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Just open: Bluebonnet Barbecue, Collingwood

Veda Gilbert

Chef Chris Terlikar inside Bluebonnet Barbecue's new digs.
Chef Chris Terlikar inside Bluebonnet Barbecue's new digs.Wayne Taylor

After successful pop-ups at Grub Food Van, and bars Forgotten Worlds and the Beaufort, Chris Terlikar has put down semi-permanent roots in Collingwood for Texas-style Bluebonnet Barbecue, which opened today for a 12-month run.

The Melbourne-born chef's career includes a stint at Michelin-starred Public in New York City, but meeting the team behind Hill Country Barbecue (an NY-based Texas-style barbecue joint) and taking an eight-week trip around Texas revolutionised his cooking style.

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For his first restaurant, Terlikar has gutted Collingwood's former Ilk Bar, exposing the brick walls and installing large tables for communal-style dining to transform the intimate space into a more social affair. Out back, the Astroturfed courtyard is home to his custom-made offset smoker, used to smoke angus brisket rubbed with his secret spice mix, house-made Texas Hot Guts sausages and ribs – including venison, lamb and his signature 600g Angus beef ribs.

Shying away from traditional US-style barbecue sides such as slaw and potato salad, Terlikar has drawn on his fine dining training to create such dishes as broccoli, shankleesh and smoked almonds, and guindilla peppers, cheese and black garlic cornbread.

There's an impressive selection of American whiskies, growlers of craft ale such as locally brewed Thunder Road Hop Star, and bottomless Proud Mary filter coffee.

Steak and ribs in the smoker at Bluebonnet Barbecue.
Steak and ribs in the smoker at Bluebonnet Barbecue.Wayne Taylor

It's open Wed-Sun 11am-4pm; Thurs-Sat 6pm-1am, with bookings available, and when the weather warms up, there'll be live music in the courtyard.

Bluebonnet Barbecue, 187 Johnston Street, Collingwood, 03 9972 1815, bluebonnetbbq.com.au.

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