In a true St. Patrick's Day tradition Mulvaney's Pig Roast toasted the foodie and midtown community!
Every year I go to this, it's better than the year before, it's like the ultimate backyard BBQ - you see people you haven't seen in months/years, drink wonderful libations available at multiple locations through-out the complex, and eat some incredible food! Oh and the fact that it's a Who's Who of Sacramento elites doesn't hurt either.
Come rain or shine they are always roasting multiple Piggies on a Spit, this is where one of my Bacchanalian references come from. No other place in California can I think of where one can go and have open-air roasted suckling pig that is pieced in front of the eaters eyes. In the green lei is our Champion of the Feast Patrick Mulvaney parting a thigh from skin it looks like. Keep in mind people this was in the rain!
So while most vegetarians won't appreciate these shots, all the pork lovers and bacon foodies out there will be salivating. It's awe inspiring for the cooking efforts, but also the sheer strength it takes to de-bone a huge animal like this, while rain is pouring down your back, and the table is so full of pig skin and parts there almost falling off! But there were more than a few willing hands willing to reach out to make sure nothing fell.
One of my favorite parts of this day where when people were standing outside in the courtyard en-mass drinking, eating, and waiting for the official "Plating of the Pig" it began raining pretty heavily, at first there was a surge for cover, but when everyone realized that they were going to get wet one way or another people started passing bottles of Jameson around and created a time-tested method of getting warm. From sparkling wine, traditional Irish spirits, every kind of wine, and some wonderful beers/ciders there was no shortage on great drinking - which my now pounding head reminds me why I don't drink so many different versions of alcohol at one time, but the good times were worth it!
At this point in the story I would usually have a picture of all the beautifully plated food but it takes seeing it to believe the utter "SURGE" on the food that happens when the buckets of potato salad, grilled asparagus, and bread, and of course PORK that comes out - it's something between Animal House and a Top Chef eating challenge. So teams formed to get through the line, first plates, then food, pork (hard to get and watch out for your hands), and then cutlery if your lucky or hands always work! Usually the imbibing pre-eating helps/hurts the surge, but everyone has a magnificent time in the chaos.
With a live band, multiple DJ's, dancing, appearances of Kevin Johnson - Mayor of Sacramento this is the Mulvaney's Crew tribute to the community and is always overwhelmingly appreciated. It's always funny to see newcomers to the midtown walking around then asking the doorman what's going on, "It's a party for the community" he says, "How much?", "Free", "What's the catch?" - "Haha, nothing, enjoy!" - Most don't believe, and the adventurous that do have an incredible time!
Mulvaney’s Building & Loan ~ Culinary Specialists ~
Next Door 1215 19th Street Sacramento. Ca. 95811 ~ Phone 916-441-1771 ~ Fax: 916.441.1779 info@culinaryspecialists.com ~ www.mulvaneysbl.com
THANK YOU MULVANEY'S!
and on to more St. Partick's Day Events that traditionally follow this Pig Roast!
St. Baldricks day is happening at DeVere's on Monday at 5:00-10:00, where you shave your head for charity (or you can donate and support those that are shaving their head!) Mulvaney's has an entire team from there crew going to participate (hence the long hair of most of the staff)
Join us we are going to Shave some heads! Last year over 210 people shaved and many more donated to raise $90,000 this year we want to do even more, and we need your help! This year we are creating an outdoor stage and a beer garden. All Profits from the Beer Garden will be donated to St. Baldrick's!
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