Chris Shepherd Hosts Smoky Event To Raise Funds For Multiple Sclerosis

Houston's Chris Shepherd is taking Underbelly, Hay Merchant and Blacksmith to the streets and inviting Aaron Franklin, Sean Brock, and Rodney Scott to make the smoky trek to Space City in hopes of raising money for multiple sclerosis research in honor of friend and former sommelier Antonio Gianola, who has been diagnosed with the disease.

Local group HOUBBQ Collective, appearing for the first time and featuring Seth Siegel-Gardner (The Pass and Provisions), Terrance Gallivan (The Pass and Provisions), Ryan Pera (Coltivare), Justin Yu (Oxheart) and Shepherd, will also be at the party to make the out-of-towners feel at home at what he's calling Southern Smoke. The event will take place on October 11.

Franklin's even driving his smoker down from Austin for the cause. And what's a party for a sommelier without libations? Wine and beer will be at the ready.

Tickets go on sale Monday, August 24, and can be purchased here. (We're giving you the major advance heads up because this will most certainly sell out fast, so mark your calendars!) General admission tickets will be $200. VIP tickets ($350) include early admission, copies of Franklin's Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto and Brock's Heritage and signings with the two.