It’s a fun family affair at Sizzle Den in Lavington … Dennis Gatmin and Jennifer McCabb with their daughter Brielle, and Jen’s brother Oliver Del-Rosario. Photo: Minerva Taylor.
The first cook-on-your-table Korean BBQ restaurant has arrived on Albury’s dining scene.
Filipino siblings Jen McCabb, 48, and her brother Oliver Del-Rosario, 51, opened Sizzle Den at Lavington in March with an all-you-can-eat dining experience reminiscent of the vibrant and interactive Melbourne Korean BBQ scene.
A 90-minute sitting provides a format to cook premium meats (such as Wagyu, beef bulgogi, lamb shoulder and pork belly) at your table. The $45 per head (adult) charge includes a hot and cold side buffet featuring traditional banchan, pre-cooked hot starters such as crispy fried chicken and savoury noodles, fresh vegetables and salads (including greens perfect for wrapping grilled meat), desserts that cover ice-creams, cake and fresh fruit.
Jen and Oliver like to think the Sizzle Den menu infuses four countries – Korea, Japan, Australia and the Philippines – into one small place.
They’ve opted for a “soft” opening so that they can gently tweak the menu where needed and satisfy their already loyal following (1000-plus to date on the Facebook page).
Jen moved to Australia from the Philippines in 2011 after marrying an Australian (who sadly has since passed away) and Oliver followed her to the Border in 2014, bringing out Jen’s eldest daughter.
The pair found work in aged care but always dreamed of opening a restaurant, inspired by their mum and a love of cooking steeped in culture and family connection.
“We are Filipino and are naturally hospitable, generous and cheerful,” Oliver says. “Our mum loved to cook and raised us kids to be really close and always there for each other.
“We’ve always loved going out for Korean BBQ in Melbourne and we love sharing meals together at home.”
So they bought a table and grill and every weekend it would be a barbecue, hot pot or something sensationally sizzling at someone’s home.
But it took a year for Jen to work up the courage – and the finances – to take a leap of faith into business, supported by her partner Dennis Gatmin, extended family and friends and her bubbly brother.
“She sold her car to put the money in,” Oliver reveals.
The brother-sister duo admit it’s been a steep learning curve but they’re relishing the DIY aspect of the Sizzle Den format and delivering fresh ingredients and fantastic flavours to customers who seem to be devouring this new Albury dining experience.
Region caught up with Jen and Oliver as part of our ‘Five Minutes with’ series.
A must-try at Sizzle Den?
Jen: The Filipino BBQ pork – just don’t cook it on too high a heat.
Oliver: The beef bulgogi’s pretty good.
What’s one ingredient you can’t live without?
Jen: Soy sauce!
Biggest mistake people make cooking Korean BBQ?
Jen: With the marinated meats, cook them first on the (baking) paper, then remove it and cook the rest. If you cook on too high a heat, the marinades can get sticky and bitter.
Top cooking tips?
Jen: Cooking is a mood thing – if you are not in a good mood, it affects the cooking. You have to love what you do.
Oliver: Cook with love … every time!
What’s your favourite cuisine?
Both (in unison): Japanese!
The pair loves the marinades, sushi and Yakiniku (Japanese barbecue).
Favourite dining spots on the Border?
(There’s a few!)
The siblings list Phaboonchai Thai in Wodonga (“the crispy pork belly is a must”), Yuu Sushi and Okami in Albury among their faves.
Oliver: But when we are craving Filipino food, we head to Baan Sabai Jai Thai & Filo Hangout Restaurant in Smollett Street, Albury.
Best thing about the Border dining scene?
Jen: It’s a relaxed, welcoming community and I find people do like to try new things. There are lots of restaurants here and people really enjoy different styles of food.
Oliver: We grew up in a city so it’s been a big change – but it’s the change you want. People are nice and everyone smiles.
Best thing about being a brother-sister team in business?
Oliver (laughing): We grew up fighting so we can’t offend each other.
Jen: Working together is easy because we are family; we don’t have to sugar-coat anything and you can just be yourself.
… And the biggest challenge?
Jen (laughing): He wants a pay rise and we’ve only just started!
Sizzle Den is open Wednesday to Sunday (5 to 8:30 pm, with lunch on Saturday and Sunday noon to 2:30 pm). You’ll find Sizzle Den at 357C Urana Rd , Lavington, call (02) 6022 8903, text 0468 459 408 to book or check it out on Facebook.
