The Perfect BBQ – A Cheat Sheet

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Michelin Star Chef Steve Smith of the Bohemia restaurant, Jersey has shared some of his best BBQ secrets with <em>Vada</em>. Follow his six special tips below to have the perfect BBQ in this glorious summer sun (before the usual British weather returns!).

Avoid Disasters

It may seem obvious but if you want to avoid any disasters then you need to make sure the BBQ is lit properly and is not in the proximity of anything that is potentially flammable!

Heat the Meat

Make sure that any poultry or pork items are thoroughly cooked to avoid food poisoning.

To know if you have the right temperature to cook with, you just need to wait for the flames to die down, and check the colour of the coals. They should glow red underneath and be white on the top – or you can buy BBQ thermometers from any good BBQ retailer.

Safety First

Generally any type of fish, lamb or beef are the safest items to cook for those concerned about becoming ill at a BBQ, as they are all low risk meats. You can cook them rare, medium, well-done or as you would normally. Also, you should always use separate utensils for cooking and serving.

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Don’t Take Risks

Pork and chicken items are the highest risk food generally cooked on the BBQ and you need to check that they are thoroughly cooked. Also make sure they are consumed immediately. If you leave them outside on a nice day for more than 30 minutes, you run the risk of giving someone food poisoning! Also try not to serve any form of rice salad, as it will likely spend the entire day sat out in warm conditions.

Impress Your Guests

BBQs are not just about meat – any type of vegetable kebabs are great! Be bold and use vegetables such as onions, peppers, aubergines, and kholarbi.

Don’t Leave Leftovers

Many people think that leftovers can be used the following day. This is generally a no-no. Cook only what you need for the BBQ or you will just have to eat it all!

About Bohemia

Bohemia is the only restaurant in the Channel Islands to be listed in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants and is ranked at number 49. Bohemia also recently received the highest score in the Channel Islands in the Good Food Guide 2016 with a glowing score of 7, its highest score yet, and was listed as the best restaurant in Jersey in the guide’s ‘Top 50 Restaurants in the UK’.

Bohemia Bar & Restaurant, Green Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE2 4UH, Channel Islands

For reservations please call: 01534 880 588 or visit bohemiajersey.com.

About Charlotte Maxwell

Charlotte Maxwell is a Vada Magazine staff writer.