Local Central Floridian Wess St. Victor fell in love with making barbecue and never looked back. Recently, he opened a new place on North OBT near College Park – a small hole in the wall type place which is an upgrade from his food truck called St. Vic’s Smoke Shack.
The place has some of the best collard greens I’ve had in town as well as excellent smoked ribs, pulled pork, and chicken – with a fantastic lunch sandwich deal.
We dropped by recently to check out the shop and also catch up with Wess as he starts off his business serving up some of the best barbecue in Orlando.
Tasty Chomps Interview with Wess St. Victor’s of St. Vic’s Smoke Shack
What inspired you to become a chef and how did you get started in the culinary industry?
Wes St. Victpr: I’m not a chef, I’m just someone who loves to make BBQ. It started with the search for good BBQ in central Florida.
What’s the most popular dish at your restaurant and why do you think it’s so popular?
Wess: I’d have to say the brisket. Our brisket has a completely different flavor profile than anyone else’s in central Florida and I believe that’s why people keep coming back for it.
If you had to choose one ingredient to cook with for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Wess: Garlic! I love the flavor profile of garlic and how it can completely change a dish based off the amount you put into it.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as a chef that you wish someone had told you when you first started?
Wess: ‘Nothing worth having comes easy’
Why is Orlando a special place for you to start your business?
Wess: Orlando is home, and Orlando deserves good BBQ
Can you share any tips for home cooks who want to improve their culinary skills especially those interested in barbecuing and smoking meats?
Wess: ‘Low & slow and ‘Flavor matters’ Low & Slow consists of time and patients and Flavor Matters just means to understand the protein and ingredients you are working with.
What are some of the challenges you faced when first opening, and how do you overcome them?
Wess: Marketing is the hardest challenging. We’re currently still working on how to properly market and let people know that we’re out here.
St. Vic’s Smoke Shack
1858 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804
https://www.facebook.com/stvicssmokeshack/
https://www.instagram.com/stvicssmokeshack/?hl=en
