Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/367813
this page: photography by jody horton. opposite page: photography by jody horton (Franklin bbQ, terry black's bbQ); courtesy oF labbQ (sign, burgers) Smoke. Meat. Fire. Blood. The elements of great barbecue couldn't be more visceral—or more Texan. The secrets of successful 'cue have long been held by a handful of rural Texas families, whose food inspired long-distance pilgrimages to towns like Lockhart, Llano, and Taylor. Over the past five years, though, a seismic change has taken place. Since those now infamous lines started forming at his trailer in 2009, the rising fortunes of Aaron Franklin and his impeccable brisket have created a ripple effect, leading talented upstarts and old-guard families to open their latest barbecue ventures in Austin. Veteran 'cue critic Mike Sutter sees the migration in simple terms: "Llano and Lockhart look at Austin and say, 'Wait a minute. We invented this thing. Shouldn't we be getting a piece of the action?'" The legendary families have made a big Austin noise of late: While Louie Mueller continues to draw fans to Taylor and Mueller siblings John and LeAnn Mueller famously paired up for JMueller BBQ , then parted ways in 2012. When asked why rivalry is so prevalent in Texas At Terry Black's BBQ, ribs are cooked to perfection on the smoker. The New BBQ Mecca no road trip required: the hill country's legendary spots have come to austin. by tom thornton 96 austinway.com taste the Dish