Hogzilla's Inspired Barbeque wants to feed you, South Beach, so tonight at its grand opening party, the chow is on the house. From to 7 to 11 p.m. guests can enjoy bites and signature cocktails with just a simple RSVP to [email protected].
The man behind the restaurant is Ron Garcia (formerly of SushiSamba Dromo and Burger & Beer Joint), who, along with local barbecue guru Raul Rodriguez and executive chef Eli Jackson, is bringing smoky-flavored comfort food to Miami Beach. But Garcia admits that unlike his previous stints, the barbecue fare might be more challenging due to different styles and preferences.
"People seem to have different levels of acceptance when it comes to burgers," Garcia tells Short Order. "People would never compare their favorite burger to McDonald's. But when it comes to barbecue, you are bordering on the lines of a religion. They get fiery about it the same way they would about a sports team. You are dealing with different camps and regions."
So what team does Hogzilla's root for: Texas, Tennessee, Kansas City?
"We set ourselves to think outside of the box. If we want to combine different styles, we go for it. If we want to blend in some international flavors, we do so. We go outside the normal conventions any purist will throw at us."
Sounds risky to us, but we're intrigued. Guess everyone can find out for themselves tonight if Hogzilla's globetrotting barbecue is a winner.
Follow Short Order on Facebook and Twitter @Short_Order.
