HogFight 2016 Mahoney’s Pub and Grille – A Porkoff!
By Ryan Haber
Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of being invited to Mahoney’s Pub & Grille to check out the 2016 HogFight. Annually, this whole-hog roasting competition draws some of Chicago’s best chefs to battle it out. It was a hot and sunny day, and the smell of smoked and roasted pork flowed up and down the block. I knew this was going to be a fun afternoon.
Upon arrival, I immediately did a quick tour of the street to check out the various stands, take pictures, and see what I would be eating. I luckily came across the Lagunitas Brewing Company tent at the end of the street and grabbed myself a Pilsner. As I re-hydrated, I started hitting the stands to check out all the meaty entries for the day. I started with the Rural Society pig by Cory Morris – plum and tamarind flavors resonated throughout each bite. It was very moist and I will definitely be visiting the Loews Hotel to check out this restaurant!
I moved up to the Timothy O’Tooles stand, where I got some great pork with a delicious sauce and some awesome Blue Cheese Cole-Slaw. I was very happy to grab a bite of the Rekenekt Cusine pig and was blown away. I hope to attend one of their weekly supper clubs. After some tastings, I headed back to the Lagunitas tent where I sampled the Censored: Rich Copper Ale. This beer had a surprisingly smooth yet deep roasted flavor. I also tried the Sucks: Brown Shugga Subsitute Ale. Both beers were perfect pairings with the various hog meats!
Moving out on my third mission, I stopped to play bags and check out the inside of Mahoney’s Pub and Grille. I was looking at some of the MSU gear on the walls and spotted Famous Dave Anderson of the popular barbeque chain. Dave attended the event to judge, sponsor, and announce the winners of various awards. Quickly snapping a pic, I ran out to grab the rest of the prize-winning pork. I had a great time watching the meatball contests, where attendees raced to finish a huge all-pork meatball without using their hands or utensils. It did get a bit messy, but it was definitely a highlight of the event.
As the music blazed through the pub, I finished making my rounds and ate from the Porkies, Phil DeRosa, and Kimski stands. Porkies is a professional whole-hog roasting business that roasts hogs all year round in Chicago. Phil’s meat had great flavor and leaves a little mystery to all the seasonings involved. Kimski was truly a stand-out, and I felt it had the best presentation and meat by far. I was served up a heaping pile of pork with a rice and cabbage and to be eaten with chopsticks. I added some of the Kimski award winning sauces and felt the satisfaction pour over my face. It is no wonder that Tony Balestreri and the Kimski team won The “Hogfather Award” for best overall whole-hog.
While Kimski was easily my favorite booth I visited, I suggest you look into all the restaurants I mentioned if you’re looking for some delicious BBQ.
Mahoney’s Pub and Grille is located on N. Ogden Ave (just north of W. Grand Ave) and is open from 5PM to 2AM Monday through Wednesday; Thursday, Friday and Sunday 11AM to 2AM; and Saturday 11AM to 3AM. Mahoney’s has daily specials as well as liquors and beers of the month.