IN THE MIDST of one of the best summers we’ve had in half a decade, there’s never been a better time to lounge in the outdoors and enjoy a delicious barbecue.
Luckily, we’re nearing the time for not only Ireland’s, but Europe’s biggest barbecue festival – The Big Grill, which takes place from August 16th to 19th in Herbert Park, Dublin.
And there are plenty of special treats lined up this year, particularly of the melt-in-the-mouth meat variety, not to mention delicious cocktails to pair with them. Here’s what not to miss at this year’s flame-grilled festival.
As it’s usually to be found only in London, The Big Grill brings your only chance in Ireland to sample what is regarded as the best barbecue restaurant in the British capital, which started on the festival scene. Famous for their brisket, you can expect fire-roasted sides and delicious tastes from their mouthwatering menu.
Owned and run by the two founders of the Big Grill Festival, Fowl Play will be bringing six-hour fire-roasted free range chicken and game to our tastebuds. Wondering what’s above? That’s cherry smoked chicken, glazed with 3FE espresso BBQ sauce – delicious. They cook everything over a wood-fired rotisserie and you can check out their menu here.
As the official tonic partner of The Big Grill, the 1783 Alchemy will be serving up perfectly crafted cocktails to cool down the heat of the expertly barbecued meat. This year, expect the likes of Tom Collins, Margarita Fizzes, Zingy Vodka and Tonics and two types of thirst-quenching G&Ts – cucumber and classic.
An annual favourite at festivals and outdoor concerts, Kinara Kitchen serves up delicious Pakistani cuisine. Don’t miss their delicious chicken and lamb skewers roasted on charcoal satay grills, and other dishes they’ll be roasting over their open fire pit. You can take a look at their spice-filled menu for a taste of what you can expect here.
Making their Big Grill debut this year, neighbourhood bistro Clanbrassil House use an in-house charcoal grill which head chef Grainne O’Keeffe bases the menu around. Grainne is also a culinary director for Sandymount’s Bujo so expect flavour-packed meat and chicken dishes. Check out Clanbrassil House’s menu here for a preview.
You don’t have to be a food and drink aficionado to realise that Irish gin is having a major moment, and Dingle Gin is one of the most exciting spirits to come from our gin revival. They use rowan berries from mountain ash trees, fuschia, bog myrtle, hawthorn and heather, all creating Kerry-inspired, delicious cocktails.
A restaurant that has become an institution in both Bray and at its residence at Dublin 8′s Eatyard, Box Burger serves up mouthwatering, gourmet burgers loaded with tasty toppings that cater to almost every taste. They even have vegan and gluten-free options – have a look at their extensive menu here.
For lovers of burritos, tacos and all things Mexican, Smokasa provides a refreshing take on barbecue. Combining the vibrant flavours central to Mexican food with fire and smoke, head chef John Relihan is known as Ireland’s leading ‘open fire’ chef – it’s one not to miss at the Big Grill this year.
Whatever your dish of choice this weekend at The Big Grill, be sure to treat yourself to a refreshing drink at the Schweppes 1783 Alchemy Bar. Schweppes 1783 is a new range of naturally flavoured premium mixers, expertly crafted by mixologists. The range features Schweppes’ superior effervescence in flavours that include Salty Lemon & Cucumber. Please drink responsibly.
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