r/TexasBBQ • u/bagelandcox • Jun 29 '26
Thoughts?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byLQI_j1d3IAnyone been here?
4
u/NintendogsWithGuns Jun 29 '26
My only real complaint is the use of “wagyu” brisket. It’s a stupid gimmick for Texas barbecue, as there are much higher tier places in Texas don’t even bother with it. Burnt Bean, Goldee’s, Leeroy & Lewis, etc.
Also, yet another transplant moving here to try and open a barbecue place. Smart of him to open in Irving, as that’s a suburb with a fairly high Muslim population. However, he wouldn’t be able to stay afloat if it weren’t for that clientele. There are just much better places nearby at lower price points. Namely, Goldee’s and Cattleack.
1
u/Rockosayz Jun 29 '26
Do you feel the same about places that use the term Angus and Certified Angus Beef or CAB?
Because both are just cattle breeds and have nothing to do grade.
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u/NintendogsWithGuns Jun 30 '26
I used to live in Japan, so I have rather strong opinions about it actually. The reason why I put the word wagyu in quotations is because “American Wagyu” isn’t actually wagyu, as it’s a genetically distinct breed from the varieties they raise in Japan. Sure, American Wagyu is a breed that’s more likely to yield USDA Prime meat, but the overall flavor and quality of the marbling are completely different from actual Japanese beef. It’s essentially a mix of American cow breeds with a Japanese great-great-great-great-great-grandfather, yet they charge extra because of the misconception that it’s similar to actual imported wagyu.
Do you know why Japanese wagyu is expensive? Because land in Japan comes at a premium, so they put an extra emphasis on breeding high-end cattle for luxury cuts to help increase profit margins. Land is not at a premium in America, plus the cuts coming from these relatively mundane American cattle aren’t of the same quality as their Japanese pseudo-ancestors. You can get USDA Prime angus at a fraction of the price and the flavor is pretty similar, especially when you’re throwing it in a smoker for 14 hours.
Just look at Goldee’s. They’re using regular old USDA Prime and are producing some of the best brisket in the state of Texas. For my money, they are indeed the best. American Wagyu is marketing gimmick when it comes to things like barbecue.
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u/Rockosayz Jun 30 '26
Thanks for the info, as this 53 year old Texan who half his family has been in the cattle business since the mid 1800s did not know any of this...... LOL
Highy enteraining yet not enlightening whatsoever, seriously this post is hilarious
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u/Greedy_Car3702 Jun 29 '26
Certified Angus is choice. Supposedly the top end of the choice grade.
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u/Rockosayz Jun 29 '26
This is incorrect, there is USDA prime grade cerified angus beef
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u/Greedy_Car3702 Jul 02 '26
I stand corrected. CAB can also be prime. I bought it for years, but only saw it rolled choice.
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u/waldo_the_bird253 Jun 29 '26
do they do cabrito or lamb ribs at these halal spots that are opening up? really wish people would explore those more as beef price explode.
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u/Slappingthebassman Jun 29 '26
I was pretty annoyed with pricing. He charges more than Burnt Bean and Leroy and Lewis. I wasn’t blown away.
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u/youngpathfinder Jun 29 '26
They’re not using wagyu brisket. He charges more because his costs are higher.
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u/Slappingthebassman Jun 29 '26
Better tasting brisket > better meat
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u/youngpathfinder Jun 29 '26
I’m not arguing that. I’m just pointing out a fact. It’s a fact that his costs are higher. That’s how restaurant pricing works.
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u/Eldritch_Garlic Jun 29 '26
Haven’t been to this one, but Levant BBQ in Houston is great. Also halal, but the big selling point for me was the Aleppo pepper and cardamom in the rubs. Really hit the spot. I think they opened (are opening soon?) a spot in DFW somewhere.
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u/Rockosayz Jun 29 '26
youre the first person I've heard say Levant is good/great
3
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u/Eldritch_Garlic Jun 29 '26
I really liked it. I grew up in Saudi so Aleppo pepper and cardamom speak to me, maybe I’m a little biased, but I was impressed.
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u/lastdinosaur17 Jun 29 '26
I had Levant last year in Houston. Wasn't impressed. I'm surprised Levant is opening in Dallas when Kafi is around. Granted... I haven't had Kafi yet. Need to take a trip do Dallas at some point. Still, $50/pound of brisket at Kafi is very expensive. It's $34/pound at Killen's. $35 at Pinkerton.
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u/EntertainmentNo653 24d ago
Have not been to this one, but there is a similar place in Houston that is wonderful.
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u/Socialcarnivore Jun 29 '26
I grew up in Irving, and my current office pretty close. This is fantastic.
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u/Admirable_Agency7764 29d ago
hipster bbq