For food that’s smokin’: Smoke ‘n’ Barrel
Christchurch’s Smoke ‘n’ Barrel travels South Island-wide, catering weddings and events of all sizes with their top-notch take on BBQ.
“It’s the perfect style of food for any celebration, but especially a wedding.” Operating from a new dine-in premises in Woolston, the Smoke ‘n’ Barrel team consists of co-owners Renee Blackburn, her chef husband, Cory Blackburn, and fellow chef, Chris Geary.
Owner Renee Blackburn says, “to us, BBQ is about real food, made slow, and best enjoyed with friends and whānau.”
“Meats are slow smoked for up to 12 hours,” says chief smoker, Chris. “We manage the temperature log by log and finish with fruit trees for a final injection of flavour.
“It takes patience and skill, but you just don’t get that amazing taste any other way.”
Crowd favourites include slow-smoked Canterbury lamb shoulder with harissa sauce, beef brisket with Smoke ‘n’ Barrel’s signature Texas BBQ sauce, and house-cured and smoked Akaroa salmon with lemon caper cream.
Excellent meat is just the beginning.
“It takes patience and skill, but you just don’t get that amazing taste any other way.”
“We aim to take classic Texas BBQ up several notches by combining it with the best NZ products and a little creativity to create flavours you won’t find anywhere else,” adds Cory. “Our salads are big and bold, our sauces are homemade, and our grazing tables are abundant, beautifully presented, and decked out with greenery — the way great food deserves to be served.” Renee agrees, sharing that the catering arm of Smoke ‘n’ Barrel began with the couple catering their own wedding over five years ago.
“We prioritised flavour over ‘frills’ when it came to catering our own wedding. We believe that simple ingredients prepared well make the most memorable feasts.
“The food at your celebration is important. It shouldn’t just be good; it should be incredible.”
We promise an excellent experience for you and your guests, from planning to providing professional and personable service on the day.” The team are also excited to be able to offer their new premises in Woolston as a venue; the restaurant is bookable for private events, or there is a dedicated function space upstairs suitable for parties of up to 50.
“We’ve always been mobile caterers, but now we can offer our own venue as well,” says Cory, noting the restaurant is also the ideal place to hold tastings for prospective couples.
“We’re the perfect choice for discerning foodies who want their catering to stand out.”
616 Ferry Road, Woolston | www.smokenbarrel.com
