NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session

[pbe gummi bear]

A few weeks ago Argentflame picked up 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!


Cuda Dan giving a speech or something.   


Some cooker kettles present today.


A bunch of Filipino food was on the menu today. It wouldn't be a Filipino menu without our buddy Miguel.


Our buddy Sam was there too


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.




Hey, I recognize that kettle!


Prototype kettle by Duke. 


Argentflame and HeyJude ogling a Cook'n Kettle


Miss Piggy made a guest appearance.


First we seared some lamb. Don't try this at home, folks!


Flareups are a photographer's favorite, lol.


We got the hang of the searing after a while.


Argentflame in uniform manning the RK.


Lots of real estate on the RK


That's 2 full frenched racks of lamb and 24 chicken thighs cooking indirect at 375F!


Yummy yummy. I love big cuts of lamb!


Chicken coming off the RK.


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.


Lumpia (spring rolls) were the appetizer. I forgot to take a pic of the contents. Oops.


We also had pancit (noodles) and chicken adobo.


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

[Craig]

Sweet pictures! Wish I could have been there. It looked like a blast! Sweet red Wood Dale!


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[Cuda Dan]

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

[5280Jeff]

Looks like a great time with some great food! 

[DirectDrive]

Awesome photos and narration !

NorCal represents !

[wyd]

Wow everything looks great.  I just had lamb last week and it was fantastic.

[Winz]

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

[Heyjude]

Is it me or did Dule put on some extra pounds over winter? Lol..
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

[dazzo]

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   

[salad]

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. 

[Jeff]

Looks like a fun time guys!  Now I'm hungry!

[Duke]

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. 

[Troy]

Naku! How many pinoys were there?! Looks like a good time!

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[toddmog]

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!

[Bbqmiller]

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.

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.