Bring the weber?

[TamTam]

16 hours ago, SimpleSimon said:

But at least I don't have "a couple of kangaroos loose in the top paddock".....

Is that like saying a few sarmies short of a picnic?

 

[TamTam]

Considering the time to scrub my current one clean (in the cold nogal) and also considering its pretty vuil - I think a new one might be a better option!

But thanks everyone for your replies.

[SimpleSimon]

13 hours ago, TamTam said:

Is that like saying a few sarmies short of a picnic?

 

Good one thank you, I’ll be using that one from now on. There’s a lot of people around me to whom that applies. (Never me of course).

 

There are oven cleaners in Netherlands than can do this for you: https://www.ovenclean.nl/

 

Here’s someone offering to clean your Dutch oven: http://www.dutchovendude.com/dutch-oven-cleaning.php. I always thought Dutch oven was something different.

 

While I’m not keen to make my own wood/charcoal braai, I’m more than happy to attend one. So bring the Weber and I’ll happily tell you whether the food tastes better than my ware Australian BBQ.

 

 

[TamTam]

On ‎11‎/‎25‎/‎2017 at 2:04 AM, SimpleSimon said:

I always thought Dutch oven was something different.

it is... but it's rude and I won't explain it here.

 

In the Netherlands a Dutch oven is normally a cast iron pot.

 

Ps you still need to tell me what "a couple of kangaroos loose in the top paddock"..... means

Edited November 27, 2017 by TamTam

[SimpleSimon]

You have a couple of kangaroos loose in the top paddock = you’re bossies.

 

What’s the rude meaning of “Dutch oven”?

 

Make sure you smoke enough pot to last you a lifetime while you’re still in Holland.

Edited November 27, 2017 by SimpleSimon

[TamTam]

Thanks @SimpleSimon for finding the oven cleaners in the Netherlands for me. I have used them and my weber looks great! Plus we didn't have to spend any time outdoors in the cold to get it done. They also cleaned my oven which now looks brand new!

[SimpleSimon]

Thanks @TamTam for letting me know. That’s very funny.

[TamTam]

Yeah when the guy asked me how I found them it was quite a round about story (I think he thought I had a few roos loose in the top paddock, but then again I think the Dutch think I am fairly odd ).

Edited January 10, 2018 by TamTam

[SimpleSimon]

@TamTam I am very friendly with a Dutch family who have emigrated to Sydney. My experience (n = 2) is that the Dutch make South Africans look diplomatic, measured and introspective. They are frank, brutally honest and tell you straight what’s on their mind. They are also highly capable, can-do and intelligent people.

 

The husband and wife have freely questioned their boss’ authority, suggested better ways of doing things and constantly asked “why?” (As they had done in Holland). Both started off working at large institutions and after a few years have been rejected like a failed transplant. The story has a good ending as the husband has started his own business which will be very successful.

 

What this means for you as a South African living in Holland is you will need the extra strength Australianisation when you come over. It will be interesting to see how you work it all out.

Edited January 10, 2018 by SimpleSimon

[TamTam]

You are correct, the Dutch are very straightforward which doesn't bother me at all. I agree also on your point about their being capable. 

I just feel like I don't fit here. As difficult as I have found living here the past four years I am glad we did it. This initial move helped me break the apron strings from South Africa and I no longer feel homesick. It also helped that I made the adjustment to living in an expensive country where you do everything yourself.

 

Anyhoo I have no clue what you meant in your last sentence (still drinking my morning coffee). Extra strength Australianisation?

 

PS whenever people say I live in Holland I send them this link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwKQPw1xnYg

 

Edited January 12, 2018 by TamTam

[SimpleSimon]

Great question @TamTam. Australia is mainly an immigrant nation so it is forged from many cultures. On average the culture is warm, friendly, helpful and efficient.

 

However, what you see is definitely not what you get. You can offend people quite easily but you won’t be aware of it because nobody tells you.

 

You find out to your detriment only when you are passed over for promotions, let go by employers and so on. You also might not get invited round to people more than once. At that stage you probably thought you were getting on famously with everyone.

 

The best operating style is thus to hold in your thoughts and opinions until you know people really well. Getting the job done quietly and efficiently with little fuss and not complaining too much is valued.

 

My personal experience (which covers myself, family and friends) is that it takes South Africans and Dutch a while to work this out and assimilate into the culture.

 

For this reason the first 3 - 5 years have been tough for the people I know until they work out how to fit into the culture. I’m afraid you may find similarities with your move to Holland. That said, as there are so many immigrants, you will have common ground with a lot of people.

[SimpleSimon]

For example, consider the topic of this discussion.

At a braai, there will be a lot of conversation about the quality of wood, fire, my supercharged new edition Weber compared to the one I build out of bricks, whether to turn steaks only once etc.

At an Australian BBQ there will be a lot of conversation about the wine, housing prices, how’s so and so doing, and wow the meat and salads taste good.

[Titus]

On 14/01/2018 at 4:04 AM, SimpleSimon said:

For example, consider the topic of this discussion.

At a braai, there will be a lot of conversation about the quality of wood, fire, my supercharged new edition Weber compared to the one I build out of bricks, whether to turn steaks only once etc.

At an Australian BBQ there will be a lot of conversation about the wine, housing prices, how’s so and so doing, and wow the meat and salads taste good.

 

This couldn't be more true!!!!

 

Also, it's happened more times than I can count, where I end up braaing outside by myself with all the Aussies sitting in the lounge and socialising...

[SimpleSimon]

On the radio a couple of days ago, they interviewed someone who seemed to be a chef of note. He talked about bbq-ing techniques.

He uses the flat plate on the barbie (not the grill) for cooking his steaks. He reckons you shouldn't let your meat near an open flame.

I bet this will have the wood/charcoal fire aficionados turning in their graves.  

[SimpleSimon]

Today I saw an Aussie do something that took the biscuit. He arrived at work with a big piece of steak. he coated it with oil and spices and then proceeded to cook it using a sandwich press. 5 minutes and he was done - even some browning on the outside.

I guess I shouldn't be in too much awe, I'm about to put my biltong meat in the food dehydrator - should be ready in 2 days.

[AussieMick]

20 hours ago, SimpleSimon said:

I'm about to put my biltong meat in the food dehydrator - should be ready in 2 days.

2 days? Disgraceful. I bet you buy premixed spices too.

[AussieMick]

On 1/14/2018 at 6:34 AM, SimpleSimon said:

 

At an Australian BBQ there will be a lot of conversation about the wine, housing prices, how’s so and so doing, and wow the meat and salads taste good.

Salad? What are these things called salads?

[AussieMick]

On 11/24/2017 at 9:42 PM, TamTam said:

Is that like saying a few sarmies short of a picnic?

 

Yes. Like a couple of snags short of a Barbie. Not the full quid. Not the sharpest knife in the block.

[RedPanda]

On 23/03/2018 at 9:55 AM, AussieMick said:

Salad? What are these things called salads?

It's when you make a chicken or pork burger but don't add the buns  

[TamTam]

@SimpleSimon any advice on a gas option. We have the (now clean) weber but for quick evening options what would you recommend.

 

Also in Oz where would you typically go for good meat - normal supermarkets or butchers?

[SimpleSimon]

You can buy a cheap version (~$200) at Bunnings hardware chain which we first did. We threw it away after 3 years. We then went upmarket and bought one at BBQ Galore (~$900).. They both do the same job but this one is still going strong after 6 years. I buy meat from the supermarkets. There are often butchers outside but I find them more expensive- maybe a better cut. We live in an Asian area so we can get meat at 2/3s cost at local butcheries.

[TamTam]

I went to that site and found an absolute monster of a bbq for $5600

[SimpleSimon]

At Bunnings you can also buy some bricks, tiles, cement and metal grids. In an afternoon you can have a nice charcoal BBQ set up. If you want it to be portable, don’t use the cement.

[ChrisH]

14 hours ago, TamTam said:

Also in Oz where would you typically go for good meat - normal supermarkets or butchers?

 

I suggest just keeping an eye on prices, know more or less what beef/chicken/pork/lamb costs per kg then you'll know on the spot if the Coles special is really a special.  If you end up in the Northern suburbs of Brisbane you can also visit this butcher: http://www.meatland.com.au/.  I've seen some pretty good specials there (check their Facebook page).

[TamTam]

Well price is one thing, but I am referring more to quality. Here for example the meat from the butcher far outweights the supermarket meat. I would rather eat less meat, but cuts that taste better.