There’s no doubting Aussies love a good barbeque…whether in the backyard for a weekend catchup with mates, or at a restaurant specialising in flame-cooked temptations.
Did you know the history of the word barbeque goes back to the indigenous people of North and South America?
The Spanish word ‘barbacoa’ was used by the Tainos, who inhabited Hispaniola, Jamaica and Cuba, to describe the slow cooking of meat over an open flame.
Here are five of our favourite joints for a flamin’ good barbeque feast:
Authentic American Barbequed Meat
Texas BBQ has arrived in Armstrong Creek with the opening of Armstrong Barbecue on Unity Drive in Mount Duneed. With a whiskey bar, beer garden and outdoor space for the kids, this family-friendly dining destination delivers the authentic taste of American barbequed meat in chilled-out surrounds, ideal for catch-ups over a brew, burger or plate of ribs.
Chow down on pork spare ribs, Central Texas-style, with sides of potato salad, Mexican street corn and Southern slaw; or wrap your mouth around a beef barbacoa taco with white onion, lime, coriander, salsa roja and salsa verde.
Mouth-watering Dining Experience
Follow the aroma of Texas-style barbequed meat to find Smokin Hot ‘N Saucy Barbecue on Maitland Road in Islington. This Newcastle food truck has set up a permanent location in the laneway where brightly painted walls, an orange awning and wooden tables set the scene for chowing down on all things meat.
Big Tex loves loading up the smoker to cook meat for up to 12 hours with exactly the right temperature and spices to create a mouth-watering dining experience; think platters overloaded with beef, brisket, pork and chicken, or chow down on a Big Tex burger with brisket, pulled pork, apple slaw, onion rings and barbeque sauce.
Hearty Smoked-meat Flavours
Combining the best of East and West, head to Chop ‘n’ Chill on Horton Street in Port Macquarie for street-style Southeast Asian fare blended with the hearty smoked-meat flavours of the Americas. Nestled on the Town Green with spectacular views of the beautiful Hastings River, this restaurant is all about spending great times with family and friends; find indoor-outdoor dining in relaxing surrounds, while a kids’ play park entertains the little ones.
Spread your chicken wings with spicy buffalo morsels and housemade sauce to get things started, then devour a juicy house-smoked brisket burger with double melted gooey cheese, lettuce, tomato, Lazy Paul’s BBQ sauce and chunky fries.
Appease Ravenous Hunger
Follow the tantalising aromas of slow-cooked and smoked meat down Railway Street in Rockdale to appease ravenous hunger at Smokin’ Al’s BBQ. Let Al cook for you using unique flavours and ingredients to plate up the perfect Texas-style low and slow BBQ meat, along with char-grilled Angus burgers and housemade frankfurters in fabulous hot dogs.
Don’t go past 12-hour smoked beef rib with sides of mac and cheese, slow-cooked spicy beans and red cabbage, fennel and apple slaw in an apple cider dressing; or wrap your mouth around a Smokin’ Al’s burger with beef patty, American cheese, beef rasher, caramelised onion, lettuce, chipotle mayo and BBQ sauce, on a milk bun.
Asado Latino Charcoal BBQ
Traditional Latin American fare is what you can expect at Antojitos Latinos on Main North Road in Pooraka. Vibrant mosaic tiles and terracotta-coloured walls set the vibe for relaxing Latino-style on couches adorned with eclectic cushions, while potted greenery and a colourful wall mural add an authentic touch.
Join the fun for monthly Latino charcoal BBQ events and enjoy an asado experience like no other, or delve into menu choices such as churrasco – thin beef steak, homegrown tomatoes, housemade free-range mayo and mashed avocado, served in a round roll.
