Barbecue surprise for hobby home-barbecuers

Prahran-based hobby home-barbecuers Matt and Margaret Vitale, aka Southside Smokers, have been stunned by an invitation to represent Australia at the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue competition on October 26 at the Jack Daniel's distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

To say corporate lawyer Matt is surprised is an understatement. "We're completely shocked," he says, after the couple entered and won the inaugural Redheads Melbourne Pro BBQ Cook-off in March. Matt will attend and compete, Margaret will stay home with their new baby.