THE PICNIC! To say "all are welcome" would be gross understatement; the picnic is a great way to meet fellow dr.commers.

If you have any doubts about its awesomeness, check out 1000yregg's photos from the last spring shindig.

[LuvTeddyBears8]

Ray LaSala and Loretta Chi (FunGuy and LuvTeddyBears8) will be there.

[thatguy2009]

The park has a music venue, any chance it has tennis courts?

[DonRocks]

The park has a music venue, any chance it has tennis courts?

Pray it doesn't.

[DonRocks]

Sunday, May 22. Noon to 6 p.m.

Fort Hunt Park, Alexandria, VA. Site D-001 (we think).

Ladies and gentlemen, start your ovens!

Keep your eye on this space for more information, attendance, who's-bringing-what, et cetera.

New members: PLEASE COME TO THE PICNIC! To say "all are welcome" would be gross understatement; the picnic is a great way to meet fellow dr.commers.

If you have any doubts about its awesomeness, check out 1000yregg's photos from the last spring shindig.

Reserved. (The site was $225 and is much bigger than we need - please donate generously to this worthy cause.)

[hm212]

Reserved. (The site was $225 and is much bigger than we need - please donate generously to this worthy cause.)

As a note to new members that are always more than welcomed and appreciated there will be an annonymous donation can the day of the picnic to reimburse for the cost. Any collections in excess are always donated to an appropriate organization.

[durwoodx]

In with a +1. As usual I have a deep fryer with oil and a variety of paper products and disposable cutlery to offer, plus multiple coolers filled with ice a tasty, tasty beer.

[legant]

legant +3; contributions TBD

[leleboo]

Today's rain has me thinking of sunny May days in Fort Hunt park.

We've got a deep fryer, paper goods, and a cooler full of beer already promised ... check your calendars and your refrigerators and let us know what else is in the offing. And don't forget -- no one said you had to cook! Bring your favorite pastries (or wine and beer), or pick up some great cheeses and baguettes (or wine and beer), or, heck, even some bags of potato chips and dip (or wine and beer).

Do you sense a theme?

Also keep in mind the following items you might have on hand to contribute:

• Pportable grills sure do come in handy.
• Coolers and ice are useful, as is lots of bottled water and even juices and sodas for the kids and those who don't drink.
• Folding chairs are always a good idea. There are picnic tables set up under the pavillion, but chairs are nice if you want to eat under the trees.
• I have some supplies left from the last picnic, although more plates/napkins/utensils are always welcome.
• We will have a basic first aid kit; extra sunscreen, insect repellant, band-aids, antibacterial hand gel, and aspirin can be nice to have around.
• Cameras are fine too - just no face shots on the internet without permission (see thread on Cameras for Food Porn if you like ) .

I can't wait to see everyone there. Slainte!

[goldenticket]

Less than a month out!
Who's attending and what's everyone bringing?

First timers and new members, please come and join us - it's a great way to meet other board members and enjoy a nice day with lots of good food and drink!

We can start a list of food items once we get some replies; it's usually broken down by appetizers, entrees, salads/sides, desserts. Vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free items are welcome, as are exotic and unusual contributions.

Hope to see lots of you there!

[ktmoomau]

Well Hubby already got our Taste of Arlington tickets which is the same day and times, but we will try to split our time and stomach between the two.

[Barbara]

Dame Edna and I are planning on attending (possibly Nena, too) and I will bring those gluten-free almond cookies I never got around to baking for the baby shower that didn't happen. Plus something else TBD.

[KMango]

KMango +3

We'll bring seasonal berry chewy granola bars, whatever-is-rockin'-at-the-farmer's-market-that-day veggie dish, and perhaps some water balloons.

(and mischief)
(lots and lots)
(of mischief)

[crackers]

I'll be there.

It goes without saying, or at least bears repeating, that new members, and members who have never come to a picnic before should really think about coming. Picnics are a great way for new and not-so-new members to gather and enjoy a few hours of great food, drink and socializing. Everyone was a new member at some point.

However, it would be great see other "legacy" members* coming too, along with some of your "best of" contributions from years past. This picnic seems in dire need of some meat and heat. And I mean that in all senses of both words.

I will plan to bring some deviled eggs, unless Scott plans to bring his own, and/or a jello mold (especially if MelGold will bring hers ) and/or mac and cheese. And decent wine, of course, because nobody should show up without bringing something share-worthy if they're planning to do any drinking themselves. Am I right?

Thus far, I've not convinced Jacques Gastreaux to attend, with his smoked pork butt and Martian Pigslop from Hell (recipes in the first link above). Feel free to beg/bribe him yourselves, even though it would mean I'd become the designated driver. And believe me, that is a role in which I'd never have imagined myself becoming so familiar, had it not been for a fateful meeting lo these many picnics ago.

Magical things can happen at the picnics.

*By “legacy” I mean those who joined donrockwell.com early on and generally no longer participate. So by definition they have not been coming to picnics recently. They know who they are.

[p.s. My basement is ever so grateful that leleboo now is the holder of the bags of past-picnic supplies]

[mame11]

The picnic is a great opportunity for new members to get to know others on the board, and for all of us to catch up.

ETA: I am planning on attending. Not sure what I'm bringing. Probably too much of something.

Edited by goodeats, 02 May 2011 - 12:21 PM.
The pigeon did it.

[agm]

agm & NQD +TBD

We're still thinking about what to bring.

[goldenticket]

Quck list, based on replies so far (alphabetical for now - we'll see how long that lasts ):

AGM and NotQuickDraw - TBD
Barbara and DameEdna - gluten-free almond cookies
Crackers - devlied eggs, jello mold, mac n cheese (or some combination of these), wine
Durwoodx +1 - deep fryer, paper goods, cold beer
FunGuy and LuvTeddyBears8
goldenticket +1 - TBD
goodeats +1 - TBD
KMango +3 - berry chewy granola bars, seasonal veggie dish
ktmoomau +1 (tentative)
Legant +3 - TBD
mdt
monavano +1 - terrine/pate (?)
NCPinDC
TheMatt - TBD
weezy - TBD (chicken marbella as a backup)

Feel free to add your RSVP by posting to this thread or by sending a PM to myself or leleboo.

[weezy]

I have it on my calendar and intend to come, can't guarantee a +1 but hope to bring someone along. Also have zero idea just now of what I'll bring to eat & share, but if my inspiration doesn't gel, I'll fall back on chicken Marbella.

[mdt]

Everyone is welcome. New folks please do come.

I am working the market that morning, but I will drop by afterwards.

ETA: I was informed that I misread an earlier message. For that I apologize.

Edited by mdt, 02 May 2011 - 12:49 PM.
The pigeon did it.

[monavano]

Mr. MV and I will be attending. Is there any "theme food" this year?
I'm thinking about trying my hand at making a terrine/pate. I've got a bid on Ebay for a vintage Le Creuset terrine that I'm hoping I win!

[goodeats]

Little man and I are attending. Not sure what to bring yet though.

Thanks for organizing us, goldenticket!

Glad you can join us crackers!

[monavano]

goldenticket and I talked about getting a theme going. Perhaps there was some discussion about a food theme earlier?
Any thoughts or suggestions?

[TheMatt]

I am also planning to attend with my usual +0.

I'm not sure I'll be able to bring anything too exciting. My mom is coming into town to see the JSOH air show on that Saturday and so my weekend is packed due to that. But, her early flight home Sunday means picnic is possible (though it would have been fun to bring her!).

I'm now trying to think up simple recipes that I could prepare in what little free time I'll have before then. Part of me wants to do those ye olde cheese balls and crackers because, well, I like ye olde cheese balls and crackers!

[goodeats]

I'm now trying to think up simple recipes that I could prepare in what little free time I'll have before then. Part of me wants to do those ye olde cheese balls and crackers because, well, I like ye olde cheese balls and crackers!

No pressure!

Feel free to pick up some to go from the grocery store or bakery or some place that sells foods (even gas station convenience stores!).

Just sending a reminder to newbies (thanks TheMatt for letting me piggy back your post) that store bought items are fine and attending is much better so we can meet you!

[goldenticket]

Just a reminder that ALL are welcome at the picnic - whether you've been to a picnic in the past or not.

Come on out and join us on Sunday, May 22, noon - 6:00 pm. Be there early, be there late, stay the whole time or for a little while - just be there

Picnic Area D-1, Fort Hunt Park, just off the GW Parkway, south of Alexandria.

Bring something to share - your favorite dish, a bag of chips, a bottle of wine, anything is fine!

[monavano]

I am also planning to attend with my usual +0.

I'm not sure I'll be able to bring anything too exciting. My mom is coming into town to see the JSOH air show on that Saturday and so my weekend is packed due to that. But, her early flight home Sunday means picnic is possible (though it would have been fun to bring her!).

I'm now trying to think up simple recipes that I could prepare in what little free time I'll have before then. Part of me wants to do those ye olde cheese balls and crackers because, well, I like ye olde cheese balls and crackers!

I love cheese balls, especially the port wine rolled in nuts.

[goodeats]

Also, the most important thing is - PLEASE say if you need a ride!

Fort Hunt is not near a metro station, so please speak up if you want to come but need a pick up/drop off at a metro or want to carpool!

[DonRocks]

I love cheese balls

Then u would luv me.

[ktmoomau]

Part of me wants to do those ye olde cheese balls and crackers because, well, I like ye olde cheese balls and crackers!

I love these too, they remind me of my grandmother, rest her sole, she always had these at Christmas with other random items that made up the Christmas meal, and I mean meal in a very loose sense, think of it more as random items we all liked and would not let slip off the Christmas menu, and they could be on one plate, but in no way resembled a cohesive meal. I really miss them now that she is gone. I especially like the bright pink and orange ones. That not food like color is strangely appealing.

[DonRocks]

they remind me of my grandmother, rest her sole

Anyone who thinks the food won't be awesome at this picnic should rethink their position after this Freudian slip.

[monavano]

I love these too, they remind me of my grandmother, rest her sole, she always had these at Christmas with other random items that made up the Christmas meal, and I mean meal in a very loose sense, think of it more as random items we all liked and would not let slip off the Christmas menu, and they could be on one plate, but in no way resembled a cohesive meal. I really miss them now that she is gone. I especially like the bright pink and orange ones. That not food like color is strangely appealing.

Those are the port wine cheese balls. Man, I still love them. I think the orange and pink combo also comes in a tub, but those lousy nuts are where it's at.

[durwoodx]

Alas sad news. I was handed a job for the day of the picnic so sadly I (and more importantly my deep fryer) are out of play for the day.

[Pat]

I've missed the past few picnics because I've been away and/or otherwise engaged, so I'd really like to make this one. I don't have a chafing dish/apparatus and was thinking of lamb meatballs. Perhaps there's a grill on which they could be reheated? I was sort of thinking of that and a bread product, maybe to make little meatball sandwiches (I won't call them sliders ).

[goldenticket]

Less than two weeks out - time to start posting those RSVPs and planned contributions!! Hope to see lots of new and old faces on May 22

AGM and NotQuickDraw - TBD
Antonio Burrell +1-3 - curry pan, roast pork buns
Banco +3 - TBD
Barbara and DameEdna - gluten-free almond cookies, salad (Mediterranean potato or watermelon), wine
Crackers - deviled eggs, jello mold, mac n cheese (or some combination of these), wine
FunGuy and LuvTeddyBears8
goldenticket +1 - TBD
goodeats +1 - TBD
John William +1 - rice salad, wine (cookbooks)
KMango +3 - berry chewy granola bars, seasonal veggie dish
Koolpaw +1
ktmoomau +5
Legant +3 - TBD
lperry (+1?) - TBD (and fresh herbs for the asking!)
mdt
monavano +1 - terrine/pate (?)
Pat - lamb meatball sandwiches (?)
sparkycom
TheMatt - Cheese ball (?)
weezy - TBD (chicken marbella as a backup)

[John William G]

I'll be there +1. I'll bring my rice salad, a bottle of wine, and some cookbooks I no longer use.

[Banco]

I'll be there with wife and kids (1 of the former, 2 of the latter) in tow. I have no idea what we will bring, as our kitchen and dining room will have been gutted by that time. Maybe some Hot Pockets and Slim Jims.

[Barbara]

Besides the cookies, I'll be bringing a Mediterranean Potato Salad or Watermelon Salad and some wine.

[Antonio Burrell]

Pretty sure I'm going to come by, maybe with the boys, maybe alone, maybe plus 1-3. I am not frying chicken, I refuse to ;-) Instead I am going to make curry pan, a japanese hot pocket of sorts, and roast pork buns. Yipee!! something different.

[Koolpaw]

Pretty sure I'm going to come by, maybe with the boys, maybe alone, maybe plus 1-3. I am not frying chicken, I refuse to ;-) Instead I am going to make curry pan, a japanese hot pocket of sorts, and roast pork buns. Yipee!! something different.

I'll be there +1. Not sure yet what we are bringing.

[ktmoomau]

Ok so I am now a yes and I am going to have at least +5 +7 (Hubby, New Member +GF, Potential New Member + Hubby) so far. Don't know what I am going to bring yet though... Need to figure that one out.

We are going to have to bring something good! Will try to firm that up this weekend.

Some sort of gluten free baked good with fruit, if I can get it baked without incident *, if I can convince the new +2 to use their smoker for benefit of the picnic I will.

* See Kitchen 911 for details.

Edited by ktmoomau, 12 May 2011 - 02:56 PM.

[leleboo]

Bring paper goods!

No, really. We're totally great on cups and utensils (I think), but plates/napkins/paper towels are totally a good contribution.

Antonio, you are exempted from paper goods thanks to roast pork buns. Just FYI.

[sparkycom]

Hey all, (Pat) if you need disposable chafing dishes, let me know how many. I can probably part w/ 10 full-or-1/2 pan size + sternos. I'm in, will bring some goodies. (If anyone wants to have the rosemary fizz stuff appear, let me know!)

[goldenticket]

(If anyone wants to have the rosemary fizz stuff appear, let me know!)

Um...yes, please!!

[goodeats]

Is it me or is this a small crowd compared to year's past?? I know there are other things going on, but???

[legant]

ISO ride to/from NW DC or metro stop. Send me a PM.

And... yes to the rosemary fizzy stuff.

~ louise

[ktmoomau]

Is it me or is this a small crowd compared to year's past?? I know there are other things going on, but???

Seems like it.....

[goldenticket]

Is it me or is this a small crowd compared to year's past?? I know there are other things going on, but???

I think we can expect/hope that there will be some additional RSVPs next week as people finalize their schedules. Unfortunately, the date didn't turn out to be one that worked for some of the folks who have been frequent attendees at past picnics.

BUT - as stated above - ALL are welcome, newly joined or long-time members of the board, picnic 'regulars' or first-timers. Arrive early, arrive late, just come on out!

[lperry]

I am definitely in, with a 50% chance of a +1. Food TBD.

If anyone needs rosemary for production of the aforementioned rosemary fizzy stuff, I've got loads. I've also got acres of spearmint and "chocolate" peppermint to share (with roots or without) and bushels of sage. Just ask and I'll fill up a big bag.

[hillvalley]

Is it me or is this a small crowd compared to year's past?? I know there are other things going on, but???

Some of the best picnics we have had, going back six years ago to the first one in Montrose Park, were the small ones. People tend to talk more to each other and not break off into groups. Not that the big ones are bad, but the small ones have a special feel to them.