Texas and Oklahoma Barbecue Titans Clash in Austin
The Lone Star State is set to become the battleground for a culinary showdown of epic proportions, as Texas and Oklahoma's barbecue masters prepare to face off in a smoky competition. Austin, Texas, will host the highly anticipated SMOKE's Masters of the Flavor: Barbecue Showdown, a culinary clash between the two states' most celebrated pitmasters and restaurants.
On August 2nd, from 5 to 9 p.m., the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa will transform into a haven for barbecue aficionados. Eight renowned pitmasters, four from each state, will compete for bragging rights and the coveted title of barbecue champion.
The stakes are high, and the judging panel is stacked with barbecue experts and celebrity figures. Former NFL quarterback Colt McCoy, who played for the Texas Longhorns, and "Top Chef" finalist Lindsay Autry will lend their palates to the judging process. Michelin-starred chef Evan LeRoy of LeRoy & Lewis and James Beard semifinalist Kevin Lee of Birdie's will headline the event, ensuring a high level of culinary expertise. Attendees can indulge in tastings from the competing pitmasters, sip on craft cocktails, and enjoy live music against the picturesque backdrop of the Texas Hill Country.
The competition promises to be a showcase of the bold flavors and unique barbecue styles that define Texas and Oklahoma. Judges will evaluate each entry based on various criteria, awarding top honors in multiple categories.
Meet Team Texas
Representing Texas is a formidable lineup of barbecue luminaries:
Feges BBQ (Houston): Husband-and-wife team Patrick Feges and Erin Smith bring their fine-dining sensibilities to the world of smoked meats. Since its inception in 2018, Feges BBQ has garnered widespread acclaim, earning recognition as one of the best barbecue joints in America from Thrillist and inclusion in Texas Monthly's prestigious list of top barbecue destinations.
Teddy's Barbecue (Weslaco): This family-run establishment, founded by brothers Joel and Jesse Garcia in 2019, has quickly risen through the ranks of the barbecue scene. Teddy's Barbecue was recently recognized as one of Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ Joints and has been featured in the New York Times.
Bar-A-BBQ (Montgomery): Pitmaster Cooper Abercrombie founded Bar-A-BBQ in 2018, expertly blending traditional barbecue techniques with a wood-fired approach to Central Texas barbecue. His distinctive style has captured the attention of barbecue enthusiasts throughout the state, earning praise from Texas Monthly in 2021.
Zavala's Barbecue (Grand Prairie): Chef Joe Zavala infuses his barbecue with his Mexican barbacoa heritage, creating a unique and flavorful experience. Zavala's Barbecue has garnered national attention, including features on Netflix's "Taco Chronicles" and Texas Monthly's Best Of lists.
Oklahoma's Finest
Oklahoma's team is equally impressive, boasting a diverse range of barbecue talent:
Phat Tabb's (Idabel): Led by "Chopped" champion and James Beard semifinalist Tabb Singleton, Phat Tabb's brings a fine-dining sensibility to Oklahoma barbecue. Singleton's innovative approach to smoked meats has earned him accolades, even drawing praise from Texas Monthly.
MAC's Barbecue (Skiatook): With a history dating back to 1985, MAC's Barbecue has been serving award-winning barbecue for generations. Pitmaster Adam Green continues his father-in-law's legacy, ensuring the tradition of excellence endures.
Luke's BBQ (Broken Arrow): This family-owned establishment is a beloved Oklahoma favorite, renowned for its tender pulled pork, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and flavorful brisket. Luke's BBQ embodies the heart and soul of Oklahoma barbecue.
The Butcher BBQ Stand (Wellston): Co-pitmasters Levi and David Bouska carry on an award-winning tradition at The Butcher BBQ Stand, located on the same land once owned by their grandparents. Their dedication to quality and flavor has made them a staple of the Oklahoma barbecue scene.
Ticket Information
The SMOKE's Barbecue Showdown weekend kicks off with an exclusive VIP dinner on Friday night, August 1st. The VIP experience, priced at $395, includes a supervised kids' program for families. Tickets for the Saturday showdown are $225.
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