Bribie Island’s very own BBQ maestro, known affectionately as “Wookie,” has once again proven his dominance in the world of competitive barbecue, taking home first place in the chicken category at the prestigious Full Throttle BBQ – World BBQ Championship held recently in Newcastle. His winning dish, aptly named “Chicken Pillows,” wowed the judges and earned him a perfect score of 300, cementing his status as one of Australia’s top BBQ talents.
Wookie’s journey to victory was fuelled by none other than the high-quality chicken sourced from Avondale Meats, located at Banksia Beach on Bribie Island. A loyal customer of Avondale Meats for the past four years, Wookie swears by the superior quality and freshness of the meat he purchases there, noting that the store is always impeccably clean and offers the best meat on Bribie.
The winning “Chicken Pillows” featured chicken thighs with the bone in, expertly smoked for 2.5 hours at the Newcastle championships. Wookie’s passion for BBQ has been honed over 15 years of smoking meat, and his dedication has led him to compete for the past nine years, during which he has amassed numerous accolades, including previous Australian championships.
Wookie isn’t just a champion BBQ competitor; he’s also a valuable part of the local BBQ community as the Australian Barbecue Alliance Competition Liaison Officer. In this role, he speaks to promoters and helps to promote BBQ competitions across the country, offering his expertise to both seasoned competitors and newcomers alike.
When he’s not competing, Wookie runs a coffee van, “Grillas in the Mist,” but BBQ remains his true passion. He credits Greg at Avondale Meats for always providing top-notch cuts of meat, especially when it comes to trimming pork and selecting the finest cuts for competition BBQ.
Wookie’s love for Avondale Meats extends beyond the competition arena. His favourite products from the store include the lamb and seafood packs, as well as the thin sausages, which he enjoys for breakfast.
His advice to aspiring BBQ enthusiasts? “Just do it. Look on the Australian BBQ Alliance website for information on upcoming competitions, and consider applying to be a judge.” Wookie’s enthusiasm for the BBQ world is infectious, and his success is a testament to the power of dedication, skill, and quality ingredients – like those from Avondale Meats.
Bribie Island is proud to have a world champion in its midst, and Avondale Meats is thrilled to be part of Wookie’s journey to BBQ greatness. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, Avondale Meats offers the finest products to help you achieve your BBQ dreams.