Pigfest 2006

Pigfest 2006

The name of this event says it all. Sponsored by Brooklyn Brewery, Pigfest is an annual all-you-eat & all-you-can-drink Spring outing for enthusiasts of hogs and beers.

BRIEF BACKGROUND:
Pigfest used to take place at the Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg, but has become so popular that it outgrew that piece of the block. Each year, the proceeds from Pigfest go to a selected charity.

Pigfest 2006 was held in the old Tobacco Warehouse, at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, Water Street, in DUMBO Brooklyn, on Saturday, from 1-6PM.

THE FOOD
Two championship barbeque teams (Waterfront Alehouse's Sam Barbieri, Steve Harkavy, Bon Soir Caterers' Jeff Reilly, and Rob Richter of Big Island Barbeque. Meat provided by Niman Ranch) prepared four whole hogs, slow cooked over hickory. Early in the day, some FDNY guys came around to check out the aromatic smoke. Firefighters have a reputation for being excellent cooks, and their interest in the upcoming Pigfest was clear. The whole hogs were laid on a table, and the tender flesh was served to the hungry. It was primal – a tribal celebration, a throwback to the days of ritual sacrifice and celebratory feasting. Also on hand were pulled port, ribs, shoulder, and chicken. For the vegetarians who were able to sneak past security, there were salads (carrots slaw, three bean and something else I don’t remember), elote (grilled corn with mayonnaise and chili powder) and plenty of bread.

THE PARK
For those who have not been to the Brooklyn Bridge Park, you are missing out on a couple of really cool things. First, the view from the park is fantastic. The open green space with the meander geese, gander and goslings gives one a whole new perspective on the City. Second, the ol;d Tobacco Warehouse, such an important part of American history (on numerous levels) is an interesting architectural relic. Third, the events in the park can be lively and fun.

THE CROWD
Pigfest diehards arrived early, and were eager to crash through the gates and get to the pork (okay, the beer). Hundreds of pilgrims showed up ready to chug. If the F, G and C trains had been running properly, there would have been hundreds more. With six varieties of Brooklyn beer on tap, there was something for everyone (except those wanting water). By 5PM, it was clear that some patrons were not going to leave without a fair bit of motivation.

THE BENEFIT
All proceeds from Pigfest went to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, and after seeing the inspirational vista from that spot on the map, one could easily understand why it was worth the $75 entrance fee.

Tags:   brooklyn brewery, pigfest, whole hog

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Posted on 5/15/2006 ( Permanent Link )
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