Texas barbeque is more than a passion for some; it's a way of life. To be regaled as a top pitmaster takes years, a lifetime of honing your craft. For Jaime Elizondo, his BBQ path was anything but ordinary. As for many of us, our passions in life sometimes take a back burner to another career, and Jaime's quest to open his BBQ establishment paused when he first became a registered nurse. He married his wife, Maria De Long, and they pursued their separate professional careers. During this time, though, the barbeque was far from a lost cause.

In 2017, by purchasing a new smoker, Jamie reignited his passion. Soon he and his wife were preparing their barbeque for social events and weddings. Both were still holding down their day jobs and wondered how long they could continue their side hustle. Finally, they took the leap of faith, outfitted a food truck, and Smoke Crafters Barbecue was born in 2019. Maria and Jaime would share the cooking efforts. And as the business grew, they bought a shipping container and turned it into a bar next to the food truck. They built a covered patio adjacent to the bar and food truck, then added two more shipping containers turned into the indoor dining area.

Like many businesses operating in March 2020, they had a significant setback. They were getting ready for a huge annual livestock show and had invested quite a bit in product. The show was canceled, and to make things worse, the power had been turned off at their site, and they had to toss the spoiled food. Their amazing community took to social media and rallied to support them. Already outfitted with outdoor dining and online ordering set-up, they continued to make a go of it. A good friend bought the lot adjacent, put in a large screen, and played movies piped into patron's car stereos, “dinner and a show.”

In the second pandemic wave, they lost several of their staff, and as the business had grown beyond the husband-and-wife team, they closed to reevaluate. One month later, Smoke Crafters reopened with the assistance of a friend to help with the smoker and a menu cut down to just the best sellers. Here is where pandemic morphing, creativity and stick-to-it-iveness become significant factors in the success story of Smoke Crafters.

They decided to have fun. Offerings such as Birria Sausage & consommé, A Tejano Dog made with pork rib trimmings, and brisket served on a Toasted Hoagie Roll with Pico de Gallo, chipotle mayo and topped with a Salsa Verde. They do a Choriqueso burger patty with a slice of Oaxaca cheese so large it hides the burger underneath. All products are locally sourced! I love this story; it's what makes this country the greatest place to live and where you can follow your dreams.

My query is, what food defines American Cuisine? Is it barbeque — or something else?

Cheers, and live well always.

Smoke Crafters BBQ & Beer Garden – I highly recommend it for eating some great BBQ. Find it at 5924 Texas Highway 107, Mission, Texas, on the Texas-Mexico border.

The trials and tribulations of the American Dream

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