The Master Basters hail from all corners of the globe and bring an international flavour whilst still working within the framework of the Great American BBQ.
Each member is an alumni of the wonderful industry that is hospitality and although none of us are a qualified chef, we have certainly had our fair share of arguments with them!
The Master Basters, at its heart are a group of Barbecue aficionados and passionate foodies who love eating and drinking with good friends and family. Originally formed to compete in the first ever "inaugural" KCBS sanctioned barbecue competition held on Australian soil in Melbourne, the Master Basters came, saw and kicked its butt bringing home the bacon in the form of a shiny Pig emblazoned trophy for their third place pulled pork boston butt. Not a bad effort!
The Master Basters are the type of people when invited to a party, spend the whole time in the kitchen or outside next to the barbeque drinking "crispy coldies".
“We have followed the professional BBQ circuit a bit and are excited to hear that the first KCBS sanctioned event is finally coming to Australia. We can’t wait to be a part of it!
Current and past team members of the Master Basters:
Pitmaster; The Big Smoque AAA BBQ Festival Canberra, 2015
Pulled Pork; KCBS Winner 3rd Place, Melbourne Barbecue Festival, 2015
Spero Cassidy (The Greek) attended Hotel Management School in Switzerland in his youth, is a partner in an IT Company, and recently released a freaking amazing iPhone App - all because he's really a mega-nerd at heart. Spero is frequently abrasive and wholeheartedly believes "Good people drink good beer"
The Big Smoque AAA BBQ Festival Canberra, 2015
Chicken; KCBS Melbourne Barbecue Festival, 2015
Chris Hansen has owned several award winning restaurants in Canberra and trained dozens of hospitality staff who have gone on to be more successful than him. He's delved into the online world with likeajob.com.au - it connects people to jobs. Check it out.
The Big Smoque AAA BBQ Festival Canberra, 2015
Commonly referred to as "the intrepid Claire Mackay" has driven from London to Mongolia. Yes, you read that right; drove from London to Mongolia. She's also embarked upon a massive 2 week long unsupported air race on paramotors across the USA to arrive back just in time to compete in the The Big Smoque AAA BBQ Festival Canberra. There's nothing Claire can't do. Other competitors: be afraid.
The Big Smoque AAA BBQ Festival Canberra, 2015 (standby)
Greg's primary strength is his unnerving competitive spirit. Playing any type of competitive sport against Greg is at your own peril. When Greg sets his mind to something he is a true powerhouse in every sense of the word. He's also a really relaxed guy when you meet him - which makes competing against him all the more unnerving. When he's not playing golf, tennis or entertaining he's a Director of PROJECTS ASSURED - a rapidly growing Canberra headquartered specialist management consultancy.
Pittmaster / Brisket; KCBS Melbourne Barbecue Festival, 2015
Mikael led the team to victory in Melbourne as Pitmaster in the Melbourne Barbecue Competition in 2015 and served up a magnificent Brisket in true Svensson style. With over 25 years working with Hyatt, and recently departing as the General Manager of Park Hyatt Canberra has made a new home in Dubai heading up a hotel extravaganza with a rumoured combined marketing and construction budget in excess of $1B. Mikael plays a bit of A-Grade and we'll hopefully see him rejoin the team in the future.
Pork Ribs; KCBS Melbourne Barbecue Festival, 2015
'Micky D' (the Irishman) is a restaurateur based in Bangkok, Thailand who first discovered the art of low and slow BBQ while opening an Irish Pub in Nashville, Tennessee in the mid 90s.
Mickey served up the most magnificent rack o' ribs at the Melbourne Barbecue Competition in 2015 and missed out on a trophy by the narrowest margin.
Canberra Master Basters win Boston butt place at Melbourne BBQ festival 2015
goodfood.com.au
