Fatfest

Looking for some help. For the last 8 years a group of 15 to 20 college friends get together over the holidays for an event we call fatfest. Basically a guys night out to stuff our faces and have a good time. Past stops have been to Fogo, Brazzazz, Mercat(whole pig), Twin Anchors, Gibsons, Chicago Q, and Frontier are the ones I remember off the top of my head. Does anyone have any suggestions for this year?

I was thinking the Big Jones fried chicken family style would be fun but that is only served during the week for lunch, any help finding something would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'm sure if you called over to Big Jones and talked to them they might be able to set you up with the chicken lunch at dinner. I'm guessing copious amounts of booze are consumed in conjunction with fatfest and any restaurant would be silly to turn down a big check like that. Another suggestion would be going to Nightwood and use their private wine cellar in the basement. Chef Jason is after all the prince of pork after winning Cochon 555 this year and I'm sure he'd hook you up with a pork and fat filled menu.

I'd also check out the whole hog from Sun Wah BBQ.

fropones wrote:I'd also check out the whole hog from Sun Wah BBQ.

In Homer voice, "Mmm, whole hog, arrrggg!"

trpt2345 wrote:

fropones wrote:I'd also check out the whole hog from Sun Wah BBQ.

In Homer voice, "Mmm, whole hog, arrrggg!"

Yeah, I think you have a winner here. How can your buddies not be impressed with a whole hog?!

Hey man, you've done the whole pig. Why not a whole 'nother animal? Zaragoza might be able to do a goat for you -- they'd definitely be the first people I'd call if I wanted the horned beast in its entirety.

I think Greektown would fit well with the Fatfest concept. You might even be able to find a place that would do a whole lamb or two for you, to keep with the theme.

I attended a wedding & reception at Frontier on Milwaukee yesterday and they had a whole pig, goose and duck (x2 - prepared 2 different ways). They apparently also can do Lamb, Goat or Boar. I thought everything was pretty good including the apps and sides. The pig was not cooked to the point of falling apart and was under seasoned. It did have a nice smoke ring and flavor on the outside pieces though. I was pretty happy with the beer and liquor selection and am definately returning to try some of the other menu items.

Thread on Frontier:
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=31186

The venue is not quite as sophisticated as your list from past years but we do a similar thing with groups every year and recently went for seafood at Marsicos El Veneno. We had a private party upstairs and went overboard with the crab, langoustines, ceviche, and more. In addition I had Honey 1 deliver the meat and brought plenty of booze. In many ways the meal was more memorable if not superior to the Brazilian steakhouses or corporate restaurants we have been.

Just be prepared for a different type of service where you are expected to be vocal about what you want and need rather than expecting someone to be hovering over you - read pitchers of water for the table rather than somebody walking around filling your water glass.

All in all we ate and drank more than other outings and it cost slightly less. For me it was a home run.

Mariscos El Veneno
1024 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL
(773) 252-7200 ‎