ZARRAFFA’S chief Kenton Campbell wasn’t the only one who had to sit tight when the onset of the pandemic sent coffee shops into lockdown.
Not one to twiddle his thumbs, the coffee king bought himself all the gear he needed to smoke meats. Then honed his new craft with a view to opening his own smokehouse next to Kiwanda Cafe at Eagleby.
Americans see smoked brisket as an artform, and it’s always disappointing to order the trendy menu item, only to find it’s been pulled into a hundred bits onto a burger.
How is one expected to taste the rub and appreciate the slow cooking technique when it comes like that?
So if anyone out there agrees with me on that point, it’s most pleasing to let you know that Mr Campbell’s place, Sugar Creek Smokehouse, appreciates the artform in sliced format.
The spice of the rub makes its was through the tender meat the way anyone from Texas would be proud of.
At $17.50 for 4-5 slices of rubbed delight, similar in texture to a well-cooked silverside, the meal competes in price with most of the fast food chain meal deals.
That’s a great thing, because this is a quality meal, supported by the high number of people who make their way to the shipping container-turned smokehouse for takeaway on a Thursday night.
The menu says it comes with a “spicy” slaw, but we weren’t quite sure it lived up to the hype. Slaw, yes. Tasty, yes. But not much hint of spice.
The fries however, were cut with the skin on – the way all good chips should be done.
Pulled pork has a wonderful flavour delivered by the smoker, and for those who are super hungry there are ribs which come with a mega meat plate for two at $55.
While the temptation is always to order a side, beware the smoked mac ‘n’ cheese. Even the regular is heavy and really a meal in its own, packed densely with cheese and topped with … well … more cheese.
For those who really must have their meat in a bun, there are brisket and pulled pork burgers, and a separate burger which adds mac ‘n’ cheese to the brisket.
The outdoor setting has a relaxed beer garden feel to it, and there’s a selection of beers and premix spirits or cider to top off the meal.
Music is at the right level, service well organised, and nearby traffic from the highway surprisingly not too noisy.
Sugar Creek Smokehouse on Distillery Rd is open Thursday to Sunday 11am until 8pm.
