Sweedler/Ramirez Encino BBQ Part I

This weekend, my kids and their best friends went to an invitation only BBQ in Encino. We were invited by the notoriously amazing Rob Sweedler, co-owner of Roark Art Supply and culinary master. Not really knowing what the evening entailed, we went hungry and brought with us a cake from Susina Bakery (raspberry-almond tart).

Rob told me about his past culinary shin-digs, manned by friends who owned top restaurants around town and culinary enthusiasts from around Southern Cal. We made our way to Richard Ramirez's home in Encino. It was dark already and already filled with people, families and chefs. We all sat outside. Tables with table clothed covered Rich's backyard. Decorative lights, drinks, snacks and staff filled the air with conversation and laughter.

We sat in the back next to a big dirt mound, which we witnessed latter to be a pit where the pig was being cooked. The chef's gave me a tour of the cooking area. There was fresh fish just caught two days ago in Cabo that was being smoked. We got to taste this later. Oh my God! It melted in your mouth and that smoked flavor is memorable.

We waited outside for two hours and were served chips and homemade salsa. This salsa is the juiciest salsa I've ever had. The tomatoes bursted with flavor and spunk.