Ali Clem, pitmaster at Michelin-starred la Barbecue in Austin, Texas, will cook at Meatopia On-Fire at Glasgow’s SWG3 this June.
Clem carries on the Mueller family barbecue legacy — a Central Texas dynasty that dates to Louie Mueller’s original joint in Taylor, Texas, founded in 1949. She runs la Barbecue alongside her in-laws, continuing the tradition established by her late wife, LeAnn Mueller.
“I am bringing the spirit of la Barbecue to Glasgow,” said Clem. “People can expect brisket that tastes like it came off our pits on East Cesar Chavez, even though we’re halfway across the world. Scottish food seems to come from a culture where people truly respect their ingredients, and good barbecue starts the same way. You work with what the land gives you, you honour the animal, and you let technique carry the flavour without trying to overcomplicate it.”
Also added to the bill are Swedish pitmasters Johan Fritszell and Johan Arkberg of Holy Smoke BBQ, based in rural Bräcke, Sweden.
The trio join a line-up of more than 30 chefs for the second edition of the festival, which runs from 12-14 June. Last year’s inaugural Glasgow event drew more than 6,000 visitors.
Among those already announced are Michelin-starred chefs Nick Nairn and Sam Yorke, Gavin Fitzpatrick of West Side Tavern, John Molloy of Gōst and Lloyd Morse of Edinburgh’s The Palmerston. Returning from last year are Craig Nelson of Ox and Finch, Nick Watkins of El Perro Negro, Dean Parker of Celentano’s, Robin Aitken of Margo and Dave Summertime and Gerrard Warrender of The Big Taquero, among others.