MS. GOOFY'S BIG FAT BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION DINNER TO-GO

It was Ms. Goofy's birthday yesterday. Traditionally she gets to pick where we will celebrate with a dinner. These times are crazy and most restaurants are shut down. There are several that are struggling to stay open but can only sell food to-go. Our bbq friends Brian & Liz Silveria own a bbq supply store and catering company; 'Smoked Seduction". They are located in Livermore and are licensed caterers. They were selling bbq meals to-go this weekend. It was Ms. Goofy's birthday choice with a gentle nudge from me to venture out into the pandemic waste land we call home.

We arrived at Brian & Liz's small shop. We kept our social distance. (God I hate this new politically correct catch phrase). They have a great selection of bbq supplies and I filled up a small basket full of pecan and apple smoking woods for later cooking projects. Today we had our choice of ribs, brisket, pulled pork and sausage. We had a little of everything. It was a celebration you know.

We paid our bill and headed home. Brian & Liz are professional bbq cookers and their meats and side dishes did not disappoint. We were happy to support them in these crazy times. It was also a great meal to celebrate Ms. Goofy's Big Fat Birthday Celebration.

ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE

"Always Look On The Bright Side of Life" was a fun little ditty from Monty Python. It could also be an appropriate theme for these crazy times. It also helps to have a slap of peppered bacon from our good friend Angelo to cheer one up. This bacon has all the right moves. It has a great fat to meat ratio, balance of sweet, salt and with a savory pepper bite to make this a great bacon. Stay well my friends.

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.

CRACK PIE

Yesterday was my birthday. They sure creep up on you quicker these days. I have an acquaintance from a Buck Knife Collectors group who lives in Virginia. She sent me a Milk Bar Pie through Fed Ex to celebrate this day. I have never had or heard of a Milk Bar pie sometimes referred to as Crack Pie. It is a dense cookie/custard textured, oat & vanilla flavored and very sweet. It is very addicting. I have never tried Crack but I do need another fis of this pie.