Pink Shell to host inaugural pig roast benefit
Fort Myers Beach residents and visitors will have a chance to go “hog wild” this weekend.
Pink Shell Resort will be hosting its inaugural pig roast to benefit the Harry Chapin Food Bank on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 3 to 6 p.m.
The crowd-pleasing event will feature five teams competing for bragging rights in the American Culinary Federation’s competition at the pool deck of the resort bar, Coconuts.
The public is not only invited to sample the finishing product, it will be called upon to select the best of show. The title of “People’s Favorite” will be selected by the hungry, participating masses. The cost per person is $10.
“We’ve got five teams competing to see whoever can roast the best pig,” said event coordinator and Pink Shell Chef Craig Panneton. “We are going to let the guests vote on the competition and, as they come through the door, we’ll be giving them lottery-type tickets.”
The five competing teams will be from The Pink Shell, Bistro 41, Indigo Hotel, Happy Foods and Cheney Brothers. Team members will be roasting the pigs all night on site.
“These pigs will all be done in different styles. Some will be smoked or done in trainer boxes for contained heat sources or in other forms of grills. It’s the chef’s choice on how to cook it,” the organizer said.
Panneton, the current acting president of the Southwest Florida Chapter of American Culinary Federation, said a full buffet would accompany the roast pigs. The Pink Shell, Sysco Foods, Cheney Brothers, US Foods and Happy Foods will provide various side dishes.
“Everybody is donating their time, and teams are donating a pig,” he said.
The concept of the resort’s first-ever pig roast was decided at a meeting of the Southwest Florida Chapter of American Culinary Federation.
“When we went over our agenda for last year, the idea was brought up. It just seemed like something fun for our culinary members to get involved with,” said Panneton. “Harry Chapin Food Bank has been the charity of choice for the chapter here.”
The Southwest Florida Chapter of American Culinary Federation will be raising funds for Hope Hospice through a golf tournament at Old Hickory a week later on Sept. 18.
At Sunday’s event, Panneton pointed out additional donations, including nonperishable food, will also be accepted. During the three-hour fundraiser, Legacy of Steel will provide entertainment. The tropical steel drum band, like everyone else involved in the event, will be donating its time free of charge.
“We want to encourage people to bring canned goods and dry food as well,” said Panneton. “How often do you see five roast pigs? There will be a lot of tasty pork.”
The Pink Shell is offering a special guest rate for those who wish to make a weekend of the event. For more information, contact Chef Panneton at 463-8613, or CPanneton@Pinkshell.com.