Hot Luck Announces Culinary Talent

Sit down. Prop your feet up. Maybe pour yourself a nice cup of oolong. We want you to be comfortable before you read this post. Today Hot Luck, the music and culinary festival from Aaron Franklin, Mohawk owner James Moody, and Feast Portland cofounder Mike Thelin, announced the chef lineup for their inaugural event and it’s a lot to take in.

For the Friday, May 19 event – the Hi Lo – Hot Luck asks invited chefs to share the dishes that shaped their culinary upbringing. Talent for the evening includes  Aaron Franklin (Franklin Barbecue), Adam Sappington (Portland’s The Country Cat), Alex Stupak (New York’s Empellón), Callie Speer (Bombshell), David Bull (Second Bar + Kitchen), David Norman (Easy Tiger), Fiore Tedesco (L’Oca d’Oro), Jason Dady (Jason Dady Restaurants), Joshua McFadden (Portland’s Ava Gene’s), Michael Fojtasek (Olamaie), Rene Ortiz (Launderette), and Tyson Cole (Hai Hospitality).

On Saturday, May 20, open flame cooking will be the focus of Al Fuego, a celebration of international barbecue styles curated by Franklin. Chefs include Adam Perry Lang (New York’s APL Restaurant), Andy Ricker (Portland’s Pok Pok), Andrew Wiseheart (Contigo), Bryce Gilmore (Odd Duck), Chad Dolezal (The Hightower), Chris Shepherd (Houston’s Underbelly), Joshua Pinsky (New York’s Momofuku), Jason Stude (Boiler Nine Bar + Grill), Jesse Griffiths (Dai Due), John Tesar (Knife at The Highland Dallas), Kevin Fink (Emmer & Rye), Laura Sawicki (Launderette), Matthew Rudofker (Momofuku), Michael Paley (Central Standard), Miguel Vidal (Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ), Nong Poonsukwattana (Portland’s Nong's Khao Man Gai), Philip Speer (Bonhomie), Rebecca Masson (Fluff Bake Bar), Sarah McIntosh (Épicerie Café & Grocery), Steve McHugh (San Antonio’s Cured), Todd Duplechan (Lenoir), and Tatsu Aikawa (Kemuri Tatsu-Ya).

The festival will offer à la carte pricing starting at $20, but the limited Whole Enchilada package offers some major perks including a private welcome party featuring Franklin, early entry to the Friday and Saturday events, a tiki party on Saturday featuring all-star chefs and bartenders, access to the music shows, and a barbecue featuring Roy Choi of Los Angeles’ Kogi.

Hot Luck events will take place at various venues across town, including Franklin Barbecue, Fair Market, Barracuda, Mohawk, The White Horse, Alamo Drafthouse, The Wild Onion Ranch, and more. The music component will be announced in April. Tickets are on sale now.