John Mueller Throws Down The Gauntlet:Challenges Aaron Franklin To Battle For Barbecue Supremacy
Mar 9
Over on the Texas Barbecue Posse website Marshall Cooper is reporting that firebrand pit boss John Mueller has challenged Aaron Franklin to a barbecue cook off to determine, once and for all, who the king of Austin, Texas smoked meat is.
Should be interesting.
Cooper goes on, in an update to the original article, to report that Franklin has accepted the challenge.
Lion vs cub.
We've been documenting the rebirth of John Mueller since last year when he announced that he would be re-entering the world of Texas barbecue after a 5 year hiatus.
During his absence, the rise of Aaron Franklin, a former employee, has been ably documented with national media descending on central Texas with laurel wreaths in hand.
Could the wreath be tilted askew by John Mueller?
The showdown, if it happens, will reportedly be a benefit for an unnamed local charity.
If you think Radiohead or Springsteen tickets are dear in Austin you ain't seen nothing yet.
Proceeds could go to build a retirement community for broke down old pit bosses out near Bastrop.
The W.B Brazil Golden Smoker House?
W.B Brazil was a legendary old Texas pit boss who famously said "I don't dope nothing up" when he was asked if he used a wet mop on his meats while they were on the fire.
Feel free to start using that phrase as often as you'd like particularly as a non sequitur to absolutely anything that anyone says to you at any time.
It's surprising that this challenge has not been met with a firestorm. Franklin's supremacy has yet to be challenged although there are plenty local eaters who hold that it's actually Mueller who's putting out the best barbecue in Austin right now.
Imagine the hue and cry if Scott Morales challenged Wayne Mueller to a shoot out?
Ordinarily we'd be more than happy to weigh in but it's been right at one year since we've eaten at Franklin.
Can't carve out two hours in the middle of the day for lunch.
Looking forward to speaking with Busy Bee, East Austin's most famous bookie, to see what kind of action he's going to be handling if this confrontation ever comes to fruition.
Who's putting out better barbecue right now: John Mueller or Aaron Franklin?
Defend your position.
https://twitter.com/#!/RLReevesJr
More Texas barbecue coverage here http://www.scrumptiouschef.com/food/index.cfm/Barbecue
read Cooper's article here http://texasbbqposse.blogspot.com/2012/03/john-mueller-
Series of articles on Mueller's re-emergence on the Texas barbecue scene http://chowpapi.com/wordpress/wordpress-2.8.6/wordpress
#1 by NCAAFBALLROX on 3/10/12 - 4:01 AM
This was a package that included BOTH joints with "no line / no wait" service (take away only if doing walk up).
Food package from Franklin BBQ:
(1) lb of brisket
(1) lb of ribs (Franklin only does pork)
(1) lb of pulled pork
(1) lb of sausage
(1) lb of turkey
-----------
Food package from John Mueller BBQ:
(1) whole brisket
(1) whole rack of beef ribs
(1) whole sausage
Similar terms for "walk up", however even though the line isn't as bad as @ FBBQ, it's still growing, especially since the magazine.
Oh, & before I forget: Winning bidder also received an autographed full copy of Texas Monthly with both men & meat on the cover.
#2 by Ryan Schierling on 3/10/12 - 7:15 PM
We were at JMueller on Thursday, and got a pile of moist brisket, two beef ribs and some turkey. The ribs were the best I've had in years, and I told him so. It had gotten to the point where I'd had so many bad, bland, rubbery ribs I just stopped ordering them anywhere, instead opting for brisket and sausage. Mueller's brisket was texturally spot-on with Franklin's, but seemed to lack enough salt. No shortage of pepper, which I like. The taste of the fat in the moist brisket, which for me is an indication of quality, "happy" beef, was not as rich and melt-in-your-mouth buttery as Franklin's is. The three of us agreed that the tomato-based sauce tasted like homemade marinara. Delicious, but seemed odd. Though, having only waited in line at Mueller's for 10 minutes after rolling up at 11:30 a.m., I'm not going to complain about a thing. Service was quick, efficient and friendly. And after having read your other post about the sausage at JMBBQ, I'll definitely be trying it next time.
We'll be at Franklin at some point tomorrow (more friends in town).
I'm sure there will be fervent opinions about this "rivalry" for years to come, and I honestly don't think it matters who's barbecue is better. I think what matters is that we, the ones stuffing our faces while making happy noises, are getting amazing barbecue from two guys who are passionate about what they do. We're *lucky* to be here, no matter what sanctioned or unsanctioned body crowns one of them the "best."
#3 by rl reeves jr on 3/10/12 - 8:48 PM
#4 by GJman65 on 3/11/12 - 10:36 PM
#5 by rl reeves jr on 3/11/12 - 10:41 PM
#6 by rl reeves jr on 3/12/12 - 11:56 AM
#7 by BBQ Jesus on 3/13/12 - 4:29 PM
#8 by shoelessjoejackson on 4/24/12 - 5:15 PM
#9 by rlreevesjr on 12/23/12 - 11:08 PM
#10 by James Rockford on 12/26/12 - 7:06 PM