THE SUMMER SERIES. What some of my favorite people saw, ate, and photographed, this past Summer…
The fourth (and final) volume: “NEW YORK” From RANDY HARRIS
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I met photographer Randy Harris in New Hampshire last year, when we were both on assignment to shoot a bunch of gi-normous pumpkins for Martha Stewart Living. He called me at the beginning of August to tip me off that he’d been asked by Chef Heather Carlucci (from Print Restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen, NY) to shoot the second “Pig Mountain” Festival. Randy is a phenomenal photographer. I'm so thrilled and privileged to present this volume.
What is "Pig Mountain"? It is a pig roast and veggie festival to bring economic stimulation to the Sullivan County in New York and support the local farmers. Ten chefs (Yes, 10!) and their sous chefs, came together to cook for three days. They dug pits, roasted and smoked pigs, and prepped side dishes. Each chef prepared their pig however they wanted, and they also got the opportunity to offer 3-4 vegetarian side dishes, to go with their pork dish. For some, it was the first time that they'd ever worked with these other chefs before, so it was a great opportunity to meet and work closely with industry colleagues and get the opportunity to exchange ideas.
Mildred’s Lane, J. Morgan Puitt’s artist retreat was offered up as a location to house the chefs. (This place is a wonderful, inspiring retreat.) And then between 850 and 1000 people attended the pig event. A mixture of locals, homeowners in the region, and lots of food lovers. The month before, Heather spoke about this event on Martha Stewart Radio and was surprised to find a lot of people came to the event after hearing her speak.
There were a lot of people involved in putting this together. (It takes a village after all!) Most of the location work was done by Heather’s Pig Mountain partner in crime: Matthew, who built the pits, and then there were about 30 other people worked super-hard to make this happen, including Print Restaurant who donated cooks as well as funds. The pigs came from Stone and Thistle and Finger Lakes farms and were mainly cooked in the pits. Two were done in the smoker. The pits took about 24+ hours of cooking before unearthing. The smoker took about 6 hours.
THE PHENMONENAL MENU:
Jake Klein, Morrell Wine Bar Balinese whole roasted pig with creamy coconut casava and pineapple achar
Anthony Sasso, Casa Mono Old San Juan Style Pork Two salsas: cuba libre reduction and red habanero vinegar Tostones Bravas with Smoked Tomato Vin Habichuelas Grilled Beans with homemade Harissa
Lee Anne Wong, Foodnetwork Mi-so Happy Pig, Wasabi Aioli, Crispy Onions Charcoal grilled Eggplant and Daikon, Goma Sesame Sauce, Scallions, Chili Watermelon, Cucumber, Asian Pear Salad, Yuzu Vinaigrette, Shiso, Masago arare
George McKirdy, Astor Bake Shop Caribbean Roast Pork, Pigeon Peas with Green Banana Dumplings, Yuca con Mojo, Peach Pineapple Salsa
Peter Schott, the Inn at Woodloch Pecan smoked whole hog sausage BBQ potato salad Vinegar slaw Braised Collard and Kale Greens Pickles and chive biscuits
Ryan Tate, All Good Things Pork belly Tostadas with pickled Gooseberries, roasted Radishes and Lime Creme Fraiche Grilled corn on the cob with Sesame Chipotle Aioli Black Eyed Pea Salad, lemon-sumac dressing Grilled puntarelle with pit roasted sweet onions
Heather Carlucci, Print Restaurant. Tandoori Roast Pig with roasted carrot raita, tomato chutney, Marieke Fenugreek Gouda and Pig Roasted Onions on Sullivan Street Ciabatta
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