My First South African Braai

Last night I was invited to a Braai (a traditional South African bbq) at my friend Shan's boyfriend's (Stefan) brothers house.   Shan, a fellow graduate student, has become such a good friend and has included me in so much. In the simplest terms, a braai is a traditional South African bbq.  However, if you are a braai master you don't just have a grill out back you have a custom made braai.  For example, last night, in a corner of the backyard the couple had built a wall, that had the braai (sort of looked like a fireplace but it opened up like an oven), the entire area was covered and they had seating so you could hang out with the person braaing.  Wood is traditionally used for a braai (last night they used charcoal) and most meats (steak, chicken, lamb, pork, game) are part of the braai.  Here is a bit more info on the braai (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braai).

Anyway, the brothers alternate who has the braai at their house every Thursday night.  Family is always there as well as an assortment of close friends.  Last night they had 18.  A braai is not a quick evening, we arrived at 7:30 didn't eat till 10 and left around 11, which was early.  Drinks were poured as soon as you arrived (and continuously throughout the night, you weren't allowed to have an empty glass), Jaegermeister shots were handed out three times throughout the evening, and there were chips out for everyone to snack on.  While the guys handled the braai the ladies were inside making the salad, the bake potatoes, the veggies, and bread.  Shan bought extra vegetables for me to eat because she was worried there might not be enough (so nice).  Last night, lamb and chicken was on the menu and they don't put sauces on the meat they instead use different spice combinations (there is such thing as a braai spice mix). When the meat had cooked and the accompaniments were ready it was placed on the table and literally everyone swarmed to the food.  Before I knew it everyone was eating and the food was pretty much gone!  I will say it was delicious and a totally different experience then an American bbq.

I had a great time and everyone was so welcoming and gracious.  Since everyone last night, besides me, speaks Afrikaans they were good about translating as well as speaking in English (which they don't often do).  I was so full of food and wine at the end of the night that as soon as I got home I headed to bed.  Last time I was in South Africa, I didn't get to go to a traditional braai so this was a new experience.  I am not sure I could do that every Thursday but there is no doubt it would be entertaining!  

I am headed to potjie on Saturday night.  More details to follow.