Located in the heart of the City is the Southern American charm of Smoque.
When the restaurant opened in late 2012, even the name had us intrigued and so, it seemed was the rest of Canberra. Before we knew it, tables were booked back-to-back and the city was hooked on the barbecue-style menu and casual atmosphere.
A small flight of stairs is all it takes before you are transported to some American town ending in -ville. The décor drawls ‘Southern’, with cacti plants and a huge deer’s head staring down at you from above the bar. Finished off with industrial style lights and a huge vintage neon arrow, graffiti art on the walls and other southern-style paraphernalia around the place – you really get the sense that owner Grant Kells brought a real slice of ol’ US magic to Canberra.
Sport is huge in America, and fittingly Smoque’s big screen is in the middle of the restaurant to be see by almost every single table in the place. Live screenings of baseball and American football are all a part of the atmosphere at Smoque.
Dining is a real treat. The mouth-watering menu features some incredible re-creations as well as traditional Southern American grub.
A favourite among many is the Combo Platters, which can be tailored to feed up to six people. The BBQ Trifecta is perfect for one or two people and comes with Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs, Brisket& your choice of a side. We recommend the creamy Three Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese or the Red Cabbage Coleslaw.
The Smoque Signature Sandwich (or ‘burger’ for a better visual) is a real treat to the taste buds with brisket, cream cheese, jalapeños and smoked capsicum. The cream cheese balances out the spiciness of the jalapeños – which makes for a perfect combination if you don’t like your food too hot.
Speaking of hot… like, really, really hot: why not try Smoque’s traditional Buffalo Wings? On top of the usual options of having your wings mild or hot, there is an option named Suicidal. Of course, with a name like that we had to try them.
Whoah!
Well, they’re certainly not for the faint-hearted! Between laughing and the occasional cough, it was fun watching those at the table try not to give in. Faces went red, tears flowed and all suddenly enjoyed a gentle sweat. If that sounds like fun, go right ahead, however the mild version is delicious without quite as much sting!
For something a little lighter, there is a whole range of salads including the colourful Thanksgiving Salad – a combination of turkey, quinoa, pumpkin, toasted pecans, red onion, goats cheese, spinach, fresh herbs and finished with a fresh lemon vinaigrette.
Other popular and traditional American dishes on the menu include the Sloppy Joe, Sliders and a selection of ‘pie’ for anyone who can fit in a slice to satisfy that sweet tooth.
If y’all haven’t been to Smoque in Petrie Plaza we suggest you clear your plans, grab some friends and book a table! One of the best things about Smoque is that they encourage bringing your ‘barbeque etiquette’ – eating with your hands.
What sounds more fun than that? Well, perhaps another hit of Smoque… coming to Woden in October 2014.
