As a qualified chef, Jorge previously worked at ARIA Brisbane, Ribs and Rumps and Caxton Street Catering, but a year ago realised his dream of starting his own mobile food truck, Phatboys. Jorge grew up in South Africa’s Johannesburg in a Madeiran community, much like that from which his mother and grandmother came from. Food in this community was all about fire and passion, which are the distinctive features of Portuguese food, using simple ingredients with strong flavours. It is these humble memories that gave rise to Phatboys, now roaming the streets of Brisbane introducing soul food from Jorge’s family’s culture and experiences.

In true tradition, the menu at Phatboys is simple but flavoursome with four main dishes each accompanied by an algarve salad or batatas fritas (fries). Try Grandma’s Marinated Flame-grilled Chicken, the pork roll filled with Portuguese spiced pork, or the Phatboy’s Prego – a succulent marinated rump steak in a traditional roll. For those wanting a meat-free option, the fried milho is pan-fried polenta with salad and special sauce. Wherever possible, Phatboys’ ingredients are locally sourced with the meat from iconic butcher Meat at Billy’s in Ashgrove and the bread from Wildbreads.

Phatboys rolls up to various food events around Brisbane including this Friday night’s Brooky Bite Nite and it will be a seen semi-regularly at the Fig Tree Farmers Market.