Boy, do Jill and Chris know how to throw a party! On Friday, Mack and I were fortunate to be among a small group invited to their home for their annual Canada Day crab boil, a celebration of good food and great company.
In many ways, it was an extreme family-style meal. It all began with a massive pot outdoors over a burner, into which Jill and Chris added carrots, corn, asparagus and potatoes, and a whole whack of seafood, including three different kinds of crab, shrimp and scallops. Jill timed each addition perfectly so none of the delicate seafood would overcook (Mack wanted to mention that it actually didn’t begin with a pot, but with a vicious crab killing).
Jill and Chris tend to the pot
When ready to be served, a porous bag that lined the pot was lifted out of the water and brought directly to the dining table. Then, as the expectant (and hungry) guests watched, the bag was cut open, contents spilling in a gloriously rustic heap onto the paper-wrapped table.
Out it tumbles
Almost too pretty to eat
We each had been thoughtfully supplied a plastic bib to signal that dinner would be a messy affair, but it really was the only way I could think of eating this type of meal, where your hands are your cutlery, and butter the only accompaniment.
Mack suits up
It was a meal I won’t soon forget – between the crab and the conversation, it was easy to get carried away!
The remnants
Thanks again to Jill and Chris for your hospitality!
Only Here for the Food 
What an AWESOME way to celebrate Canada Day – good friends, great food and conversation! I must say for a small invited group you all did a wonderful job at making that Crab Boil disappear! Wonderful pictures. 🙂
Fabulous blog Sharon, great photos!
I have just recently learned about the lobster or crab boil – last couple of years, and have wanted to do it – what a WONDERFUL invitation – and the video was a fun addition. I want to know where they scored those gorgeous crabs. Great friends and good food make for a perfect celebration!
Love the photo of Mack.
🙂
Valerie
And what kind of pot is that Jill and Chris are using? Nothing like asking you to do research after a lovely meal out, eh?
🙂
Valerie
Inquiring minds really do want to know.
Valerie:
We buy the crabs at T&T in the mall. The pot I can’t say. Jill’s dad has been in the restaurant business forever and he bought it for us years ago.
Fun and easy to do.
Cheers,
Chris
It was a lot of fun! It was the best first crab boil one could experience :).
Thanks, Dianne!
Thanks for responding directly to Val, Chris, and thanks again for the invite!