Amie Carter is not going to let a little rain ruin her grand final barbecue. PICTURE: ADAM TRAFFORD
SHEDS, garages, carports or rotundas are looming as the place to be for your AFL grand final day barbecues today.
Rain should not hamper the age-old culinary and social tradition for your one day in September.
Experts say you just need to be a little more prepared.
“Lots of barbecues have wheels – use them,” The Courier football writer Gav McGrath said.
“It’s more important that the barbecue driver, the one cooking the stuff, is covered rather than the barbecue itself. If a little water gets on the hotplates, it does not spoil the snags.”
Ballarat’s Biggest Ever Bloke Barbecue organiser Matt Stevens said the key to any grand final party was to be well-stocked.
Mr Stevens says cupboards should be packed with snacks, like Mars Bars and Snickers, especially for all quarter-time breaks.
The Esky should be brimming with refreshments for all ages and he urged all hosts to pre-check the gas bottle.
Most importantly, Mr Stevens says to always look after your barbecue cook – especially if your cook is out in the rain or under shelter away from the main party.
“You must be able to see the TV from the barbecue at all times,” he said. “If you can’t, order takeaway.”
Warrenheip footy fan Amie Carter says weather will not dampen her day.
Ms Carter is hosting a small gathering for friends and she will make use of a pergola and cove red outdoor entertaining area.
Sausages, hamburgers and salads are on the menu in what Ms Carter says is a traditional barbecue. Most importantly, plenty of snacks are on hand to help them watch the game in comfort.
Lydiard St butcher John Harbour has been taking AFL grand final day orders for months – and not just sausage-and-hamburger style orders.
“You’d be surprised how many people do big spit roasts,” Mr Harbour said.
“We’ve also had a lot of people come in to make their own home-made beef steak meat pies and lots of people doing home-made sausage rolls.”
Whatever you choose, by 2.30pm all eyes will be on the opening bounce and good planning will make for a perfect day.
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