Verilu Infante 
BROWNSVILLE – The James Beard Foundation has named Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que one of 6 recipients of the 2020 America’s Classics Winners.
According to the foundation, these awards are given to regional establishments, often family-owned, that are cherished for their quality food, local character, and lasting appeal.
Armando Vera states that after graduating from UTB/TSC in 1996, he decided to stay in Brownsville and is now the current owner of the family-owned establishment.
Vera has been featured in many magazines and TV programs, but this is the first award it’s won on a National level.
“Nonetheless, you know I’m representing my Southmost area which I’m real proud of and representing Brownsville, and actually we’re representing Texas for that matter,” said Vera.
Vera states the restaurant uses the traditional way of cooking meat because it gives it a different taste.
“What we’re known for is the Mexican Barbecue Barbacoa. Everything is cooked underground. It’s a hole in the ground with a brick lining and that’s how we do things here,” said Vera.
Long time customer and Chair of TSC Board of Trustees Adela Garza says she found out about Vera’s about 7 years ago and she is proud of what Vera has done not just for his family but for the community as well.
“No one does Barbacoa like Mando does. You know, it’s in the pit, you can taste the mesquite and no one does it like he does. And I’m not saying there are no other Barbacoa places that are good, this is simply the best,” said Adela Garza.
Vera will be attending the James Beard Awards Gala to accept the award on May 4th at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
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