Texas barbecue has always been about discipline — managing fire, respecting ingredients and chasing consistency cook after cook. Now, that craft is stepping onto one of the country’s most respected culinary stages.
In a special Platform dinner hosted by the James Beard Foundation in New York City, Truth BBQ joins forces with Bludorn for a one-night collaboration pairing Central Texas barbecue with French-influenced New American cooking. Pitmaster Leonard Botello IV and chef Aaron Bludorn bring their distinct styles together for a multi-course dinner that explores how smoke, technique and regional ingredients can work side by side.
The result is a rare opportunity to experience Texas barbecue in a new context — one that highlights the craft and creativity behind the cuisine.
The Key Details
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
6:30 PM EST
WHERE:
Pier 57
25 11th Ave
New York, NY 10011
TICKET PRICES:
Dining Table: $250
Internal Chef’s Counter: $290
External Chef’s Counter: $195
What the James Beard Foundation Platform Series Represents
The dinner between Truth BBQ and Bludorn takes place as part of Platform by JBF, a culinary event series created by the James Beard Foundation.
Located inside Pier 57 at Market 57, Platform serves as a purpose-built stage for chefs from across the country to collaborate, experiment and share their craft with guests. The space functions as both a show kitchen and an intimate dining room, designed to bring diners closer to the people and ideas behind the food.
Each event in the series features a rotating lineup of acclaimed and emerging chefs who create a one-night-only multi-course dinner that highlights their culinary perspectives. These experiences are carefully structured to showcase both creativity and craftsmanship while advancing the foundation’s mission to elevate the culinary industry.
For the Truth BBQ x Bludorn dinner, that format creates the perfect stage for two distinct cooking traditions — Central Texas barbecue and French-influenced New American cuisine — to come together in a setting that celebrates innovation, craftsmanship and the evolving story of American food.
Pitmaster Leonard Botello IV and Chef Aaron Bludorn: A Collaboration Built on Craft
The Platform dinner brings together two chefs whose work represents different traditions but shares the same commitment to precision and ingredients: pitmaster Leonard Botello IV of Truth BBQ and chef Aaron Bludorn of Bludorn.
At Truth BBQ, Botello has built a reputation for disciplined, live-fire cooking rooted in Central Texas barbecue traditions. What began as a roadside shack eventually grew into one of the most respected barbecue destinations in the state, earning a No. 3 ranking on Texas Monthly’s “Top 50 BBQ” list. His approach is meticulous and deeply hands-on, centered on:
- Managing wood-fired pits with careful attention to heat and airflow
- Preparing meats and sides using from-scratch ingredients whenever possible
- Cooking brisket, ribs and other cuts with the patience that great barbecue demands
Across Houston, Aaron Bludorn has built a very different — but equally respected — culinary identity. At Bludorn, he blends French culinary technique with Gulf Coast ingredients, creating a refined style of New American cooking that has earned national attention, including recognition as a James Beard Award semifinalist® and Eater’s Chef of the Year.
The collaboration highlights how those two philosophies can complement each other.
What makes the pairing compelling:
- Central Texas barbecue meets French-influenced technique: Smoke, live-fire cooking and bold Texas flavors intersect with classical culinary training and refined execution.
- Two chefs known for precision: Whether tending a smoker or building layered sauces and composed dishes, both chefs approach cooking with discipline and technical care.
- Texas ingredients viewed through a new lens: The dinner explores how regional barbecue traditions can sit comfortably alongside restaurant-driven technique and thoughtful presentation.
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a multi-course collaborative menu paired with curated wines or beverages. A Q&A with Botello and Bludorn will also give guests a chance to hear directly from the chefs about their approach to the collaboration.
Event Details and How to Attend
The Truth BBQ x Bludorn Platform dinner takes place at the James Beard Foundation’s culinary venue inside Pier 57, located along the Hudson River in New York City. The space is part of Market 57, a waterfront food hall and event destination that hosts special dining experiences throughout the year.
Getting to Platform
Platform by JBF is located at 25 11th Avenue in Hudson River Park, between Little Island and Chelsea Piers. When you arrive at Pier 57:
- Enter through the South Entrance (between City Winery and Google)
- Walk down the hallway following signs for Market 57
- Go through the double glass doors and continue straight through the market
- Look for Platform signage just past the show kitchen
- The dining room entrance is located in the vestibule near the host stand
Public transportation options:
- Subway: Take the A, C, E or L trains to 14th Street (8th Ave) and walk west toward the West Side Highway.
- Bus: The M11, M14 or M20 stop near 14th Street, followed by a short walk west to 11th Avenue and 15th Street.
Dress Code
The recommended dress code is smart casual, striking a balance between relaxed and polished for the evening.
Dietary Restrictions
Platform dinners feature specially designed, one-night-only menus rather than à la carte service. If you have severe allergies, the team will do its best to coordinate with the chefs, though substitutions are not guaranteed and ultimately depend on the visiting kitchen’s ability to accommodate requests.
More Questions?
Head to the event page or the JBF Platform FAQ for more information.
A One-Night Celebration of Texas Barbecue and Culinary Craft
The Truth BBQ x Bludorn Platform dinner brings Texas barbecue and refined culinary technique together on one of the country’s most exciting dining stages. For fans of smoke, craftsmanship and thoughtful cooking, it’s a rare chance to experience both worlds in one unforgettable evening.
Secure your tickets before they sell out and join us on March 25 in New York City to experience this rare collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are Leonard Botello IV and Aaron Bludorn?
Leonard Botello IV is the owner and pitmaster of Truth BBQ, known for his meticulous approach to Central Texas-style barbecue. Aaron Bludorn is the chef and owner of Bludorn and a James Beard Award semifinalist recognized for his French-influenced New American cuisine.
2. Where is the Truth BBQ x Bludorn Platform dinner taking place?
The dinner will be held at Platform by the James Beard Foundation inside Pier 57 at 25 11th Avenue in New York City.
3. When is the Truth BBQ x Bludorn collaboration dinner?
The event takes place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, beginning at 6:30 PM.
4. What can guests expect from the dining experience?
Guests will enjoy a multi-course dinner created collaboratively by the chefs, along with curated wine or beverage pairings, beginning with a cocktail reception and followed by a Q&A with the chefs.
5. What happens if I have dietary restrictions?
Because Platform dinners feature one-night-only tasting menus, substitutions are not always possible; however, the event team will attempt to coordinate with the visiting chefs for guests with serious allergies.