2010 dr.com Spring Picnic -- Fifth Anniversary!

[DameEdna]

Spring Picnic. I would go with May 30. Spring breezes. Green fields. Smoky bacon. Tasty red wine.

[leleboo]

Spring breezes. Green fields.

Snow gettin' to ya?

(the date's on the list of options...)

[Kibbee Nayee]

I'm in. It's the day after my birthday.

Will there be pork products? Will Antonio be frying Twinkies again? Will Jake be pouring libations?

Yum....

[Flavortown]

Arancini misti, recipe testing to begin within the next few weeks. All I'm sayin'.

[Heather]

The key is that almost everyone gets involved.

That is key. Even folks who don't officially sign up to bring drinks usually bring a bottle or two, or a six pack, or soft drinks.

May 30th is during Memorial Day weekend, & a lot of people go away then.

[leleboo]

Fort Hunt Park, Alexandria, VA

Site C2

Available the following Sundays:

May 9

May 23

May 30

June 6

June 13

Mother's Day is May 9 (listed) and Father's Day is June 20, for those who are curious.

Note: please do not consider this an official poll or survey yet. Information only.

[leleboo]

Wow, you're right, my calendar was printed wrong!

Can you get a refund? Does it include Smarch?

I think I'm not going to ask for an official poll for another couple of weeks -- too many people without power, with bigger things on their minds right now -- but if anyone has a really strong reason to lobby for or against a particular date (other than this holiday weekend, which I agree is likely a bad idea) -- please PM me!

[leleboo]

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010. Noon to 6 p.m.

Fort Hunt Park

, Alexandria, VA. Site C-002

.

Ladies and gentlemen,

start your ovens!

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

[Kibbee Nayee]

I'm mucho in. I can certainly bring the kibbee (probably not the raw version, unless an ice-contraption with a cover can be found or constructed...).

I also seem to recall bringing a fire extinguisher to last summer's event, and it may still be in someone's possession....could come in handy.

[leleboo]

.could come in handy.

Let's hope not!

[schulju]

We're on the left coast that weekend.

Have fun!

[agm]

What to bring...

Some people seem to be expecting pig. The one downside is that it's a whole lot of food. That's OK if it's the primary protein, but that's not true at these picnics, with all the wonderful food available. We need a really good turnout to make it worthwhile.

So that's the deal, folks. If we have a high enough headcount 10 days out, we'll bring a pig. Otherwise we'll do something smaller.

(For the benefit of people who weren't around two years ago when we last did this at a picnic, it's a whole pig, roasted on-site, served hot and juicy, with nice, crispy skin.)

[leleboo]

(it's a whole pig, roasted on-site, served hot and juicy, with nice, crispy skin.)

Picnics must be on the brain ... I was going to use this week to start encouraging people to sign up and think about contributions. I think your post did the job for me. But I'd have written it thusly:

It's a whole pig, roasted on-site, served hot and juicy, with nice, crispy skin.

If ever a group of people existed who could rally to make a whole pig roast worthwhile ...

[DanielK]

I've had the pleasure of eating pigs that agm has roasted on at least a half dozen occasions.

This is not something you want to miss...

[Kibbee Nayee]

Must....have....pig....!

[Antonio Burrell]

I hope I can make it and if I do I think I'm going to do something different, maybe ribs and smoked brisket

[laniloa]

Looking forward to tasting my first full-fat post-gallbladder food at the picnic. That's gotta be worth some pig.

[Soup]

I think I can make this event. Right between two crawfish boils. Me and the family (wife and 2 kids 6 & 8). Don't know what I have bring but I will think about it. With all the port that we can expect perhaps black beans & rice.

[StarStraf]

Yum - we have put it on the calendar

[leleboo]

It's picnic time!

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010. Noon to 6 p.m.

Fort Hunt Park

, Alexandria, VA. Site C-002

.

Ladies and gentlemen,

start your ovens!

Please post in this thread (or PM me if you would rather) if you are coming, and what you might bring, including equipment and if you can come to help set-up at the start. Since we are still a month out, "TBD" on food contributions is a perfectly fine response! Remember that we want to have food for everyone (vegetarians/vegans, carnivores, savory- and sweet-tooths alike), and that if we reach critical mass there's the promise of a whole roasted pig.

Attendance thus far:

• leleboo
  
• GennaroE
  
• Rovers2000+1
  
• Kibbee Nayee
  
• agm + NotQuickDraw
  
• Soup +3
  
• StarStraf +1
  
• laniloa
  
• Antonio Burrell
  

As you consider your favorite picnic fare, also keep in mind the following items you might have on hand to contribute:

• A deep-fryer and portable grills sure do come in handy.
  
• Coolers and ice are useful. Also, consider bringing a bottle of wine (nothing fancy required!) or a six-pack of beer along with your dish.
  
• 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 that I will bring, 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!

[Rovers2000]

[*]Coolers and ice are useful. Also, consider bringing a bottle of wine (nothing fancy required!) or a six-pack of beer along with your dish.

In this vein, as some mentioned the fall picnic as being somewhat "dry", I am planning on donating a keg (a quarter or half barrel, depending on how many people are going to be in) of beer. At the moment I'm thinking Bell's Oberon would be a good choice and I believe there are a few places in the area where getting one wouldn't be an issue.. I've checked the VA state park FAQ's and made a few calls and I believe there is no issue doing this at the site but if someone is aware of a rule that I may have missed that forbids it please let me know so I can begin to think of something else to contribute .

Also, if anyone REALLY disagrees with the choice of Bell's Oberon, shoot me a PM b/c I'm open to suggestions.

[JPW]

Rovers2000,

Ft Hunt is a NATIONAL park. So you'd need to check the US park service page. I can't recall seeing anything against kegs and people have brought some pretty awesome mini-kegs of homebrew in years past. The only restriction that I remember is that only beer and wine are allowed - no hard liquor.

[leleboo]

I've checked the VA state park FAQ's

Rovers2000,

Ft Hunt is a NATIONAL park. So you'd need to check the US park service page.

There's a link in my post to Fort Hunt (and it's to nps.gov) -- and I believe JPW is right that there is no restriction on what type of container, just the contents. At least, that's the best answer my extensive* research revealed.

*Ten minutes on nps.gov, Google, and past picnic threads counts as extensive, right?

[Flavortown]

As long as I get off from work, I'll be there. While I could be precocious and just say that my contribution will be "Caprese 3 Ways," I think it's a better idea to elucidate: I want to buy a giant slab of curd to make fresh mozzarella, pull a ton of the stuff right before the picnic so that it's super fresh, and use it in a caprese salad, arancini, and mozzarella sticks, all crafted as riffs on the tomato/basil/mozzarella flavor profile. Mozzarella, freshly made, eaten before spending even a second in the refrigerator, is amazing. Of course, 2 of these 3 dishes rely on the deep-fryer, so hopefully last picnic's, or another, will make an appearance.

Also, Oberon sounds good, Dave. Another good Summer option would be Hennepin -- maybe a pack of that will be my booze contribution.

[TheMatt]

As far as my schedule says, I'm in. Not sure what I'll bring yet, but I'm in.

[Rovers2000]

Rovers2000,

Ft Hunt is a NATIONAL park. So you'd need to check the US park service page. I can't recall seeing anything against kegs and people have brought some pretty awesome mini-kegs of homebrew in years past. The only restriction that I remember is that only beer and wine are allowed - no hard liquor.

Sorry for not being clear, I have a friend who works at the National Park Service and they were one of the "calls" I'd made to double check. They basically told me what you mentioned that beer and wine are fine but hard liquor is a no go. I'm going to keep searching around just b/c I don't want to run afoul of the Park Service.

[DanielK]

Especially if it is a warm day, BRING WATER

The only thing worse than a silly intoxicated Rockweiler is a silly intoxicated dehydrated Rockvweiler. Been there, done that.

I will be there (albeit somewhat late), and will bring:

• Soccer balls, cones, and mini-goals
  
• Water
  
• Food item TBD (probably from the store, because I am coming straight from my synagogue's retreat in Sharpsburg, MD)
  
• Kids age 12 and 10
  

Adam, you can bring the pig now. Since I'm bringing Zach, there won't be any leftovers.

[ktmoomau]

Well I don't have a wedding to go to this weekend so I believe Hubby and I will be there. This will be my first picnic.

We have a small portable weber grill that we could bring if needed.

We will also bring wine and water.

Food item to be decided, but I am thinking pie or trifle.

[TheMatt]

Thinking of picnics, part of me is thinking of bring the ol' picnic staple of my past: ham balls. My grandma made some yummy ham balls (bright red sweet'n'soury sauce and all)...I wonder if my mom still has the recipe.

[goldenticket]

I'm in, +1, food TBD.

I'll bring a case of water, too.

[Soup]

In this vein, as some mentioned the fall picnic as being somewhat "dry", I am planning on donating a keg (a quarter or half barrel, depending on how many people are going to be in) of beer. At the moment I'm thinking Bell's Oberon would be a good choice and I believe there are a few places in the area where getting one wouldn't be an issue.. I've checked the VA state park FAQ's and made a few calls and I believe there is no issue doing this at the site but if someone is aware of a rule that I may have missed that forbids it please let me know so I can begin to think of something else to contribute .

Also, if anyone REALLY disagrees with the choice of Bell's Oberon, shoot me a PM b/c I'm open to suggestions.

I've been to many events at Fort Hunt Park where there were kegs o'plenty. Infact the I have an event the saturday before and saturday after the picnic and I know there will be many many kegs at each event.

[zoramargolis]

beer and wine are fine but hard liquor is a no go.

From past experience, us long-timers can attest to the fact that Martian Pig-Slop From Hell isn't hard, it's downright squishy.

[chaofun]

I was just thinking... wouldn't it make sense to just say the pig will be the primary protein? The rest of us can just bring sides or desserts. I can sympathize with agm, when you invest in that much time and $$ into the meat, you want it to be eaten. When I smoke a lot of meat at my house I ask the same of my guests.

So as far as what I'll bring, if agm roasts a pig, I'll bring Lumpia (Filipino Spring rolls) and some traditional dipping sauces. If not I'll perhaps I'll bring BBQ'd pork shoulder (aka pulled pork) with some some homemade BBQ sauces.

So agm how would you roast your pig? A caja china?

[agm]

I was just thinking... wouldn't it make sense to just say the pig will be the primary protein? The rest of us can just bring sides or desserts. I can sympathize with agm, when you invest in that much time and $$ into the meat, you want it to be eaten. When I smoke a lot of meat at my house I ask the same of my guests.

So as far as what I'll bring, if agm roasts a pig, I'll bring Lumpia (Filipino Spring rolls) and some traditional dipping sauces. If not I'll perhaps I'll bring BBQ'd pork shoulder (aka pulled pork) with some some homemade BBQ sauces.

So agm how would you roast your pig? A caja china?

It wouldn't make sense to me. If Antonio can bring ribs, or brisket, or both, I WANT! Or jparrott's ham. Or any of the many other great meat dishes I've had at previous picnics. I don't think there's any need to limit the proteins to one pig - we've had some pretty big turnouts in the past - and, from my end at least, no desire to restrict the workouts my taste buds are going to get.

A variety of sauces, however, would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, we'll be using a caja china to roast the pig. If anybody wants to make marshmallows we can toast them over the hot coals while the pig cooks

[thistle]

I'm also relieved that agm is volunteering to roast a pig-I've brought smoked pork to a few picnics, but since my smoker's broken, I don't have the patience for overnight oven or crockpot roasting (& it's just not the same). This is an opportunity to celebrate a properly roasted pig, while bringing side dishes that will complement the pork. I'm close to Ft. Hunt & can bring a canopy, a camp stove (for folks who want to cook onsite), a water cooler-food to be determined a little later (I'm thinking about it). I'm REALLY looking forward to the picnic, despite the fact that I'll be coming in from a sleep study & leaving for a lacrosse game...Thistle/Linda

[chaofun]

It wouldn't make sense to me. If Antonio can bring ribs, or brisket, or both, I WANT! Or jparrott's ham. Or any of the many other great meat dishes I've had at previous picnics. I don't think there's any need to limit the proteins to one pig - we've had some pretty big turnouts in the past - and, from my end at least, no desire to restrict the workouts my taste buds are going to get.

A variety of sauces, however, would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, we'll be using a caja china to roast the pig. If anybody wants to make marshmallows we can toast them over the hot coals while the pig cooks

Excellent! I was just throwing it out there, out of respect to your pig! I think I will stick with the Lumpia then. I have some Eastern Carolina Vinegar sauce and Bourbon BBQ sauces I made recently so I'll bring those over.

[porcupine]

If anybody wants to make marshmallows we can toast them over the hot coals while the pig cooks

Oooh, there's an idea. MrP and I are maybes, but if we attend I'll make marshmallows.

[leleboo]

Oooh, there's an idea. MrP and I are maybes, but if we attend I'll make marshmallows.

Is there anything I can say to sway you toward definites? I'm ok with "pretty pretty pretty pretty pretty please" ...

(What marshmallow addiction?)

[22209]

I'm in, +1 .. loved last fall's picnic, and can't wait for this one

[rkduggins]

I'm in +1 also!

[ol_ironstomach]

I can has picnic?

[jchao]

It wouldn't make sense to me. If Antonio can bring ribs, or brisket, or both, I WANT! Or jparrott's ham. Or any of the many other great meat dishes I've had at previous picnics. I don't think there's any need to limit the proteins to one pig - we've had some pretty big turnouts in the past - and, from my end at least, no desire to restrict the workouts my taste buds are going to get.

A variety of sauces, however, would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, we'll be using a caja china to roast the pig. If anybody wants to make marshmallows we can toast them over the hot coals while the pig cooks

I'd be happy to make marshmallows. If I get adventurous I can try making graham crackers for s'mores too.

[Kibbee Nayee]

Count in Kibbee Nayee +1 or +4, to be confirmed in a few weeks. I can certainly bring whatever is requested of a Middle Eastern derivation, to include, but not necessarily limited to, cooked kibbee.

[leleboo]

Quick update for a gloomy Monday!

Our current attendance is:

• leleboo +1-2
  
• GennaroE (caprese three ways)
  
• Rovers2000+1 (beer!)
  
• Kibbee Nayee +1-4
  
• agm + NotQuickDraw (roast pig)
  
• Soup +3
  
• StarStraf +1
  
• laniloa
  
• Antonio Burrell (ribs, smoked brisket)
  
• TheMatt (ham balls?)
  
• KMango
  
• DanielK +2 (soccer stuff, water)
  
• ktmoomau +1 (wine, water, dessert, small grill)
  
• goldenticket +1 (water, food TBD)
  
• chaofun + jchao (lumpia, various sauces for the pig, homemade marshmallows/grahams)
  
• thistle (+1-3?) (canopy, stove, cooler, water)
  
• rkduggins +1
  
• porcupine + MrP (homemade marshmallows)
  
• ol_ironstomach
  
• zoramargolis+1
  

Please join the party even if you don't yet know what you'll bring -- more beer, wine, and water are definite musts, and we'll figure out the rest of the food later. Remember that we want to have food for everyone (vegetarians/vegans, carnivores, savory- and sweet-tooths alike) -- and I have materials to label items so if you're allergic or on a special diet, never fear, we'll have something for you.

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

• A deep-fryer and portable grills sure do come in handy.
  
• Coolers, water and ice are useful. Also, consider bringing a bottle of wine (nothing fancy required!) or a six-pack of beer along with your dish.
  
• 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 that I will bring, 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 ) .
  

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010. Noon to 6 p.m.

Fort Hunt Park

, Alexandria, VA. Site C-002

.

Ladies and gentlemen,

start your ovens!

[Soup]

I'll bring black beans and rice. It will be vegan.

[DanielK]

I'll bring black beans and rice. It will be vegan.

That's ok, we'll have plenty of pork products around to fix it.

[KoolPaw]

That's ok, we'll have plenty of pork products around to fix it.

I'll be there +1 with the slaw that Gennaro liked so much, and liquid refreshment.

[leleboo]

and liquid refreshment.

The grown-up kind?

[22209]

I think my earlier reply must have gotten lost somewhere -- please count me in, +1, as well! We're not sure what we're bringing yet, but looking forward to it!

[leleboo]

I think my earlier reply must have gotten lost somewhere -- please count me in, +1, as well! We're not sure what we're bringing yet, but looking forward to it!

Eep -- no, but my cutting-and-pasting left you off the bottom. Gotcha now!