Yesterday’s Art-a-Whirl edition of Gastro Non Grata lived up to the potential of the series: a massive pig roast in the parking lot of the Modern Cafe, a brace of local bands, and a palpable wave of community pride made for a pleasant if initially low-key — which is not say “hangover-ridden” — event.
Chef Chris Olson (right) dropped a bomb while on stage with Taylor Carik (left) and James Norton of Flak Radio; there will be only two more Paired dinners before the underground restaurant shuts down for good.
Sausage was made on site; event co-organizers Jeff Mitchell (left) and Craig Drehmel worked the merchandise table; Modern Cafe owner Jim Grell took the lead on food prep.
Lifting the pig off the grill was a non-trivial job typically involving two to three committed participants.
The sausages came off the grill by the dozen and were consumed with chopped onions and mustard.
An insane amount of richly flavored BBQ beans were available as a side dish.
The pig roasts are all the rage this summer. This Tuesday, Moto-i at Lake/Lyndale is hosting our first rooftop roast with sides like Japanese potato salad and slaw, plus a complimentary sake. When the sun goes down, we’re screening the old Kurosawa classic “Seven Samurai” on a big screen projector. Heavy Table, you’re invited! See the invitation:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141396132553677