By Gabrielle Hall
A country life surrounded by pigs, chickens and ducks, sounds idyllic and it’s all part of the future plans for one country couple embarking on a new solo venture.
It’s not really that simple, but for Auburn pair James Kolencik and Sarah Noack their new catering venture is gaining momentum in the Clare Valley.
They’ve already made a name for themselves in the award-winning The Rising Sun Hotel – but the pub’s on the market and that means it’s time for change.
Enter Auburn Smoke House (ASH) Catering.
“I have always been interested in smoking meats and food – smoke makes everything taste better,” says head chef James.
“We can cater for any tastes, and our style I guess is modern Australian but with a combination of street style – we don’t just do smoked or chargrilled food, but this style is definitely our point of difference.”
James Kolencik and Sarah Noack
There is no doubt it is hard to walk past a barbecue or chargrill without being drawn into it, and James and Sarah say they hope the whole “smoke, fire, food” atmosphere will inspire people to try new foods and enjoy the whole experience.
“There’s something about barbecues that attracts males and they want to come up and see what’s cooking and stand around the grill,” James says.
“Presentation of our food and our business for us is a really big thing. If it looks good, smells good and tastes good – even if it’s not the type of food they might normally eat, I hope they will give it a go and enjoy trying something different.”
In addition to the catering, Auburn Smoke House has been dabbling in a range of in-house foods such as pate, smoked meats, relishes and pickles.
“Our future plan is to be able to grow our own pigs and meat – I’m keen to get into making my own bacon and sausages – and to grow everything ourselves, all our own vegies, chicken and ducks would just be fantastic,” James says.
ASH (Auburn Smoke House) Catering
Born and bred in Auburn, about 100 kilometres north of Adelaide, Sarah found herself back there with James when her parents bought The Rising Sun five years ago.
It pulled them back from England where they had based themselves travelling and working in hospitality.
They had both also worked in the industry in Adelaide before jet setting and James’ parents both work as chefs and in hospitality, so he’s known the game his whole life.
Sarah and James will continue to work at The Rising Sun until it finds a new owner, but the couple say the emerging ASH Catering and food is where they will eventually commit full time and they can’t wait to see where it leads them.
Experience some of the ASH products on May 5-6, 2016, at the Clare Valley marquee at the Tasting Australia event in Victoria Square, Adelaide.
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