We Farmers Eat Well

Two of the most incredible pigs I have ever roasted.

When it comes to eating well, no one does it better than a gathering of sustainable farmers who are dedicated to producing the best food possible. So when Mark Toigo from Toigo Orchards in Shippensburg, PA called me about getting a goat for a picnic, I offered to come out of retirement from years of catering to roast up the goat for his party, which was only supposed to be for a couple dozen of his family, friends and staff.
For anyone who is interested in roasting pigs, goats, lambs, etc., I highly recommend the Kane BBQ Grill. I now have two of them now. Toigo Orchard's reputation for quality fruits and vegetables is known throughout the easter seaboard. They've been staples at the metropolitan farmers markets in the Washington DC area since the 1980's. I knew that Mark would gather up the best of the best for his picnic and looked forward to being a part of it. Fresh apricots, Star-gazer Lilies, salad, breads, cheeses and cucumbers topped with yogurt & dill.

But a few weeks before the picnic, we spoke and he said, "We've got a problem." The problem turned out to be his generosity and the party had rapidly ballooned to 200 people. We were going to need more than just a goat. So we added a pair of smoked heritage turkeys from Painted Hand and a pair of Pigaerators from Polyface. Despite the humid weather and a few brief showers, the evening was a phenomenal success. A feast was laid with local artisan foods including fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, wines and beers. A local band played bluegrass music. The first sweet corn of the season roasted over hot coals.

Tiki torches cast shadows among the guests who ate, drank and enjoyed each other's company. We pretty much picked all the carcasses clean.

But the moment I knew I was among kindred spirits was when the gold lamae, feather boa and funny hat came out. Life is good.