Holy smokes – one of Austin’s best pitmasters, Kareem El-Ghayesh of KG BBQ, is coming to Sydney this May for the barbecue-laced collaboration of our dreams. Known as the ‘Egyptian Cowboy’, KG will be teaming up with Sydney’s own Lennox Hastie – from the award-winning Firedoor and Basque-inspired wine bar Gildas – for four massive and delicious events filled with honky-tonk parties, live music, masterclasses, and a hell of a lot of excellent smoked meats.
Originally from Cairo, Egypt, KG moved to Texas to master the art of barbecuing, blending traditional smoking techniques with the bold spices and flavours of Egypt and the Middle East. He’s starred on Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown and made waves in the US barbecue scene. Back in 2024, Lennox travelled through Austin hunting smoke, fire and the best meats in the biz. Now, he’s teaming up with one of the world’s most celebrated pitmasters. Hold onto your cowboy (or girl) hats – let’s get into the juicy bits.
The low ’n’ slow takeover kicks off on Friday, May 1, with a Honky Tonk dinner featuring a full-blown feast cooked by KG and Lennox at Sydney Brewery Rozelle. Think show-stopping barbecue platters loaded with Central Texas-style smoked brisket, KG’s signature pomegranate and za'atar glazed pork ribs, and smoked lamb chops. It’ll come with a banging line-up of sides like Egyptian mac and cheese, cinnamon and turmeric rice, and traditional Egyptian salad.
Plus, enjoy beers created in collaboration with Sydney Brewery, cocktails made with Austin’s Tito’s Handmade Vodka, a live band – and the two-step will be encouraged. Tickets cost $155 per person (plus booking fee).
Next up is the Brisket 101 Masterclass with KG and Lennox Hastie on Saturday, May 2. This is for anyone who’s ever dreamed about levelling up their barbecue game – and learning the special tricks of the trade from one of Texas’ most acclaimed pitmasters, alongside celebrated chef Lennox. Hosted by Time Out alumni Myffy Rigby, you’ll learn everything from how to choose the best brisket to seasoning, smoking, slicing, and what to do with leftovers. Afterwards, you’ll get to try the brisket alongside mac and cheese and cold beer. Heaven. Kicking off at 9.30am, the three-hour masterclass costs $195 per person (plus booking fee).
Saturday arvo's going to be lit, with KG and Lennox taking over Sydney Brewery Rozelle for a full-blown Texan barbecue party, complete with Texas barbecue eats – served with an Egyptian twist – plus live music, cold beers, rounds of cornhole, and a Messina gelato pop-up. The celebration kicks off from 2pm until sold out. Entry is free – though guests are encouraged to register their name to let the team know they’re keen to go (note: registrations do not guarantee entry). Once you register, you’ll go in the draw to win a barbecue meat tray for your next Sunday sesh with mates.
On Monday night (May 4) , KG and Lennox will be coming together for the final epic supper, cooking and serving a fire-powered five-course dinner at Firedoor, one of Sydney’s best restaurants. The menu is still under wraps, but we do know it’s going to be one not to miss.
Hold onto your hats – tickets for the Texas BBQ: Pitmasters are now on sale here. Yee-haw!
Missed out on tickets? Guests can join the waitlist for the Honky Tonk dinner, Masterclass and dinner at Firedoor – fingers crossed!
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