Brace Yourselves, San Antonio: A BBQ Bonanza is Coming!

Brace Yourselves, San Antonio: A BBQ Bonanza is Coming!

San Antonio, get ready to have your taste buds tantalized and your spirits lifted! A fiery feast called the “Open Fire Meat Up” is set to ignite your culinary passions on October 26 in Hondo, Texas, just a short drive from our beloved Alamo City. This scrumptious gathering is organized by the renowned pitmaster, Al Frugoni, and it’s shaping up to be the largest open-fire BBQ event in the nation!

A Gathering Like No Other

Imagine a scene with over 90 barbecue enthusiasts—from talented pitmasters to buzzing social media content creators—all congregating to celebrate the exquisite art of open-fire cooking. Al Frugoni, originally from Argentina, is leveraging his captivating social media presence to assemble a dream team of cooks from around the globe. Thanks to an enchanting Texas girl who stole his heart, he’s made Texas his home and is crafting an extraordinary barbecue experience that pays homage to both Argentinian and Texan styles.

Spilled Beans on the Event

“This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill barbecue. This is going to be the biggest open fire event in the country,” exclaimed Al. He couldn’t have anticipated how popular the event would become when he first invited just a handful of buddies. Now, it has blossomed into a festival sensation!

Last year, what started as a tight-knit gathering exploded into a full-blown fiesta with 25 passionate cooks. “We took the internet by storm! We cooked up so much food and had an absolute blast, we just had to keep the tradition going!” he recalled with excitement. And boy, is this year packed with spectacular talent! Among the expected big names are Derek Wolf from Over The Fire Cooking, competitive BBQ guru Matt Groark, and the charming Breanna Stark from Married to BBQ!

From Near and Far

It’s not just local talent; pitmasters will be flying in from countries such as Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Chile, England, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Uruguay, and Scotland to showcase their fiery skills! Can you feel the excitement already? The venue, The Barn at Quail Crossing, will be transformed into a meaty wonderland, with guests treating their palates to a variety of delicious barbecued meats and scrumptious sides.

What’s Cooking?

Attendees can look forward to an impressive array of meats, including whole steer, brisket, whole hogs, and even alligator—yes, alligator! Let’s not forget about the local specialties, like chili, that will surely make any Texan proud. Not only can guests savor these mouthwatering dishes, but they’ll also have the chance to vote for their favorites in a People’s Choice award at the end of the day. A panel of celebrity judges will be on hand to pick their top dish too!

Family Fun and Festivities

This event isn’t just for BBQ connoisseurs. Fun for the whole family awaits! Expect live music and kid-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained. Plus, it’s for a great cause, raising funds for Medina County first responders via GoMedina. At just $25 a ticket, it’s a bargain compared to many other barbecue events. Just a heads up, tickets flew off the shelves last year, so don’t wait too long!

So, What’s an Asado?

To really set the mood, Al explains the cultural significance of the gathering: “In Argentina, we would call this an asado. It’s not just about the food; it’s a social gathering after the grilling is done. This is going to be one giant barbecue party!”

If you’re ready for a day filled with fun, friendship, and food, grab your tickets now at openfiremeatup.com. Get prepared for what might just be the highlight of your fall season!

Festivals Galore in San Antonio

And while we’re on the topic of fun events, don’t forget about the Texas Wine Jam, happening from November 7-10 in Johnson City! This delightful festival will combine the region’s best wineries and local music for a weekend of sipping and savoring across the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Be sure to mark your calendars!

So, let’s make the most of this fabulous fall season in San Antonio. Fire up those taste buds and get ready for an unforgettable BBQ adventure!