Australians are about to learn that there’s a whole world beyond “shrimp on the barbie.”
Indeed, the top-rated morning television show in Australia, Sunrise, filmed in the Santa Maria Valley at legendary local barbecue landmark The Hitching Post on October 30. In a visit coordinated by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB), the show’s crew enjoyed dinner and an interview courtesy of Chef Phil Meza of The Hitching Post.
The Aussies are in the states to film a five-part series called “The Original Road Trip.” Sunrise producers are modeling this series after a similar show they filmed in Australia, where the reporter rides a motorcycle through various destinations and reports on the people and places along the way. The piece will air later this year on Australia’s Channel 7 network, which reports a segment audience of 300,000.
“The crew just loved the food and the authenticity of our barbecue culture, wine region and ranching heritage,” said Gina Keough, manager of the VCB. “We made sure they tried our local wines along with Santa Maria Style Barbecue.”
And how did the crew respond to the Santa Maria Style eats? A resounding “brilliant” was heard loud and clear!
