WHAT’S ON

AUGUST 5-6

That won’t be fog you’ll see rising over Burleigh ... it will be smoke from 50 of Australia’s best barbecue competition teams battling at the annual Burleigh BBQ Championships. Using low and slow cooking across five categories – chicken, lamb, pork ribs, beef and seafood – teams will present their plates to a panel of 50 judges for tasting. The pit yard will be open to the public on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday from 6am, so you can mingle with the masters, check out some of the biggest smokers you’ve ever seen and watch the theatrics unfold. There will be a trade area and market stalls where you can research and buy all the equipment you need to start smoking at home. Eat your fill from Black Iron Smokers, Smokin Hot N Saucy and Barraca Portuguese Chicken, who’ll be parking next to the pit yard. Pack a picnic blanket and head to North Burleigh Heads Esplanade. Entry is free for the public.

Go to: facebook.com/burleighbbq

AUGUST 17

Graze Restaurant at Elements of Byron is extending an Italian invitation, the first in a series of special dinners. Executive chef Simon Jones has collaborated with Jean-Jacques Peyre of Paradox Wines on a six-course degustation with paired wines. Highlights include canapés from the pizza oven, crab lasagne, slow-braised Borolo beef short rib and coffee and Amaretto semifreddo. Tickets are $125. Make a night of it with accommodation from $320 for two people in a Botanica Villa.

Go to: elementsofbyron.com.au