11 July 2014

Business Lunch Series – Smoque

| James McMahon
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SMoque 1

Smoque has been around for a couple of years now and every time I go its pumping. This is probably due to its unique offering of American BBQ. So I thought I would check it out to kick off this new food series – Business Lunches.

Situated in Baileys Corner, parking for Smoque can sometimes be tricky if you are attempting to park in the London Circuit car park opposite, so the Canberra Centre car park is often a better option.

Smoque always seems to be bustling with an American diner/mans cave type atmosphere. The restaurant is well decorated and airy.

I was with a group of 4 we went about 12:45 and we were able to be seated without a booking.

The menu is extensive with lots of meaty options (possibly not a great venue for vegetarians..). You’ve got protein plates that offer a bunch of different meats – my favorites have to be the Kansas City Chicken $14.90, and Memphis Pork Ribs 1 rack $26.90. There are also hamburger options which smoque call sandwiches. The standout in the range would have to be the sloppy joe for $14.90. There are also salad options although if you’re after a salad this place probably isn’t for you.

Smoque 2

The combo platters were great for us as a group. There are three to choose from:

BBQ Trifecta $39 -Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs, Brisket & 1 side (serves 1-2)
Hi-Five Platter $79 -Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs, Brisket, ½ Chicken, Beef Rib & 2 sides (serves 1-4)

And the one we chose the Smoque Ultimate with a round of Cokes and Coke Zeros which was $99 for Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs, Brisket, Beef Rib, ½ Chicken, 12 Wings & 3 Sides (serves 1-6). We went with the mac cheese (x2) and Corn bread.

This made for a really heavy meal and was nearly too much for the 4 of us but we cleared the plates and it was sumptuous. The wings spicy and full of flavour. I was not a fan of the brisket, but my associates disagreed. The true stand out for all of us were the Memphis pork ribs sweet and spicy, although very messy (so if you’re trying to make an impression with your colleagues perhaps choose another venue or steer clear of the ribs).

This place is ideal for a business lunch and on this occasion I really it enjoyed it and so did my guests. Smoque is a cheerful and unique Canberra restaurant.

smoque-a

Smoque is located Baileys Arcade, Shop 2 131 London Circuit Canberra City

p: (02) 6162 3350

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We went there soon after it opened- so not sure if it’s much different now. Found the ribs and brisket to be pretty good, but the sides were a bit woeful and the chips soggy.

But the worst thing for me was the small serving sizes, especially considering the prices. You can’t have an American styled place and then offer up so little- one of the hall marks of American food is excess – it shouldn’t be hipster / yuppie size serves!!

Madam Cholet9:45 am 11 Jul 14

I went there for the first time a week or so ago – as part of a large group for lunch. I didn’t find anything to write home about. I think that seemed to be born out by the fact that there were many seats available when I left, which was still pretty early in terms of weekday lunch – a Thursday so would be starting to attract people out by this stage of the week. Perhaps the weekends are more popular.

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