Holy Smokes and Ring-a-Ding-Dong: Il Texan Barbecue Is Here, Launching at Il Mercato Centrale
Il Mercato Centrale is now expanding its culinary borders, starting with Armstrong Barbecue.
It's big, it's bold, it's unapologetic, and it's fresh off the smoker, folks. Yep, Melbourne's finest food destination, Il Mercato Centrale has officially launched Il Texan Barbecue.
Famous for pizza, pasta and other delicious Italian delights, Il Mercato Centrale is now expanding its culinary borders via some of the world's most fabulous food artisans, starting with Armstrong Barbecue. From Wednesday, March 5, the stellar team are bringing house-made beef sausages, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs and juicy pulled pork to your dining doorstep.
Il Texan Barbecue is a purist's spin on the Central Texas-style barbecue. Leading the feast is pitmaster and Executive Chef, Nathan Zammit, working alongside co-founder and Texan native Tim Jordan. Zammit has worked in some of Europe's best-loved kitchens, and is dedicated to the artistry of the perfect barbecue – from the ideal brisket bark to the deep smoke rings that make or break legendary pitmasters. Expect fire, smoke and the good-ol' fashioned hard work required to knock up the best damn brisket you can imagine – napkins, please!
"The best way to eat Texas barbecue is with your hands, a stack of butcher paper and plenty of napkins," says Zammit. Every bite represents an authentic experience, adds Jordan. "In Texas, barbecue isn't just food," he says. "It's a tradition, a way of life. You don't just 'make' barbecue; you honour it. The fire, the patience, the wood, it all matters. If you're not waking up at 3am to tend the pit, you're not doing it right."
Smoked "low and slow" for 12-18 hours over seasoned local hardwoods, the collagen-rich cut and absolute king of a dish becomes smoky, tender perfection, with a crisp black bark and melt-in-your-mouth interior. It's uncompromising, with that simple elegance you can only get from true culinary craftsmanship – plus just the right amount of salt, black pepper, smoke and time.
So, whether you're grabbing yourself a solo tray or enjoying a mouth-watering feast with friends, count on the kind of food that's worth waiting for. Get those tastebuds ready for an authentic experience – with all the bells, whistles and smoke rings you can handle.
Il Texan Barbecue is now on the menu at Il Mercado Centrale, 546 Collins St, Melbourne. Find out more at the website.
