The James Beard Foundation announced its semifinalists for the best chef in Texas, and two pitmasters made the list. Congratulations to Esaul Ramos of 2M Smokehouse in San Antonio and Tootsie Tomanetz of Snow’s BBQ in Lexington. Sad news out of Smithville: Micklethwait barbecue announces the closure of its Smithville location. https://t.co/pX6uNl0zL2 — Austin Chronicle (@AustinChronicle) February 27, 2020 Hurtado Barbecue has ditched the pop-up life. The Arlington barbecue operation recently moved into its new permanent building and expanded operating hours to five days a week. Bud Kennedy likes the new Hurtado Barbecue, but he’s sweeter on Goldee’s Barbecue in Fort Worth. He says they’re both helping the area become the “new Austin” for Texas barbecue. In a recent edition of “Texas Monthly Recommends,” we…View Original PostThe post BBQ News Roundup: James Beard Honors, a Houston Rodeo Champ, and Sad News in Smithville appeared first on Texas Monthly.