Spencer Tindel, Adam Murray, Marc Vogelsang, Libby Schneider, Kenzie Lackey, Jordan Hevner, Bryan Bracewell, Erika Victor, Sandy Martinez, Madalynn Kainer, Vanessa Sanchez, Davey Griffin, Becca Kirkpatrick, Ray Riley, Katy Jo Nickelson, and Kadden Kothmann at the Houston BBQ Festival

A large group of Aggies participated in the 5th Houston BBQ Festival, which was held in the NRG Park area in Houston on Sunday, April 9, 2017. Those in attendance from Texas A&M University were faculty Davey Griffin, Ray Riley, and Jeff Savell, and students Jordan Hevner, Madalynn Kainer, Becca Kirkpatrick, Kadden Kothmann, Kenzie Lackey, Sandy Martinez, Adam Murray, Katy Jo Nickelson, Vanessa Sanchez, Libby Schneider, Spencer Tindel, Erika Victor, and Marc Vogelsang.

Ray Riley visiting with Fredrick Khoury, 1934 BBQ Sauce

Davey Griffin visiting with Wayne Mueller

We enjoy going to the festival each year to talk to folks about Texas Barbecue and to see so many of the pitmasters we have gotten to know through festivals and camps and to make new acquaintances with those we have not met yet. One of the most common questions we get is not about how to cook better barbecue, but how to get into the always-sold-out Barbecue Summer Camp and Camp Brisket, two outstanding programs we conduct with Foodways Texas.

Davey Griffin, Chris Reid, and Jonathan Cohen

Davey Griffin, Jason Tedford, and Ray Riley

Spencer and Marc sampling at Tin Roof BBQ

Ray Riley, Davey Griffin, and Patrick Reardon

The Houston BBQ Festival has two great champions, Chris Reid and Michael Fulmer. Chris and Michael are the event founders, and thanks for always inviting us each year and allowing us to interact with barbecue specialists and enthusiasts from around the Houston area. Your passion for shedding the spotlight on these great barbecue endeavors is making a difference throughout the southeast Texas area.

Davey Griffin, Ray Riley, Wayne Kammerl, Russell Roegels, and Misty Roegels

With Dr Savell @jwsavell from Texas A&M Meat Science @houbbq

A post shared by Robert Sierra (@sspitcrew) on Apr 10, 2017 at 5:51pm PDT

We had a great time, but sampled way too much. The food was great, but the fun and fellowship was even greater. We look forward to next year’s event, and appreciate the opportunity to participate in these events across the state.