Beer & BBQ

Singapore; the land of great food. Maybe the greatest diversity of food anywhere (per sq kilometer), but no place is perfect. Sadly there is a dearth of certain ethnic food varieties here; there is no Ethiopian, no Hawaiian, no Samoan, only okay Mexican (Sorry, but it's true) - and until just the other day there was no really good western barbeque.

But last week a joint opened up that really does it right; the meat rubbed (with a secret mix of salt and spices), then it is slow smoked for several hours, and afterwards it is allowed to rest overnight. Then (and only then) is the meat ready to be cooked - right before serving - sauce served on the side, not slathered on and hiding the delicate smoky beauty. The result is smoky BBQ the likes of which Singapore has not seen on a commercial basis. Easily (IMHO) the best BBQ ribs in town (and their sauce is pretty good too).

But it gets better. What goes best with BBQ ? A good beer - obviously (what else would you expect me to say). Besides knowing BBQ the owners of this place (Rob & Saran) also know their beer. They have 6 beers on tap (6 of which are Archipelago) with plans to expand soon to a total of 8 draft beers. Their current line up is Apsara Lager, Islander IPA, Samui, Straits Pale, and our seasonal beer (either Traveler's Wheat or the English Amber).

Now the cynics are gonna say that I am just talking this place up because they have our beers on draft there - but anyone who know how serious I am about both beer and smoking meat will know that I would never do that. I am as serious as a heart attack about those two things (the later of which may actually lead me there on day). I would never talk up a BBQ place unless it was really good - and to make great ribs (or brisket) it has to be slow smoked - and these guys are doing it right. OK - maybe it not Smitty's in Lockhart Texas* (possibly the best BBQ on earth) but this place is the best western style BBQ I have had in Asia yet. Check it out for yourself - and if you don't agree - I'll buy you a beer (but you'll have to tell me wherever it is you think has better BBQ in Singapore)

"Smokey's" - 73 Joo Chiat Place
(and Now also open - "The Pit" in Holland Village - 6 Archipelago beers on tap too)

Pictured: Jeff Murphy (Pump Room Brewer) with a plate o empties & an Apsara Lager (yeah they were good)

* http://pau-hanatime.blogspot.com/2007/04/austin.html