Latest news with #AaronFranklin
Engadget
23-05-2025
- Business
- Engadget
MasterClass subscriptions are 40 percent off for Memorial Day
If you're on grilling duty this Memorial Day and stressing about getting the steak and veggies just right, we've got a deal for you. The MasterClass Memorial Day sale, running from May 22 to 26, offers up to 40 percent off all subscriptions to the video learning platform. Starting at $72, you can learn how to grill from legendary Texas BBQ master Aaron Franklin, then enjoy other courses for a full year. Just make sure to subscribe before the end of Memorial Day itself to take advantage of the discount. When you take a MasterClass course, one of the world's top experts guides you through a series of videos on how to approach their craft. The Memorial Day deal drops the cost of a Standard subscription to $6 per month when billed annually, which comes out to $72 in total. That gives you access to more than 200 courses for a year, though you can only watch them on a device connected to the internet. It makes an excellent gift for someone you love — or for yourself. MasterClass is also discounting its higher tiers for Memorial Day. With a Plus subscription, you can watch MasterClass courses on two devices at once, and download them to watch offline whenever you want. A Premium subscription boosts the number of devices to six. The latter also includes access to MasterClass On Call, which lets you chat with AI recreations of MasterClass experts (Although, as our review notes, that feature still needs a bit of polishing.) After you've wowed your friends and family with your new grilling skills, MasterClass has plenty of other lessons that you can explore to continue your education. Creative writers can check out the BBC Maestro course that "resurrects" Agatha Christie, using her notes, an actress and AI rendering to teach the art of crafting a killer mystery. The platform also just launched a 20-episode series on healthy skin, featuring a panel of accredited dermatologists and cosmeticians. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice .
Axios
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Hot Luck starts Thursday
Austin's gourmet backyard cookout launches Thursday. Why it matters: Studded with chefs recognized by the James Beard Foundation, the lineup of the seventh edition of the Hot Luck festival suggests just how much Austin has grown as a culinary destination. What they're saying:"The most awesome chefs from all over gather in the coolest city to make the funnest bites to complement the most unforgettable food party in the known universe," Aaron Franklin said in a statement. How it works: A Friday night event — titled "Nite Moves," at Assembly Hall — will recreate a street food market, with offerings from Bob Somsith (Lao'd Bar), Sarah Lim (OMG Squee), Tavel Bristol-Joseph (Canje), Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel (Birdie's) and Yoshi Okai (Otoko). An outdoor event Saturday — "Al Fuego," at Jester King Brewery — features open fire cookery, from the likes of Edgar Rico (Nixta Taqueria); Evan LeRoy (LeRoy and Lewis); Michael Fojtasek (Maie Day); Philip Speer (Comedor); Raul Esquer and Roy Servan (Taqueria 10/10); and Todd Duplechan (Lenoir). A Sunday brunch at Fair Market will include bites from Beto Robledo (Cuantos Tacos); Fermín Núñez (Suerte and Este); Fiore Tedesco (L'Oca d'Oro); Ian Thurwatcher (Poeta); Kevin Fink (Emmer & Rye); and Mariela Camacho (Comadre Panaderia).
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Southern Living named this Austin barbecue joint the best in Texas for the third year
Many consider Texas to be the heart of the South, and few things are more Texan than barbecue. And one particular spot has been named the best barbecue joint in the Lone Star State — for the third year in a row. For the ninth year, lifestyle magazine Southern Living has published "The South's Best," to celebrate readers' favorite places throughout the South. Rating beach towns, seafood dives, resorts and more, the magazine received over 10,000 survey results for the 2025 lists. "One thing we can say about our readers: You are remarkably steadfast in your loyalties, especially when it comes to barbecue," contributing Barbecue Editor Robert F. Moss wrote. So which barbecue joint takes the biscuit — or shall we say "brisket?" — for the best in Texas? If you've been paying attention, you already know the answer. For the third year, Southern Living has declared the best barbecue in the state to be Franklin Barbecue — where pilgrimages are made, and lines stretch longer than a Texas summer. "In 2009, Aaron Franklin helped launch the craft barbecue movement from a small Aristocrat Lo-Liner camper trailer parked near I-35 in downtown Austin," Southern Living wrote. "Flawless prime-grade brisket, tender pork ribs, and snappy jalapeño cheddar sausage — plus a dose of nascent social media — rocketed him to Internet celebrity. Franklin Barbecue moved into its current blue and white building on East 11th Street in 2011, and barbecue fans from around the globe have been lining up for hours to experience it." Even with the year-after-year wins from Southern Living, Franklin Barbecue has distinguished itself with other honors. Last year, the Austin eatery was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide. Matthew Odam, the Statesman's food oracle, noted that while the lines have mercifully shrunk (slightly), the brisket remains a transcendental experience. "The fat is always rendered to perfection, creating the trademark suppleness that has set the brisket apart for 15 years," he explained, placing the barbecue spot at number 11 in the Statesman's 2024 Dining Guide. Here's the full list of this year's best barbecue joints, as nominated by Southern Living readers: State Barbecue joint City Alabama Big Bob Gibson's Decatur Arkansas Wright's Barbecue (various locations) Florida Big John's Alabama BBQ Tampa Georgia Southern Soul Barbeque St. Simons Island Kentucky Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn Owensboro Louisiana The Joint New Orleans Maryland Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar Baltimore Mississippi The Shed BBQ Joint Ocean Springs Missouri Arthur Bryant's BBQ Kansas City North Carolina Lexington BBQ Lexington Oklahoma Oklahoma Joe's Bar-B-Cue (various locations) South Carolina Lewis Barbecue Charleston, Greenville Tennessee Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous Memphis Texas Franklin Barbecue Austin Virginia Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que Williamsburg West Virginia Rollin' Smoke BBQ Charleston This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin barbecue joint named best in Texas for third year in a row
Washington Post
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Hill Country raised the bar for barbecue in D.C. Now it's closing.
Back in 2017, when Donald Trump was months into his first term at the White House, I made a rather Trumpian boast about Hill Country Barbecue Market in Washington, which I had just named the best smokehouse in the District. Hill Country's brisket, I had typed on my phone after polishing off a slice or two, 'is as good or better than Franklin's,' the celebrated Austin smokehouse led by Aaron Franklin, the first pitmaster to win a James Beard Award in a chef category.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
9 ways to celebrate Mardi Gras in Central Texas: parades, live music, drink deals
Forget the French Quarter, y'all. This year, Central Texas is throwing a Mardi Gras bash that's less beads-in-your-face tourism and more like your weird uncle's backyard barbecue — but with gumbo and a brass band that might actually know what they're doing. From crawfish boils in dive bars to drag brunches that'll make your wig spin, the city's serving up a spicy slice of Louisiana, Texas-style. Kitty Cohen's is doing their last free crawfish boil of the season on March 1. They're opening at 11 a.m. with beer and frozen hurricanes, calling it a pre-Mardi Gras party. It's just their usual crawfish boil, but the last one for a while. 2211 Webberville Rd #3548. This Mardi Gras bar crawl on March 1 turns Austin into a New Orleans-style party. Participants get beads, a color-changing cup and a mask (for the first 100 people), along with no cover and drink specials at participating bars. Registration is from 3 to 5 p.m. at The Blind Pig Pub, where you'll get your gear. After that, you can visit any of the participating bars at your own pace. Participating bars include the Bling Pig, Burnside's Tavern, Dizzy Rooster, The Lodge, Peckerheads and Thirsty's. Remember to bring your ID. You can find more information here. Sahara Lounge is hosting a Mardi Gras party with a global twist. Starting at 7 p.m., they'll have their regular Africa Night Buffet with both vegan and meat options, accompanied by Mafaro Marimba. Later in the evening, Continental Drift takes the stage at 9 p.m., followed by the Sahara Allstars at 11 p.m. Entry is $12 cash or $14 card at the door, and they'll have free beads while supplies last. You can also save a spot ahead of the event here. 1413 Webberville Rd. 512-927-0700. The annual San Marcos Mardi Gras parade, hosted by the Mistick Krewe of Okeanos, transforms the historic downtown area into a celebration. "Okeanos salutes all things San Marcos" is this year's chosen theme. Beginning at noon at Jack's Roadhouse (1625 Hopkins St.), the parade features colorful floats, music and a festive atmosphere, all while adhering to strict guidelines ensuring a family-friendly and safe event. Notably, the parade maintains a non-political stance, welcoming all participants, including pets on leashes. You can sign up for the parade here. Aaron Franklin's Uptown Sports Club is throwing a four-day Mardi Gras bash with New Orleans-inspired food and drinks. Expect special menu items like brisket gumbo, oyster po'boys and beignets, along with themed cocktails in souvenir cups. The bar will be decked out in Mardi Gras decorations, and the patio is now enclosed for better comfort. They're aiming for a fun, neighborhood party vibe, celebrating the building's long history and its current role as a spot for Louisiana-influenced Texas food and drinks. The celebration runs from March 1 to 4, with varying hours. 1200 E 6th St. 512-551-2013. Meanwhile Brewing Co. is throwing a Mardi Gras bash on March 2 featuring Big Wy's Brass Band, who will perform from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The event includes free live music, beer and New Orleans-inspired food specials from their food trucks. Distant Relatives will serve Texas BBQ Gumbo, Songbird offers Shrimp Poboys and Bésame has King Cake Ice Cream. They'll also have celebratory drinks available in the taproom. The event encourages early arrival to secure seating near the stage or dance floor. 3901 Promontory Point Dr. 512-308-3659. Volstead's is hosting a free, 21+ Mardi Gras themed drag brunch on March 2 on the Hotel Vegas & Volstead Patio starting at 1 p.m. Hosted by May Magdalene, Mars and Veronica Valentine, with special guest Harlót, the event features performances, music by DJ Boyfriend, and brunch from El Borracho Tacos. Doors open at noon. You can make reservations here. 1500 E 6th St. Scholz Garten is having their usual Fat Tuesday crawfish boil on March 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. They'll have crawfish, some New Orleans food like po'boys and gumbo, big king cake pretzels, live brass band music, and Abita beer and hurricane drink specials. 1607 San Jacinto Blvd. 512-474-1958. Volstead's is hosting a Mardi Gras celebration starting at 6 p.m. on March 4. The event features hurricanes, beads and King Cake with a prize of a free Hotel Vegas South by Southwest 2025 Key Tag for the person who finds the baby. From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., DJs Rapid Ric, ulovei, and Dennis Loy will provide the music. The event is 21+ and has no cover charge. You can find more information about the event here. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When is Mardi Gras in Texas? Celebrate with parades, crawfish, deals
