Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit La Barbecue in Austin to enjoy brisket during SXSW

One of Texas’ most famous women-owned restaurants got a visit from one of the world’s most famous women on International Women’s Day on Friday. And there was also a prince there.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stopped at Barbecue on East Cesar Chavez Street in East Austin as they headed out of town.

The couple greeted owner Ali Clem with big hugs when they got out of their vehicle before surprising customers and taking photos on the patio around 3 p.m.

Clem said the famous couple, who expressed a sincere appreciation for good food, spoke with her about the menu and the business she opened with his late wife, LeAnn Mueller in 2012, before touring smokers.

“We had a few laughs and then talked about where our brisket came from and a little bit about the cooking process,” Clem told the American Statesman. “We also talked about the competitiveness of the barbecue world, especially in Austin, and a little bit about the barbecue community here in Austin and Texas.”

The couple was short on time, so they picked up their food after a 30-minute tour that included photos with the staff and an introduction from 12-year La Barbecue veteran Francisco Saucedo, who returned to the restaurant after his shift in the morning. meet the Prince and Duchess of Sussex.

So, what did the royal couple eat in Austin?

Clem said the couple, whom she described as charming and endearing, ordered the restaurant’s signature La Chopped sandwich, a sandwich with sliced ​​brisket, chipotle sausage and a half-pound of pork ribs.

A representative for the couple, whose visit was planned weeks in advance, told Clem it was the best barbecue they had ever had.

Barbecue has fed its share of celebrities, but Friday marked a high point for the business that Clem founded with LeAnn, granddaughter of Louie Mueller, who died at age 51 last year.

More: La Barbecue pioneer LeAnn Mueller dies at 51

“We’ve been fortunate to have celebrities and big-name chefs come through our doors, but I feel like this is one for the books,” Clem said.

She added that it was very special to have Markle visit on International Women’s Day, which Markle marked by speaking at a South by Southwest keynote titled “Breaking barriers, shaping narratives: how women lead on and off screen” alongside journalist Katie Couric. , actress Brooke Shields, author Nancy Wang Yuen and Errin Haines, editor-in-chief of The 19th, a nonprofit news site.

“I told (Meghan and Harry) that I told my staff that they had to be nice to me all day because it was International Women’s Day, and they thought it was funny,” Clem said.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Stop by Austin Barbecue During SXSW