Tassie produce meets mouth watering American BBQ at new venue

Tassie’s newest restaurant will open this week, with the renowned chef revealing what to expect from the unique menu and plans to hire more staff.

Hobart is set to get a taste of southern style American BBQ with a uniquely Tasmanian twist. Opening this Friday, the Longhorn Smokehouse at Wrest Point is focused on serving American BBQ fare, with exclusively local proteins.

The kitchen’s wood-fired smoker, grill and oven will be powered by a range of distinctly Tasmanian fuel, including mature cherry, apple and apricot tree wood provided by Willie Smiths and Reid Fruits, and used spirit and wine casks from the Tasmanian Cask Company.

Longhorn Smokehouse Head Chef John Churchill, who has previously worked as the executive chef at Crowne Plaza and Frogmore Creek, said he was relishing the opportunity to bring the two elements together while cooking over live wood-fire and an incredibly sophisticated smoker.

Longhorn Smokehouse Head Chef John Churchill with a 16hr Smoked Cape Grim Brisket (MB4+) at Wrest Point. Picture: Chris Kidd

“In the Southern United States, the smokehouse is a legendary tradition and we’re excited to mix that tradition with authentic dining and premium produce that makes our own southern state famous,” Mr Churchill said.

After developing a love for all things smoke-related in the kitchen, Mr Churchill said he’s had a wonderful time experimenting while creating the menu.

“This has seen us come up with a number of unique items on the menus, including 16-hour smoked Cape Grim brisket, wild clover lamb ribs, cracking corn ribs and chop pork mac ‘n’ cheese croquettes.”

Longhorn Smokehouse at Wrest Point. Picture: Chris Kidd

“Our core promise is that our low and slow smoking method will take the great cuts of meat to an even higher level of flavour, and we’re confident Tasmanians will love the results.”

Longhorn Smokehouse has also partnered with Tasmanian Kitchen Pantry to curate a signature range of hot, sweet, smoky and even caffeinated sauces which will also be available for purchase to take home.

Mr Churchill said the restaurant was also providing a boost to employment at Wrest Point, with a 14-strong team of chefs joined by 25 bar and waitstaff, with plans to bring on further trainees and apprentices.

The Wrest Point Hobart Casino new gaming floor

Wrest Point is partway through a $42.9m transformation, which will be completed in time for the casino’s 50th anniversary in February.

A new casino gaming area was unveiled in December and a new bar, hotel reception and showroom entertainment precinct will open later this year.

The Longhorn Smokehouse opens at Wrest Point this Friday, September 16.