Three Guys from Miami Pigroast! The Best Way to Roast that Hog!

This type of pig roast is not your typical rotisserie-style roasting. I got this idea from the Three Guys from Miami. Check out their site! They've been featured on The Learning Channel featuring their Christmas Pig Roast technique with its roots firmly planted in Cuban culture.

The weather was a bit of a problem however. The summer of 2009 was/is a wet-rainy one. The day we chose to roast this hog saw tropical storm / hurricane Danny bearing down on Connecticut. We needed to forge ahead and get this hog roast going.

Friday, the day before, I began the marinading of this 82 pound pig. The marinade is Cuban Mojo. Sour orange juice, lots of garlic, some salt, peppercorn and oregano is what makes up this flavorful concoction. Here is a picture of pig soaking up the marinade. Several slits were made throughout the meaty sections and stuffed with whole cloves of garlic too.

With the help of my son Zachary, we wrapped it up in plastic sheets and placed bags of ice under, around and on top of the pig to let marinade overnight in the back of my yard trailer. This also allowed easy travel from the garage to the coals first thing Saturday morning.

First thing Saturday morning, my sons, Luke and CJ along with my brother-in-law Michael, got the coals burning, hog wired to the rebar-grill and over the coals

After covering the rack and pig in aluminium foil, the sizzling and cooking starts.

Again, the weather was ugly. It had been pouring in the morning and COLD. In the afternoon when the party was to start it was just misting but still cold. Not what you expect for the last weekend in August, but hey its New England.

Several people either couldn't make it or chickened out because of the weather...you know who you are. Here's a few of the brave souls who took on the elements to enjoy some freshly roasted pork.

Mirella and her husband Tommy checking out Denise's kicks!

Jodi trying to hide from the paparazzi

Vinny gaurding the keg while his wife, Pam and Shawn are posted near the wine.

Shawn, taking a break from wine-guard to chat with Denise and Christine

The pig was done and the process of "pulling pork" began. Being my first pig roast and especially with this technique, the aesthetics of the pig left something to be desired. Michael and I have already got some ideas to prevent the charring for next year. But the pork!!! It was juicy, tender and delicious. There was also still plenty of crispy skin to be had for everyone.

As soon as the kitchen shears started cutting away some crsipy skin...the crowd gathered round to what I thought was going to be the watching over of the "pulling pork". Instead, I had hands reaching out from all over asking for "just a little piece of skin". Michael and Liz say I need to work on my showmanship a little. I promise next year a better show.

Some people waiting for a tasty morsel..From the back, left to right...there's Rich, myself, behind me is Demi, then Anna and Christine S. In the front, from L->R is my brother-in-law Paul, his daughter, my beautiful God Daughter, Lindsay and my brother-in-law Michael. What you don't see is Roger and Demi making claims for the ears.

The crowd continues to gather and once camera-shy Jodi is seen jockying for position of a piece of crispy skin. I can also see in the back from L-> R, Christine E., Deb, Erminia, Anna's daughter and her husband Erik. Note the 20' X 40' tarp-tent structure. I knew that Danny was coming and so I needed some place dry to cook and carve the hog. Not much for ambiance but doesn't look like the crowd seemed to mind.

At the same time dogs and burgers were being cooked by my lovely wife and main party planner, Michelle - Thanks Honey. We had a variety of dishes to choose from too. Some brought by guests in a pot-luck-like fashion and others prepared by my wife and my wonderful sister-in-law, Lauren. Sine the weather was still a bit chilly, we served inside in the smallish kitchen instead of the great outdoors...it was cozy. Most everyone took their plate and ate outside in the elements enjoying both the good food and conversation.

The festivities really kicked into gear after eating when an adult decided to go go-kart surfing/riding with the kids. I'm not sure who started this but my money is on either Roger or Demi. The two staking claim to the pig ears if you recall. Anyway, here's a couple of shots of this event - adults racing the kids.

(above) Sabrina, CJ and Demi at the starting line.

(below) CJ edges out Demi for the checkered flag.

Dessert was no small event either. Many people brought desserts and sweets. My lovely sister-in-law and soon to be embarrased-by-her-picture-here Liz was an exceptional help in getting knives and forks for carving, running food up to the house nad helping Michelle out with desserts...Thanks Liz!

My boss, Sharon, was also in attendance with her daughter Olivia, son Marcos and husband Roger. The same Roger who "supervised" the "pulled pork" event and claimed an ear and who I think could have been the adult instigator of the go-kart races. Here's a low-light picture of Sharon and Roger. Sharon's not much into having her picture taken and so I'm sure I'll be needing to look for a new job soon. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

Here's a couple of final parting shots from this 1st Annual Nordstrom Pig Roast. In closing, I'd like to thank all who came for being such a trooper in the foul weather. It took a lot of planning on my part, but it really was a good feeling to see everyone together, having a casual discussion and enjoying some good food. Thank you all!

(right) My beautiful niece, and other God Daughter, Olivia, holding up one of our seven hens.

(left) My radiant daughter, Britta, taking one of the other hens out for a walk.