BOOKERS BBQ
+ CRAB SHACK
Bookers is all about Southern
style, from the smokehouse
barbecue, to the music, to the
laidback, welcoming atmosphere
in a century-old brick warehouse.
It’s also about some epic all-you-
can-eat sprees — every Sunday
from 4 pm, dine on piles of
succulent ribs and crab legs until
you can’t possibly take another
bite. More than 200 pounds of
Alberta chicken, turkey, beef
and pork are slow-smoked every
single day, and if you’re not into
barbecue (why are you even
reading this!?) there are other
Southern favourites like shrimp
po’ boys and jambalaya. This
is a place to relax, kick back
and let the good times roll.
Eat This
The BBQ Platter features
pork ribs, brisket,
smokehouse turkey breast,
pulled pork, baked beans,
coleslaw and fries — add crab
legs for market price.
Fun Fact
for
seating
There's
ople
e
p
0
an 60
more th
stern
y on we
at Big Sk
t
's larges
Canada
.
o
pati
outdoor
Drink This
While the bourbon list should not be
overlooked, Bookers secret sangria recipe is
a special little gem made with your choice
of red or white wine.
Fun Fact
Dogs are welcome to
hang out on the patio
with their human
companions!
Fun Fact
The original Jane
Bond BBQ menu
was created in one
day — right before
they opened.
Burthwright says
she does well
under pressure.
“You get in the
kitchen, feel the
creative juices
flowing, and you
just go,” she
laughs.
Big Sky BBQ Pit
PADDY’S BARBECUE
AND BREWERY
BIG SKY BBQ PIT
If you want to chow down on
Southern-style barbecue with small-
batch craft brews never far from your
side, this “brewbecue” is the place for you.
For years before he opened the joint, owner
Paddy Sorrenti worked with smoked meats
in the family catering company. Once he
started home brewing, it wasn’t long before
he envisioned a barbecue brewery. Nestled
in Manchester Industrial Park in a cluster
of craft breweries pegged the “Barley Belt,”
it’s a casual and family friendly spot. “We
want people to feel at home and then do
everything at their own pace — take time
to enjoy the beer and food,” Sorrenti says. While Big Sky isn’t exactly in Calgary (it’s
about a 30-minute drive south), it’s well
worth the trip to this massive, no-frills
barbecue emporium with indoor and
outdoor seating for hundreds. Don’t go
alone — bring your hungriest friends to
help you defeat the mountains of Texas-
style smoked meat, including brisket, pulled
pork, St. Louis ribs and chicken thighs. Add
sides such as scratch-made cornbread,
smoked beans and scalloped cheddar
bacon potatoes, plus a giant candied bacon
chocolate chip cookie for dessert. You
won’t find any fryers, freezers or grills at
Big Sky — everything is authentic and made
with 100 percent Alberta-grown meat.
Try This Eat This
Every Thursday they offer their popular
pastrami, which is brined and smoked right
in the brewery. Opt for the baked beans
— the simple but delicious dish is Paddy’s
favourite side.
Drink This
Paddy recommends a house lager with the
pastrami.
Fun Fact
All of the food is gluten free, and the sides
are vegan.
The Whole Pit is an aptly-named combo for
eight to 10 people with brisket, pulled pork,
chicken, pork ribs, beef ribs, house-made
sausage, hog spuds (potatoes wrapped and
smoked in bacon, drizzled with honey and
sour cream) and a tub of beans.
Drink This
Big Sky are Caesar specialists, with more
than 12 kinds served daily. Double Caesars
are on special every Sunday.
Fun Fact
No time? Don’t worry, there’s a drive-thru
too.
JULY/AUGUST 2018
where.ca
23