Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa Announces 'SMOKE: A Celebration of Fire and Flavor'
Inaugural BBQ Weekend with Chefs Evan LeRoy and Kevin Lee Showcases Renowned Pitmasters, Big Flavors, and Texas Hill Country Hospitality
AUSTIN, TEXAS (June 4, 2025) — Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, the luxury Texas Hill Country resort located just 20 minutes from downtown Austin, announces its first-ever SMOKE: A Celebration of Fire and Flavor, taking place August 1 & 2. A weekend celebration of the quintessentially American tradition of barbecue, this curated two-day culinary experience brings together the best pitmasters, chefs, and tastemakers from across Texas and Oklahoma for an exclusive event showcasing the culinary rivalry and rich barbecue traditions of each region.
Michelin Star recipient and 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist Evan LeRoy of Austin’s LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, recently ranked #2 on Texas Monthly’s prestigious Top 50 BBQ Joints list, will join James Beard Semifinalist and Food Network star Kevin Lee of Birdie’s by Chef Kevin Lee in Norman, Oklahoma, and Omni Barton Creek’s Executive Chef Steve Gustafson for a culinary journey exploring the rich traditions—and friendly rivalry—between Texas and Oklahoma barbecue.
“Smoke represents everything we love about Texas hospitality—bringing people together over incredible food, authentic experiences, and friendly competition," said Todd Raessler, Area Managing Director of Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. "This inaugural event celebrates barbecue traditions rooted deeply in the south while giving our guests access to some of the most talented pitmasters in the region."
The weekend events will blend upscale flair with authentic regional rivalry, inviting guests to indulge in flame-cooked creations, craft pairings, and immersive entertainment set against the scenic backdrop of the Hill Country. From an intimate chef-driven dinner to a lively open-air showdown, SMOKE is where fire meets finesse—and flavor takes center stage.
Events include:
Legends of the Flame: VIP Dinner Experience | Friday, August 1, 2025
The weekend begins with an exclusive VIP dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, August 1. Hosted by chefs LeRoy, Lee, and Gustafson, the multi-course VIP dinner celebrates the heritage, technique, and creativity behind each chef's unique approach to barbecue. The evening will feature expertly paired beverages, ranging from fine wines to bold bourbons, alongside elevated dishes that tell a story of smoke, skill, and Southern flavor.
Guests will enjoy cocktail hour from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by dinner service featuring a collaborative tasting experience from all three chefs. There will also be live acoustic performances by Texas musician Jade Marie Patek, personal storytelling, and culinary insight throughout the evening.
The event welcomes resort guests, Barton Creek Country Club members, and the public, with tickets priced at $395 per person. Tickets will be available for purchase at 10 a.m. Central on Wednesday, June 11, on smokeatbartoncreek.com.
Masters of the Flavor: Barbecue Showdown | Saturday, August 2, 2025
The weekend concludes with the Masters of the Flavor: Barbecue Showdown from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, August 2. In this all-access culinary throwdown, top chefs and pitmasters from Texas and Oklahoma go head-to-head in a cross-state showcase of regional barbecue. From smoked meats to creative sides, each team brings their boldest bites to the table. A panel of celebrity judges and barbecue experts will evaluate the competition, awarding top honors in multiple categories. With live music by local soul band Tomar and the FCs, festive drinks, and a vibrant Hill Country setting, Masters of the Flavor is a spirited celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and state pride.
Event Timeline:
- 5-6 p.m. | Live grilling and cocktail hour
- 6-8 p.m. | Barbecue tastingsbegin
- 8-8:30 p.m. | Judging and deliberation by panel
- 8:30-9 p.m. | Final tastings and awards presentation
The event welcomes resort guests, Barton Creek Country Club members, and the public, with tickets priced at $225 per person. Tickets will be available at 10 a.m. Central on Wednesday, June 11, through smokeatbartoncreek.com.
For a worry-free experience during the weekend’s events, parents can take advantage of Barton's Kid Zone: Lil' Pitmasters Camp, a safe on-site experience explicitly designed for children of resort guests and Country Club members attending the events.
Meet the Chefs
Evan LeRoy
Co-Owner, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue | Michelin Star Recipient
Chef Evan LeRoy serves as co-owner of the acclaimed LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue in Austin, Texas, a Michelin Star recipient, 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist, and winner of the #2 spot on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list. Hailed as one of the leading minds behind Texas' new-school barbecue movement, LeRoy is known for his creative techniques, whole-animal approach, and fiercely loyal local following that has helped redefine what barbecue can be. With over fifteen years of restaurant industry experience and a lifetime of cooking barbecue, he has garnered international acclaim as a top-tier barbecue chef, sharing his passion for his home state and its signature cuisine. As Team Texas' fearless captain at SMOKE, Evan brings both craftsmanship and charisma to the pit.
Kevin Lee
2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist | Best Chef: Southwest
Chef Kevin Lee represents a culinary force in Oklahoma's dining scene as a 2025 James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest. The renowned chef and Food Network Champion from Norman, Oklahoma, is known for pushing the boundaries of flavor while honoring his Korean-American roots through his innovative approach to open-fire cooking and inventive barbecue. He has competed on numerous shows, including "24 in 24: Last Chef Standing," "Bobby’s Triple Threat," "Beat Bobby Flay," "Alex vs. America," "Guy's Grocery Games," "Superchef Grudge Match" and "Tournament of Champions," building a loyal following and earning national media acclaim. He now owns Birdie's by Chef Kevin Lee, a Korean modern steakhouse in Oklahoma, where his passion for blending heritage with innovation continues to make waves across the culinary world. Later this year, he will be opening a new modern Korean restaurant called MAHT. At SMOKE, Kevin brings the heat and a whole new flavor perspective to Team Oklahoma.
Steve Gustafson
Executive Chef, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Chef Steve Gustafson brings passion, precision, and a love of local ingredients to the Hill Country table through his role as Executive Chef at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. With a culinary career spanning top hotels and award-winning restaurants, he oversees nine distinct dining venues, crafting memorable experiences rooted in regional flavors and seasonal sourcing. His leadership has shaped the opening of major culinary programs across the Omni portfolio, earning accolades such as Best Burger and Best Brunch from Nashville Scene and contributing to Forbes' 2018 Hotel & Resort of the Year recognition for Omni Louisville. A Minneapolis native and self-taught bread maker, Chef Steve blends hospitality and heart into everything he creates, from high-volume banquets to handcrafted sourdough named after his grandmother, Murial.
For more information on SMOKE: A Celebration of Fire and Flavor, visit smokeatbartoncreek.com. For more information on Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa or to make room reservations, visit omnibartoncreek.com.
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About Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa combines authentic Texas hospitality with world-class amenities in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, just 20 minutes from downtown Austin. The resort features 493 freshly designed guest rooms and suites; four championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio, Ben Crenshaw, and Arnold Palmer; the rejuvenating Mokara Spa; and multi-tiered pools, including an adults-only infinity pool with breathtaking Hill Country views. The resort offers a variety of unique dining experiences ranging from an acclaimed steakhouse to casual poolside fare, along with Latin American cuisine, healthy Texas-inspired dishes, and craft cocktails. Recognized globally as one of the top resort destinations by Conde Nast Traveler, Omni Barton Creek is the ultimate blend of luxury, leisure, and Texas charm. For more information, please visit omnibartoncreek.com and follow along on Instagram at @omnibartoncreek.
About Omni Hotels & Resorts
Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, memorable guest experiences at over 50 distinct hotels and resorts in the country’s most popular leisure and business destinations across the United States, as well as in Canada. With 28 iconic golf courses and multiple short courses, 25 award-winning spas featured in dynamic locales nationwide, every Omni proudly opens its doors to share the true spirit of its destination. Reflected through local color, personalized service, unique wellness options, signature restaurants and creative culinary offerings, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every guest and a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest® loyalty program. Omni is committed to reducing hunger and is on a mission through its Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative, to provide millions of meals each year for food banks to feed children, families, and seniors in communities in which it operates. Through its partnership with Shared Hope International, Omni is dedicated to the education and training of its associates to help combat human trafficking. Omni Hotels & Resorts is the official hotel of the PGA TOUR® and PGA of America. For information or to book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.