Dining and Cooking
The return of Valentina's (pitmaster)?
In Austin Food

The return of Valentina’s (pitmaster)?


It appears that the TexMex BBQ is about to ride again. But this time, he's not in management.

The return of Miguel Vidal.

by Soft_Stretch1539

17 Comments

  4. schnozberry

    I think everybody deserves second a second chance. Being a pitmaster and staying away from the money side of things sounds like it would be a good move for him. It seems like fast success, substance abuse, and ego really did a number on Valentina’s.

  5. WelcomeToBrooklandia

    The fact that he’s not in ownership or management makes me breathe a little easier…but yeah, this is an odd move for any established hospitality brand to make right now. I guess we’ll have to see how it all goes- Vidal has a LOT to prove.

  6. EZ_st

    Looks like his next venture La familia bbq closed permanently last month.

  7. TamariAmari

    Looks like they’re aiming to take over the old Black Gold place on Anderson. 1521 W. Anderson Lane maps to that address. Makes sense considering they were already a BBQ restaurant.

    ” It will feature counter service, a full bar focused on tequila-centered cocktails designed by the Madera-owned La Holly bar, and a Latino-inspired design aesthetic. “

  8. jacox200

    Oh my God this seems like the reincarnation of John Mueller.

  9. Dependent_Sink8552

    I’d personally give him a second chance. Some people are better at their craft and staying away from the business side of things.

  10. VisceralMonkey

    Food was amazing. As long as they can not screw their employees this time around.

  11. kuhkoo

    Sometimes people have immense talents and make bad mistakes. Sounds like the guy is really working on himself and the solution to the problems he created have fleshed out – as someone in recovery who has made horrible decisions, if it werent for second chances I’d be in the ground.

    Also, this is going to be absolutely delicious and the cocktails are gonna be killer.

  12. Soft_Stretch1539

    Well…I was one of the patrons of the old Valentinas’ truck when it was down on Brodie. And I have to say that I have not had any better BBQ in my entire life. Period. Food like that deserves to be served.

    We all have things we are good at…and bad at. Apparently Vidal is simply an artist when it comes to putting food on a plate. But after what happened at Buda, I don’t want to see him making change, much less running a place. He’s been punished, yes. He and his wife lost everything and are just now getting back above water.

    Let’s see how it goes. They’re scheduled to open the 22nd.

  13. hey_isnt_that_rob

    Tex-Mex spelled two different ways. No matter what owner, the Statesman copy desk is still the same.

  14. AimeeMonkeyBlue

    I’m excited that they are putting that in right up the street!

  15. Ka0s_6

    I shall not partake in spending my money there on moral grounds…but if anyone wants to spot me some brisket and tortillas, I’m down for a good time!