Your Big Grill Festival Survival Guide
Words: Hannah Lemass
Images: The Big Grill
Ireland’s juiciest food festival is back. The Big Grill is a smoking hot, meaty tour de force that combines all things BBQ with music and a flaming hot good time. This is the festivals 10th birthday so its going to be a big fat celebration. You’re going to have a ball no matter what, but here is a little guide to help you make the most of your meaty adventure.
The festival kicks off at 4 pm on Thursday and runs through till Sunday in Herbert Park. Get your tickets here. Your entry time will depend on your ticket type, but every minute of this festival is jam-packed with buzzy events and delicious dishes.
Strategise at Rancho Relaxo
Every good plan needs a command centre. If you opt for a ticket that includes Rancho Relaxo access, you’ll have a dedicated space where you can kick back, relax, and undo that top button of your jeans in peace. Plus, you’ll have posh toilets, something that is an absolute luxury at any festival setting. You’ll also get fast-track entry to the festival via the dedicated Rancho Relaxo lane and two complimentary drinks on arrival. Make a plan with your team for a strategy that will help you optimise your Big Grill Experience so you can get a taste of as many grilled goods as possible.
Tuck into Home-Grown Favourites
Once you’ve settled in at Rancho Relaxo and made a plan of action, you’ll be ready to start munching. There’s a wide mix of vendors this year, including home-grown heroes and tasty talent from across the pond. Why not check out one of Dublin’s newer additions, Achara, for a taste of Northern Thailand? Try the Chiang Mai Sausage with Nam Prik Num — a herbal sausage with burnt long chilli relish. And grilling is not just about beef and pork. There will be some amazing seafood on offer. The team at Crudo are bringing out a show-stopping Peri Peri Killary-Fjord BBQ’d mussel skewer. Or get sneaky taste of a proper Berlin style doner from Chiya before they officially open. And there are so many more to choose from, like Chimac, Reyna, King Sitric, Hang Dai and loads more
Experience Tasty International Talent
The Big Grill is not just attracting BBQ fans; it’s also calling pitmasters from all over the globe to the serene grounds of Herbert Park. Cuepoint LDN, named one of Time Out’s best London restaurants in 2022, will be blessing us with their magical merging of British and Afghan flavours. Also from the UK is From the Ashes BBQ. They’ve been serving up nose-to-tail BBQ since 2020, and this is the perfect chance to get a taste without having to make the trip to Hackney Wick, although we’re sure it would be worth the pilgrimage. And while Bahay is one of Ireland’s own, they have teamed up with the one and only Erica Paredes of Reyna Paris for a Filipino-French fusion sensation. Check out their Steak au Poivre: grilled tri-tip steak featuring a mouthwatering calamansi pepper sauce.
Keep the Chizzlers Happy
If you’re going with your spawn, you’ll want to keep them entertained and happy. Luckily, The Big Grill is chockablock with activities for Little Grillers on Saturday and Sunday, from face painting to balloon animals, a slime party, and more. Catch the Electricity Workshop, where you and the kids can learn about the hair-raising science behind the spark. You can also get the creative juices flowing with a session at a Me and The Moon workshop designed to stimulate children’s curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
Learn Something at Bastecamp
You can certainly spend the whole time eating and drinking if you like, but it’s also good to feed the brain. Bastecamp is the hub for all BBQ demos. Get up close and personal with all the action and learn from the best in the biz. There are tons of talks, demos, and workshops to choose from. If you’re there on Saturday, you have to check out the Brad Leone and Friends takeover. The Bon Appétit alum will be joined by a series of his culinary pals from all over the world. Learn about traditional fish smoking or hear all about the art of the brisket from a fourth-generation Texan pit master. The festival all culminated with the Big Grill Sausage Sizzle, a birthday bash to celebrate 10 years of big grilling, featuring Ali Dunworth, Marcus O’Laoire, John Relihan, Kwanghi Chan, and Richie Castillo.
Show Off at the Chilli Eating Competition
Show your friends how tough you are and enter the chilli eating contest. Every day there will be a chance to show how hot you can get. If you’ve ever fantasised about being a guest on Hot Ones, this is your chance to see what it feels like. If you’re not brave enough to take part, you still don’t want to miss out on the spectacle of watching people do their best to survive the climbs of the Scoville scale. It’s not for the weak of heart, mind, or stomach.
Work Up a Meat Sweat on the Dancefloor
Fight through the food fatigue and hop up on the dancefloor for a boogie-woogie that will burn off the meaty sweats and get you pumped up for the party. There are loads of musical acts and DJs hitting the stage over the weekend, so there’s something to suit everyone’s musical taste. Highlights include TBL8 Brass. This big-band inspired brass and stage ensemble have a combined tenure of over 50 years of experience in music-making, so you’ll be in good hands. If you’re around on the Saturday and fancy getting in on the action, make sure you hit up the Sing Along Social. Hosted by The Craic Mechanics, these guys are experts in getting the party started. They set up a space for people to gather together to sing along to their favourite cheesy pop songs. It’s like group karaoke but with no microphones. It’s a gas, good time.
