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Weber Kettle Community => Meetups & Events => Topic started by: pbe gummi bear on April 30, 2014, 09:37:35 PM

Title: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: pbe gummi bear on April 30, 2014, 09:37:35 PM
A few weeks ago Argentflame picked up a ranch kettle for $250 (http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/trading-post/scored-a-ranch-kettle-for-$250!!!/). He cleaned it up and shared the first cook with a few grillfellas. This is what happened.

In attendance we had Cuda Dan, HeyJude, Argentflame, PBE Gummi Bear, Duke, and Kako5256. This was our first time meeting Cuda Dan so I guess you could call it his initiation.  :) Although he was pretty knowledgable on the grill so he taught us a few tricks. Thanks, Cuda Dan!
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t31.0-8/p600x600/10014777_10100268233020678_1367177669562884135_o.jpg)

Cuda Dan giving a speech or something.   8)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/p552x414/10275478_10100268253135368_8487598674702832358_o.jpg)

Some cooker kettles present today.
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t31.0-8/p600x600/858708_10100268252970698_6277035039550756341_o.jpg)

A bunch of Filipino food was on the menu today. It wouldn't be a Filipino menu without our buddy Miguel.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/p600x600/10257267_10100268232875968_7314330765409013806_o.jpg)

Our buddy Sam was there too
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31.0-8/p180x540/1781148_10100268253260118_4008360011856635324_o.jpg)

Two chimney's getting fired up on the RK. This thing is big folks! A WSM ring is in the back shadows and would be our charcoal basket for the day.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31.0-8/p600x600/1801380_10100268252965708_6417431649186118_o.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/p180x540/10275308_10100268253275088_4168840862023180231_o.jpg)

Hey, I recognize that kettle!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/p552x414/10264204_10100268253130378_3922625075221621833_o.jpg)

Prototype kettle by Duke.  ;D
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t31.0-8/p526x296/10273159_10100268253115408_5983748657877364750_o.jpg)

Argentflame and HeyJude ogling a Cook'n Kettle
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31.0-8/p600x600/1548104_10100268233000718_7007208011428290971_o.jpg)

Miss Piggy made a guest appearance.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31.0-8/p600x600/10286744_10100268232880958_640757330018271941_o.jpg)

First we seared some lamb. Don't try this at home, folks!
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t31.0-8/p180x540/856331_10100268253319998_7385413006896737765_o.jpg)

Flareups are a photographer's favorite, lol.
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/p180x540/1402288_10100268253404828_5609729425332756831_o.jpg)

We got the hang of the searing after a while.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t31.0-8/p180x540/10275531_10100268253379878_7904116581375779079_o.jpg)

Argentflame in uniform manning the RK.
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t31.0-8/p640x640/901463_10100268253429778_5966362383982796442_o.jpg)

Lots of real estate on the RK
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/p180x540/10269298_10100268253534568_9051667257128665353_o.jpg)

That's 2 full frenched racks of lamb and 24 chicken thighs cooking indirect at 375F!
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t31.0-8/p600x600/10295483_10100268233005708_353639724047707783_o.jpg)

Yummy yummy. I love big cuts of lamb!
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31.0-8/p843x403/10258525_10100268253554528_5548991767277048989_o.jpg)

Chicken coming off the RK.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31.0-8/p600x600/10286789_10100268233140438_7055698360118614158_o.jpg)

and a closeup of the chicken. The chicken had a light rub. It was cooked at high heat ~375-400F so the skin was nice and crispy.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t31.0-8/p600x600/10273338_10100268233090538_3497199087498685501_o.jpg)

Lumpia (spring rolls) were the appetizer. I forgot to take a pic of the contents. Oops.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/p600x600/1836646_10100268232885948_4602292725683218222_o.jpg)

We also had pancit (noodles) and chicken adobo.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/p180x540/10258233_10100268253574488_5298908151525284299_o.jpg)

Sorry you missed out Salad and Dazzo! Hopefully this meet up was just a warm up for the Napa meet in 2 weeks. Cheers!
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: Craig on April 30, 2014, 10:36:00 PM
Sweet pictures! Wish I could have been there. It looked like a blast! Sweet red Wood Dale!


Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: Cuda Dan on May 01, 2014, 05:26:58 AM
Argentflame
Thanks again for the invite it was really great to meet everyone and to share a meal.
Hope to see you all at the next event.

Cuda Dan
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: 5280Jeff on May 01, 2014, 05:40:18 AM
Looks like a great time with some great food!  ;D
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: DirectDrive on May 01, 2014, 05:42:23 AM
Awesome photos and narration !

NorCal represents !
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: wyd on May 01, 2014, 06:16:32 AM
Wow everything looks great.  I just had lamb last week and it was fantastic.
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: Winz on May 01, 2014, 06:34:39 AM
REALLY bummed I had to miss this one.  Great pics, great food, great company!

Alvin - promise me that beautiful ranch is going to show up at the NORCAL in 2 weeks.

Winz
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: Heyjude on May 01, 2014, 06:35:35 AM
Is it me or did Dule put on some extra pounds over winter? Lol.. ;) 8)
Don't worry, he's gonna get even with me.

And yes, we had a great time. Thanks for hosting Alvin.. Be sure to keep your gate locked.. AJ
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: dazzo on May 01, 2014, 07:08:04 AM

Hopefully next time!

Couldn't pass up the chance to hang out with my son at the Giants/Indians game. The Say Hey Kid was there and they remembered the '54 Series win and "The Catch" (the REAL Catch - not that Niners one - yes, I'm a California born and raised Packers fan living in the Bay Area)

Yeah, wish I coulda been there - love Filipino food - I don't know about hanging out with a bunch of enablers though    ::)


Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: salad on May 01, 2014, 08:22:09 AM
Couldn't make it due to prior engagements but damn that looks good.  Kudos to Argent for hosting.  One thing, though.  No pics of rice.  There was rice, right?  As a Filipino, I'm not used to seeing a table at any point of the day w/out a bowl of rice! 

Oh, and that pig smoker is cool.  Nice score there. 
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: Jeff on May 01, 2014, 08:33:53 AM
Looks like a fun time guys!  Now I'm hungry!
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: Duke on May 01, 2014, 10:24:54 AM
It was a real blast! A special thank you to Argent and his lovely wife for being such gracious hosts. The food was excellent and so was the company. I'm really going to try and make the Napa meet and hang out with everyone again. Hopefully the guys that weren't able to attend this one can make the next. AJ, yes it's all of the lumpia Argent keeps hooking me up with.  :)
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: Troy on May 01, 2014, 11:58:54 AM
Naku! How many pinoys were there?! Looks like a good time!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: toddmog on May 01, 2014, 12:09:46 PM
I could eat my weight in pancit.  I haven't had it since I moved from TN 11 years ago.  I need to find some more Filipino friends!
Title: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: Bbqmiller on May 01, 2014, 01:51:00 PM
Quote from: pbe gummi bear on April 30, 2014, 09:37:35 PM


Two chimney's getting fired up on the RK. This thing is big folks! A WSM ring is in the back shadows and would be our charcoal basket for the day.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31.0-8/p600x600/1801380_10100268252965708_6417431649186118_o.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/p180x540/10275308_10100268253275088_4168840862023180231_o.jpg)




How did using the WSM coal ring workout. I have used this method on the RK, and it has worked pretty well for a couple of cooks.
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: Duke on May 01, 2014, 01:59:00 PM
The ring worked out really well, however I have plans to fab some custom baskets for Argent and I pretty soon.
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: Bbqmiller on May 01, 2014, 04:32:41 PM

Quote from: Duke on May 01, 2014, 01:59:00 PM
The ring worked out really well, however I have plans to fab some custom baskets for Argent and I pretty soon.
Be sure to post pics. I got some expanded metal, but I don't have access to welding. Been thinking of trying SS bolts, washers, and nuts. Have seen others make charcoal baskets without welding.
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: saxart on May 01, 2014, 04:48:33 PM
Great post.  Nice kettle Argent.

Mind if I ask, is the charcoal kettle on that RK twisted/bent (7th pic down) or is that just an optical illusion in the photo?
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: pbe gummi bear on May 01, 2014, 07:11:04 PM
I think it's actually warped. I've seen alot of these RK grates get deformed- I've also seen them where the center is completely blown out. The length of the rod, the extremely large heat area/source, and weight of the charcoal are also contributing factors to the warpage. The RK charcoal grate also has a support beam on it.

(http://www.ereplacementparts.com/images/part_p_1475722_1892987107_med.gif)
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: Stu Clary on July 23, 2014, 12:25:40 PM
Quote from: salad on May 01, 2014, 08:22:09 AM

Oh, and that pig smoker is cool.  Nice score there.

Wow...I just had to go back and look.  That pig is a smoker!  Hella cool.  Sorry I'm gonna miss this Saturday's get together, hoping to be invited next time!
Title: Re: NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session
Post by: Kgo on July 23, 2014, 02:25:42 PM
Quote from: pbe gummi bear on April 30, 2014, 09:37:35 PM
A few weeks ago Argentflame picked up a ranch kettle for $250 (http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/trading-post/scored-a-ranch-kettle-for-$250!!!/). He cleaned it up and shared the first cook with a few grillfellas. This is what happened.

In attendance we had Cuda Dan, HeyJude, Argentflame, PBE Gummi Bear, Duke, and Kako5256. This was our first time meeting Cuda Dan so I guess you could call it his initiation.  :) Although he was pretty knowledgable on the grill so he taught us a few tricks. Thanks, Cuda Dan!
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t31.0-8/p600x600/10014777_10100268233020678_1367177669562884135_o.jpg)

Cuda Dan giving a speech or something.   8)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/p552x414/10275478_10100268253135368_8487598674702832358_o.jpg)

Some cooker kettles present today.
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t31.0-8/p600x600/858708_10100268252970698_6277035039550756341_o.jpg)

A bunch of Filipino food was on the menu today. It wouldn't be a Filipino menu without our buddy Miguel.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/p600x600/10257267_10100268232875968_7314330765409013806_o.jpg)

Our buddy Sam was there too
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31.0-8/p180x540/1781148_10100268253260118_4008360011856635324_o.jpg)

Two chimney's getting fired up on the RK. This thing is big folks! A WSM ring is in the back shadows and would be our charcoal basket for the day.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31.0-8/p600x600/1801380_10100268252965708_6417431649186118_o.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/p180x540/10275308_10100268253275088_4168840862023180231_o.jpg)

Hey, I recognize that kettle!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/p552x414/10264204_10100268253130378_3922625075221621833_o.jpg)

Prototype kettle by Duke.  ;D
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t31.0-8/p526x296/10273159_10100268253115408_5983748657877364750_o.jpg)

Argentflame and HeyJude ogling a Cook'n Kettle
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31.0-8/p600x600/1548104_10100268233000718_7007208011428290971_o.jpg)

Miss Piggy made a guest appearance.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31.0-8/p600x600/10286744_10100268232880958_640757330018271941_o.jpg)

First we seared some lamb. Don't try this at home, folks!
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t31.0-8/p180x540/856331_10100268253319998_7385413006896737765_o.jpg)

Flareups are a photographer's favorite, lol.
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/p180x540/1402288_10100268253404828_5609729425332756831_o.jpg)

We got the hang of the searing after a while.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t31.0-8/p180x540/10275531_10100268253379878_7904116581375779079_o.jpg)

Argentflame in uniform manning the RK.
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t31.0-8/p640x640/901463_10100268253429778_5966362383982796442_o.jpg)

Lots of real estate on the RK
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/p180x540/10269298_10100268253534568_9051667257128665353_o.jpg)

That's 2 full frenched racks of lamb and 24 chicken thighs cooking indirect at 375F!
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t31.0-8/p600x600/10295483_10100268233005708_353639724047707783_o.jpg)

Yummy yummy. I love big cuts of lamb!
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31.0-8/p843x403/10258525_10100268253554528_5548991767277048989_o.jpg)

Chicken coming off the RK.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31.0-8/p600x600/10286789_10100268233140438_7055698360118614158_o.jpg)

and a closeup of the chicken. The chicken had a light rub. It was cooked at high heat ~375-400F so the skin was nice and crispy.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t31.0-8/p600x600/10273338_10100268233090538_3497199087498685501_o.jpg)

Lumpia (spring rolls) were the appetizer. I forgot to take a pic of the contents. Oops.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/p600x600/1836646_10100268232885948_4602292725683218222_o.jpg)

We also had pancit (noodles) and chicken adobo.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/p180x540/10258233_10100268253574488_5298908151525284299_o.jpg)

Sorry you missed out Salad and Dazzo! Hopefully this meet up was just a warm up for the Napa meet in 2 weeks. Cheers!

Those pics inspired me.

I saved some of your lamb pics onto my phone.  Next bbq I will try lamb.  (The funny thing is I really hate lamb) but those were some amazing pictures!