After the Melbourne Barbecue Festival enjoyed its first event last year, what inspired the expansion to Sydney so soon?
Our first event was really well supported with 15 teams from around Australia coming to Melbourne to compete in the cook-off. The support in Sydney for the first Yak Ales Barbecue Festival has been amazing. We have 17 teams in the cook-off, including a couple of teams from overseas. There’s a real enthusiasm for barbecue and low and slow cooking at the moment. American barbecue is a big part of that, but I think people are generally becoming more interested in food and different cooking techniques. We would ultimately like to take this concept around Australia.
What can you tell us about your supporters, the Kansas City Barbeque Society?
The KCBS is the largest organisation of barbecue enthusiasts in the world. Founded in 1986, they sanction 450 contests annually and number over 20,000 members. Competitive barbecue is a big deal in the States, and KCBS are like the PGA for golf. Melbourne last year was the fist KCBS event in the Southern Hemisphere, and with the attendance of some international teams this year, we are hopeful our Australian contests become a key stop on the international barbecue circuit (yes, there is such a thing!).
What can visitors expect to see cooking up on the day?
We’ve assembled some of Sydney’s best culinary talent to feed the crowds, including Bovine & Swine, Surly’s and Porteño. Hoy Pinoy and Bluebonnet Barbecue will be heading up from Melbourne as well. Think brisket, pulled pork, ribs, pork skewers, smoked sausage and everything in between.
It’s not all about barbecuing – what else does the event have to offer?
It’s a real fun, family-oriented event. Children under 16 are admitted free with a paying adult, and there are plenty of activities to keep them entertained. There’s also live entertainment and DJs throughout the day, beers from Yak Ales, and a range of cooking demonstrations from local and international barbecue experts.
What are the key ingredients for a great barbie?
Great food and great people. The Yak Ales Sydney Barbecue Festival has both, so come along and check it out.
Yak Ales Sydney Barbecue Festival happensSaturday January 30 at The Domain. For your chance to win a double pass to the festival, visit thebrag.com/freeshit.
