Meat Fight Fun-lanthropy

How Cheap Bastard Alice Laussade turned a backyard BBQ into a big-dealfundraiser

Meat Fight founder Alice Laussade. You may know her name from her wildly popularCheap Bastard column in the Dallas Observer.
Photo courtesy of Meat Fight
Fighter Jeana Johnson, formerly of Acme F&B.
Photo courtesy of Meat Fight
Fighter Jeff Bekovac of Neighborhood Services.
Photo courtesy of Meat Fight
Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue in Austin is among the seven judges.
Photo courtesy of Meat Fight
Longtime Meat Fight supporter and 2012 judge Daniel Vaugh, a.k.a., BBQ Snob.
Photo courtesy of Meat Fight
The cast of The League in Meat Fight shirts, from the Meat Fight Tumblr site.
Photo courtesy of Meat Fight

Alice Laussade is no event planner. At least she wasn’t until a few months ago, when Meat Fight, the sold-out November 4 multiple sclerosis fundraiser, started to get, well, big.

By her own admission, Meat Fight started off as a selfish endeavor. In 2010, Alice and her husband, Mike, were invited to a friend’s house for brisket. “It was the most beautiful brisket I’d ever had,” says Alice, a.k.a., the Cheap Bastard in the pages of the Dallas Observer. “I understood in that moment why you don’t need sauce.”

Later that night, when they were “jonesing for that brisket,” the Laussades remembered they had other friends who knew how to cook stuff, so they invited them over for a party in their backyard. They called it Meat Fight.

“It’s so nice to have people who are excited to be a part of it,” Alice says. “We were hoping for four chefs. We have 12. Not one chef said no to us.”

That first year, they made cups and had a keg for about 40 people. A couple of friends and Alice’s dad judged the meat: brisket, pulled pork, sausage and ribs. Mike won for his pulled pork.

In 2011, Alice invited some local celebrity judges — Jack Perkins of Maple & Motor, Jill Bergus of Lockhart Smokehouse, Diane and Justin Fourton of Pecan Lodge, Brian C. Luscher of The Grape, BBQ Snob Daniel Vaughn — so she could charge at the door and raise some money for MS, a cause she supports passionately.

The barbecue showdown was still in her backyard. In addition to brisket, pulled pork and ribs, there was a pie competition and some T-shirts for sale. And another keg, of course.

I attended last year, as a guest of one of the judges. I had only just met Alice; we were introduced through a mutual friend. But we bonded immediately. MS is a cause near and dear to me as well, because my sister suffers from it.

During Meat Fest part deux, Vaughn took one look at Alice’s dad’s brisket and said, “That’s the winner.”

Turns out, Vaughn was right. Alice’s dad took top honors for brisket, Rob Shearer won for ribs and her husband won for pulled pork — again. Everyone joked that it was rigged. More important, the Laussades raised $2,000 for MS, through ticket and T-shirt sales.

Alice says they had no plans to make Meat Fight any bigger. “But every person at the event was like, ‘You’re dumb.’ So here we are.”

Alice predicts there are two groups of Meat Fighters: the hardcore BBQ fans and the foodies. “It’s going to look like Lee Harvey’s threw up on Dean Fearing,” she says.

Where they are is a 350-person event no longer confined to her backyard. This year’s venue is the Sons of Hermann Hall in Deep Ellum, where the city’s top chefs, split up into teams of three, will compete for bragging rights for the best brisket, pork, sausage and one wild card.

“It’s so nice to have people who are excited to be a part of it,” Alice says. “We were hoping for four chefs. We have 12. Not one chef said no to us.”

Those who didn’t say no include Luscher, Perkins, Chad Houser, Jeffery Hobbs, Matt McCallister, Tiffany Derry, Randall Copeland, Jeff Bekovac, Cody Sharp, Jeana Johnson, Eric Hansen and Omar Flores.

Luscher is captain for team Meatallica. Houser is leading the Cool Arrows. Perkins’ team is called Limp Brisket.

“We are stunned by the names we have,” Alice says. “We were hoping for three judges, and we have seven — and one of them is Aaron Franklin.” Yeah, the guy from Franklin Barbecue in Austin.

Alice predicts there are two groups of Meat Fighters: the hardcore BBQ fans and the foodies. “When you say ‘Aaron Franklin,’ they’re like, ‘barbecue Jesus!’ When you say ‘Matt McCallister,’ the foodies shit their pants,” she says. “It’s going to look like Lee Harvey’s threw up on Dean Fearing.”

Joining Franklin at the judge’s table are Vaughn, Tim Byres, Will Fleischman (Lockhart Smokehouse), Justin Fourton, Stephen Joseph (Riverpoint Bar-B-Que) and Nick Pencis (Stanley’s Favorite Pit BBQ).

“We’re trying to rethink fundraisers,” Alice says. “People want to have a good time. That’s what this is about. It’s so cool, and it doesn’t have to be about charity, but it is.”

The list of sponsors is equally impressive. Among them are Deep Ellum Brewing Company, Local Yocal, Whole Foods, Pop Star and Oh!Brownie. Alice got even more phone calls from potential sponsors after the tickets sold out, which happened in an hour and 10 minutes.

In addition to ticket sales, Alice and team are raising money for MS through T-shirt sales (limited quantities of four new designs by Magnificent Beard), meat calendars, and silent auction items that range from brunch with Tiffany Derry and a “dream date” with Randall Copeland to a meat tornado pillow Alice found on Etsy.

A more legit silent auction item is a round of golf on an exclusive course with local PGA Tour golfer Hunter Haas. All proceeds go directly to the Lone Start Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Despite the social media frenzy — there is a Tumblr site dedicated to people wearing Meat Fight T-shirts, and the chef teams have engaged in virtual trash-talking via video on Facebook — Alice is quick to point out that Meat Fight is about the cause.

She uses the word “fun-lanthropy” but adds she’s almost embarrassed to say it. “We’re trying to rethink fundraisers,” she says. “People want to have a good time. That’s what this is about. It’s an event that’s so cool, and it doesn’t have to be about charity, but it is.”

Alice broke down and hired some help for the day of the event, so she could actually enjoy it. “It’s like my meat wedding,” she says. “My goal is to eat at Meat Fight.”

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Meat Fight is Sunday, November 4, 2-6 pm, at Sons of Hermann Hall. The event is sold out, but CultureMap Dallas is giving away two tickets on our Facebook page. To help raise money for MS, you can purchase a Meat Fight T-shirt online or make a donation to the MS Society.

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Holiday Dining News

These Dallas restaurants are open on Christmas Day 2025

Lake Lawn

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Dallas restaurants are almost always open and ready to serve, with one exception: Christmas Day, a day that sees most close. But the restaurants on this list are the exception: Dallas restaurants that are open on Christmas Day — a true blessing for diners seeking a festive meal.

Here's all the restaurants across Dallas (and Fort Worth) that are open for dining on Christmas Day: (This list does not include Christmas Eve or Christmas to-go.)

Brio Italian. Italian chain will be open lunch and dinner on Christmas Day with an array of classic comfort dishes, signature Italian cuisine, from savory starters to salads, main courses, to delectable desserts. 11 am-9 pm. Allen 214-884-3920. Southlake 817-310-3136.

Buca de Beppo. Italian restaurant will be open lunch and dinner on Christmas Day with full menu plus three limited-time winter menu specials: pappardelle with Spicy Italian sausage, garlic, & spinach; pappardelle Bolognese with beef ragu, carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes; and pork osso buco in a puttanesca sauce over polenta. Prices a la carte. 11 am-8 pm. 214-361-8462.

Carbone Dallas. Italian restaurant will have a menu of appetizers, pastas, veal, chicken, pork chop, and seafood. Prices a la carte. 4-10 pm. 469-290-6009.

Catch Dallas. Uptown seafood and steakhouse will offer full menu plus holiday specials including $42 toro crudo, 20-oz Texas Wagyu ribeye for $130, and the holiday "Hit Me" cake with candy cane Klondike, white chocolate ice cream, brownie, and chocolate stout cake for $26. 4-9 pm. 214-983-1440.

The Crescent Club. Hotel Crescent Court restaurant will host Christmas brunch with omelet station, benedict station, crepes station, chilaquiles station, hot cocoa station, sushi rolls, lobster tail, crab claws, oysters, charcuterie, salads, salads, holiday sides, Yule log, gingerbread scones, cheesecake, macarons, and more. $150, or $60 for 11 and under. 10:30 am-2 pm. 214-871-3200.

Cut & Bourbon. Live! by Loews Arlington restaurant is hosting Christmas dinner with chef Robert Carr's holiday special, beef Wellington with whipped Yukon gold potatoes & glazed root vegetables wine demi-glace, in addition to traditional menu options including crab legs, Prime NY strip, and salmon. Advance reservations strongly encouraged. Prices a la carte. 5 pm-10 pm. 682-277-4950.

Del Frisco's Double Eagle. Christmas feast for four, served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, features winter green salad, veal & wagyu meatballs with tomato fondue, 40-oz Wagyu bone-in ribeye, sweet potato casserole with marshmallow & pecan crumble, Brussels sprouts, gingerbread butter cake with apple compote, chocolate mousse cake with peppermint crumble, $395 for four people. Dinner 2-8 pm. Dallas 972-490-9000, Plano 972-312-9115, Fort Worth 817-877-3999.

Del Frisco's Grille. The Holly Jolly Feast for 3-4 people, served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, features winter greens, New England clam chowder, 40-oz prime rib roast, green beans, scalloped Yukon gold & sweet potato gratin, red velvet cheesecake with cream cheese frosting, or apple cobbler. $295 for 3-4 people. 12-8 pm. Plano 469-661-8012, Fort Worth 817-887-9900, Southlake 817-410-3777.

Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet. Exceptional family-owned Texas chain will be open for Christmas Day, offering their full Mediterranean buffet for holiday dining, featuring falafel, chicken & rice, hummus, grape leaves, Italian green beans with tomato, eggplant in pomegranate molasses, tabouli, kale Caesar, and more. $24. Served at all seven DFW locations: Allen, Richardson, Plano, Mesquite, Irving, Grapevine, and Fort Worth.

Dolce Riviera. Brunch buffet includes omelet bar, bruschetta bar, carving station, and dessert station. $95, or $35 for 12 and under. All reservations require a $50 deposit. 10 am-4 pm. 469-458-6623.

Eataly — La Pizza & La Pasta. Three-course Italian prix-fixe menu includes roasted beets with whipped ricotta & truffle honey, burrata with Tuscan tomato bread compote, mushroom lasagna, butternut squash gnocchi with black truffle, tagliatelle with Tuscan ragù, lobster linguine, insalata di mare, tagliolini with white truffle, and panettone. Starts at $55. 10:30 am-9 pm. (The market is open from 9 am-9 pm.) 469-759-2800.

Ebb & Flow. Plano restaurant is open with regular menu featuring toasted ravioli, Cubano egg rolls, salmon piccata, and a brown sugar soy-glazed porterhouse pork chop with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach. 11 am-2 am. 972-483-2266.

Ellie's Dallas. Three-course prix fixe menu for dinner at Hall Arts Hotel features winter greens salad, chestnut gnocchi, choice of beef picanha or sea bass, and buche de noel sponge cake, plus a la carte selections and festive cocktails. $95. 5-9 pm. 972-629-0924.

Farena. Loews Arlington Hotel restaurant will serve its traditional dinner menu including Margherita pizza, chicken parmesan, Prime 10-oz filet mignon, plus chef Tony France's Christmas special herb-crusted Prime rib. Price a la carte. 5-10 pm. 682-318-2810.

Fearing's. Christmas brunch features seafood raw bar, kale & spinach sesame salad, fruit & berries, bagels & spreads, smoked salmon, and meat carving stations. Note: Only limited seats remain. $165. 11 am-3 pm. 214-922-4848.

Flix Brewhouse. Small theater chain with in-house restaurant and craft beer brewery will host their annual "Flixmas" event, featuring holiday classics including It's a Wonderful Life. They'll serve their full menu as well as a month-long feature called the Kobe Curdmeister; a cocktail tied to Avatar: Fire and Ash called the Ashbreaker; a house-made soda called Pineapple Under the Sea (for SpongeBob: The Search for Square Pants), and a stroopwaffle inspired ale. 11:45 am-10 pm. Frisco 972-850-1300, Mansfield 682-877-8001.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ. Both Dallas-area locations of this international chain founded in Japan will be open on Christmas Day, serving a holiday version of their Japanese barbecue with proteins to be grilled at the table plus fun small plates like kimchi, spicy cold tofu, cabbage salad, dumplings, shishito peppers, Japanese karaage fried chicken, spring rolls, calamari, fried cheese wontons, and chicken wings. Price a la carte. 11:30 am-10 pm. Deep Ellum 214-484-2744, Plano 972-704-3450.

Knife Italian. Ritz Carlton-Las Colinas restaurant is hosting a grand buffet inspired by the elegance of New York’s iconic Rainbow Room, with chef stations, live entertainment, and a Champagne and Bloody Mary bar. $159. 11 am-3 pm. 972-717-2420.

Kona Grill. Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with special menu including 10-oz prime rib with half lobster tail & Yukon Gold mash; turkey breast with sage stuffing, green beans, & gravy; salmon stuffed with crab & brie; and pumpkin pie 10 am-10 pm. 214-369-7600.

Kyuramen. Japanese ramen spot in Frisco will serve its full menu plus a special "endless ramen" — unlimited noodle refills with any ramen order (dine-in only) — on Christmas Day, part of a limited-time promotion from December 22–28. If you leave any in the bowl, you pay an extra $2. 11 am-10 pm. 469-200-5252.

Le Bilboquet. Prix fixe menu offered on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day includes mushroom soup with black Périgord truffle, escargot in garlic butter, petite filet with spicy shrimp diablo and pommes purée, lobster risotto with Hackleback caviar, halibut with Dungeness crab, and choice of chocolate mousse or lemon tart. $125. 4:15-10 pm. Reservations on Resy.

Lombardi Cucina Italiana. Frisco restaurant will serve regular menu and chef specials including Feast of the Seven Fishes for two, halibut with cacio e pepe risotto, lobster ravioli, beef tenderloin with potato puree, Wagyu tomahawk ribeye, and salt-crusted whole branzino. Prices a la carte. 4-9 pm. 469-200-5677.

Maison Chinoise. Asian restaurant will serve regular menu with signatures like Peking duck plus chef specials including crab dumplings, dan dan noodles, pork belly char-siu puff, wok-seared filet mignon, and Shanghai tiramisu dome. Prices a la carte. 1-9 pm. 469-949-2991.

The Mansion on Turtle Creek. Rosewood Mansion restaurant features three-course prix-fixe dinner with tuna & salmon carpaccio, roasted chestnut velouté, endive celery salad, roasted cauliflower, baked salmon, tenderloin & short rib beef duo, potato puree, winter vegetables, vanilla cremeux, dark-chocolate mousse, or eggnog tiramisu. $165, plus $110 for wine pairing, or $70 for 12 and under. 11 am-7 pm. 214-559-2100.

Monarch. Three-course holiday menu served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day features prosciutto, focaccia with dip, squash caponata, radicchio watercress salad, tuna crudo with blood orange, beef tenderloin with horseradish crema, branzino with fennel confit, whipped potatoes, chestnut agnolotti, Brussels sprouts, orange chocolate cake, and gingerbread cookie. Extras include 45-day dry aged tomahawk ($210), Périgord black truffles ($45), alba white truffles ($80), Island Creek oysters ($24/$48) osetra caviar ($180). $175. 4–9 pm. Seating is limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. 214-945-2222.

Montage. JW Marriott Dallas Arts District hotel restaurant is hosting holiday brunch including charcuterie station, rustic breads, oysters, yogurt parfait, avocado toast bites, mini lobster rolls, omelet station, crepe station, Parmesan wheel pasta station, salad bar, carving stations, sweet potato casserole, squash soup, and dessert station. $105, or $45 for 12 and under. 10:30 am-2 pm. 214-736-7760.

MiYa Chinese. East Dallas restaurant will be open and serving handmade dumplings, noodles, dim sum, crispy duck, and orange chicken. Prices are a la carte. 1-8 pm. 214-484-1175.

Nobu Dallas. Sushi restaurant will feature a special brunch buffet with an expansive selection of Japanese and Western dishes, sushi, salads, pastries, desserts, and chef stations, and carving station on display. Note, no à la carte menu will be available. $90. 11 am-2:30 pm. Reservations can be made via OpenTable. 214-252-7000.

Open Palette. Sheraton Hotel restaurant is offering a prix-fixe Christmas menu featuring choice of either holiday salad or lobster bisque, the pork chop, served with roasted butternut squash, sauteed green beans, and tangy pomegranate sauce. Dessert includes Open Palette’s Black Forest yule log. $65. 4-10 pm. 214-777-6574.

Palato Italian Kitchen and Lounge. Restaurant at Hall Park Hotel in Frisco is open for dinner ballroom with a full menu complemented by chef Eric Sakai’s holiday creations including mushroom tortellini en brodo, winter-spiced roasted lamb rack, pinenut-crusted halibut, and hazelnut pear cake. Reserve here. 5-10 pm. 469-922-2442.

Pyramid. Fairmont Hotel restaurant is hosting Christmas brunch featuring made-to-order omelets, Viennoiseries, avocado toast, lobster roll, smash burger, braised short rib, and smoked prime rib. Prices a la carte. 10 am-3 pm. 214-720-2020.

Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West. Holiday brunch features pepper-crusted roast beef, pesto chicken, truffle & English pea orzotto, 5-spice sweet potatoes, sesame Brussels sprouts, butternut squash bisque, pear pecan tart, bourbon cherry bread pudding. $45. 10 am-1 pm. 469-925-1800.

Reserve at the Highland. Three-course dinner served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day includes mushroom tart, lobster bisque, winter green & pear salad, maple-glazed duck breast with wild rice pilaf, halibut with parsnip puree, beef Wellington, eggnog creme brulee, or Yule log. $95, plus $5 for wine pairing. 5-9 pm. 214-443-9339.

Sadelle’s. Full regular menu will be available for Christmas, including eggs, caviar, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards. Prices a la carte. 9 am-6 pm. Highland Park 469-290-6009.

Saint Valentine. Old East Dallas pub will be open with steamed bun boxes by Rainbowcat, the resident pop-up by chef Misti Norris, available in four varieties: sausage, egg, & cheese; black curry; meatloaf & mashed potato; and spiced apple pie. $60 for two, served with sauce and fermented pickles. 5-12 pm.

Saltgrass Steakhouse. Reasonably priced steakhouse chain will be open on Christmas Day with a full menu of Angus beef steaks, seafood, desserts, and plus a featured special: center-cut top sirloin steak with grilled or fried shrimp. All locations in Bedford, The Colony, Denton, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Irving, Lewisville, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, North Arlington, North Dallas, Plano, and Rockwall.

Sanjh Restaurant & Bar. Indian restaurant is hosting a Christmas buffet with live stations, made-to-order dosas, omelet station, and a roasted counter with turkey and assorted breads, plus desserts, stollen, and a chocolate and candy station. $65, or $32.50 for 12 and under. 11 am-3 pm. 972-239-1800.

SER Steak + Spirits. Holiday specials available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day include oysters Rockefeller, branzino, duck breast with duck confit, Akaushi prime rib, and a Santa's Gift Box dessert trio with dark chocolate gingerbread mousse, orange financier, baileys mascarpone. Regular dining menu also available. 3:30-10 pm. 214-761-7479.

Starship Bagel. Artisanal Dallas bagel chain will be open for Christmas at all three locations — Lewisville, North Dallas, and downtown Dallas. 7 am-1 pm.

Stillwell’s. Hotel Swexan steakhouse will offer a Christmas dinner including regular a la carte menu plus beef Wellington with potato puree, roasted carrots, and truffle bordelaise.classic. $95. 469-405-1911.

STK Steakhouse. Uptown steakhouse is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with regular menu plus holiday cocktails and features including turkey dinner with sage stuffing, parmesan-crusted Yukon mashed, sweet potatoes, and cranberry-orange chutney ($64; $29 for 12 and under), or prime rib with confit fingerling potatoes and green beans, $69. 11 am-10 pm. 972-842-9450.

Tantra Modern Indian Bistro. Fine-dining Indian restaurant in McKinney will be open with butter chicken, chili shrimp, kebabs, skewers, fried rice, naan, vegetable curry, and more, plus a full bar with beer, martinis, and margaritas. 11 am-11 pm. 972-363-7727.

12 Cuts Brazilian Steakhouse. AYCE fire-roasted picanha, filet mignon, ribs, lamb, and full salad bar. $66. 11 am-10 pm. 972-779-7012.

Wicked Butcher. Steakhouse is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with an à la carte special menu featuring butternut squash soup, white truffle caesar, seafood tower, steak tartare, duck à l ’orange with orange marmalade & parsnip purée, rigatoni Bolognese, ginger miso Chilean sea bass with basmati rice, rack of lamb, prime rib, dry-aged bone-in filet, corn crème brûlée, cornbread stuffing, sweet potato mash, robuchon mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, gnocchi with black truffle & butternut squash purée, Valrhona chocolate souffle, and chocolate tart. Christmas Day: 11 am-9 pm. Dallas 214-444-7740, Fort Worth 682-231-8214.

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