We had a hot time in the old town last night as Pete and Ellen hosted another utterly delightful Geekquinox, this time themed around hot spices. The spice did indeed flow, and many sinuses and intestinal tracts were cleared!
I talked to Mom about the menu on Friday night, and we both agreed that neither of us would be likely to try anything hotter than the Heartbeat Pineapple Habanero, but I surprised myself last night by sampling each. Surprisingly, I found the hottest spice more palatable than the second-hottest, which had my pores and sinuses open wide and my tongue twisting in protest. Regarding flavour, my favourites were the Heartbeat Pineapple, the Los Calientes, and the Ginger Goat Original. I can't really call them hot after detonating The Bomb in my mouth; each offered a nice mixture of sweet or sour to temper the heat.
Scott samples a sauce.
I don't believe I've ever had homemade guacamole before last night. It was scrumptious, and a welcome antidote to the heat.
Pete often prepares his amazing chicken chili verde at Gaming & Guinness, and I'll never tire of it. I could live on this stuff.
Pete spends most of his time at Geekquinox cooking, but luckily he could take breaks to enjoy his own preparations, thanks to occasional sous-chefing from Ellen and some of the more talented guests. (I was fit only for crumbling some feta into a measuring cup.)
For example, here's Jeff stirring that delicious chili.
And here's Steve coring the fruit out of a pineapple. Mmmm.
Ohhhh yeah.
Steve enjoys some chili.
The incredible hamachi shot.
One of Pete's kitchen light bulbs had been burned out for years, and I'm proud to say that I was among the first to notice he'd finally changed the bulb. Huzzah!
Our hostess enjoys a steaming cup of specially-brewed spirited rum coffee with butterscotch whipped cream. Even a teetotaler like me has to admit that sounds pretty good.
Mike's animated conversation brings life to every gathering graced with his peripatetic presence.
We all feasted on chips, guacamole, and hot sauce between courses.
But in truth, coming together to share our stories and laugh is the best thing about Geekquinox. Or is it the food? No, it's the friendship. No, the food...they're both amazing.
The pork and pineapple skewers were heavenly, rivalling, in my eyes (or rather, in my mouth), the chili verde.
Sylvia and I had to leave before the day wrapped up, and boy do I regret missing the Mexican street corn. But needs must!
Don't skimp on the cheese sauce.
Sylvia and I feel incredibly lucky to have such lovely friends and to be part of what's become one of our favourite traditions. Thanks again, Pete and Ellen!
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Steve's thoughts on the night.
Pete spends most of his time at Geekquinox cooking, but luckily he could take breaks to enjoy his own preparations, thanks to occasional sous-chefing from Ellen and some of the more talented guests. (I was fit only for crumbling some feta into a measuring cup.) 
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