Barbie, barby, bbq, barbecue, grill or whatever you want to call it, just like Steve Irwin and Vegemite, the barbie is an Australian cultural icon. Everyone I have met in Australia so far owns a grill {or two}, with it being at least a portable grill to take camping or to the beach.
A few things Aussies normally cook on their gas or charcoal barbie:
· Prawns
· Snags or bangers {sausages}
· Chicken {skewers, etc.}
· Steak
· Kangaroo {seriously}
Different types of fish and seafood can be added to that list, and it seem there are always onions and other veggies cooking on the grill as well. I’ve even seen Australia-shaped hamburger patties {as seen below}…
Bring your own plate:
At some barbecues, they’ll ask that you bring your own plate. This means you should bring a prepared dish of food to share with the host and guests. Bring your own meat, unless asked not to. Also ask what you should bring otherwise as well, like if you should bring a picnic blanket or camping chairs for yourself and your family.
Drinks:
BYO means bring your own drink. It’s OK to just bring your own drinks anyway, so load up your Esky {Aussie for “ice cooler”} with your favorite favourite drinks.
· If it’s beer you’re bringing, bring at least a 6-pack.
· If you bring your own beer, it’s OK to go home with your leftover beers.
What to wear:
The chances of a family spending Christmas in their cozzies {Aussie for “swimming suits”} by the grill at the pool or at the beach is highly likely in Australia, so barbecues are not always meant to be formal. Unless it’s supposed to be a formal event, wear whatever the weather seems to permit. Of course, you can add a little bit of some Aussie humor humour by wearing a terry towelling {Aussies say this instead of “terry cloth”} hat and some zinc on your nose à la Super Dag…
Here is what you should plan otherwise:
· Bring your cozzie {swimming suit} and a beach towel along, just in case there is a pool or if you’ll be at the beach.
· Be “SunSmart.” If you’re planning on being in the sun, be sure to wear a sun hat and bring enough sunscreen for you and your family to use.
· Wear your sunnies {Aussie for “sunglasses”}.
· Feel free to rock up {Aussie for “show up”} to the party in your thongs {Aussie for “flip-flops“} too.
· Or you could just show up barefoot…
This is very clever! I think if I were to visit Australia (which I hope I will!!), all of what you share will come in handy 🙂 I’m looking forward to reading the rest and what more you have to share.
@ Bridget: Thanks a lot & thanks for your comment 🙂
This looks great! And I’ve just subscribed too and look forward to what all you’ll share about Oz 😉
@ Kari: Thanks very much 😀
Point of order, m’lord. If one brings some grog to a barbie its customary to leave behind what is undrunk as a keepsake in gratitude to the host’s hard work in preparing the nosh. This is assuming the amount being left does not exceed a slab. But certainly within my circles, packing up the few undrunk tinnies and taking them home would be considered rather poor form and those who deviated from the norm would be considered as drongos. However, departing with your unopened bottles of plonk would be considered quite acceptable as the host probably wouldn’t want to be seen dead with a bottle of plonk on his shelf.
And cheers to that! 🙂