Say the word ‘brisket’ in Austin—hell, anywhere in the country—and the name Aaron Franklin is swift to follow. The BBQ bigwig opened Franklin Barbecue in 2009 and, well, you know the rest: the massive lines, the perfect brisket, the James Beard Award. But there’s always room for growth—this weekend, Franklin is expanding in a big way with Hot Luck Festival, a three-day smorgasbord dedicated to world-class culinary talent and live music.
With more than ten events spread out across the city from May 18-21, the festival aims to include everyone from casual fans to hardcore BBQ enthusiasts. On May 18, a kickoff event for Whole Enchilada Package holders will welcome some of the country's top chefs to Franklin's parking lot; if you can't splurge on those tickets, head to Barracuda for a performance by the Black Lips. The Hi Lo on May 19 brings together some of Franklin’s chef buddies—David Norman (Easy Tiger), Rene Ortiz (Launderette) and more—for a night of Texas-inspired cooking that’s bound to stick to your ribs. On the following night (May 20), culinary giants unite for Al Fuego, a celebration of flame-fueled cooking with bites from Andy Ricker (Pok Pok), Bryce Gilmore (Odd Duck), Kevin Fink (Emmer & Rye) and other talent. "Getting the chefs for Hot Luck was as easy as asking friends who love to cook with soul and hang out," says Franklin. "[They’re] cooking from the heart for new friends and old friends." A series of brunches rounds out the festival on May 21.
While Franklin curated the food events, the live music portion was spearheaded by another familiar Austin name: Mohawk owner James Moody. "We wanted the quality bar to be high in terms of talent, but we also wanted shows to be approachable, easy, varied and fun," says Moody. He didn’t disappoint. Black Joe Lewis, Rayland Baxter and Robert Ellis are just a few of the acts playing shows around town, with tickets that range from $12 to $23. "Our theme at the Mohawk is ‘All are welcome,’ which applies to bands as well as fans," says Moody. "We used that same philosophy when booking Hot Luck."
At times, the two worlds collide. "Show snacks" will be a collaboration between the concerts and a particular chef, giving those who might not have been able to attend the chef-driven events a chance to snack on some stellar food. During the Shonen Knife show—a Japanese punk band—chef Yoshi Okai from Otoko will serve Japanese food at Barracuda. Black Joe Lewis and Valentina's Tex Mex are teaming up, as are Robert Ellis and Tillamook ice cream sandwiches.
Tickets are still available for both music and food events—snag them here to welcome a fest that we hope becomes an annual summer tradition.
Are you checking out Hot Luck Festival this weekend? Let us know in the comments below!
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