As Beerbird co-directors Barry Owen and Greg Ivins put it: “We could tell you a half-baked story about our great-grandfather learning the secret of the Beerbird from some unnamed tribesman during his travels in darkest Africa. Or we could tell you the truth: the one and only Beerbird, the original beer chicken-cooking device and the greatest way to prepare chicken the world has ever seen, is now available in SA.”
Beer and braaiing
The Beerbird is a small grill with a ring to hold an open beer can upright. Fit the body cavity of a whole, uncooked chicken over the tin, place on a kettle braai or in the oven, and close it. Leave it undisturbed for an hour and a half and voila, you’ll be savouring the most succulent, juicy, tender chicken you can imagine! he idea of beer chicken has been hugely popular in the US for years.
Greg and Barry saw it there and bought the SA rights for this innovative product. Beerbird combines two SA classics, beer and braaiing, to produce the tastiest beer-marinated chicken ever prepared. It’s practical, simple and easy to use, and plays up to the gimmick-lover in every man’s nature. “Beerbird is a fun product we’re convinced will appeal to all South Africans,” says Greg. “Drink a third of a can of beer – very important – then use the rest to steam and flavour the chicken on the grill in the kettlebraai or oven.
Once you’ve tasted it you’ll never cook chicken any other way.”
For variety, use a can of coke, fruit juice or other marinade. For every occasion he Beerbird is for everybody who loves braaiing. It will be a hit at birthdays, Christmas and Father’s Day, and a novel corporate gift. A great conversation piece as well, for those characters who have nothing much to say at braais, apart from grunting about rugby or cricket. potential market is fairly wide but it definitely appeals to the male of the species.
From the ladies’ point of view, its a good gift and a way to get them to cook their own food for a change! And with the escalating red meat price, chicken is becoming even more popular. Beer, braaiing, sunny skies and the Beerbird way – what more could anyone ask for? he Beerbird can be bought online at www.beerbird.co.za, and in selected retailers nationwide. The price is around R100, including VAT and a recipe book.
ENQUIRIES: Auriel Mitchley (011) 889 0796, or e-mail [email protected]. |fw •
STANDARD INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUPERB CHICKEN
Ingredients: • 1 whole chicken • Spices • 1 can of beer
Preparation
Ensure you have an adequate stock of your favourite beer. Open a can and quench your thirst. Remove neck, giblets and excess fat from the chicken and discard. Rinse the chicken inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels. Spice and set aside.
Open another beer can and take several gulps (make them small gulps so the can is still two thirds full). Place on a solid surface. Grabbing a chicken leg in each hand, plunk the bird cavity over the beer can. Transfer the bird-on-a-can to your Beerbird grill and place in the centre of your grill or in your oven. If you’re using an oven, don’t forget to place a drip tray under the chicken. Once the oven is closed or you’ve put the lid on your grill, crack open another beer, sit back and wait for the juiciest, most tender and flavourful chicken you will ever taste.
Cook the chicken over medium-high, indirect heat (no coals or burners on directly under the bird), with the grill cover on, for approximately an hour and three quarters or until the internal temperature registers 73ºC in the breast area and 82ºC in the thigh, or until the thigh juice runs clear when stabbed with a sharp knife. Remove from the grill or oven and let rest for 10 minutes before carving. Enjoy with more beer!
