A Rocket Burger from Fat Back BBQ in Port Dover.
By Ian Milmine
While enjoying the sun and sounds of the waterfront and watching the boats come and go in Port Dover, the air is filled with the amazing aroma of smoked meats and pleasant greetings.
This of course is owner Sandy McNama greeting people as they walk up to the window at 1 Main Street to order from Port Dover’s very own Fat Back BBQ.
McNama and her partner Chef Rob opened this business just a few years ago. This year their business has grown enough to stay open later this year and they hope to become a year-round shop in Port Dover instead of being seasonal like in their first two years. Fat Back BBQ has gained a foothold in Port Dover and with delivery and catering options becoming available for BBQ and more. Fat Back BBQ is growing, and they are so happy to be a part of the Norfolk County food culture with Ontario’s Garden at their fingertips.
From a young age, Chef Rob developed his love and passion for food where so many of us do - at home in the kitchen working alongside his mom. Right after high school, Chef Rob went to work at Cleveland House in Muskoka, Ont. He then attended George Brown Culinary School. Post graduation he immediately started working for restaurants in the GTA, a hotel in Kingston, and other independent restaurants. Chef Rob worked for Prime (formerly the parent company that owned East Side Mario’s, Casey’s, etc.), and did consulting for both struggling independent small businesses to Delta Hotels. From there the classically trained French chef then purchased The Bobcaygeon Inn and renamed it The Big Tomato.
Wanting a change to do something different, somewhere different, Sandy remembered Port Dover from the periodic visits she would make for some if its more iconic tourist attractions. They scouted Port Dover in modern day, and it instantly appealed to them. Chef Rob saw a big opportunity. In no time they found a place to live and started scouting potential spots downtown to open a shop. Rob wanted to provide something it didn’t already have. They quickly found their spot with a beautiful view and soon after Chef Rob knew he was going to bring BBQ to Port Dover.
Having a walking up/takeout BBQ shop is not common in Norfolk, let alone in Port Dover.
Chef Rob also has one of the most unique smokers ever built. It’s a ‘WALK IN SMOKER.’ As a barbecue aficionado, this makes me envious of his equipment and smiling from ear to ear when he gave me a tour of his facility. Chef Rob has created his own unique flavour profile with his own sauces made in house. Now Port Dover has the continuous smell of barbecue in the air - a bolder flavour profile with just a hint of sweet and a gentle kiss of heat for balance. The house made sauces really wowed me.
Chef Rob takes full advantage of everything Norfolk has to offer from seasonal vegetables to locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Ensuring consistency and quality of each dish is at the top of the priority list for Chef Rob.
This is immediately followed by portion sizes. You better bring an empty stomach and maybe even a friend to try and tackle some of their most popular dishes like The Texan. The Texan is a brisket burnt ends poutine that you can have on a bed of fries or tater tots, topped with cheese curds and gravy. This beast weighs in at an easy 2 lbs or more.
The Big Squeeze is their in-house brisket sandwich that you will either have to squeeze down to fit in your mouth or get a bigger mouth. Maybe even practice some jaw stretching exercises for this one.
The Rocket Burger is a personal favourite of mine. This is a simple burger that will please all your burger needs.
The Karaage is a Japanese crispy chicken sandwich. I was blown away, the crunch of this sandwich plus the flavour of the house-made sauce on it will leave your face a mess and wanting more. You can also get family platter that will feed anywhere from 3-6 people. I would recommend sharing a platter, IF you want to.
YEAR-ROUND BBQ
Fat Back BBQ is now also offering delivery, year-round barbecue as they plan to stay open throughout the winter months. Plus, catering services (519-410-2177). Utilizing all of Chef Rob’s culinary skills over the years, he can cater to any menu and cooking style you need.
Ian Milmine is the Facebook administrator for What’s For Dinner Norfolk County.
Comments