well done

Sizzling new food festival celebrates steak with beefy bites from Houston restaurants downtown

Sample bites from more than 20 restaurants at the Rare Steak Championship.

Courtesy of DiningOut Events

Calling all carnivores. A new food festival has rounded up some of Houston’s top restaurants to celebrate steak.

The Rare Steak Championship will be held Thursday, October 19 at Post Houston. Created by DiningOut Events, Rare comes to Houston from Denver. Organizers have rounded up more than 20 participating restaurants, including Andiron, Blood Bros. BBQ, Killen’s STQ, Marmo, Mastro’s, and Phat Eatery (participants subject to change).

They’ll compete for both people’s and judges’ choice in Traditional Steak, Creative Steak, and best cocktail at Rare’s Grand Tasting. As with similar tasting events, attendees get access to bites from all of the participating restaurants as well as beverages and live music. Get a feel for the environment with this video from the Denver event.

Those springing for VIP tickets will also have access to a separate tasting featuring bites created by Top Chef finalist Dawn Burrell, James Beard Award winners Paul Qui and Tom Cunanan, and Golstrommen owner Christopher Haatuft.

Tickets are priced at $175 for admission to the Grand Tasting and $325 for VIP. Early bird discount tickets ($155 and $300, respectively), are currently available. In addition to the separate dining area, VIPs also get early admission, access to a VIP lounge, and an extra VIP vote.

“We are so excited to bring Rare to Houston,” DiningOut’s Jeff Suskin said in a statement. “This event brings together Houston's best chefs in a thrilling competition that celebrates the artistry of steak preparation and craft cocktails.

Rare joins a host of other food events taking place this fall. They include, Chopd & Stewd, a celebration of West African culture on September 30; Chefs for Farmers on September 30 and October 1; the star-studded Southern Smoke Festival on October 14; and the Honeyland Festival, a new event celebrating Black chefs, artists, and musicians. The Tailgate, CultureMap’s sports-themed event, returns for its second year on October 25.

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Smoke on the Thames

2 Michelin-starred Texas barbecue joints fire up monthlong London pop-up

InterStellar and La Barbecue at The Ned London

The Ned London/thened.com

Even in Austin's home scene, these restaurants are considered the cream of the crop. Abroad, this is an extra special treat.

Two of Texas' best barbecue joints are are firing up their smokers in London. Austin-based InterStellar and La Barbecue are in residence for one month a London hotel called The Ned.

Service started on September 4, and guests have until October 4 to see what great barbecue tastes like on the other side of the pond.

Each restaurant sent its best representative: John Bates of InterStellar BBQ and Ali Clem of La Barbecue, the two pitmasters who led them to barbecue's first Michelin stars. Both are somewhat traditional with a few signature twists, making them a good match beyond their similar levels of prestige.

Proteins on the menu include pork ribs, pulled lamb shoulder, chopped cheese sausage, and InterStellar's famous peach tea pork belly burnt ends. Brisket will be available as an add-on. The team is also cooking up sides and pairing the bites with cocktails made for the occasion by Jack Daniels.

The exclusive sharing tray is available for $75 per person, with a minimum of two people per reservation ($150). A 14.5 percent service gratuity is also being added.

Many barbecue fans understand that a smoker plays a huge part in the final product, and being away from home could dramatically change the cooking process. An Instagram post explains (and seems to lightly promote) that the pitmasters are using Ironbrand smokers, which are custom-made in the United Kingdom.

The residency is happening at Electric Bar & Diner, The Ned's all-day American diner. The 248-room hotel is located in Poultry, on the north side of the River Thames near St. Paul's Cathedral. It is also very near to the Bank Station, a connecting station for four rail routes, making it easy to get to from many parts of London.

Booking is already going fast, so guests who want to snag a space should commit soon.

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Smoke on the Thames

2 Michelin-starred Texas barbecue joints fire up monthlong London pop-up