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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Mother's Day dining

All the best Dallas restaurants to celebrate Mother's Day 2026

Photo courtesy of III Forks

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Mother's Day 2026 is fast approaching, on Sunday, May 10. Dallas-area restaurants are ready to help you celebrate Mom and spoil her rotten (as she deserves).

Many are serving festive brunches, and some will extend specials to lunch and dinner. All suggest making reservations.

Here is our guide to the top Dallas restaurants preparing something special for Mother's Day:

Asador. Restaurant at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel will host a Mother’s Day brunch with dishes such as strawberry and honey ricotta toast, grilled watermelon salad, smoked brisket eggs Benedict, and a seafood station, plus desserts and cocktails. Moms receive a framed polaroid and mini dried floral bouquet. $95 for adults and $40 for children ages 6-12. 10 am-3 pm (last seating 2:30 pm).

Avra Estiatorio. Uptown Dallas restaurant will mark Mother’s Day with an elevated brunch featuring its full menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes along with special holiday offerings showcasing fresh seafood and coastal Greek flavors. Pricing varies. 11 am-3 pm.

Barrel & Bones. All locations of the craft smokehouse will celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch specials including $1.99 mimosas and dishes such as stuffed French toast, avocado toast, chicken and waffles, brisket Montecristo, and breakfast burritos. Guests can also order Ketel One nitro espresso martinis for $8. Pricing varies. 11 am-3 pm.

Blue Mesa Grill. All locations of the Southwestern restaurant will host an expanded Mother’s Day brunch buffet, Saturday and Sunday, featuring a grill station with carne asada, pork tenderloin, glazed ham, and red chile salmon; cook-to-order omelets, waffles, huevos rancheros, and street tacos; plus sides like brisket enchiladas, blue corn cheese enchiladas, and mac ‘n cheese; and desserts. Includes mimosas, juice, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. $50 per person, $18 for children ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under. Saturday 10 am-3 pm; Sunday 8 am-4 pm.

Bistro 31. Highland Park Village spot will offer Mother’s Day with chef-driven holiday specials served alongside the regular menu, blending French, Italian, and Spanish influences in a refined European-style setting. Pricing varies.

Cantina Laredo. Addison and Frisco locations will serve Mother’s Day brunch featuring Crab Cakes Benedict, plus brunch favorites such as migas con huevos, chicken fajita omelet, spinach and artichoke omelet, chilaquiles, and asada y huevos. Moms receive a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary with the purchase of an adult entrée. 11 am-3 pm.

Casa Brasa. Park Cities restaurant will serve a three-course Mother’s Day brunch including buffet of appetizers like sushi rolls and a raw bar, followed by choice of entrée, and a dessert buffet. The menu will blend Japanese and Latin American flavors. $125. 11 am-3 pm.

Crown Block. Restaurant in Reunion Tower will offer two Mother’s Day brunch experiences: a buffet in the rotating Crown Room event space featuring carving stations, seafood, sushi, and brunch favorites; and a more traditional brunch in the main dining room with a choice of entrée plus buffet selections like fried chicken and croissant-waffles. Both include a welcome “mom-osa.” $100 for adults and $50 for children.

Dee Lincoln Prime. Frisco steakhouse will host a Mother’s Day brunch with dishes such as crab cakes with Creole sauce, heirloom tomato and burrata, salmon piccata, bananas Foster French toast, a filet duo, and eggs Benedict. Pricing varies. 10:30 am-2 pm.

Dee’s Table. Restaurant at The Star in Frisco will host a Mother’s Day brunch with dishes such as chicken and waffles, Nutella stuffed French toast, steak and eggs, and New Orleans-style pastalaya, plus specials like blackened redfish with crawfish étouffée and steak frites. Pricing is à la carte. 11 am-3 pm.

El Carlos Elegante. Upscale Mexican restaurant will serve a family-style, prix-fixe Mother’s Day brunch featuring seasonal dishes and traditional flavors. $99 per person. 11 am-3 pm.

Elaine’s Cocktail Kitchen. Downtown Frisco restaurant will serve a three-course Mother’s Day brunch with dishes such as shaved asparagus salad with truffle vinaigrette, butter-poached lobster crepes, and gluten-free strawberry rhubarb galette. A kids' three-course menu will also be available. $65 for adults and $32 for children. 10 am-3 pm.

Brunch at Elaine's Cocktail Kitchen.Courtesy photo

Evelyn. Turtle Creek restaurant's Mother’s Day brunch features dishes such as steak and omelet, chicken and waffles, frittata, French toast, glazed cinnamon rolls, and house-made croissants, along with the full menu. Signature drinks include mimosa flights and the Juliette Spritz with peach liqueur, prosecco, lemon, and lime. 10 am-3 pm.

Even Coast. Addison restaurant will offer a set three-course Mother’s Day brunch highlighting its land-and-sea concept with seared steaks, fresh seafood, and handmade pastas. The menu focuses on dishes designed for sharing. $100 per person. 11 am-3 pm.

Haywire (Plano). Mother’s Day brunch buffet includes chef-carved specialties, fresh seafood, a build-your-own taco station, breakfast classics, and desserts. $59.95 for adults, $19.95 for children 5-12, and free for children 4 and under. 10 am-3 pm.

Haywire (Uptown Dallas). A Mother’s Day brunch menu will include Hill Country-inspired dishes such as blueberry biscuits, Wagyu pastrami hash, and barbacoa chilaquiles. Pricing is à la carte. 10 am-3 pm.

Ida Claire. A $55 Bubbles Board will include prosecco, fresh juices, and seasonal fruit, alongside brunch offerings such as biscuits with bacon gravy, seafood fondue, and shrimp and grits. 9 am-4 pm.

La Parisienne French Bistro. Both the Addison and Frisco locations will offer a four-course prix fixe Mother’s Day brunch or dinner featuring Kurobuta pork belly, truffle omelet, brûlée French toast, and butter salmon at brunch, and boeuf bourguignon, shrimp risotto, and filet mignon at dinner; plus dessert. $60 per person for brunch and $75 per person for dinner. Brunch 9 am-4 pm (Frisco) and 10 am-4 pm (Addison); dinner through 8 pm.

Lombardi Cucina Italiana. Frisco restaurant at The Star will celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch or dinner featuring chef specials alongside its regular menu of modern Italian cuisine, including house-made pastas and fresh seafood, plus an Italian-focused wine and cocktail program. Pricing varies.

Luna Roja. New downtown Dallas restaurant will celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch featuring tres leches French toast, chilaquiles with pork belly, and steak and eggs with enchiladas. Moms receive 50 percent off their meal, plus a complimentary tulip, with all-day happy hour pricing on margaritas and $9 mimosas, bellinis, and spritzes. Pricing varies.

Lyla. Coastal Italian restaurant in Uptown Dallas will offer Mother’s Day brunch featuring seaside-inspired dishes and holiday additions, along with the launch of frozen Bellinis and strawberry frosé. Set in an elegant coastal Italian setting designed for lingering celebrations. Pricing varies. 11 am-3 pm.

Maison Chinoise. Uptown Chinese spot will celebrate Mother’s Day with chef-driven specials alongside its signature menu inspired. It will feature dim sum, handcrafted dumplings, and shareable specialties, plus a curated wine and cocktail program for toasting Mom. Pricing varies.

Mexican Sugar. All locations will serve a Mother's Day brunch experience called Petals & Pour board, a build-your-own bubbly setup featuring a bottle of Cava, fresh juices, and a colorful fruit display. $59. During brunch service May 9-10.

Petals & Pour board at Mexican Sugar.Courtesy photo

Mister Charles. Knox Street restaurant will offer a Mother’s Day brunch with a three-course prix fixe menu featuring elevated seasonal dishes and optional add-ons. $125 per person. 11 am-3 pm.

Night Rooster. Design District Asian restaurant does Mother’s Day with an elevated three-course dim sum brunch curated by Chef Shirley Chung, blending modern technique with traditional flavors. Menu highlights include shrimp and chicken shui mai, lobster and shrimp egg rolls, tea-smoked duck bun sliders, mushroom and calamari porridge, New York strip and eggs, and desserts like mochi donuts and matcha-glazed white chocolate cheesecake. $65 per adult and $40 per child under 12. 10 am-3 pm.

Nobu. Uptown restaurant will serve a special Mother’s Day brunch featuring Japanese and Western dishes, including Yellowtail Jalapeño Roll and Matteo Roll sushi, along with salads, pastries, desserts, and live chef stations. No à la carte menu will be available. $95 per person and $45 for children 12 and under.

Nuri Steakhouse. Cedar Springs steakhouse will open for a special Mother’s Day brunch featuring a prix fixe menu highlighting premium cuts and signature flavors. $125. 11 am-2 pm.

Ocean Prime. Uptown restaurant will celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch and dinner featuring its signature menu plus a chef's special quiche with roasted tomatoes, spinach, caramelized onions, and cheeses, served with a lemon-dressed artichoke salad. A limited-edition Prime Spritz with shiso-infused Aperol, lemon, and prosecco will also be available. Pricing is à la carte. Service begins at 11 am.

Penne Pomodoro. Locations at Snider Plaza and Preston Forest will celebrate Mother’s Day with chef specials along with regular menus, featuring house-made pastas and classic Italian comfort dishes. Pricing varies.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. All locations will open early for Mother’s Day with full dinner menu available all day, plus features including a 10-ounce Filet Stuffed Roast with spinach, mushrooms, and truffle Merlot demi-glace; and the signature three-course Pork Chop Sunday Supper with dessert trio. Brunch cocktails such as Bloody Marys, rosé sangria, and mimosas will be available for $14 from 11 am-4 pm. Pricing from $49. 11 am-4 pm for brunch features.

The Ranch at Las Colinas. Mother’s Day brunch buffet will include chef-carved meats, seafood, a taco station, breakfast favorites, and desserts. $59.95 for adults, $19.95 for children 5-12, and free for children 4 and under. 10 am-3 pm.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Storied Uptown restaurant will serve a three-course Mother’s Day prix fixe brunch featuring dishes such as chilled sweet corn and blue crab bisque, white asparagus panna cotta, Black Angus beef tenderloin, Ora King salmon, and duck paccheri plus spring-inspired desserts. $165 for adults and $75 for children. 11 am-2 pm.

The Saint. Design District restaurant will offer Mother’s Day brunch featuring indulgent bites like caviar cannoli and avocado and whipped ricotta toast, plus entrées including The Saint Benedict, duck confit hash, and peanut butter stuffed French toast. Premium add-ons include prime filet mignon and Texas prime ribeye. $75 for adults and $40 for children under 12. 10 am-3 pm.

Sanjh. Irving Indian restaurant will host Mother’s Day brunch buffet, including chaat favorites like gol gappe and papdi chaat, a live dosa station, and entrées such as New Delhi butter chicken and paneer khatta pyaz. Desserts include strawberries rose cheesecake and jalebi with rabri. $65 for adults and $32.50 for kids plus tax and gratuity. 11 am-3 pm.

Sister. Greenville Avenue trattoria will offer a prix-fixe Mother's Day brunch featuring bold Mediterranean flavors designed for sharing. $79 per person. 11 am-3 pm.

Sixty Vines. Uptown Dallas and Plano restaurants will offer a Mother's Day feature of tender filet topped with cherry drizzle and Point Reyes blue cheese, served with a half Caesar salad and French fries, paired with a “First Bloom” Cherry Blossom Martini. The regular brunch menu will also be available. Pricing is à la carte. All day.

Brunch spread at Sixty Vines.Courtesy photo

Taverna. Dallas Knox and Plano locations will celebrate Mother’s Day with chefs' specials served alongside regular brunch and dinner menus, featuring Northern Italian-inspired dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Pricing varies.

III Forks. Steakhouse in Addison and Frisco will open early for a special Mother’s Day brunch alongside its full dinner menu. Brunch highlights include Beef Tenderloin Benedict, Crab Cake Benedict, and Lobster Benedict. Drink specials include a Bloody Mary, mimosa, and Southern Socialite cocktail. Kid’s brunch features French toast with bacon and sausage. Brunch items $20-$69. 11 am-3 pm (brunch); dinner until 8 pm.

Top Brass at Hotel Dax. Restaurant inside new Addison hotel will host a Mother’s Day brunch buffet with live jazz music and nine stations featuring brioche French toast, eggs made to order, smoked brisket, red wine-braised short rib, chicken paillard, and baked mac and cheese; plus salads, pastries, and desserts. A children’s menu will include chicken tenders and butter noodles. $80 for adults, $55 for seniors, $30 for children ages 6-12, and $10 for ages 2-5. 10:30 am-2 pm.

Toulouse Café & Bar. Dallas and Plano locations will offer chef-driven Mother's Day specials along with regular menu of classic French-Belgian cuisine. Guests can enjoy brunch and dinner offerings paired with curated wines and handcrafted cocktails. Pricing varies.

Uchi Dallas & Uchiko Plano. Both restaurants will offer a rare Mother’s Day lunch service featuring a 10-course omakase (chef’s tasting menu) showcasing seasonal sushi, sashimi, and composed dishes. The omakase will also be available during dinner service. Pricing varies; lunch service hours vary by location.

Urban Italia. Victory Park Italian restaurant from chef Carla Pellegrino will host a Mother’s Day brunch buffet of Italian favorites including spaghetti carbonara frittata, brioche French toast with crème anglaise and strawberry compote, Neapolitan caprese salad, live pasta stations with penne all’arrabbiata and cappelletti, plus a carving station and desserts like tiramisu and ricotta cheesecake. Includes a complimentary mimosa or bellini. $85. 11 am-3 pm.

Whiskey Cake. All locations will serve a special Mother’s Day feature called the Queen’s Cut, a 6-ounce filet mignon topped with beef fat chimichurri, paired with grilled chile-butter shrimp and finished with Caesar vinaigrette. Pricing is à la carte. May 8-10, all day.

Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse. Downtown steakhouse will serve a three-course Mother’s Day brunch featuring a basket of breakfast pastries, deviled eggs with Sriracha, and appetizers such as lobster bisque, chicken fried quail, and shrimp and grits. Entrées include seafood crepes, Buffalo filet Oscar, chicken and waffles, and pecan-crusted rainbow trout with molasses butter. $69 per person and $25 for children 12 and under. 11 am-4 pm.

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