Experience Guide

Attending an Open Fire Co Private Event

Welcome to Open Fire Co, a pop-up where we practice the timeless art of open fire cooking. Review this experience guide written to help educate guests on what to expect when attending a “Hang,” as our suspension BBQ events are known.

1. “The Hang”

The Hang is a casual, rustic and informal long lunch renowned for its theatrical and captivating atmosphere. The live fire journey starts when you walk in and see the suspension cage for the first time. It is half bbq and half art installation. The synergy between the fire and the dangling, smoking meats and veggies will help transport you to a primal, bygone realm.

2. Food In Waves

Unless otherwise planned, the courses and portioning at the Hang unfold similar to a degustation or tasting menu. This means three to four hours of eating. Most often we serve family style, so each guest can have a little more of what they like and leave a little less of what they don’t.

You wont have to eat anything else the day you come to a Hang (so think of it like saving on the two other meals). We aim for guests to leave more than comfortably satisfied. Oftentimes, we encourage folks to bring to go boxes so they can take home leftovers.

3. Punctuality

Please make an effort to arrive on time or early. Because fire cooking is dependent on so many variables (incl. weather and humidity), we cannot wait for every guest to arrive to start serving. As well, we promise you won’t want to miss the first course. Also, part of the total experience is hanging around the fire and chatting with folks. Smelling the smells. Seeing the process.

This is also the best time for photos and videos, while the hanging cage is full of food.

4. Weather Variables

Check the weather before coming. It is extremely rare that we cancel because we love the adventure and challenge of cooking in the rain & wind. So, if it’s going to drizzle or get muddy bring changes of clothes, wellies, etc. In some instances we can provide refunds for cancellations more then 48hrs in advance, however, we encourage people to brave the elements. The most memorable, talked-about BBQs we’ve had were in the soggiest conditions.

We definitely recommend bringing your own camp chairs, blankets, beach umbrellas and coolers with ice (if it’s BYOB) for hot and sunny days.

5. Kids

While we love kids, because of the large open fire, dangerous elements and adventurous eating experience, live fire cooking is not the most kid friendly event. So we recommend getting making arrangements with family or a sitter so you can fully enjoy yourselves.

6. Dietary Accommodations

Since open fire cooking doesn’t have the same resources as cooking in a commercial kitchen, we must be considerate in regards to food safety, which we take very seriously. Our outdoor environment - such as wind and weather - is always changing, which may increase the chance of cross-contamination. Though we will make every effort to accommodate your needs, we want to be transparent about this potential risk. Please let us know well in advance of any serious allergies so we can plan accordingly.

For vegans and vegetarians, we appreciate the diverse dining preferences of everyone who comes through. Though, unless you book us for a full vegetarian experience (which we love doing), our menus mostly focus on non-vegetarian dishes. That being said, no one has ever left us hungry so we just urge you to reach out early so we can match our expectations and both have a magical experience. There is much more than just food at the Hangs.

7. Value

Especially as the cost can sometimes seem high, as an attendee, you may wonder if the investment is worth it. We value your time and money and strive to provide you with experience that far exceeds the relative ticket price to our events.

We’ve experienced it often where someone has been justifiably reticent to drop $100+ on a BBQ, but then tell us after the conclusion of the experience that they would’ve paid much more. So what is it that changes their tune?

The food is always legendary, but that is not the complete picture. We do suspension barbecue - a method not cost effective nor efficient - to make folks feel a certain way, to create a complete afternoon or evening apart from the modern world. Sitting around the campfire making community used to be an essential part of the human experience. Our goal is to bring a sliver of that back.

In order to ensure the delivery of this experience, we work hard in the days before and after setting up the location, gathering and moving the wood, building the cage, prepping & developing the flavors & food. The following day is similar with break down & an obscene amount of cleaning. A 1 day event is minimum 4-6 days of work depending on the location and menu. But it is more than worth it to hear: “I’ve never been to anything like this.” or “I’ll remember this as long as I live.”

That’s when you know you’re on the right track.

In Conclusion

The most important thing to remember is that this expression of open fire cooking is a live & organic endeavor. It’s is an adventure. In that way, it’s like theater vs. watching TV. Something unexpected is always bound to happen. And since you are also part of the journey, no two Hangs are ever the same.

Thank you for visiting, and hope to see you soon.

Mark and The OFC Team.