VISUALIZE WHIRLED PEAS

Yes, I am easily amused.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Spring has sprung despite the California state shelter in place decree. Luckily Farmers Markets have been deemed essential. The Richmond Farmers market is open for business. The crops are still growing and we hope you come out to support your local farmers. Stay well.

BACKYARD ON THE GRAPE 2020

What crazy times we live in. Backyard on the Grape was not cancelled. Thanks for the brief glimpse of sanity. Backyard on the Grape was a practice contest held by a local promoter to hone skills of cooks and judges to prepare for the 2020 BBQ season. We would like to share some pictures with you.

Yours truly did not participate this year but did make an appearance to visit and take these photos. Today’s contest was unique in the aspect that judges judged verbally right in front of the cooks. The cooks would present their meat entry and sit and hear live critique and scores. This was a great opportunity for the cooks to get instant feedback and for the judge to verbally put their thought process into words.

It did start to rain but cooks need to be prepared for all weather conditions. Judges on the other hand are spoiled and need cover and comfort to provide an atmosphere conducive to judging. At least that is what judges tell the promoter. The judging did take place in a nice exhibition hall providing warmth and dry conditions.

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It was fun to visit and see my bbq friends. We hope and pray the insanity passes in the near future and we can return to a degree of normality. We are looking forward to the 2020 bbq season. See you soon.

CORNY BEEF

I open today's post with not the most appetizing shot of some corned beef. It was the first plate of many dishes of corned beef for the month of March. This traditional plate was had at the Fratalanza Italian club. It was most likely boiled in a huge cauldron until limp and lifeless. It was served with boiled everything. It was pretty palatable when smothered with extra, extra hot horseradish, and mustard. It was served with some very stinky boiled cabbage and carrots. This is tradtiion.

I am not knocking our traditional corned beef served at the "Frat' because it also came with some great pasta and it is always fun hanging out with friends. What I am really excited about is this time of year Costco stocks up on Snake River Corned Beef rounds. This will be put into our smoker and turned into pastrami. This is a treat extraordinaire. Tis the season.