Paul Derengowski, Ph.D.
Several months ago, Dr. Stoker excitedly wrote to me after completing the last journal article I was required to write in lieu of receiving my degree that I needed to come to South Africa and experience Braai (pronounced brī). What? Braai? Is that some kind of carnival ride?
No, it is the South African version of a Texas barbecue. Now, if you have not eaten a well-prepared, Texas barbecue, then you simply have not lived. But, Dr. Stoker assured me that South African braai was better than that. Needless to say, he piqued my interest.
Roll the calendar ahead, all the way to after the graduation luncheon, to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, Lee came and picked my wife and I up to take us to Annelize’s hovel where he was preparing South African braai. Joining us that evening would be a doctoral student and her husband, who was commencing her studies at NWU, along with Dr. Stoker and his granddaughter. Lee would be the maestro in charge, as well all sat around and enjoyed the evening together.
Part of the fun of eating this meal was in the preparation. So, I took the liberty of having maestro Lee explain to the world what he was doing that made braai so special, especially to South Africans. At the end, he offered a challenge, at least to all Texans, to see if anyone could do better. If anything, his explanation and challenge did produce a few comedic moments.
Lee Explains Braai: Part 1
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Lee Explains Braai: Part 2
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Lee Explains Braai: Part 3
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Suffice it to say, when Lee was done, we ate, and ate, and ate. Given that it had only been a few hours before that we finished lunch, and I was stuffed, this meal sent, at least me, over the top. Sleeping, later on, became somewhat of a problem.
Now, the question of whether braai was better than Texas barbecue, I will leave that to each individual’s opinion, who have had both. But, I will concede that it was very good, if not a competitive second place, being partial that I am toward Texas barbecue.
All-in-all, it was a wonderful experience. Great food. Great company. It was simply a great time.
When we finished, it was back to the Astro Villa to get ready for long day on Wednesday, as Dr. Stoker would immediately put me and my doctorate to work.
