It seems yesterday's Cowboy picture created a huge buzz on Facebook & twitter, and in response Werner sent me the following picture.

If you've got any funny braai pictures you'd like me to turn into a braai (de)motivational, please get in touch and pass them on. Of course, if you think I did a kak job, let me know what you would have said... or even create your own and pass it on so that I can share it with everyone else.

I get a lot of emails from you guys and most of them are pretty good. So from now on instead of just keeping them to myself, I'm going to start sharing it with everyone else as well. This one titled "Cowboys don't cry, we braai" came from Fanie "Die BosChef" Pretorius. Thanks man!

If you've got any funny braai pictures you'd like me to turn into a braai (de)motivational, please get in touch and pass them on. Of course, if you think I did a kak job, let me know what you would have said... or even create your own and pass it on so that I can share it with everyone else.

I often get asked in interviews for my "ingredients" or requirements for a successful braai, so I thought I'd jot down my thoughts and share it with you guys as well. While it's difficult to prioritise these braai essentials into an ordered list, I've put them into 3 categories:

MUST haves:

• Good Friends – the single most important ingredient for a good braai. Snacking on a prime cut all on your ace is worse than eating charred chicken wings with good friends.
• Quality red meat – of course, a quality, medium rare rump steak is far better than those charred chicken wings, so if you find a butcher that supplies good meat, treat him better than you would your bank manager.
• Beer/Brandy/Whiskey (i.e. your drink of choice) and “slet sappies” – remember the “slet sappies”. If your better half is happy, it goes a long way to making you happy too.
• Ice, lots of it – keeps the beers cold. Your meat should be hot, not your beer.
• Quality (dry) hardwood – Dry wood will make sure you don’t need a gas mask to stand around the fire while enjoying those drinks. If you can’t find good wood, then rather use charcoal. Look out for something that says ‘Namibian Hardwood’ on it, and you should be safe. NB: Make sure you’ve tried the specific brand out before though – there are a lot of dodgy, false claims out there.

Single most essential ingredient for a braai: Good Friends

 

Nice-to-haves:

• Braaimaster – someone that knows what they’re doing to take charge of the braai duties, however good company will make up for ‘average braaing’.
• Firelighters – however, a good braaimaster should be able to light a fire using a strip of newspaper and 3 twigs.
• A blend of ‘secret spices’ – If your meat is good enough though, all you’ll really need is some top-quality Salt & Pepper.
• Garlic rolls - (plain or cheesy) and/or a Braai Pie (see http://www.braaiboy.co.za/page/Braai-Pie.aspx).
• Camera / phone – Always fun to share epic braai pics with your emigrant friends who have deserted SA and can’t enjoy braais like we do here at home
• Good Tunes – Not essential, but some doctors claim that background music helps with digestion
• Braai Tongs – and if it has your name on it, it will add to your street-cred.
• BraaiBroodjies – I’ll substitute salads etc. with BraaiBroodjies any day.
• Biltong & Droëwors – good for a snack before the braai is done.

Purely optional:

• Salads, Rolls - I’ve heard that some people actually enjoy this.
• Chairs, Gazebo’s etc. – If you spend too much time in an office and not enough time outside braaing, I’ve heard that this helps with comfort levels.
• Good weather – Again, purely optional. Fortunately here in SA, that’s almost standard… so no need to really concern yourself with the weather.

There are 100’s of other “less important issues” that could make your life easier, but can easily overcome, such as good lighting (when braaing at night) and a quality stainless steel grid for easier cleaning afterwards etc. etc., but if you stick to the single most important ingredient (good friends), you won't ever go wrong!

Got anything you'd like to add to the list? Comment and let us all know.

I know I'm about 100 posts behind and promise to pay some attention to my blog this year. No, it's not a New Year's resolution, just a promise - so it's gonna happen :-)

Anyway, until I make good on that promise - check out this Monkey's fire-making skills

 

 

 

Yip, it's that time of the year again - Movember. Movember??? The month previously know as November sees guys all over the world grow their moustaches in support of CANSA, by raising funds and awareness of men's health issues (and specifically cancers that affect men, such as prostate cancer).

Those of you that were following my blog or Facebook around this time last year will remember my transition from BraaiBoy to "dodgy-looking traffic officer"-boy.

SpietkopBoy - Movember 2010

Sound like fun? Then join in or support me... I'd really appreciate you guys supporting me in that little venture again this year. How can you help? There are many ways you can get involved:

1) Help me raise some cash for CANSA
http://za.movember.com/donate/your-details/member_id/1711596/

2) Join the SnorCity team and grow your own Mo
https://www.movember.com/za/register/details/team_id/267394

3) Come join us for the BraaiMo party on the 25th November (details to be finalised... "watch this space").


For more info: Check out the "Movember Rules" and some quality moustache styles


I'll be posting my progress on FaceBook and Twitter ... so feel free to come keep tabs on me.

I met Rudi at Oppikoppi this year while he was funneling loads of Tequila down people's throats on the Jose Cuervo Deck. We got to chatting and he agreed to pop in for a braai the next time they were playing in Pretoria.

About Ashtray Electric:
Winner of MK`s Best Newcomer Award 2009 and voted to have the potential to be SA`s next musical export, Ashtray Electric have been leaving their gutsy footprints at venues and festivals nationwide. Their music is laced with engaging melodies and packed with galloping riffs and attitude. Add to that their signature sleazy-slow motion sexiness and you`ll find this unique package of four musicians that have skillfully made their mark.
Ashtray Electric first unapologetically gallivanted onto the SA Music Scene three years ago. Their debut album “Bonjour” received rave reviews from fans and media alike. Music journalist Atiyyah Khan commented: “Ashtray Electric is in fashion. They most certainly ignite something electric on stage.”

The plan was for us to hook up at about 14h00, but in true rock star fashion they pitched up a couple hours late. I treated the guys to a little Fillet starter, which went down a treat. Next up was Rudi - He did some traditional chops & wors and received good reviews all around.

Silly Buggers	Multitasking

After a couple of Jagermeisters, the tongues really started wagging, but I couldn't get them to divulge any of their dirty little secrets on camera... one of these days I'll get a band to share their sordid tour stories with us.

Check out some of the things we chatted about. Please note that a lot of this was shot after the shots and beers had been flowing for a while... so, there's a bit of swearing here and there - My apologies to the sensitive viewers.

Also check out their colab with Gazelle:

If you haven't been to one of their shows yet, do yourself a favour and go check out these 'bunch of knobs trying to make music' *their own words*. You can catch them on twitter (@AshtrayElectric), Facebook and YouTube

I'd especially like to thank Dames & Here for helping with the production and editing of the video, and a ShoutOut to Arcade Empire for hosting us... You guys Rock!

A couple of weeks back, I had the pleasure of meeting up with one of South Africa's hottest new bands, Newtown Knife Gang, for a braai. They're a Joburg band and yes, the "Newtown" in their name is a reference to Newtown in JHB city centre where the band does a lot of their practising. The rest of the name comes from a mashup (and misunderstanding) of suggestions from their friends.

 

BraaiBoy with Newtown Knife Gang

 

Kicking it off with some shots: Thanks Lovoka

Despite their seemingly violent band name and previously playing in bands like 16-Stich and We Shall Embrace, and Nick even spent some time with Seether, the guys from NKG are quite chilled and very easy to talk to.

They entertained with tales of their various gigs and exploits as well as future plans, where it became very apparent that these guys are in it for the long haul and for the love of the music. If NKG where in high school, Nick would definitely be the 'headboy' and Warren the 'rebel'.

Based on their first two singles, NKG's sound might not be as dark as what fans of their past work might be used to, but what they're putting together now promises to be pure magic. Their second single recently hit the radio and will be launching their debut album on 4 November at Arcade Empire in Pretoria.

Have a look at some of the snippets from my chat with the guys:

 

 

And what about the braaing? Well, Nick is apparently the band's dedicated braaimaster, and I must say, he did a good job. When we took a vote rating the braai, everyone (except Warren) gave the braai either a 7 or 8 out of 10... So good going there Nick. I'm not sure yet if Warren was taking the piss or being genuine, but at least he still gave it a pass-mark.

 

Check out the music video for their first single: Listen

You can also catch them on Twitter (@NKG_band) and FaceBook or on their website NewtownKnifeGang.com.

What do you get when you pit braaimasters against each other in contest and promise the winner some awesome prizes? Well, some great tasting meat of course and also the plot for Thys die BosveldKlong's new TV show: Bring en Braai.

"Bring en Braai" is the first braai competition done for SA television. In each episode 2 contestants braai a starter, main course and desert. Each contestant is given free reign as to what they want to prepare (as long as they don't use gas or electricity). The show sees Thys (the show's presenter) and the contestants along with some guest judges cruise the country (and sometimes even neighbouring countries) in search of adventure - and of course the best braaier.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to join the guys on the episode that was filmed at the Voortrekker monument. Follow me on FaceBook or Twitter and I'll let you know when the episode with me in it will be showing.

 

I also got a chance to introduce contestants and crew to the Braai Pie.

The show airs on Mondays @ 17h30 (starting today 3 Oct) with another 8 repeats throughout the week... so you've got no reason to miss it (even if you don't have PVR). Check http://www.bringenbraai.co.za/uitsendings.php for the broadcast times.

You've heard Rebecca Black do "Friday"... now hear a much better rendition by these guys:



I loved this video so much, I just had to get in touch with the guys that made it (Derick Watts &The Sunday Blues) and ask them a few questions... this is what they had to say:

What made you decide to do the video? / What triggered the idea?
Nic: I was on my couch and felt like a braai. Shortly after hearing the rebecca black "friday song"
Gareth: Nic was hit with the idea and then we spent some time fleshing it out. Can I say that - "fleshing it out"? I guess I just did.

Who created/produced the video?
We did it all ourselves...with a little help from our friends. And two of our enemies.

Can we expect more videos like this?
Gareth: Yes!
Nic: Can we expect more interviews like this?
~ BB: definitely!

Are you guys in any other bands?
Gareth: Nic was kicked out of The Parlotones for wearing too MUCH eyeliner
Nic: yes we are, 'Gravity Wins again' and 'Versus the Wolf'. P.S. That Parlotones thing is a secret, don't tell anyone.

Who are the girls in the video?
Gareth: There are girls in the video?
Nic: Friends
~ BB: Sorry folks, I couldn't find out if they're single or get their numbers!

How often do you braai?
Gareth: Whenever possible. At one stage we braaied every Thursday night, rain or shine. That was a lot of fun.
Nic: Some would say too often... I would say...probably too often :)

What’s your favourite cut of meat/ item to braai?
Gareth: I'm enjoying lamb chops lately.
Nic: Boerie + steak

What is the one thing that really annoys you at a braai? / What is the one mistake people can make at a braai?
Gareth: Pasta salad annoys me. The one mistake? Not saucing or spicing their meat.
Nic: Smoke... and people often think that its OK to not eat meat at a braai... thats NOT OK

Anything else you’d like to say?
Gareth: Visit our site at www.cardboardmusic.net/thesundayblues and always brush your teeth at least once a week.
Nic: Grab yor tongs and check out our FaceBook Page: Derick Watts &The Sunday Blues


Well... now you know :-)

On Sunday I popped in to the Pretoria Spring Show 2011 for a little bit of fun. We pitted Deli Spices' Vuyo's Wors against their new FLAVA23 which has been created specifically to support the Rugby World Cup.

 

 

The day turned out to be a lot of fun, with the surprising result being that Vuyo's Wors pipped FLAVA23 to the post by a handful of votes. I say surprising because Vuyo's wors is not a 'true boerewors'. It contains a small amount soya in the recipe, which as any boerewors connoiseur will let you know prevents its makers from labelling it a "boerewors". 

A big Thank You to Deli Spices for sponsoring all the wors on the day as well as the prizes.

lovely infodesk ladies helping with the draw	and the winner is: Mr. Obed Mokoka

If you didn't make it to this year's show, make sure to keep an eye on www.TheSpringShow.co.za/ or follow them on twitter @TheSpringShowZA