SmokeyQ founder Paul Lange. Photo: Ben Smith.
Camera IconSmokeyQ founder Paul Lange. Photo: Ben Smith. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Barbecue business smokes competition to claim food award

Ben SmithCockburn Gazette

TWO years ago, Paul Lange began to turn his passion for American barbecue into his professional project.

Now, the Beeliar man has reaped the rewards after winning big at the Perth Royal Food Awards.

Having left his job as an off-shore chef to start rubs and sauces company SmokeyQ, Mr Lange’s business was named Champion Savoury Preserve for its smoked honey sauce, while their coffee rub took out the Champion Salt & Other Seasonings category.

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Mr Lange said the recognition felt like two years of hard work paying off and vindicated his decision to turn a hobby into work.

“Two years ago, I bought an old smoker for a barbecue sauce and started cooking at home for family and friends,” he said.

“I thought there wasn’t many good rubs available on the market, so I started making my own. I’ve got nine barbecues now, so I’m cooking on different barbecues every weekend.”

Mr Lange said the American barbecue style easily appealed to Australians.

“American barbecue started over 100 years ago, cooking food for the poorer people with tough cuts of meat for 20 hours, but now it’s become a fad,” he said.

“It’s tasty, goes well with beer and bourbon and the Australian culture loves anything barbecue. Cooking in the backyard with your family and friends is good fun, whether it’s meat or veggies.”

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