A SMOKIN’ TIME
BARBECUE MASTER AARON FRAN LIN IS CURATING THE NEW HOT LUCK FESTIVAL—AND WE CAN’T WAIT!
Barbecue master Aaron Franklin is curating the new Hot Luck Festival—and we can’t wait!
James Beard award-winner Aaron Franklin isn’t one to ruin a good thing—there’s a reason that Franklin Barbecue has never expanded. So March’s announcement of the new Hot Luck food festival May 18–21 at various venues by Franklin, Feast Portland co-founder Mike Thelin, and The Mohawk’s James Moody got our attention. Over a morning espresso, Franklin told us what to expect. Friends and food: “Moody called this the best organized tailgate party you’ve ever been to. All the chefs were personally invited by me. We’re not looking for somebody with a TV show-—we’re looking for the best talent, and the guy who does the best chicken wings.” Intimate inspiration:
“Our Friday event, the Hi-Lo, is about core influences. Mine is my grandmother’s pot roast-— that’s what got me into cooking brisket.” Dressing down: “This is super laid back. It’s the anti-food festival food festival, because all are welcome. The chefs will hand you your food. By nature, it should feel like Austin.” Into the night: “The idea for after-shows came from [Moody’s] Fun Fun Fun Fest. We wanted people to get a wristband for coming, then use that to go out later for parties. There’s rock, country, and lots in between.” hotluckfest.com