Houston's barbecue scene just keeps improving. At last count, Blood Bros. Barbecue, Truth BBQ and the recently announced venture Feges BBQ from husband-and-wife team Patrick Feges and Erin Smith, are all planning to launch by year's end. For those not yet familiar with Smith and Feges, Smith has been making a name in recent years as the executive chef at the JW Marriott downtown, culinary director for Clumsy Butcher hospitality group and most recently at Camerata, where she just completed her sommelier training. Feges is best known as the pitmaster and sous chef at Southern Goods.

The couple recognized their mutual love of all things barbecue early in their relationship. But Smith jokes that “It was Patrick’s dream to open up a restaurant… and my nightmare.” This culinary match made in heaven is also full of praise for the extended barbecue community and the way it rallies around and welcomes newcomers.

To commemorate Erin’s last days at Camerata and kick-off Feges BBQ, the duo is giving Houstonians a sneak peek of Feges BBQ this Sunday, September 17 from 4 to 8 p.m., with a pop-up serving tasty plates of smoked hog with classic sides for $20.

To complement the Black Hill Ranch pig, Smith has hand-picked some pairings from Camerata for this weekend’s event. “Bubbles are a great pairing for barbecue. I think moderate acid, rich fruit, and medium to light body wines, particularly bubbles, are the best option. Since we're serving Carolina-style whole hog, which is served with a high acid sauce, wines with a touch of residual sugar are key,” she explains. Those wines are: Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco di Sorbara Vecchia Modena from Emilia-Romagna; Domaine Glinavos 'Paleokerisio' made with the debina grape from Zitsa, Greece; and a Ramona- Zibbibo and grapefruit juice wine cooler by Jordan Salcito.

While the restaurant’s location is still top-secret (although we tried to finagle the details out of them), the Feges' love of brisket and out-of-the-box side dishes is sure to be a palate pleaser.

Whole Hog Extravaganza, featuring Erin Smith & Patrick Feges, Sunday, September 17, 4 to 8 p.m., Camerata