Montrose Beach Potluck, semimonthly BBQ#2- MEXICAN [6/29/13]

As has been going on for the past 2 years, I'm organizing a semi-monthly BBQ all summer long to celebrate cooking, sharing food, but also to take advantage of the fact that Chicago has beautiful beaches!

This is an LTH event, but is completely open to anyone and everyone! Please bring friends!
To simplify and unify the process of the RSVP, and also to allow everyone to coordinate the food we're bringing, I've set up a public facebook invite page. I would love to have people RSVP there, but ask that you also PLEASE post your pictures and reactions to the event here on LTH and not just keep it on facebook. My intention is not in any way to move the event off of LTH, rather it is to keep the event more integrated and encourage people to post on here as well.

Here is the facebook invite https://www.facebook.com/events/594133767297902/

Food
The theme this week is MEXICAN! Should be a pretty simple one, but it would totally suck if everyone brought a salsa but we had nothing to put it on, so please post what you plan to bring here or on the facebook page, or both! If you don't fancy yourself a cook and just want to come eat feel free to bring some drinks!

Drinks
The park is officially a non-alcohol location, meaning it is technically possible to be ticketed, however we have unofficially drank alcohol at every single one of these without incident. Last week a cop drove by and said "party on" then drove off. BYOB at your own discretion

Time
I typically show up around 11am, unless i need to start up a smoker earlier. The party usually reaches full swing between 1-4pm, and people peter out around 6pm.

Location:
After years of experience, we have found an idyllic location right by the water a bit off the beaten path. There is the added bonus that there is ample parking year round, even during big events we have not had trouble parking at this spot.

Here is the map http://goo.gl/maps/TZPyH

For those of you who prefer a visual aid:

I'm in and will probably bring some salsas and beer and maybe something to grill depending on how the menu shakes out.

Leaning towards something similar to pollo pibil.

AlekH wrote:Leaning towards something similar to pollo pibil.

MMM.. that sounds good. I may make some chorizo, and I'm sure somthing else. Anyone have a tortilla press and want to volunteer for that duty?

I'm also considering of making some sort of ghetto al pastor trompo. I'm thinking maybe a metal toolbox turned on its side to hold the charcoal. I only have a couple days to find the right scrap metal, so don't be too disappointed when it doesn't happen.

laikom wrote:I'm also considering of making some sort of ghetto al pastor trompo. I'm thinking maybe a metal toolbox turned on its side to hold the charcoal. I only have a couple days to find the right scrap metal, so don't be too disappointed when it doesn't happen.

Trompo spinny device complete. Using scrap i had in the basement and thrift store parts, total cost under $5. Currently working on the charcoal holder.

That trompo device looks awesome!

stevez wrote:That trompo device looks awesome!

Seriously awesome. Hey Site Admin, can we get a "like" button installed in this MF'er?
(I keed. No need for serious response.)

Maybe you can rig it to a stationary bicycle to spin it. Good work my friend.

Pastor on the Trompo


Carne Asada

Great day, great flavors!

Looks awesome. I'm really sorry I couldn't attend.

When is the next one?

We had a great 2nd picnic at the lake. Again the in the morning we had a threat of rain but it turned out to be a beautiful day! Too bad for anyone who stayed home from fear of the rain!

We had some great contributions this week and I’m really looking forward to the next BBQ which should be on the 13th. Panther has been working on a perfectly tender rendition of carne asada, and it paid off with some really juicy tender cuts of skirt steak. Alek brought some great chicken which he grilled up to perfection. The group of koreans brought some yubuchobap, fried tofu pockets stuffed with rice and tuna (no it wasn't mexican.. boudrilicious whipped up up an awesome salad with fresh produce mostly from her garden, Evelyn brought some boozy fruit salad. Gastro gnome brought some spicy beans. At these bbq's as amazing as the food always is, it's totally secondary to the great company and a really beautiful location right at the water.

The remainder should take place on Jul 13th and 27th, Aug 10th and 24th, and sept 7th.. If any of them change I’ll be sure to update on the board.

Here are some pics of the day. Sorry I was a bit self centered and only took pics of my al pastor trompo. I was very proud of it. Hopefully others documented the rest of the food!