Look Out for the New BBQ Pitmaster in Town
Sondra & Luis Valenzuela of Hightone’s Smoked BBQ work their smoke pit on opening day outside the Pipe Creek General Store & Dance Hall. BULLETIN PHOTO/ Cari Golyzniak
Hightone’s Smoked BBQ debuted its smoked meats and menu flare at their grand-opening weekend on this first Saturday and Sunday of this month Pipe Creek General Store and Dance Hall.
Owners Luis and Sondra Valenzuela from Bandera have been smoking and cooking up their food for the local communities for three years from their mobile smoker, slinging up welltended-to smoked meats.
The husband and wife team, who have eight children, run a genuine family operated business with their daughters at the helm helping to ring-up and serve customers.
The Hightone’s namesake was ad-libbed from an adage that Richard Valenzuela (aka Richie Valenz) used to say in the movie “La Bamba”
Luis, who has been smoking for 13 years, minces no words about his affection for the craft.
“I smoke my meats with passion. If you don’t have it, you probably can’t do it.” says Luis.
The brisket is smoked for approximately 14 hours overnight, with different meats at different times being intermingled. The brisket is then prepped for two hours after the smoking time. True smoking of the meats is why, Luis points out, they are different.
“I’m a stick burner.” adds Luis, who uses oak in their wood-burning method and watches over his meat all night long, checking it every 1.5 hours, to tend to the flame and check consistency.
“We have a true smoked flavor.” agreed Luis and Sondra.
“While others leave their meats unattended overnight, like, set it and forget it. We don’t that.” says Luis.
Sondra emphasized the sides are what also set them apart from other BBQ eateries, as they are all homemade, and that great care and time is put into making their side dishes, with the daughters helping cut, peel, and prep in the kitchen.
Items on Hightone’s menu include brisket, pulled pork, sausage, dino ribs, and Texas-size turkey legs, as well as complements of potato salad, Spanish rice, Ranchero beans, green bean casserole, and creamed corn.
Hightone’s customers weighed in: “Every single item was delicious, tender & perfectly seasoned. I highly recommend stopping by.; “Everything is delicious;” “Some of the best barbecue I’ve ever eaten;”
Hightone’s had a stellar turnout and sold out on both days of their grand opening. They are renting a permanent location at a portion of the Pipe Creek General Store and Dance Hall, LLC and will operate every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The restored goat barn is home to casual indoor/outdoor eating, festive décor, and a spacious venue to relax with the family and play outdoor games in hill country fashion.
“Now we have a spot.” say Luis and Sondra. “Our goal is to bring families together and a great place to eat.”
You can follow them on FB at https:// www.facebook.com/hightonessmokedbbq.
Pipe Creek General Store and Dance Hall owner, Dr. Bruce Martin and Manager, Cindy Martinez, believe in the new business partnership and extend their generosity to Hightone’s.
“We should remember to always pay it forward.” says Martinez.
In 2014, Martin purchased the old general store and dancehall property, formerly known as the Junction, a property that was first established in the 1870’s by the Newcomers.
Martin’s ambition was to preserve local history and continue the legacy of the location as an active community gathering place. The tactfully restored buildings are a sight to behold and worth the nostalgic visit.
Today, the historical dance hall and surrounding property serve mostly as a venue to rent out for weddings, birthday parties, proms, business meetings, music videos, reunions, and any other special events.
They also host the popular Market Days – popping up next on April 23 from 10-4 pm. Interested vendors can call 210-854-6577.