Whole Hog Roast Catering for Modern Revival’s Men’s Experience | Catering Spotlight

Some events are memorable. Others are unforgettable.

At Nourish, we love partnering with organizations that create meaningful experiences through exceptional food. Recently, we were tapped by Modern Revival, a local social wellness club, to provide whole hog roast catering for one of the most unique private events we’ve seen yet.

Hosted at a beautiful private residence in Potomac, Maryland, the gathering brought together about 40 guests for Modern Revival’s April Men’s Experience—an evening designed to explore a topic many men are rarely taught: how to stay calm under pressure.

The experience featured a conversation led by Dr. Brian Paris in collaboration with Modern Revival resident expert, founder, and CEO Mikel Blair, focusing on how calm presence creates real power. To complement the insights and discussion, guests also enjoyed outdoor axe throwing, a whole hog roast, handcrafted cocktails, and a night under the stars.

With the event blending personal growth, camaraderie, and hands-on adventure, the hosts wanted a menu that matched the rugged, outdoor atmosphere. Our answer? A Classic Southern BBQ Feast built around a spectacular heritage whole hog roast.

Led by Chef Evan and assisted by Sous Chef Kevin, the Nourish culinary team spent the day slow-roasting a whole hog using a traditional Caja China roasting box, a method that delivers incredibly tender, flavorful results while creating beautifully crisp skin. But before the fire was lit, Chef Evan put significant thought into sourcing the star of the meal.

The pig weighed 80 pounds and was sourced through The Organic Butcher in Bethesda from Autumn Olive Farms in Waynesboro, Virginia.

“They are one of the best local farms that produce heritage breed pigs raised on natural pasture,” noted Chef Evan. For him, choosing a heritage breed was about more than supporting local farms—it was about creating the best possible dining experience.

“I was looking for a heritage breed because of the unmatched qualities in taste, marbling, fat, nutrition, and yields that have been lost due to conformity to commodity farming. These breeds, with their ample fat, allow for the utilization of old-world culinary practices and charcuterie that aren’t possible with modern breeds and commodity farming,” he added.

The pig itself was Autumn Olive Farms’ signature AOF Berkabaw, a proprietary cross between the purebred Ossabaw Island and English Berkshire breeds.

For Chef Evan, the event was a unique culinary experience. “It’s always nice to work with whole animals. I have a lot of experience butchering whole animals, but roasting one outside was pretty cool.”

Sous Chef Kevin also brought experience to the event, having previously smoked whole pigs while working on a friend’s barbecue food truck. “I have smoked whole pigs before. I used to work with my friend on his BBQ food truck, so I have…experience smoking. But what made this experience unique was using the Caja China!” 

“The Caja China was such a fun and unique smoker…The process of cutting it open and putting it inside the grate to make it cook evenly while also getting that nice crispy skin at the same time was really fun,” he added.

Preparation was intentionally minimal to allow the quality of the heritage pork to shine. Before roasting, the hog was injected with a sweet and tangy apple brine. 

“I really just had to split the spine so the carcass could butterfly open and lay flat while it cooked under the hot coals,” explained Chef Evan.

After hours of roasting, the whole hog was pulled and chopped to perfection. The rest of the menu stayed true to the traditions of Southern barbecue. Guests could choose from three house-made barbecue sauces representing barbecue traditions from across the country: a traditional Texas-style sweet and sticky sauce, a North Carolina vinegar-based sauce, and a Carolina Gold mustard-based sauce. Chef Evan and Sous Chef Kevin also served dill pickle chips, sliced onions, and soft brioche buns so guests could build their perfect sandwiches. 

To complement the sandwiches, this feast also featured creamy Southern coleslaw, smoked baked beans with molasses and bacon, mac and cheese made with a creamy blend of cheddar, Colby Jack, and provolone, and moist brown butter cornbread topped with local honey.

“The entire menu was amazing…the pickle chips were sweet and tangy and had the perfect amount of acidity to cut through the sweet and savory flavors coming from the pig and sauces,” said Sous Chef Kevin.

The evening’s signature cocktail was a refreshing bourbon peach sweet tea featuring bourbon, muddled peaches, fresh mint, lemon, and sweet tea. Chef Evan prepared the handcrafted mixer, adding the perfect Southern-inspired touch to the celebration.

Presentation mattered, too. The bar was housed inside a cleverly converted Airstream, adding another memorable element to the experience.

As the sun set and axes flew, guests enjoyed an evening filled with meaningful conversation, Southern barbecue, friendly competition, and plenty of laughter. The combination of guided discussion, outdoor axe throwing, a Classic Southern BBQ Feast, and handcrafted cocktails created an atmosphere that felt equal parts educational experience, rustic celebration, and unforgettable feast.

For Chef Evan, the event was as much about learning as it was about execution: “It was challenging to execute…[and] I think it was a good learning experience. I’d definitely like to do it again.”

The setting itself made the experience even more memorable. “It was a beautiful day—we couldn’t have asked for nicer weather,” said Chef Evan.

Kevin agreed: “It was a great experience. The location was beautiful, the weather was nice and sunny, [and] the guests loved the food.”

To elevate the experience even further, Nourish collaborated with Sweet Berry Co. to create custom-designed menus featuring axe- and fire-inspired artwork that tied perfectly into the event’s theme. From the moment guests arrived, every detail reflected the spirit of the celebration, setting the stage for an evening of bold flavors, meaningful conversation, friendly competition, and unforgettable memories.

Whether catering an intimate dinner, a corporate retreat, or a one-of-a-kind private event like Modern Revival’s April Men’s Experience, Nourish believes memorable hospitality starts with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, skilled culinary craftsmanship, and genuine connection.

Planning a private event, corporate gathering, milestone celebration, or immersive experience of your own? We’d love to help bring your vision to life. Contact the Nourish team to start planning a custom catering experience that’s as memorable as the occasion itself.