Munchie’s Live BBQ Is Just the Escape You Need Right Now
Tucked into a secluded spot in Gotha, find some of the best barbecue Central Florida has to offer with pretty views to boot.
Barbecue means lots of different things to people. But to Chef Alfred Mann, it’s the perfect chance to step away from work, school and other duties, and to get outside and just be for a while.
Chopped BBQ Chicken (Brooke Fehr)
That was the thought behind Munchie’s Live BBQ, an “immersive culinary experience” nestled alongside of pretty Fischer Lake in Gotha.
Sit a Spell
So what exactly is Munchie’s Live BBQ? To hear Chef Alred explain it, his latest business endeavor came about rather organically. He was actually inspired by the location—Camp Ithiel—to give his guests a whole new experience. “This is our corporate office, where we do all of the production for the catering. And being here, I’m always looking at vantage points.”
An Open-Air Chapel at Camp Ithiel, Where Munchie’s Live BBQ Takes Place. (Brooke Fehr)
The beauty of his surroundings struck him—and he knew what he wanted to do. “I wanted to create a space where we could celebrate family, and give you a chance to come out in the afternoon and give you that place to unplug. I figured I’d share that.”
Fischer Lake (Brooke Fehr)
And Munchie’s Live BBQ was born.
Timing is Everything
But Chef Alfred isn’t new to Gotha’s barbecue scene. For several years, he manned a roadside barbecue station at the corner of Hempel Avenue and Old Winter Garden Road. It was a hit with local foodies and often drew long lines. When he decided to focus more on catering services, fans would often ask when he would bring back the smoker and set up shop again.
Pulled Pork. (Brooke Fehr)
It took a pandemic to give the people what they wanted.
Now, just steps away from the original location, Chef Alfred offers drive-thru, to-go and catering Wednesday throught Sunday starting at 10 a.m. until they run out of food. Call ahead ordering is strongly recommended to ensure that your meals are there and waiting for you.
A Hammock Garden, You Say?
But while pick-up is convenient, consider staying for a while. When you book Munchie’s Live BBQ experience (price $50 per person), you’ll enjoy two hours at the picturesque lakeside retreat, where you can canoe, paddle, fish, play cornhole—or just swing for a while in the hammock garden beneath a canopy of ancient trees. There’s even a putting green to practice your swing.
Where You’ll Find Me. (Brooke Fehr)
The outdoor space can accommodate 10-100 people, making it the perfect spot for socially-distanced family gatherings, or open-air meetings and business retreats. Guests dine at umbrella-shaded picnic tables.
As for the dishes, tuck into platters that include chopped chicken, pulled pork and barbecue ribs smoked low and slow over natural charcoal. Sides include grilled bread, apple coleslaw (delicious!), gooey mac and cheese (some of the best I’ve had recently) barbecue beans, greens and more.
Sides Aplenty. (Brooke Fehr)
Stepping away from the day’s demands, even if for a little while, is so refreshing. And if you can combine your foray into nature with a little ‘cue? Even better.
Tell Me More
Call 407.879.6761 to book your live experience, or to place your to-go orders. Follow Munchie’s Live BBQ on Facebook and Instagram for more information and to view a full menu and price list.
