Berbeo Bros serving Colombian-style barbecue to 800 people on January 31

Chef Juan Berbeo is finishing January with an all-day barbecue for 800 people at Berbeo Bros, his Colombian restaurant in South Melbourne.

That sounds like a lot of mouths to feed until you learn that Berbeo and his brother Sebastian grew up in a family of butchers and chefs in Fusagasuga, 60 kilometres south of Colombia's capital Bogota, where his uncle and father routinely catered for up to 5000 people.

"I learnt slaughtering, butchering and cooking techniques all together," says Juan Berbeo, whose Melbourne CV lists Rockpool, Pastuso and Piqueos. "If I wanted to go out on Friday after school, I had to sacrifice a lamb or two and get them ready for the weekend to then be able to hang out with friends."

On Sunday, January 31, the Berbeo brothers will ignite memories of Fusagasuga feasting, setting up a firepit on the broad pavement outside their South Melbourne restaurant to create a "carne a la llanera" experience from noon to 8pm.

Five Western Plains pigs and a whole Sher Wagyu carcass will be portioned, marinated and splayed over a grid, then slow-cooked over charcoal and red gum. The roasted meat is served with chorizo and black pudding ($39). Other snacks include ceviche ($22) and empanaditas (three for $12) plus house-made guarapo, an alcoholic "beer" made from fermented pineapple skin.

Bookings are essential.

Berbeo Bros, 602 City Road, South Melbourne, berbeobros.com