Hot Luck starts Thursday

What they're saying: "The most awesome chefs from all over gather in the coolest city to make the funnest bites to complement the most unforgettable food party in the known universe," Aaron Franklin said in a statement.

How it works: A Friday night event — titled "Nite Moves," at Assembly Hall — will recreate a street food market, with offerings from Bob Somsith (Lao'd Bar), Sarah Lim (OMG Squee), Tavel Bristol-Joseph (Canje), Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel (Birdie's) and Yoshi Okai (Otoko).

• An outdoor event Saturday — "Al Fuego," at Jester King Brewery — features open fire cookery, from the likes of Edgar Rico (Nixta Taqueria); Evan LeRoy (LeRoy and Lewis); Michael Fojtasek (Maie Day); Philip Speer (Comedor); Raul Esquer and Roy Servan (Taqueria 10/10); and Todd Duplechan (Lenoir).
• A Sunday brunch at Fair Market will include bites from Beto Robledo (Cuantos Tacos); Fermín Núñez (Suerte and Este); Fiore Tedesco (L'Oca d'Oro); Ian Thurwatcher (Poeta); Kevin Fink (Emmer & Rye); and Mariela Camacho (Comadre Panaderia).

If you go: Tickets for individual events cost $195. The festival supports the Southern Smoke Foundation, which helps support food industry workers facing hardship.