Meatstock, after the sold-out success of 2017, is returning to Melbourne on Saturday March 17 and Sunday March 18 next year. The festival is big on protein, bands, barbecues, bourbon and beer. The food festival hosts two of the meatiest names in barbeque, Big Moe Cason and Hillbilly Wes. Both pitmasters are coming to Melbourne to teach masterclasses.
Big Moe Cason appears on TV’s BBQ Pitmasters and has stepped up to the place of both a judge and finalist on the US hit show. Big Moe has won over 130 barbecue competitions.
“What initially was a hobby, is a way of life,” says Moe. “I am passionate about maintaining the integrity of barbecue by cooking with authenticity. I can’t wait for Meatstock Melbourne. It’s known as the food capital of Australia, so I can’t wait to dig in.”
Australia’s own celebrity pitmaster Hillbilly Wes will be flying to Melbourne due to his love of barbecue. Wes has worked in Texas and travelled between Australia and Austin for some time before setting up his own restaurant in Sydney; Bovine and Swine Barbecue Co.
“Last year’s Meatstock Melbourne was rocking,” says Wes. “It was great to see the barbecue movement in full swing in Australia’s foodie state. The whole weekend was jammed packed with brisket, burgers and great Aussie bands.”
The Meatstock Melbourne barbecue wars draw in over 50 teams from across Australia with its $8000 cash prize and the title of best barbecues in the country. There are also more than 20 butchers entered in the best butcher competition, and a new competition to find the best burger, wings, steak and bacon.
