South Texas Barbacoa Restaurant Is Named a Classic by the James Beard Foundation

Texas Barbacoa Restaurant Is an American Classic
James Beard Foundation revealed its “America’s Classics” picks for the year, where it recognizes longtime institutions across the country. Among the selection of six is Brownsville barbecue restaurant Vera’s Bar-B-Que. The south Texas joint is most known for its slow-smoked barbacoa de cabeza. The restaurant is now run by Armando “Mando” Vera, whose father had opened a restaurant in 1955.

New East Austin Restaurant
Drop Kick, the new casual New American restaurant that took over Little Big Burger on East Sixth Street, is now open as of yesterday, Thursday, February 20. Dishes from chef Francisco Baca include kimchi queso, ahi tuna seaweed tostadas, braised short rib flautas, and burgers. Then there are cocktails, including one made with White Claw, as well as beer and wine. Portland-based restaurant chain opened the only Texas location of Little Big Burger in Austin back in 2018 but quietly closed it a year later.

Chili Cook-Off
Downtown beer garden Scholz Garten is hosting its second chili cook-off on Saturday, February 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. Chili samples will be available to the public starting at 2 p.m., and the winners will be announced at 4:30 p.m.

Wine and Concerts
A new concert series with an appreciation for wine will take place at Spicewood Vineyards. A Day in the Vines will feature musicians and singers such as Norah Jones, Patty Griffin, Mavis Staples, The Revivalists, Lake Street Drive, among others, on Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10. The two-day series is family-friendly and pegged to Mother’s Day. Tickets are on sale right now and a portion of the proceeds will go towards nonprofit Kids in a New Groove.

New San Antonio Taco Restaurant
That new restaurant boasting tacos opened in San Antonio food hall the Bottling Department. SayTown Tacos is courtesy of the owners of hot sauce company/farmers market stand Humble House Foods, Luis and Marsha Morales.

Disclosure: Some Vox Media staff members are part of the voting body for the James Beard Awards.