Southern Smoke

When Chris Shepherd learned his good friend and former sommelier Antonio Gianola had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, his first reaction was to “throw a huge party and raise a ton of money.”

So, he contacted his friends Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, Sean Brock of Husk, McCrady’s and Minero and Rodney Scott of Scott’s Barbecue to see if they’d be interested in a trip to Houston.  

On October 11, Chris will host Southern Smoke, an event featuring Aaron, Sean and Rodney—the first event in Houston for all three—that will turn Underbelly, Hay Merchant and Blacksmith into a massive street party that will raise at least $100,000 for the MS Society.

Aaron Franklin, the first pitmaster to win a James Beard Award, is driving his smoker in from Austin to serve up his award-winning brisket that attracts hours-long lines at Franklin Barbecue. Rodney Scott’s whole hog South Carolina barbecue has reached legendary status, with people driving hours to his hometown of Hemingway just for a taste. Sean Brock, a two-time James Beard Award winner, is credited with reviving and preserving heritage foods in the South.

“I’m so excited to bring these incredible cooks to Houston,” said Chris, “and I’m incredibly honored that they agreed to participate. I can’t think of three better people to help me honor Antonio and do what we can to fight this disease that has taken such a toll on our industry.”

Southern Smoke will also mark the first event featuring the HOUBBQ Collective, formed by a group of local chefs—Seth Siegel-Gardner, Terrence Gallivan, Ryan Pera, Justin Yu and Chris Shepherd.

“Most chefs don’t choose this business,” said Seth Siegel-Gardner, co-owner of The Pass and Provisions. “It chooses them.  They fall in love with it standing in the trenches on the line and getting crushed on a Saturday night. Working events like Southern Smoke collectively—not as individual restaurants—gives us a chance to spend time with our friends, but most importantly, we get to cook together.”

Of course, Chris can’t host an event for Antonio without pouring incredible wines, and both Karbach and Saint Arnold’s will be pouring beer.  Folk Family Revival, one of Chris’ favorite local bands, will provide the live music.

Yoakum (the street between Hay Merchant and Blacksmith) will be closed to vehicular traffic to create a block party atmosphere.

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