As a vegetarian, there are few things I miss more than gnawing into a succulent, BBQ smoked rack of ribs. Thankfully, those shameful cravings have an opportunity to be satiated. THE B.EAST will be hosting a three-course vegan BBQ extravaganza as part of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

Attendees of the vegan Southern feast should expect all the wonders of Memphis-style cooking reimagined in a cruelty-free way. Think Southern fried chicken, barbecue brisket and mac’n’cheese. Word on the street is they’ll also be serving up a southern-style dessert inspired by Elvis Presley, we can only hope this means a vegan take on Fool’s Gold Loaf. If you’re unfamiliar with the monstrosity that is Elvis’ sarnie of choice, let me indulge you. The sambo consists of a loaf of Italian bread filled with over 400 grams of bacon, peanut butter, and grape jelly.

THE B.EAST will be slinging themed drinks as well. They’ll be bourbon and white chocolate sour, bourbon Spritz and mint julep available to slug down your gullet.

The shebang kicks off on Saturday March 23 at The B.East in Melbourne. There will be two sessions, both starting from 12:00 PM. Head to the event page here.

Whilst we’re on the topic of BBQ’s, why don’t you read our review of the 2017 film The BBQ. Read an excerpt below:

And about 20 minutes into the film, I had my very own roses moment – the startling realisation that real garbage had hitherto been unknown to me. That I had been blind to how ugly art could be; how vile, and racist, and unwatchable cinema could truly get.