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    Real Big Burn

    Texas BBQ fest to feature pitmasters from Houston and around the world

    Brianna Caleri
    Sep 18, 2024 | 4:30 pm
    San Antonio-area pitmaster Al Frugoni

    San Antonio-area pitmaster Al Frugoni used his social media clout to pull together a huge group of barbecuers.

    Photo courtesy of Al Frugoni

    Something very hot is coming to the Lone Star State. San Antonio-area pitmaster Al Frugoni is bringing together more than 90 barbecue-lovers — both pitmasters and content creators — for an "Open Fire Meat Up" on October 26 in Hondo, about 40 miles west of the Alamo City and four hours from Houston. This is the fourth edition of the large gathering.

    As an Argentinian living and working in Texas, Frugoni has not just the worldliness needed to draw international talent, but a unique mix of experience from two of the strongest open-fire cooking cultures there are. (That's thanks to a Texas girl who won his heart and drew him here, according to a release.)

    "This is going to be the biggest open fire event in the country. We have pitmasters flying in from all over the world for this," said Frugoni in the release. "No other event has this many pitmasters, cooks and influencers all gathered in one place ... cooking more food than you could possibly eat."

    Frugoni is well-known online, with YouTube videos that sometimes garner hundreds of thousands of views. According to the pitmaster, when he launched the event he only meant to invite a few other camera-ready friends, but he found a lot more interest than he expected.

    "I initially invited six or seven other barbecue content creators from different parts of the country to come to Texas, but then the word started spreading and we ended up with 25 guys," said Frugoni. "We took the internet by storm! We cooked so much food and had so much fun, we just had to keep it going."

    Among this year's internet-famous attendees are Houston recipe-maker Breanna Stark of Married to BBQ; "fire cooking enthusiast" and cookbook author Derek Wolf of Over The Fire Cooking; former physical education teacher and Season 2 Next Level Chef competitor Matt Groark; and Season 4 BBQ Brawl finalist Chuck Matto of Chuck's Flavor Train. Pitmasters are coming in from Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Chile, England, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Uruguay, and Scotland.

    It's all going down at The Barn at Quail Crossing, where guests can taste tons of barbecued meats and sides. Matching the worldly participants are sometimes exotic meats; there will be whole steer, brisket, whole hogs, and even alligator, plus Texas specialties like chili. Guests can vote on their favorite dish for a People's Choice award at the end of the day; a panel of celebrity judges will also choose a favorite.

    The family-friendly event also includes live music and kids' activities, and raises funds for Medina County first responders via GoMedina.

    Its $25 ticket price sweetens the deal. It sold out in a few weeks in 2023, according to a release, so interested parties should get tickets ASAP. There are also early bird discounts ($5 off).

    "In Argentina, we would call this an asado, which refers to the traditional method of barbecuing meat over wood or charcoal embers, just like the gauchos, or cowboys of old, used to do," said Frugoni. "But it also refers to the social gathering that takes place after the meat is cooked. So, basically, this is going to be one giant barbecue party."

    Tickets and more information are available at openfiremeatup.com.

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    the bee's knees

    Hidden cottages offer a sweet retreat for Round Top antiquers

    Emily Cotton
    Oct 30, 2026 | 11:30 am
    304 on the Hill Rose Hill Round Top
    Photo by Alex Montoya
    Welcome to The Rose Cottage at 304 on the Hill.

    As the Round Top Fall Antiques Show comes to a close, visitors admire, catalog, and post the most coveted new wares online while placing their stylish Fraulein Boots and Kemo Sabe hats in their respective wardrobes, presumably until rodeo. Equally relatable to this post-show ritual is the resounding woeful sentiment held by so many show-goers annually relegated to day-tripper status — “we simply must find accommodations next season!”

    Anywhere from 10 to 15 years ago, the notion of finding a hotel, motel, cottage, or even a camper to rent in Round Top was, well, laughable. However, thanks to a steady increase in lodging investments, it’s no longer such a comical feat to pull off. Over a dozen boutique properties have opened over the past decade, each one as charming as ever, making sure that, with some strategic planning, an overnight in Round Top is well within reach.

    Because the spring and fall antiques shows span two weeks and individual venues open and close on different schedules, visitors can easily turn a shopping trip into a full getaway. Lodging options throughout Round Top make it easy to stay close to the action, whether visitors prefer boutique hotels, charming cottages, or a property with room to settle in for several days.

    Guests can book rooms at Hotel Lulu, the stylish Frenchie Boutique Hotel, the eclectic Wander Inn located on the Junk Gypsy grounds, Hostie’s newly-opened Rabbit Hole Motel (complete with a swimming pool, fire pit, and pickleball court), or cozy accommodations at Round Top Inn and Red Antler Bungalows, all offering convenient access to the town’s markets, events, and dining.

    Looking for something close to the action, but tucked away? 304 on the Hill, aka Rose Hill Round Top, certainly fits the bill. As the crow flies, this property is positioned approximately a quarter mile north of Boon & Co., making its proximity to town and Henkel Square easily walkable — something to consider in a town with essentially zero ride sharing infrastructure to speak of.

    Situated on eight acres of lush hill country, a central farmhouse — owned and occupied by local residents James and Yvette Webb — anchors three small cottages that, together, can accommodate up to 12 guests. The grounds include a pond and a stone fire-pit-lounge perfect for unwinding after a long day of antiquing.

    “We love our property because we’re tucked away at the end of W. Mill Street on 8 acres. We feel like it’s unique because it seems like we’re out in the country but yet we’re actually still in the city limits of Round Top,” says James. “We’re 2 of the 87 population. It’s a great place to live and the three cottages are great rentals for the antique shows or just a weekend.”

    Since 2008, the three cottages — named The Rose Cottage, The Pond Cottage, and This Old Porch — have granted guests bucolic, hill country views just steps from the hustle and bustle of the square. Each cottage offers a generous porch with either rocking chairs or a vintage glider; This Old Porch includes an intimate outdoor dining area, complete with vintage wicker chairs. In fact, each cabin comes accessorized with local antiques and works by local artists.

    Guests who are keen to wander may take notice of fun outdoor sculptures strewn about the grounds or even the stack of bee boxes on the eastern side of the property. Watching the bees bumble about between the stacks can easily delight outdoorsy types during a morning coffee break — coffee and half-and-half are provided, as is chilled Fiji water, Chobani yogurt in several flavors, and other snacks. While honey from the hives would be a nice touch, it’s Brenham Bees who manage the stacks, gifting the Webbs just enough for personal use and a few seasonal gifts.

    Should the occasion arise, take a moment to wave at the main house’s canine occupants. The littles are Paco and Hugo, while the bigger boys are Tuvé and Jasper. They remain within the confines of the Webb’s personal fenced abode, but guests can sneak a peek if they’re out and about.

    Whether one remains a dedicated day tripper or plans far enough ahead to decamp for a while, Round Top during the fall is seldom an unpleasant experience. The lodging boom is far from over, with a large wellness-focused hotel property opening spring 2027 and smaller boutique operations opening all the time. Regardless of where anyone chooses to stay, one thing remains the same — everyone ends up at Royers.

    304 on the Hill Rose Hill Round Top

    Photo by Alex Montoya

    Welcome to The Rose Cottage at 304 on the Hill.

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