Endeavor to Persevere

It was a perfect September day, blue skys and cool temps. A quick dash through Restaurant Depot was just that...a dash. No delays Set up was a snap. Fire started with out a problem. Prep was quick and easy. The chicken cut without incident, and the ribs went on to thaw without problem.

A knowing mind would have sensed danger, but not me. I should have known the next two hours would be an exercise in chaos.

100 Golfers were roaring down fairways drinking heavily and looking forward to world class barbeque. The bar staff was quietly preping for what would be a giant rush. Golfers get really thirsty between the golf course and the bar. The employees at neighboring businesses smelled smoke were nosing around asking questions about the menu.

The event was KC's Korner's Annual Golf Outing. Grace, of KC's Korner fame, organized this event four years ago, and has raised over $20,000 for the Hospice.

As I said, prep went without issue, and having completed the prep and started the cooking, it was time to hit the head. To those of you who are not nautical, that means take a leak. "Go potty", so to speak.

After what could have only been a three to four minute absense, the following occured in close order....
1. A grease fire erupted in the smoker containing 120 lbs of pork shoulders, 40 lbs of
leg quarters, and 50 lbs of baby back ribs, 5 containers of barbequed beans, and 5
containers of cajun green beans. While extinguishing the fire....
2. A gust of wind blew the canopy about 10 ft. from where we had originally set it up,
nearly knocking over the table containing the rubs, vinegars, cooking tools. After
hauling the tent back into place, and fixing the table, I noticed.....
3. The wood pile was on fire. No shit.
4. All the chicken and ribs were 'sooted' beyong belief.

So, I washed 40 lbs of chicken and 50 lbs. of ribs, and cooked them anyway. And I do mean washed. Washed as in two tubs of water.

Most people with panic, others would fret. Quite a few would weap at the loss of so much chicken, ribs, and pulled pork.

Ahhh.....ye of little faith. The Good Lord gave us the hickory tree, chicken, pigs and a fine butt rub. When you combine those four, all you need is a fifth and things will be right.

So, wq que'd away secure in the knowledge that the healing aroma of hickory smoke, and the gentle embrace of the butt rub, and the periodic spritzing with vinegar would produce yet another batch of slap yo momma good barbeque.

At 9:30 last night, the verdict was in.

Damn fine food.