During my pork grilling research I read a post that pork, these days, isn't really much of a concern like it used to be. Someone even posted that Alton Brown (from Food Network) said that it was even okay to eat it rare/medium-rare these days, but I have not confirmed that myself. I wouldn't doubt it, though. I like most any meat on the rarer side since that's where all the taste is. I never have understood those who eat meat well done - to me it's a waste. Except poultry, that still skeeves me when it's undercooked. Pork to a degree, too, but that's what we were taught. But beef, lamb, etc - gimme medium rare or even bloody rare. Yummy!

As for Chanukah, I wasn't actually thinking of it for this meal -- I had planned Italian all along, and went with my Dad's favorites. My mom as well loves it, too, but I told her I'd tackle Osso Bucco for her next time. I always leaned towards her tastes making big meals, so figured it was his turn.