Big Moe’s pleased to meat you

Kiwi blokes are set to get a grilling from formidable American barbecue master Moerlando “Big Moe” Cason, at next weekend’s sizzling Meatstock festival.

Twenty-two teams of enthusiasts will battle it out for the first Meatstock New Zealand barbecue war. The festival features two famous pitmasters who will run classes for competitors and the public. Big Moe, a favourite on the BBQ

reality show, is all fired up. “New Zealand is a passionate foodie nation, renowned for quality beef and lamb and I look forward to passing on my hot tips,” he said.

Big Moe, a navy veteran and Iowa native, entered his first barbecue competition about 10 years ago. He has been hooked ever since, with more than 130 competitions under his belt.

The man-mountain is a fan favourite on BBQ and has appeared as a judge and finalist.

“What initially was a hobby is a way of life.”

Aussie celebrity pitmaster and Good Food AU winner, Hillbilly Wes, will also be heading here.

For Wes the meat sweats started in Lockhart, Texas, the barbecue capital of America, where he was mesmerised by the calibre of the food.

He eventually set up his own restaurant in Sydney called Bovine & Swine Barbecue Co.

“It is awesome to see the barbecue movement gaining real traction in New Zealand and Meatstock brings the nation’s barbecue community together in one big rocking festival.

“Things are going to get messy.”