“The Big Smoke” In Burridge

Jul 25, 2013

No it's not a wildfire, but the Big Smoke Food Truck in Burridge will definitely fire up your taste buds-especially if Southern Barbeque is your thing. The new food truck, which has made Burridge its home, offers up diners a wide and authentic range of southern BBQ fare including rubbed, smoked and grilled beef and pork ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, meatloaf and chicken wings. Their combo selections include a huge helping of tasty fries and a generous fresh salad side that will satisfy bigger than normal appetites.

The business was started by British-born world traveler and culinary school graduate, Gareth Hewitt, who has called no fewer than nine different countries home. Hewitt has cooked in high end restaurants in England and Scotland, and closer to home at Aqua Terra in Kingston before being hired on at Seed to Sausage in Sharbot Lake. He settled in these parts after meeting and marrying local gal Allison Bright, who is now also the mom of their nine-month-old daughter.

It was a nasty bout of carpal tunnel syndrome that forced Hewitt to leave Seed to Sausage and to reinvent himself. Having developed a love for Southern Barbeque while living in St. Louis, Missouri in the late 1980's, Hewitt decided to purchase a chip truck he saw for sale in Verona. After fixing up the truck’s kitchen, adding a rustic exterior of barn board and hanging up two large chalkboard menu displays, he is now serving up some very memorable food truck fare that is worth the scenic drive to Burridge. “The Big Smoke” is located roughly halfway between Westport and Godfrey just off the Westport Road and opposite the Burridge fire station. Diners can sit at two umbrella-ed picnic tables under the shady trees and enjoy a delicious meal while inside the truck Hewitt mans his “Smokin' Tex smoker”, in which cuts of beef, pork and chicken from local producer Garrett's Meats in Inverary are smoked, sometimes for as long as 19 hours.

Hewitt's family offers him the extra hands he needs, with Allison and her father, Byron, assisting on busy weekends. The combo meals are as generous as they are finger lickin' good and Hewitt says he often sells out of the fresh sides, like his beet, feta and pear salad, which have caught on.

Vegetarians, have no fear- you will not walk away hungry. Hewitt's sister Kirsty inspired Hewitt's smoked portabella mushroom sandwich, which comes with smoked local cheese. The truck is definitely developing a regular fan base and Hewitt said that his facebook and twitter presence has brought out southern BBQ lovers from all over the area. His daily menu includes his own take on poutine, which he tops with generous portions of barbequed meat, his own secret homemade BBQ sauce (apple butter is one of the secret ingredients), cheese curds and gravy.

Other unique hot sides include BBQ mac and cheese and smoked corn on the cob plus a smoked meatloaf sandwich, which is his take on its plainer cousin- the chip truck burger. Other hearty and healthy sides include a spicy carrot salad and a home made apple coleslaw. Hewitt also sells Hillside coffee and caffeine lovers can enjoy a cappucino or latte.

For those craving a bit of authentic BBQ, The Big Smoke Food Truck in Burridge is a definite go to. For more information visit them on facebook at thebigsmokefoodtruck or on twitter at @tbsft. They will soon be on the web at www.thebigsmokefoodtruck. The Big Smoke Food Truck is located at 238 Burridge Road and is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays as well.