Savoring the Smoky Fusion: Parish Barbecue's Culinary Journey from Pop-Up to Food Truck

In the heart of Austin's vibrant food scene, a barbecue pop-up is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter. Parish Barbecue, the brainchild of owner and pitmaster Holden Fulco, is set to open its very own food truck in the MLK neighborhood, bringing its unique blend of Louisianan and Texan flavors to the masses.

Elevating the Barbecue Experience: Parish Barbecue's Culinary Fusion

Expanding the Flavor Frontier

Holden Fulco, the driving force behind Parish Barbecue, has been captivating the local food scene with his pop-up events, showcasing his mastery of Louisianan and Texan smoked meats and dishes. Now, as he prepares to launch his new food truck, Fulco is poised to take his culinary vision to new heights, doubling down on the Cajun-Texas approach that has become his signature.The food truck will feature a diverse menu that celebrates the best of both worlds. Diners can expect to savor the Texas trinity of brisket, pork ribs, and sausages, all expertly smoked to perfection. But the menu doesn't stop there. Fulco's team will also be offering house-cured smoked ham and a tantalizing pulled duck dish with crispy skin, adding a unique twist to the traditional barbecue lineup.

Sandwich Sensations and Savory Sides

The food truck's menu will also feature a selection of mouthwatering sandwiches, including the smoked brisket debris po' boys and the smoked vegetable muffulettas. These handheld delights will provide a delicious canvas for Fulco's smoky creations.Complementing the main dishes, the food truck will offer an array of tempting sides that showcase the best of Louisianan and Texan culinary traditions. Diners can indulge in cane syrup pit beans, Acadiana-style potato salad, remoulade vinegar slaw, baked pimento mac and cheese, crawfish cornbread dressing, and a refreshing broccoli beet salad.

Specialty Offerings and Commitment to Local Sourcing

In addition to the daily smoked meats and signature dishes, the food truck will also feature weekly sausage and smoked boudin specials, as well as the highly anticipated smoked fried cracklins, available only on Saturdays. Fulco's dedication to sourcing locally extends beyond the menu, as he aims to partner with local producers for everything from produce to meats.

A Collaborative Venture: Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches

The new Parish Barbecue food truck will find its home at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches, a beloved bakery, brewery, and beer garden in the MLK neighborhood. This partnership came about as Batch's owners, Josh Lit and Noah Lit, were seeking a new food business to occupy their vacant food truck space, previously home to the popular torta truck, Lote.Fulco saw this as the perfect opportunity to turn his pop-up dreams into reality. "This one felt right because not only are the people involved the kind of folks I want to work with, but the chance to lease a turn-key trailer (outside of cosmetic modifications) without having to purchase one was huge for me," he explains.

Bringing the Smoky Flavors to Life

To ensure the food truck's success, Fulco is investing in a new smoker, custom-built by the renowned pit manufacturer Bison Smokers. Additionally, he is working closely with the Batch team to explore potential collaborations, such as using Parish's brisket for Batch's klobásníky and utilizing the on-site kitchen for baking items like pistolette (fried stuffed rolls) and the food truck's bread.As Parish Barbecue prepares to open its doors in January 2025, Fulco is wrapping up his role as the general manager of Anderson Mill's Interstellar BBQ, where he has honed his skills and built a loyal following. The transition will allow him to focus solely on the new food truck venture, ensuring that the smoky flavors and Cajun-Texas flair that have become his trademark are elevated to new heights.

Celebrating the Grand Opening with a Mardi Gras-Inspired Bash

To mark the grand opening of the Parish Barbecue food truck, Fulco has plans for a celebratory event in early March 2025, timed around the vibrant Mardi Gras festivities. This will be the perfect opportunity for the community to come together and experience the culmination of Fulco's culinary journey, from his humble pop-up beginnings to the launch of his very own food truck.The food truck's operating hours will be Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. or until the day's offerings are sold out. This schedule will allow Austinites and visitors alike to savor the smoky, Cajun-Texas flavors of Parish Barbecue at their convenience, whether they're seeking a midday meal or a late-night indulgence.As the countdown to the grand opening begins, the anticipation for Parish Barbecue's new food truck venture is palpable. With its unique blend of Louisianan and Texan influences, expertly crafted smoked meats, and a commitment to local sourcing, this culinary destination is poised to become a must-visit destination for barbecue enthusiasts and food lovers alike.