Catering in Cherry Point

[gaijin6423]

Does anyone have a good recommendation for someone to cater my Mandatory Fun Event (that's trademarked, by the way) for my Marines when they get back? I'm looking for someone who can deliver a whole roast pig to house, with a few sides. I'm going to drop a decent chunk of change on the MFE, but while cost isn't necessarily a huge limiting factor, I'd like to have enough cash left over to serve up some not to lousy beer. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Renegade One]

What I'd do is try and see if there's a local Fil-Am (Filipino-American) group or something similar in the area. They always seem to have someone or know someone who does exactly this...probably hook you up with fried rice, pancit, lumpia, whatever you want.
Just a thought.

 

[Mumbles]

There's got to be a bunch of Carolina BBQ joints in the area that would cater.

 

[gaijin6423]

Good suggestion, and thanks. I've got a couple 'special interest' types, who don't, for various reasons, partake of pork, and that might be a good option to make sure that they're taken care of. As opposed to just lobbing something on the grill for them. Although, I must say that they would likely eat just as well, if not better, than the rest of the Marines, thanks to a brand new Big Green Egg.

 

[phrogpilot73]

I know it's a little south of you, but I'm about 90% certain that there's a BBQ joint that will do pig pulls in Jacksonville. I don't remember the name (I'll see if I can figure it out), but if you want to check and see - they're on Sneads Ferry Rd. If you're on US-17 S heading to Wilmington, and you turn left on 210/Sneads Ferry Road like you're going in the back gate of Lejeune/Stone Bay - they're on the right before Stone Bay. It's a tiny restaurant, and I think they're catering business is what carries them. I'll see if I can find a name/number (or someone who lives in J-Vegas could probably check too).

Didn't even finish my post and I found it on Google Maps:

JC's Catering
212 NC Highway 210
Holly Ridge, NC
(910) 347-7566‎

 

[gaijin6423]

Thanks.

In an effort to limit my new thread creation (or perhaps out of sheer laziness), does anyone have any homebrewing tips? I'm planning to start my first batch of ale tomorrow, and I'd rather not screw it up. I have a decent beginner's ale kit, and I've read up a more than a little bit. But I also read plenty of books on how to fly, too, and we see where THAT got me. Anyway, more catering and homebrewing advice, please!

 

[HAL Pilot]

So I take it you're now ahead in your pursuit to continue your genetic line and have time for other activities....

 

[Ektar]

Glad to hear there is another homebrewer joining our elite ranks!

I've been brewing for a little over 2 years now and love the hobby. Here are a few tips to help you get going.

1. If you haven't yet read John Palmer's "How to Brew" read it! He has a free edition on the web at this website: www.howtobrew.com

2. SANITATION. I can't stress this enough. At least half of brewing is sanitation and cleanliness. Make sure you sanitize everything that touches the wort, especially after the boil is over. As you brew more and gain experience you will learn more about sanitation and when and when not to worry about it, but for now be anal about it. You don't want an infection in your first batch of beer.

3. Control your fermentation temperatures. Try to keep your temps in the mid-sixties if possible. Once beer is fermenting, it generates a lot of heat, so you gotta keep it cool. High fermentation temps lead to off flavors and fusel alcohols which will give you a headache later. My suggestion, build a swamp cooler. Get a pan of water large enough for your carboy/bucket and it in the pan with about 2 inches of water in the bottom. Wrap the carboy/bucket in a wet towel and then aim a fan at the carboy/bucket. The carboy/bucket will be cooled by the evaporation of the water from the tool, keeping your fermenting beer cool.

4. Don't rush your fermentation. Primary fermentation generally takes between 10 to 14 days. Rack the beer to soon and you can run into issues.


Well, I hope that helps you get going. Feel free to shot me a PM if you want, but I can't guarantee a quick response right now since I'm travelling. Good luck and happy brewing!

 

[gaijin6423]

As for the genetic line, we'll see here in a while if there's a future airwarrior in the oven. If not, I'm going to be pissed, because the wife has me damn near WORN OUT.

As for the brewing... I read "How to Brew" in its entirety while in Afghanistan. (That was after we spent 2 months sending BO-ridden jihadists to Allah, that is.) There were parts that, true to the disclaimers in the book, were a bit too technical--I was glad for USNA chemistry--for the average Joe off the street, but it seems to be a very complete, concise guide on how to brew. When I mentioned to the owner of the shop I went to today that I had read it, he instantly warmed up a bit and said that I was off to a good start by reading it. Since I don't have a spare refrigerator lying around, I opted for an ale kit, and it seems to be a decent one, with a list of good component ingredients.

Your idea for the swamp cooler is almost verbatim what the owner of the shop suggested for me, as my house has overhead vents for AC.

Incidentally, I'll toss a pitch out for the Homebrewhaus in New Bern, NC. I'd read about the store online, and it did not disappoint, as it has a decent selection of home brewing supplies and some hard to find beers, as well. They also carry some home wine making supplies, but nothing too crazy. The proprietor, Dick, is retired Air Force, and was beyond helpful when I walked in and said, "I know jack shit about this. Help me make beer." Happy to provide directions for anyone who wants them.

Okay, it's time for me to climb in the hot tub with a glass of bourbon.

 

[Ektar]

Ohh gaijin, I forgot to add one thing to my list. Make a starter for your yeast! This step should fall right after sanitation. Improper yeast pitching rates can have a huge effect on your beer. For directions on making just google or around or you can PM me.