How the word "Barbecue" came into existence

Anique Gonzalez

The word "barbecue" is believed to have come from the Caribbean word "barabicu," which means "sacred fire pit." From there, "the word and cooking technique migrated out of the Caribbean and into other cultures and languages, with the word moving from Caribbean dialects into Spanish, then French and English in the Americas." The method itself, for barbecue novices, generally entails cooking meat over low heat for a long period of time.

Since the early days of barbecue, all regions throughout the United States have made the technique their own, putting their own spins on it, creating traditions, and developing unique preferences. This is particularly true in the South, where sauces and rubs, choices of meats, and cooking styles are passionately debated.

Of course, "barbecue" refers to not only the food or method of cooking but also the gathering that is involved. Often, barbecues, or "cookouts" for Southerners, are events filled with great food and great company. Moreover, because barbecues entail outdoor cooking, they are most popular during the summer months, when attendees can bask in the glow of the afternoon sun.

Considering its rich history, it is understandable that several competitors will vie for a spot at your next barbecue-based gathering. Still, even with all of the choices out there, there is one that sets itself apart from all others. The BeefEater Ivis Outdoor Kitchen Centre Barbecue (Package D6), which retails for around $23,000, was developed by three Australian companies, all experts in their fields, who worked together to create the ultimate barbecuing experience.

The barbecue's original design was based on a signature series created by BeefEaters, a company that has been building barbecues for the past 20 years and has pioneered the concept of the total outdoor dining experience. St. George Appliances, a 57-year veteran in the kitchen appliances industry, and IVIS, a premier cabinetry and storage company, were also tapped to contribute to the barbecue's creation.

The product itself is immense. It contains a four-burner barbecue cupboard unit, a four-burner S3000s series barbecue with a stainless steel roasting hood, a stainless steel top, a round sink, a mixer faucet, and several drawer units, all covered with granite tops. The entire unit is modular, is made with stainless steel, and can fit a refrigerator unit. The barbecue also "features porcelain enameled cooking plates, stainless steel vaporizers and heat reflectors-for more efficient cooking-plus stainless steel roasting hoods with glass viewing windows."

BeefEater offers customization options, as well. For example, depending on how much storage room you desire, you can customize your grill by adding additional storage or cabinet options. And as if all of these extra gadgets and unique characteristics weren't enough, "the barbecues benefit from a lifetime warranty on all structural components."

So bring on the hamburgers, sausages, briskets, steaks, and everything in between, because this year, summer is going out with a barbecue and a nice cold glass of lemonade.