Whole Hog | Ecotone - Spring 2007

Whole Hog - Tenaya Darlington

Just when I needed an essay to lighten things up (Roots and Death at an Early Age are on my nightstand, where I am midway between both, while The Liar's Club awaits its turn) I stumble on this beauty about the power of the urban barbecue party.

Ms. Darlington lived next door to Kim, the master party host and meat-eater who hosts an annual pig roast in the most politically correct section of Madison, Wisconsin.  He is surrounded by masseuses and vegans of all types who are horrified at this celebration of gluttony.

As I read this, the only thing I could think was why hasn't this been optioned into a movie and a subsequent sitcom.

Kim has a typically tiny urban yard in which he has crammed on his patio a hot tub, a tap handle through the wall so that beer flows without the need to enter the house, and a ledge for his large high def television; the better to watch the Packers apparently.  While Kim and his buddy Tim are a hoot, they pale in comparison to the self-conscious, self-righteous co-op shopping, high-minded neighbors.  I especially loved the late night argument between a motorized wheelchair-bound white senior citizen and a black woman, her neighbor from down the street.

This is comedy gold.  And just what I needed.

I need to host a party here in my eclectic neighborhood.

But right now, I want a pulled pork sandwich.