Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post however I did receive tickets to the event in return for the publication. As always, all opinions are my own. #FWFWF #BBQBillyBobs #FortWorthTX

What better way to start the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival with BBQ at Billy Bob’s. Capturing what everyone first comes to Fort Worth to experience (BBQ and live music) in the World’s Largest Dancehall. The night wouldn’t have been complete without a little live Texas country. With sufficient room, great pairings and BBQ plates to choose from, every taste bud was satisfied. I was even convinced to try pig cheek…

Billy Bob’s is iconic in every Texas way – an in-house rodeo, a restaurant, bedazzled saddle hanging above the dance floor, artist memorabilia and of course the stage where every country artist dreams of performing. It was only appropriate that the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival started here bringing the best BBQ and beverages from the area for everyone to experience.

The event was held in front of the main stage providing us with the opportunity to say “When have we ever had the chance to stand in front of the stage without any of the tables being in the way, let alone a concert later?!”. With restaurants, breweries, wine companies among many of the local vendors set up throughout we had plenty of room (including tables) to sit and savor the first event of the weekend.

The biggest problem we faced, “Where do we start?” So we started with a little TX Whiskey (and I think a few others did too.).

Mingling around, we tried a few BBQ restaurants that we’ve tried and a few that were new to us.  My personal favorite was top on my list. You can never go wrong with Billy’s Oak Acres BBQ. I heard people complimenting the savory pulled pork all night.

Other local vendors such as Black’s BBQ, the Reata, Del Norte Taco and the Woodshed Smokehouse (among many others) brought their goods to the table.

Black’s BBQ

Del Norte Tacos

Del Norte Tacos

It wasn’t just the locals. The event brought in Perini’s Ranch Steakhouse from Buffalo Gap, Texas. Famous for their steaks, Buffalo Gap Wine and Food Summit and Mr. Perini himself. Now I just need to make it a priority to get out there and try their steaks and bread pudding.

Great food goes hand in hand with cold, refreshing beverages. Am I right? With plenty of options, our pallets were beyond satisfied. Brennan Vineyards, Deep Ellum Brewing, Revolver Brewing, TX Whiskey, and Tito’s Vodka were on hand. Tito’s even prepared us a couple cool cocktails perfect for the summer heat that’s sure to be upon us. A little pineapple jalapeño with your vodka. Take it like a true Texan!

If you enjoy vodka, Tito’s is the way to go.

My most interesting moment of the night goes to Lockhart Smokehouse. If you have a cow and pig head sitting on the table, you’re bound to get some attention. At least this is what happened in my case and they noticed. After taking a photo I began to walk away and I heard “Not so fast there picture lady. Come here.” I approached the table where he pulled a piece of meat from the pig’s cheek, placed it in my palm and said “This is the best piece of meat that you’ll ever taste.”.
Did I do it?…
Didn’t I have to?…
Verdict: It was pretty damn good. Kind of questionable to think about where it came from but if you have the chance, you should do it too.

Yes, I had to throw in a picture to go with the story.

Was that the end of our night? Come on folks, is it a party without some live music?! Thank you to Wade Bowen and his band for playing some of their hits for us on the main stage. Up close in Billy Bob’s, no chairs and tables in the way and a concert that feels like he’s playing just for you. It is a concert at Billy Bob’s just for you! That’s the only way to start off the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival.

And after all that you have a little time to get your two-step going and burn off all the BBQ and cold beverages. How about that for a good evening?

Did you have a chance to attend BBQ at Billy Bob’s? What was your favorite?

A full recap of our experience at the Fort Wort Food and Wine Festival as well as links to the other events can be found, here.