Texas barbecue comes to Boundary County
Mesquite wood imported from Texas will fuel the smokers at Old West Texas BBQ and Steakhouse in Moyie Springs.
Photo by VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ
Every year as we celebrate the founding of our United States, one debate at every picnic table is what region makes the best barbecue. If you were to ask barbecue expert Johnney Walker, without hesitation, he will say Texas.
Old West Texas BBQ at Hemlocks will be bringing the Lone Star State’s signature food to Boundary County. The restaurant will be operated by Walker, a food entrepreneur from Baytown, Texas.
Walker is not new to Texas barbecue, with experience that includes catering businesses. Walker’s catering business added three smoker rigs that he used to feed clients in Texas. He also opened his own brick and mortar restaurant in Texas that did really well for years.
According to Walker, Texas barbecue is unique in its rich complexity of smoked flavors that feature the mesquite taste in smoked meats.
“You can always tell when you are eating a good Texas barbecue when you can taste the mesquite in the meat,” Walker said, “Texas (barbecue), in my opinion, is the best.”
Walker uses mesquite imported from outside of San Antonio in a town called Seguin, Texas. The shipment comes once a month that allows Walker to smoke 500 pounds of meat overnight.
The meat is smoked and locally sourced from local ranches but features prime beef steaks that are dry-aged from the Midwest.
“We’re not serving tough steaks,” Walker said.
Walker moved to the town of Hope, Idaho, 10 years ago, and wanted to open a restaurant in North Idaho with his family. Enjoying the climate and the people prompted Walker to open his barbecue restaurant in Moyie Springs at the Hemlocks RV and lodging.
“We wanted to supply really good Texas barbecue,” Walker said.
Walker plans to expand the business to include fresh Alaskan seafood and provide music talent to perform at the restaurant’s live music backyard.
According to Walker, he wants to stay close with the community and work with Future Farmers of America and the youth who are interested in raising cattle and livestock.
Old West Texas BBQ and steakhouse will be having its grand opening on Saturday, July 4. You can find the restaurant next to Hemlocks RV lodging at 73400 Highway 2, Moyie Springs, ID 83845