In my part of the world (South Africa) we call it a "braai" - from a Dutch word "braden", meaning to cook over coals or open flame.

Very few true Dutch around here nowadays, even though they played a prominent part in the settlement here from the mid 1600's on. But this derived word has become firmly embedded in the South African culture, having become part of the vocabulary of most of the languages spoken here.

And that is because having a braai has become very much part of the culture, with hardly a weekend passing without a fire being made up outside for the purpose - preferably at a nice camping spot or on the beach! But mostly in a spot in the garden purposefully rigged for it. And here the tradition is more into grilling than smoking, not that the odd smoking expert is not to found.

It also had it's origin around the ox wagons here. The difference being that these were the wagons of rebels that could not tolerate subjugation under the British empire ruling in the "Cape Colony" by the early 1800's and decided to "trek" further north and work out their own destiny there. A very defining part of South African history.

The most alluring part of it, over and above the many different preferences in meats and cooking styles and the delicious slow cooked dishes that can be prepared in a cast iron pot on the side, is of course the delightful socializing spirit that is automatically part of it, as though the fire turns that on as well.

Very good therapy indeed!