BLACK GOLD IS AUSTIN’S NEXT FANCY-PANTS BARBECUE JOINT

Mems Davila is taking his barbecue to Crestview. The longtime owner of Wünder Pig, previously named by Eater Austin as one of the city’s best under the radar food trucks, will open Black Gold in July 2024.

Davila tells Eater Austin to expect Texas-style barbecue, including menu items such as burnt end truffle mac and cheese made with gruyere, white cheddar, and truffle oil; smoked fajita botanita using wagyu skirt steak topped with an Oaxacan and Monterrey cheese blend, pico, refried black beans, and house-made tostadas; and cilantro and garlic steak fries prepared in beef tallow and topped with a fried egg. It will also include all the traditional barbecue offerings: wagyu brisket, house-made beef and pork sausage, beef ribs, turkey, plus brisket tacos, a smoked elk burger, and smoked duck with sweet and spicy peach chutney barbecue sauce.

“Being a fourth generation Texan and in Austin since 2001, I wanted to create a concept that combines my upbringing in South Texas and what I’ve learned here the last 20 plus years with an elevated approach culinarily,” Davila says. “I didn’t want to open another smokehouse-style spot where you gorge down on a tray of barbecue.”

A design feature of the Black Gold will be that the barbecue is part of the show, so to speak. Diners in the main room and bar can see the 1000-gallon pits preparing meats daily in the smoke room through two large windows by the entrance. Black Gold will also feature three outdoor patios, and the staff plans to feature all sorts of entertainment and events, including live music, DJs, whole hog cookouts, seasonal parties, menu tastings, and spirit pairings.

Expect to pair all that food with over 20 taps of beer from local Texas breweries, a large selection of wines, margarita flights, signature bourbon and vodka cocktails, nitro cold brew on tap, and spiked aquas frescas.

In addition to Davila, who is the owner and pitmaster, will be Aaron Duntley, who worked at Wünder Pig and before that was head pitmaster at Terry Black’s in its Barton Springs and Lockhart locations. Rick Olivares, the former head mixologist at Fairmont Hotel, will be the beverage and spirits manager, crafting all those drinks and selecting the brews.

Black Gold will be at 1521 W. Anderson Ln. It is expected to open in July 2024.

2024-04-17T14:26:17Z dg43tfdfdgfd