Fun, sun, and good eats were on tap for Geography’s annual spring barbecue, held at Goleta Beach on Friday, June 7, 3:30 – sundown. The Events Committee (aka, Dan Montello) provided tri-tip, sausages, veggie Portobello caps, French bread, salsa, and beverages (beer, wine, water, soda); potluck contributions by students, faculty, and staff included appetizers, salads, side dishes, and desserts.
As always, the world-class tri tip, prepared and cooked to perfection by Master Chef Montello, was the main barbeque feature, but there were also some notable pot luck donations. Staffer Jose Saleta was impressed with the rosemary breakfast sausages donated by grad student Olaf Menzer; Olaf, in turn, raved about the Korean dish contributed by Jae Lee; and Bo Romero’s “veggie darts” sold out in a hurry.
The setting was glorious, the weather was kind, the turnout was good, and the company was happy. Here’s Bo Romero’s summary of the event: Dan’s first round of tri-tip went fast! Even though numerous roasts came off the grill, all of the tasty meat was quickly consumed. Luckily, though not by chance, an interim round of spicy chorizo sausages quelled the hunger of the crowd until a second tri-tip celebration began. Being at the beach, even the seagulls tried to join in, but they were thwarted in their quest for fresh grilled treats. Throughout the event, one of the most common phrases heard was “Thank you, Dan!”
The warm afternoon sun eventually settled below the horizon, but that didn’t end the party. Though some small groups ventured off together, a happy crew stayed into the evening … even after the last beer was tapped from the keg! The cold ocean breeze seemed to pull them closer together and stimulate their adrenaline a bit, too. Whether in the relaxing afternoon or the brisk evening, the get-together seemed satisfying to everyone. Cheers to wrapping up the spring quarter and starting a fresh summer season!
To quote an Irish proverb, “laughter is brightest where food is best.” Check out the Events Photos page on our web site for some candid camera shots of the 2013 Spring BBQ, and, if you took any of your own, feel free to add them to the collection.
