Food & Beverage

Foo Fighters inspire former fine-dining chef to open barbecue joint

Chef Bruce Kalman opened Soulbelly BBQ in Las Vegas. Provided

May 10, 2021

Leaving fine dining Italian cuisine for American BBQ, James Beard-nominated and Bravo Top Chef Chef Bruce Kalman is opening his first fast casual restaurant this week in Las Vegas.

Dubbed Soulbelly BBQ, the former automotive garage-turned-restaurant reflects the culture surrounding American BBQ, according to a press release. Murals on each side of the space showcase iconic figures like the Queen of Texas BBQ and pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz, alongside southern musicians like Koko Taylor and Buddy Guy, Kalman said in the release.

"I want Soulbelly to be something special that celebrates the amazing soul of Las Vegas and its people," he said. " We've held a series of pop-ups to build momentum, but it's finally time to show the city of Las Vegas what we've been smoking!"

Richard Camarota, who has partnered with Kalman to open the counter-service restaurant in the heart of the Downtown's Arts District, is excited to bring a totally new experience to Las Vegas' growing off-strip dining scene.

"The combination of great, honest barbecue, cooler beers, American whiskey and live music is something we're really passionate about and excited for people to enjoy," he said in the release. "We're also really proud and grateful to be joining this awesome family of indie restaurants, bars, shops in the area; the whole neighborhood is set to explode with energy as the world re-opens."

From fine Italian to American BBQ
A veteran chef, Kalman became most known for his time at and ownership of LA's Knead & Co. Pasta Bar + Market and Pasadena's UNION. His path to barbecue started when he attended a charity event and met Backbeat BBQ founder and Foo Fighters Front Man Dave Grohl. Kalman helped the musician serve the crowds and became passionate about barbecue.

Coming from a very different side of the culinary industry "barbecue has been humbling," Kalman said, and added "I really wanted to respect the tradition while putting my own spin on my meats. I'm taking a little more of a chef's approach than a pitmaster's, though the heart of the industry and culture can still be tasted."

His take on the American cuisine include #jigglymeatdishes: Salt & Pepper Brisket, Carolina Pulled Pork, Chipotle Cider-Glazed Drumsticks, Pork Spare Ribs, housemade Hatch Chile and Cheddar Hot Links and Texas Sausages.

He's also added pasta and chicharrón breadcrumbs for the Mac and Cheese and adorned the bar menu with rotating bites like Pigs In A Blanket, Frito Pie, Pickled Eggs, Chicharrón Chips, Pimento Cheese Dip and more.

The restaurant's beer and cocktail program feature American beers like Lone Star and Shiner, alongside locally brewed Nevada beers. Most notably, HUDL Brewing, Soulbelly BBQ's next-door neighbor, is brewing the Charred & Shifty — an American red made with Garrison Brothers barrel ashes in the mash.

Putting the Soulbelly spin on classic cocktails, the menu also offers classic cocktails as well as twists like the Sweet Tea Sangria and the Lunch Box.

Tying in Kalman's love for music, the restaurant has a 16-by-8 foot stage, which will soon become home to live musicians. A few special accent features include Soulbelly BBQ's mascot, an antique metal pig now named "Lambchop" and the vintage beverage cooler parked near the front of the restaurant.