Cooking meat en masse generally warrants a party, so it's no surprise that in five years a 'friendly' pig cooking competition ballooned into a daylong event that last year brought out more than 1,000 people.
Long live Latin bravado.
"We started it as a kind of throw down cooking event with a bunch of us guys, said Frank Moreno, who heads the St. Timothy Men's Club, part of a Catholic church of the same name in Sunset. "As most Hispanics do around Christmas time, everybody brags theirs the best."
So four friends got together and got to roasting to see who's hog is lo mejor. This year, for Pig Out Five, Moreno said there are 12 contestants. The rules are simple: A five-pound pig, no pit cooking and eight hours to get a whole hog to 165 degrees.
"Most people use some sort of cooking box, a Caja China, and some guys do a cement box," More said. "We've had some entries before of guys doing smoked pig."
Tickets are $10 and include tastings of the pigs to be judged. Moreno and the team have also brought on sponsors as the event has grown. Miami Club Rum, Wynwood Brewing Company and Double Cross Vodka will all be on site selling drinks.
All of the proceeds go to Feeding South Florida and other Catholic charities.
"There will also be Pardon cigars while supplies last," More added.
Try to remember that it's not all roasting and smoking and drinking. The event has become a family affair. Expect bounce houses, face painting and Girl Scouts selling cookies, so be on your best behavior. Pig judging starts at 3 p.m.
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