A Christchurch barbeque joint has won a 'breakthrough talent' award, just two months after setting up in one of the city's industrial suburbs.
Smokey T's Barbeque has become one of the most popular new upstart restaurants in the city, selling out most days since opening a permanent outlet on Cashel St a few weeks ago.
Owner Tristan Anderson is a former executive chef, who managed 32 chefs across several Christchurch restaurants, who says he’s been grabbed by a "smoking addiction".
"I like to call the flavour a natural MSG. Three days later, you're going - where's that taste," he says.
"If you're doing it properly, you're getting the little bit of heat, the little bit sweetness, you're still tasting the meat, nothing's overpowering each other."
His brisket and ribs are prepared over several hours in a traditional American style, with cooking starting at 4AM most mornings.
The dedication is paying off, with Smokey T's winning Breakthrough Talent of The Year at the Christchurch Hospitality Awards.
New Zealand Restaurant Association Christchurch President Lisa Levy says the awards are judged by members of the hospitality industry, including restaurant owners, suppliers and front of house staff.
"They are passionate about what they do, it comes from here, it comes from wanting to provide something fun, something exceptional," she says.
Anderson says this is just the beginning, with plans to set up in Tokyo soon. In the meantime, this smoking sensation has left mouths watering in Christchurch.
Newshub.
