tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88287403715953683942024-03-22T03:10:44.813-05:00Tom Eats HoustonExploring Houston Food and Culture. Restaurant and Food Reviews. Also: Unique Sleep Videos and my dog Charlie the Dachshund.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-30643941558780595962024-03-16T16:03:00.005-05:002024-03-16T16:08:18.766-05:00Easy Chicken Broth Recipe (Dogs Will Love This Too)<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCWB5MwmOv5c-fjYLz8WLMVIkhtVA2cJ1iBuVAibRU7-8dNlMSjM_5XxviF5gvUxwkTdbSKu20JlD-H2hfY-3aiWghjH5JlAm3Etzg3YG35u3zrINQfbMUYFwoEQpJagf2ETBcRGz8-Q01T4EEMhSw627fNVyJtIpkbJDFrDVKeahL8OT57-E9SPnCpM/s800/Chicken%20hearts%20vlcsnap%20(4).png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCWB5MwmOv5c-fjYLz8WLMVIkhtVA2cJ1iBuVAibRU7-8dNlMSjM_5XxviF5gvUxwkTdbSKu20JlD-H2hfY-3aiWghjH5JlAm3Etzg3YG35u3zrINQfbMUYFwoEQpJagf2ETBcRGz8-Q01T4EEMhSw627fNVyJtIpkbJDFrDVKeahL8OT57-E9SPnCpM/s320/Chicken%20hearts%20vlcsnap%20(4).png" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>A good broth makes a huge difference in your ramen soup!</b> It's easy, as I show you in the video (below). Basically, it's simply boiling chicken until the fat has <i>emulsified </i>into the water, making it rich and creamy. You can use any part of the chicken for this. Here, I used chicken hearts because my dog Charlie loves them.<p></p><p>By letting the fat emulsify in boiling water, you get a broth that will push your next bowl of ramen to restaurant quality. Season it however you want. I personally like adding garlic (fresh or powder) and a little salt. That's it, and I'll add other seasonings when I actually make the ramen: Turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, and sesame oil. So simple, and so much better than just using the flavor pack that comes with your brick of ramen noodles. My goal is to emulate a tonkotsu ramen broth.</p><p>"The characteristic creamy colour of the Tonkotsu broth," <a href="https://thejapanesefoodlab.com/kurume-tonkotsu-ramen" target="_blank">says The Japanese Food Lab</a>, "comes from an emulsion of rendered fat, collagen and gelatin, whereby the gelatin acts as a surfactant that emulsifies the fat." This is usually done by boiling pork bones, but it works with chicken or beef just as well. Or, as in my video, chicken hearts.</p><p>But what, you may ask, does "emulsify" mean? The Spruce Eats <a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-does-emulsify-mean-480592" target="_blank">defines it this way</a>: "To emulsify means to combine two ingredients together which do not ordinarily mix easily. The ingredients are usually a fat or an oil, like olive oil, and a water-based liquid like broth, vinegar, or water itself."</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpKkDNw7nQPkOIa6xZ9Bq4o0pHCYd8mR-KyrTJk83qpVSHp8HjODzVNrXZx4c-WIOIXU8u5JiQKoYIJ5WALfqdF_ExImFcGCYxZNjgN8j-NqCfc4t8Pr2jJS_rjMYnrYCRKOsknfaCgRQiTvhHC1pe_8ouYorxuLX5qK3-J1NaGmTeVcmsqtAi6VoExg/s800/Chicken%20hearts%20vlcsnap%20(8).png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpKkDNw7nQPkOIa6xZ9Bq4o0pHCYd8mR-KyrTJk83qpVSHp8HjODzVNrXZx4c-WIOIXU8u5JiQKoYIJ5WALfqdF_ExImFcGCYxZNjgN8j-NqCfc4t8Pr2jJS_rjMYnrYCRKOsknfaCgRQiTvhHC1pe_8ouYorxuLX5qK3-J1NaGmTeVcmsqtAi6VoExg/w200-h113/Chicken%20hearts%20vlcsnap%20(8).png" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie loves hearts!</td></tr></tbody></table>I'm killing two birds with one stone, so to speak, with the hearts. They're a healthy treat for Charlie.<p></p><p>"As the heart is not a secreting organ, such as the liver, it can be considered muscle meat and is not a high risk for causing loose stools! Recommended feeding up to 10-15% of the diet, or up to 4 per day for cats and small dogs," <a href="https://www.truecarnivores.com/product/back-2-basics-chicken-hearts/" target="_blank">according to truecarnivores.com</a>.</p><p>And I confess that I like them, too.</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="285" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jIuWwUpzuSs?si=xZNLjsETdYYLkNry" title="YouTube video player" width="510"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><b>Related:</b> <a href="https://tomeatshouston.blogspot.com/2022/08/amazing-tonkotsu-ramen-in-houston-at.html">Amazing Tonkotsu Ramen In Houston</a></div><div><br /></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-85297770054841616572024-02-22T17:33:00.003-06:002024-02-22T17:49:36.085-06:00Analysis: The Inevitable Fall of Prince's Hamburgers<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6S6LEukl_6c?si=Gw5WCOW32miOmyfj" title="YouTube video player" width="520"></iframe><p></p></center><b>I had such high hopes for the reincarnation of the legendary Prince's Hamburgers.</b> Since 1934, Prince's was a favorite in Houston for great burgers. Long before Whataburger was the hometown favorite, Prince's was the Golden Boy of local burgerphiles. But the Prince is dead — yet again. Sadly, <i>it was predictable. </i><p><b><a href="https://tomeatshouston.blogspot.com/2023/01/houstons-legendary-princes-hamburgers.html" target="_blank">As I wrote in January 2023</a>: </b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"By the time Whataburger started up in 1950, Prince's Hamburgers had already been in business for 14 years and was already legendary. Unlike Whataburger, Prince's is actually named after the man who founded the restaurant." </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>Unlike Whataburger, which is thriving today and was acquired by a Chicago firm in 2019, Prince's Hamburgers nearly went extinct. "The last Prince's Hamburgers location in Houston has closed, a victim of Hurricane Harvey's massive flooding," <a href="https://www.chron.com/entertainment/restaurants-bars/article/Prince-s-Hamburgers-has-closed-its-last-location-12546782.php" target="_blank">the Houston Chronicle reported in 2018</a>. "The location at 3425 Ella Boulevard was the last location standing."</p><p>But Prince's is not down yet. In fact, they seem poised for strong comeback, <a href="https://youtu.be/nAydZcktmFY" target="_blank">as you'll see in my video</a>. </p></blockquote><p><b>However, flash forward to 2024</b> and the "last Prince's Hamburgers location" in Houston closed AGAIN on December 31, 2023. The location at the Sharpstown Park Golf Course has permanently shut its doors (<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/qZrZ7YChCnxWLEUV7" target="_blank">6600 Harbor Town Drive</a>). The sad demise of Prince's should come as no surprise to anybody who was watching closely. The phoenix is ashes once again.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiak8PZ5emx4hb55dVvXo2ZvkwAKmtrGI6UEgwxdz8FV6hpw1dqjKxgaURbpRbk5uWIwhJFgTA2BDoAqOqsJH_72VghBHUL3tNqDO1-m7NCAyGF2e90NZrxu1aHPMnmPcV_Yhxra0pjpN4DWz2XNpkMb89HVif7EsAtPi2WecwqZ8NQUIUVlyevGNbyIb8/s1000/Prince's%20Closed%2020240118%20(7).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiak8PZ5emx4hb55dVvXo2ZvkwAKmtrGI6UEgwxdz8FV6hpw1dqjKxgaURbpRbk5uWIwhJFgTA2BDoAqOqsJH_72VghBHUL3tNqDO1-m7NCAyGF2e90NZrxu1aHPMnmPcV_Yhxra0pjpN4DWz2XNpkMb89HVif7EsAtPi2WecwqZ8NQUIUVlyevGNbyIb8/w200-h113/Prince's%20Closed%2020240118%20(7).jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Sure, they made a damned good burger,</b> but did so much else wrong that failure was virtually pre-determined. With a bad location, no signage visible from a busy street, poor social media presence, no merchandise, no inside bathroom, a promised grand opening that never happened, and the City of Houston as their landlord, failure was Prince's destiny. Let's go down the list:<br /><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Poor Location, Bad Landlord</b></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><b>You might think that a public golf course is a great location for a restaurant.</b> That depends on the golf course, of course. I'll bet a million dollars that the majority of golfers at Sharpstown ate before they arrived, or drove elsewhere to eat after their golf game. Public courses are government owned, and having the City of Houston as your landlord seems a bad idea. It's hard enough to sue your private sector landlord, and you know what they say about fighting City Hall. <div><p><b>The golf course location had another disadvantage:</b> Lack of visibility. Prince's had a sign <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/QeXr4XvKoTYzQiai9" target="_blank">at the entrance of the golf course</a> on Harbor Drive, a quiet side street, but it was about 370 feet away from busy Bellaire Boulevard. Virtually invisible, therefore useless. Unless you lived in the immediate neighborhood or were coming to play golf, you might never see that sign. Visibility is extremely important to any retail business, particularly restaurants. Why do you think you never, NEVER see a McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Whataburger <i>or any other burger restaurants</i> on sleepy side streets? Because they want visibility, something the Prince's team with their "20 years of experience" failed to consider. And by the way, that experience is cumulative among the five partners, averaging only four per man — still more than enough to know that's it's all about "location, location, location."</p><p>Weather, naturally, would factor in. Golf courses are dependent on reasonable weather to attract customers. So if it's too cold or too wet, Prince's would see a slump in business. While that's also a factor for any restaurant, it's more pronounced when you're nearly invisible to potential customers and have no inside restrooms (see below). </p><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Weak Social Media</h3><p><b>As of February 22, 2024 <a href="https://princeshamburgers.com/" target="_blank">their website</a> has not changed since before they closed.</b> It's as though they're still open on Harbor Drive. That's a huge discourtesy to people who don't know they're closed. IF they plan to reopen at another location, this won't help build goodwill for future customers. Ironically, they say this on their website: "With 20 years of experience, our team is excited to present their vision to you and all our guests." And they did that — in the restaurant. But when it came to social media, they fell flat and floundered about aimlessly.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvwLGPhBa-03OUvr9SoToIVRreIcX8bcuNhUARaETVZr_yaTeIosyg0LFSAXEwd7uoeUoP2GkJq1tSdwo6RZiI6PaW-hFncj82I6sBBWT_wFjtl9FMpb8OUfa-5L9LXOGdpzX_OF22RVoW3nXKpYnVCQIo26TiPCMS2VShwRbq2ZY3IDzpzdH0NWR7-s/s1053/Fake%20FB%20Page%20Prince's%20screenshot.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvwLGPhBa-03OUvr9SoToIVRreIcX8bcuNhUARaETVZr_yaTeIosyg0LFSAXEwd7uoeUoP2GkJq1tSdwo6RZiI6PaW-hFncj82I6sBBWT_wFjtl9FMpb8OUfa-5L9LXOGdpzX_OF22RVoW3nXKpYnVCQIo26TiPCMS2VShwRbq2ZY3IDzpzdH0NWR7-s/w190-h200/Fake%20FB%20Page%20Prince's%20screenshot.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the real Prince's website</td></tr></tbody></table>Prince's had a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Princes-Hamburgers-100085842747060/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/princes.hamburgers/" target="_blank">Instagram Page</a> but only had the Facebook link on their website. They under-utilized both. No promotions, no specials, no merchandise. But most importantly, perhaps, was a lack of a solid establishment of identity. In fact, anybody looking up "Prince's Hamburgers" on the search engines of Google or Facebook could be easily misled by out-of-date or fake Prince's pages.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT-TsuCLIY0zW_QIxYYYaVg7topWXGaFQnl4uj61CH8Ipen9jDM12Bd_1AHQ9tlIYh6B_qsqXYqK2RNRaUJGmQlP0qRWpGIFfx8trOOyG9pjBa80I7hGX12Ok5-SI-tkHA75XoDHhsiYqtEewrJsgk4tarIsd2XvpVm464i5PzcM8h3Fmx9arwIMtgbU/s800/princeshamburgers%2002.com.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="800" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT-TsuCLIY0zW_QIxYYYaVg7topWXGaFQnl4uj61CH8Ipen9jDM12Bd_1AHQ9tlIYh6B_qsqXYqK2RNRaUJGmQlP0qRWpGIFfx8trOOyG9pjBa80I7hGX12Ok5-SI-tkHA75XoDHhsiYqtEewrJsgk4tarIsd2XvpVm464i5PzcM8h3Fmx9arwIMtgbU/w200-h138/princeshamburgers%2002.com.png" width="200" /></a></div>They closed on January 31, but as of Februay 22 their website <i>still </i>tells people, "<a href="https://princeshamburgers.com/" target="_blank">We are open! Come see us</a>!" That's misleading. How many people have seen that page, went to the golf course for a burger, only to find that they wasted a trip and are now forever distrustful of Prince's Hamburgers?<p></p><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">No Merchandise</h3><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegnXMVjDCtYVDXXg_I4azYdYuDQnFlhYFyANt3ujXY8Ydk0OEjSCaoS0LMYaJDkmFQ8519G6U68GW3DaUvxxWOn0hFJZscdX5E7XBv9Edb-RqadpE4zyGD-R78w_0G4BqJHNa7ktzGR6My7wB6uKMl27nasvrf3145DO0yx5o-SCHYm_P5gMXRBwTdG0/s548/Prince's%20Video%20Still%2020221123%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="531" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegnXMVjDCtYVDXXg_I4azYdYuDQnFlhYFyANt3ujXY8Ydk0OEjSCaoS0LMYaJDkmFQ8519G6U68GW3DaUvxxWOn0hFJZscdX5E7XBv9Edb-RqadpE4zyGD-R78w_0G4BqJHNa7ktzGR6My7wB6uKMl27nasvrf3145DO0yx5o-SCHYm_P5gMXRBwTdG0/w194-h200/Prince's%20Video%20Still%2020221123%20(1).jpg" width="194" /></a></div>The Prince's Hamburgers partners had an iconic, nostaglic name and image that they inexplicably failed to cash in on. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The image here would have looked great on a t-shirt or sweatshirt. They could have sold them online and in their store. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Why they never did is a mystery.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Grand Opening That Wasn't</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As noted above, Prince's landlord was the City of Houston, and it was the City of Houston that, at least initially, killed Prince's plans for a Grand Opening. <div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>On January 31, 2023 </b>Prince's partner Terry McConn emailed me:<p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><i>Tom, our city and media grand opening is February 24th.</i></p></blockquote><p><b>On February 13, 2023</b> I learned the following from Terry and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TomEatsHouston/posts/pfbid0S1it5CtULiuKyxyRzJhZ5eigkrdyotwSxpPXq2PfvorJXVsaFDrxygy5HDnh4pyBl" target="_blank">posted it on Facebook</a>:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;">It was to be Feb. 24, but some City of Houston officials said they can't make that date .... and they ALL want to be there for the media event. The city is their landlord at Sh<br />arpstown Golf Park, so you get the idea. The event has been pushed back to a still-to-be-determined date.</blockquote><p>In other words, city officials couldn't get their act together and coldly dismissed Prince's grand opening. Worse, Prince's partners bent over and took it. No date, it seems, was never determined and the Grand Opening never happened....unless they did it so secretively that I never heard about it. </p></div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No Inside Restrooms</div></h3><div><br /></div><div>Imagine eating in a restaurant and you need to use the restroom ... but it's raining outside and the only way to get to the toilet is to exit the restaurant and walk about 50 feet outside. That's the situation Prince's had. Is that legal for a restaurant that doesn't have the city as it's landlord? </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Poor Communication</h3></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bKHURtBq31dcGeP6HCh0VgHR6CPzRV-76ogPqswEnUQnXvRrgssTSmBfT4k7Ylu-eFk2JAie3CyVlj4NSrGTEopPswM9SfOYBld6zUuYDQvwLuFcihhOlR4_Sp3fkWKD9zIfP2NQPnDKiS69OteOYgRpUwzOXc9ilEi2IPIsA6sAQI7UChrc25Gr5vU/s800/vlcsnap-00001.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bKHURtBq31dcGeP6HCh0VgHR6CPzRV-76ogPqswEnUQnXvRrgssTSmBfT4k7Ylu-eFk2JAie3CyVlj4NSrGTEopPswM9SfOYBld6zUuYDQvwLuFcihhOlR4_Sp3fkWKD9zIfP2NQPnDKiS69OteOYgRpUwzOXc9ilEi2IPIsA6sAQI7UChrc25Gr5vU/w113-h200/vlcsnap-00001.jpg" width="113" /></a></div><b>Communication between the five partners was not always coordinated.</b> Communication with local media (including social media influencers) was neglected almost entirely. Communication with the public, via social media and hard advertising, was weak at best. Signage was virtually invisible to the general public. <br /><br /><b>Even their goodbye message </b>on Instagram is confusing (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1FgGZOpFNU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank">watch here</a>), and it's curious that they did not post that on their Facebook page or on their website. In fact, as of February 22, 2024 their most recent post on Facebook was on October 6, 2023.</div></div><br /><b>"Continue to follow," it says,</b> promising an "Exciting next chapter of Prince's Hamburgers 2024." Let's hope it's more exciting than 2023 was.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com06600 Harbor Town Dr, Houston, TX 77036, USA29.7065843 -95.53027241.3963504638211539 -130.6865224 58.016818136178841 -60.3740224tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-74781013951869336572024-02-19T11:26:00.008-06:002024-03-05T17:01:18.153-06:00My Amazing Luigi's Pizzeria Experience<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvilrhM6SyDK7oxy8QA8M_0xbbs0vGTxpccFF_rLyW-4AWsf3xy0xFIZ9XPoYpj03V21_1t18MFG7dAl0cUyHiOzRzr-8bFyLyQaFGSSAAFSfCv7Eswc5OT0XeQ6hnbHX4iPkrCHBw_6cAIhc-POjNeb9eqEXu32xkfKNzNECJU6t10eoJgIOQ9Z7SSQM/s1920/Luigi's%20Pizzeria%2020240201%20(8).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvilrhM6SyDK7oxy8QA8M_0xbbs0vGTxpccFF_rLyW-4AWsf3xy0xFIZ9XPoYpj03V21_1t18MFG7dAl0cUyHiOzRzr-8bFyLyQaFGSSAAFSfCv7Eswc5OT0XeQ6hnbHX4iPkrCHBw_6cAIhc-POjNeb9eqEXu32xkfKNzNECJU6t10eoJgIOQ9Z7SSQM/w200-h113/Luigi's%20Pizzeria%2020240201%20(8).jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b>When I lived in Chicago, I often stopped into pizza shops for a slice or two.</b> But when I moved to Houston in 2013 I was amazed that by-the-slice is hard to find. It's taken for granted in Chicago, New York, and other cities. Not in Houston though. Happily, however, there are places that sell slices. Frank's for example, downtown, <a href="https://tomeatshouston.blogspot.com/2022/08/blog-post.html" target="_blank">which I wrote about previously</a>. <p></p><p><b>Recently, however, I was delighted to find Luigi's Pizzeria at 4505 Bissonnet in Belaire, TX. (<i>Video below</i>)</b></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIm1p3StU36CQM7V4qFDRXjvx6oE4z0e0w0l9Tig8obAZih5RTdLpMJb6YgSl7poY6rYa09RmRdYKyHhzx15T4vNvTuLIPlsgFJWA43GPbD1PQSorytbTaBUCXtkAH_7NW4BfTJGwXrTmDEO7dcU7loIdsqDZOyImlF8xvePONm9bddG2a2tXgDJQqhFw/s1000/Luigi's%20vlcsnap%20%20(3).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIm1p3StU36CQM7V4qFDRXjvx6oE4z0e0w0l9Tig8obAZih5RTdLpMJb6YgSl7poY6rYa09RmRdYKyHhzx15T4vNvTuLIPlsgFJWA43GPbD1PQSorytbTaBUCXtkAH_7NW4BfTJGwXrTmDEO7dcU7loIdsqDZOyImlF8xvePONm9bddG2a2tXgDJQqhFw/w200-h113/Luigi's%20vlcsnap%20%20(3).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luigi's Philly sandwich</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Join me for <a href="https://youtu.be/QIq9Azz_xeo?si=M2b4zHVzdgG3-w-1" target="_blank">my video visit to Luigi's Pizzeria</a></b> for pizza slices, sandwiches, salads and more in Bellaire, a Houston suburb. I had the "Luigi's Philly," a massive sub stuffed with tender, juicy beef and <i>a lot</i> of cheese (your choice, I did mozzarella).<p></p><p>Not a true Philly cheese steak, but it may be better because it's so juicy and succulent. I've had a lot of good cheese steaks, but none of them were <i>juicy</i>. Luigi's Philly has the best qualities of a cheese steak, offering the satisfaction of a lot of meat and cheese, combined with a "wet" Italian beef dripping in beefy goodness. Juice was pouring from the sandwich as I ate it. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMClEtbcLLxJ7E4wWQrtm_jCv7liHJGBWNbBm6NF6Rjp94gIojgjiNO_87ab4D8WLOmBumZk8GC7ha9N1KXalym2vkEVVh2TXSEwUHqn15xOfAhMjSNf87o-mmTw5iSLFo2STZ7TAywHV0f3ckFKNIEZqVD_zSyT9t3qmvnfqcB5gde0c_LW3nDDRcI0/s1920/Luigi's%20Pizzeria%2020240206%20(9).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMClEtbcLLxJ7E4wWQrtm_jCv7liHJGBWNbBm6NF6Rjp94gIojgjiNO_87ab4D8WLOmBumZk8GC7ha9N1KXalym2vkEVVh2TXSEwUHqn15xOfAhMjSNf87o-mmTw5iSLFo2STZ7TAywHV0f3ckFKNIEZqVD_zSyT9t3qmvnfqcB5gde0c_LW3nDDRcI0/w200-h113/Luigi's%20Pizzeria%2020240206%20(9).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Meats pizza slice</td></tr></tbody></table>The bun held together, though, and added a subtle crunch to every bite. The meat was tender and I encounter no gristle or fat. Perfection.<p></p><p></p><p>I also had two huge pizza slices, a "Margherita" and "The Meats." The super thin crust is crispy perfection covered with generous toppings. They're big, too. I mean, really big slices.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4No_GxRwNTDPYn6ookDfQLfKJftoMN1rUf0Aa3lhTT6mi7j7Y1PA1gVxdP6BX5j9h4z-duRYnYlAe1l4ZWpScbvy_QvM70yojLK82-zOTopSjQ9HxJ_My1NVpizUF_-SGYmvojgs2xuExoh1E849jHr-IpoAvHynnNxQIHICwUr4zYDs82S5J-hJ0zg/s1920/Luigi's%20Pizzeria%2020240201%20(3).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4No_GxRwNTDPYn6ookDfQLfKJftoMN1rUf0Aa3lhTT6mi7j7Y1PA1gVxdP6BX5j9h4z-duRYnYlAe1l4ZWpScbvy_QvM70yojLK82-zOTopSjQ9HxJ_My1NVpizUF_-SGYmvojgs2xuExoh1E849jHr-IpoAvHynnNxQIHICwUr4zYDs82S5J-hJ0zg/w200-h113/Luigi's%20Pizzeria%2020240201%20(3).jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The atmosphere is cozy, comfortable and kind of retro. A stand-up Centipede video game sits in a corner near the front door. This family-friendly eaterie also offers cheese cake, gelato, and more. Although they offer great salas and "vegan cheese," this is not a good choice if you're a strict vegan.<p></p><p>I'm hooked and will definitely return to Luigi's Pizzeria.</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="285" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QIq9Azz_xeo?si=M2b4zHVzdgG3-w-1" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-35394183768072024022023-11-08T13:52:00.007-06:002024-01-05T13:38:54.013-06:00Flying Goose, Best Sriracha Option I've Found<b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXp1TUsq9xUcIRIGDiVKMcrebmn3QGk3M0NQe8-NmQW6A14zKF0US05i6OSvEZ4DXoPdFM_dlmbN_ma69j8pPdnlakDwN2YaYdzkRdkd7jZr9vzchkDEl85V9yWp6IMqt9DlByJ9i9fFZF95OatGtnbJsCZNB1xx4slvX86DZixAfZGDfUZ5MnlQpzSw/s629/Flying%20Goose%20Sriracha%20(2).png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXp1TUsq9xUcIRIGDiVKMcrebmn3QGk3M0NQe8-NmQW6A14zKF0US05i6OSvEZ4DXoPdFM_dlmbN_ma69j8pPdnlakDwN2YaYdzkRdkd7jZr9vzchkDEl85V9yWp6IMqt9DlByJ9i9fFZF95OatGtnbJsCZNB1xx4slvX86DZixAfZGDfUZ5MnlQpzSw/w202-h320/Flying%20Goose%20Sriracha%20(2).png" width="202" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying Goose Sriracha</td></tr></tbody></table>Anybody who loves sriracha sauce</b> knows by now that the beloved Huy Fong brand is difficult to find in recent months. I live near Houston's Chinatown, and nearly all of the Asian markets that used to sell Huy Fong sriracha no longer carry it. But why is that? Cozymeal.com noted last month that the main reason "is issues with the supply chain."<div><br /><i>Like many other products across different industries, supply lines became difficult to manage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Huy Fong, Inc.....suffered from these difficulties, too. In the fall of 2022, they were able to resume production at a fairly normal pace. Many thought the worst of the Sriracha shortage was over.</i><br /><i><br /></i><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><i>The latest news on the shortage is that there are still some lingering supply chain issues affecting the Sriracha makers. The largest problem is the drought conditions in Mexico that are making chili peppers difficult to come by. Consumers are feeling the consequences of these conditions, as Sriracha is out of stock at brick-and-mortar retailers and online stores, often with comments that the suppliers do not know when the item will be restocked. (<a href="https://www.cozymeal.com/magazine/sriracha-shortage" target="_blank">Read full article</a>)</i><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></blockquote></blockquote><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgam_8iMPxpBXoapX22VxX6kQFoWE-dVLmKgMha0023InVZS1ac8OE7xdnxiKZ9z91sFh1ELtGZlXOBpllxdb5y2h1XwcSvKmvU7oCj9k_Jrpna8Cutc_eqeOo2Jj4DjvqK4w_RydWm0ovHMBrSfF_heHL88U7sJ9_ICBrhAhhpBsW3gv-Eo_BiItp5ni0/s1000/Sriracha%20HMart%2020231002%20(2).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgam_8iMPxpBXoapX22VxX6kQFoWE-dVLmKgMha0023InVZS1ac8OE7xdnxiKZ9z91sFh1ELtGZlXOBpllxdb5y2h1XwcSvKmvU7oCj9k_Jrpna8Cutc_eqeOo2Jj4DjvqK4w_RydWm0ovHMBrSfF_heHL88U7sJ9_ICBrhAhhpBsW3gv-Eo_BiItp5ni0/s320/Sriracha%20HMart%2020231002%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying Goose sriracha at HMart (far right),<br />and Huy Fong sriracha next to it. Notice the<br />big price difference.</td></tr></tbody></table><b>So that's the bad news:</b> Huy Fong brand sriracha sauce is still difficult — almost impossible in many areas — to find at retail stores. Sure, you can find it online. A number of online sellers offer it. But in most cases, the prices are <i>significantly </i>higher than what the brick-and-mortar retailers were selling it for less than two years ago.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>The good news: </b>Flying Goose brand sriracha</h3><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqkW4SVIQMD-ZAeT_229OKUAxBf0CVdOPQWa0A_DJOChYdgrmdA4bnje9A3Qf6FJls4QWlv75SPRON9odQqSiFlwbZIlV8VaT0-2kIsOajwC84xujzItPH4CCF-SiYGNyZaexdn0y4YwIYoCLg7utTu9kf_0gvafX5dctpfBw1IG7WXj1aUfLHEa4n24/s800/Sriracha%20Flying%20Goose%20Mayo%2020230714%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqkW4SVIQMD-ZAeT_229OKUAxBf0CVdOPQWa0A_DJOChYdgrmdA4bnje9A3Qf6FJls4QWlv75SPRON9odQqSiFlwbZIlV8VaT0-2kIsOajwC84xujzItPH4CCF-SiYGNyZaexdn0y4YwIYoCLg7utTu9kf_0gvafX5dctpfBw1IG7WXj1aUfLHEa4n24/s320/Sriracha%20Flying%20Goose%20Mayo%2020230714%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>In my occasional sriracha searches</b> for a suitable substitute for Huy Fong, I stumbled across Flying Goose brand sriracha sauce. <i>And I like it more than Huy Fong.</i> It tastes a bit sweeter (just a bit), and the garlic seems more prominent. In a blind taste test, however, I might not even know the difference. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Flying Goose is made in Thailand</b> and uses difference sources than California-based Huy Fong. You should be able to find it in large cities, at some Asian markets. Yes, you'll pay a bit more if you get it online, but a little goes a long way and a 17 ounce bottle should give you months of sriracha pleasure.</div><div><br /></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-16083468758087309902023-10-04T16:57:00.008-05:002024-01-05T13:41:23.802-06:00Updated: Hotline Burger 2 Still Not Open<b>Update, Jan.1, 2024: <i>They're finally open!</i></b><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBupVGZ5jpZbFwdAPrXL0H-XjYVa0muT4fDPYbp9yI7ACSd_luTsaNhLYnO0akZvqRLYZxT740o2NDfICWR801jpy22QyyvqC378Eq6npl2MO1OI6Yxlhzf-syHlbCqYW-m_Sxr9d809HpPXXu1ne8_UICjT4wuOPhCnaKLIjiJkcLbDJR4js8jfFLbxk/s1000/Hotline%20Burger%2020231002%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBupVGZ5jpZbFwdAPrXL0H-XjYVa0muT4fDPYbp9yI7ACSd_luTsaNhLYnO0akZvqRLYZxT740o2NDfICWR801jpy22QyyvqC378Eq6npl2MO1OI6Yxlhzf-syHlbCqYW-m_Sxr9d809HpPXXu1ne8_UICjT4wuOPhCnaKLIjiJkcLbDJR4js8jfFLbxk/w520-h292/Hotline%20Burger%2020231002%20(1).jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div><b style="font-weight: bold;">When <a href="https://tomeatshouston.blogspot.com/2023/04/hotline-burger-2-about-to-open-in.html" target="_blank">last I wrote about Hotline Burger</a>'s new store</b><b> in Sharpstown, </b>it was about how they still had not opened. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Their new location at 8880 Bellaire Blvd Suite P, Houston, Bellaire Gessner Shopping Center is still dormant, but there is hope that it will yet open. Maybe before Halloween?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>"Hotline Burger 2" has faced a number of obstacles over the past half year. </b>Back in April, Hotline Burger's people told me they planned to open their new store on Bellaire Blvd "this summer." We're a couple of weeks into Fall now and the Bellaire Blvd. location has yet to open. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8A1qkopctl_m1USS-I-_sDEgAZAbYeZGH4v0HD2d3VhrfbNeKFvzXeRvc80DI4HFhx2TN0F5qGf1NG78gDhrpPWIM3zruTd9g4q8CHMnNy5rP5m3zXTSBGRthYLHQL-sSNRkZmu9zNluuq1-MhjofoBCX-pdZ_deih1C19VjCzClLuMOPaoWYIA5vaY/s1790/Hotline%20Burger%20Facebook.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1790" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8A1qkopctl_m1USS-I-_sDEgAZAbYeZGH4v0HD2d3VhrfbNeKFvzXeRvc80DI4HFhx2TN0F5qGf1NG78gDhrpPWIM3zruTd9g4q8CHMnNy5rP5m3zXTSBGRthYLHQL-sSNRkZmu9zNluuq1-MhjofoBCX-pdZ_deih1C19VjCzClLuMOPaoWYIA5vaY/s320/Hotline%20Burger%20Facebook.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotline Burger, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hotlineburgertx" target="_blank">Facebook</a></td></tr></tbody></table></b><div><b>I spoke with sole owner Phil by phone today (10/04/23). </b>He was very polite. He sounded genuinely optimistic and said he hopes to open the new store in "two to three weeks." </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">UPDATE, 29 October: 25 days later, the new store is still not open.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>But why the delays? </i></span><br /></b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Over the past six months, he said,</b> he's faced issues with the water line, installation of some of the signage, two major water leaks (including the fire suppression system), and making a full gas kitchen where there was none before (the ice cream stand before it only used electric heaters for hot dogs). </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Hurry up Phil, Sharpstown is eager for you to open!</b> Our mouths are watering from the photos of your incredible burgers! In the meantime, you can enjoy Hotline Burger at their (currently) only store at 1585 Hwy 6, Houston, TX 77077.</div></div></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-68040919857071979712023-09-09T14:01:00.006-05:002023-09-09T14:17:59.423-05:00When Giants Collide: Kroger-Albertsons Merger Update<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv5naF82zxlyhUt5wE_j5mHTcDA6B-j3U_wkR-maxDCsFdmXzd0flxcf1Dm81YDGlxdeCnZ90uQtZ65-j5uSl0ZN4pUK8KtFG9b39VPbvXTyeDCRLJGiTzMI0hoI7SiQNq7kD2Wm5TsbA1Q7w6Yx0JvOuUoTS8UMkpFovJrPvIvg9X1ru6VwviTjbM8o/s640/Kroger-logo-WEB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="640" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv5naF82zxlyhUt5wE_j5mHTcDA6B-j3U_wkR-maxDCsFdmXzd0flxcf1Dm81YDGlxdeCnZ90uQtZ65-j5uSl0ZN4pUK8KtFG9b39VPbvXTyeDCRLJGiTzMI0hoI7SiQNq7kD2Wm5TsbA1Q7w6Yx0JvOuUoTS8UMkpFovJrPvIvg9X1ru6VwviTjbM8o/s320/Kroger-logo-WEB.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Last October, Kroger announced</b> that they intend to purchase Albertsons in a $25 billion deal.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>"The deal, which is expected to close in 2024,</b> would combine two of the largest supermarket chains in the country and create one of its largest private employers," <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/14/business/kroger-albertsons-merger/index.html">reports CNN</a> today. "The two companies have a combined 710,000 workers – most of them unionized in an industry with low union rates – nearly 5,000 stores and more than $200 billion in sales. The companies say they reach 85 million households." It will be the largest supermarket chain in the U.S. (<a href="https://tomeatshouston.blogspot.com/2022/10/grocery-giants-merging-kroger-to-buy.html" target="_blank">read more</a>)</p><p><b>The deal is not yet complete, of course.</b> On Friday, Sept. 8 it was <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kroger-albertsons-sell-413-stores-151712281.html" target="_blank">reported by Bloomberg</a> that, "Kroger Co. rose the most in six months after agreeing to <b>sell 413 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers</b> in a divestiture designed to help win antitrust approval for its $24.6 billion merger with Albertsons Cos." </p><p>That article continued:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>The FTC still could sue to block the Albertsons deal. <i>Labor unions and officials from a range of states have urged the regulator to oppose the merger</i>, saying it would hurt wages and competition. Some senators and members of Congress have also criticized the transaction.</p><p>Still, Kroger said the acquisition remains on track to close in early 2024, and [Kroger CEO Rodney] McMullen has vowed to fight in court if necessary. <i>The divestiture plan ensures that no stores will be closed in connection with the Albertsons merger, he said. Frontline workers will remain employed and existing collective-bargaining agreements will continue. </i>[My emphasis added]</p></blockquote><p><b>Time will tell what will happen to employees at Kroger and Albertsons. </b>What's basically being said is that the divestiture plan will not cause any layoffs. But those employees, along with the 413 stores being sold to C&S Wholesale Grocers, are essentially being shunted off to a third party. The real question, in my opinion, is what will happen to them as C&S employees.</p><p><b>C&S is also a giant </b>in the grocery industry. According to <a href="https://www.winsightgrocerybusiness.com/kroger/kroger-albertsons-19b-sale-cs-tackles-merger-issues-creates-big-new-grocer" target="_blank">Winsight Grocery Business</a>:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;">Currently, C&S operates 160 stores, mostly under the <b>Piggly Wiggly</b> banner in the Midwest and Carolinas but also including 11 stores under the <b>Grand Union</b> banner in upstate New York and Vermont. Overall, C&S licenses the Piggly Wiggly banner to approximately 500 independently owned and operated supermarkets in 17 states via its Piggly Wiggly LLC subsidiary.</blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Thus, the Kroger-Albertsons divestitures, if approved, would give C&S a grocery retail network of about 1,073 stores, which under the companies’ agreement could grow to 1,310 locations if regulators call for more divested stores. </i>[My emphasis added]</p></blockquote><p><b>Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.supermarketnews.com/retail-financial/kroger-s-q2-results-are-unsubstantial" target="_blank">AP reported that</a> Kroger recently</b> "had a $1.4 billion opioid settlement tagged to its recent financial sheet, and total company sales — $33.9 billion — were down compared to Q2 2022 when they were $34.6 billion. Sales excluding fuel, however, did increase 1.1% year-over-year." That is not expected to affect the Albertsons deal. <br /></p><p><b>Related:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Kroger and Albertsons Companies Announce Comprehensive Divestiture Plan with C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC in Connection with Proposed Merger - <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kroger-and-albertsons-companies-announce-comprehensive-divestiture-plan-with-cs-wholesale-grocers-llc-in-connection-with-proposed-merger-301921933.html" target="_blank">PR Newswire, Sept 2023</a></li><li>Pharma Companies, Pharmacies Agree to Pay $19B in Opioid Settlement - <a href="https://www.biospace.com/article/pharma-companies-pharmacies-agree-to-pay-19b-in-opioid-settlement/" target="_blank">BioSpace, June 2023</a> </li><li>After Cutting Hazard Pay, Kroger Gives Workers New Bonus - <a href="https://www.foodmanufacturing.com/capital-investment/news/21133843/kroger-announces-new-bonuses-after-cutting-hazard-pay" target="_blank">AP, May 2020</a> </li></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-57688958751982587942023-08-20T19:12:00.013-05:002023-08-26T10:27:26.584-05:00Liberty Taco: Freedom To Eat!<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PMpBU9mOTA5OQef45rHHS1RW2zifGCHcP5DZmNPeQmpDkqu6yaqOKfWywpUmQGOssHPQcUH8_6Dlx8iZilyIQA_ed3rzdOmPHZCvGVoGKERHlAvN_C1wCdEcIiyprztC1qhlO4lSvzoyVL5XTjicRxf6s-jQh-wuVMsHIZPTSAYXmYut2aBc5Ag-fE8/s1000/Liberty%20Taco%2020230810_093325%20(12).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PMpBU9mOTA5OQef45rHHS1RW2zifGCHcP5DZmNPeQmpDkqu6yaqOKfWywpUmQGOssHPQcUH8_6Dlx8iZilyIQA_ed3rzdOmPHZCvGVoGKERHlAvN_C1wCdEcIiyprztC1qhlO4lSvzoyVL5XTjicRxf6s-jQh-wuVMsHIZPTSAYXmYut2aBc5Ag-fE8/w200-h113/Liberty%20Taco%2020230810_093325%20(12).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberty Taco</td></tr></tbody></table><b>I was on my way to an appointment</b> on a recent morning and got there early, as I've done before. I'd gotten in the habit of stopping in to a Subway nearby, but on this morning the Subway was gone and I was hungry. <div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwr2I9el-WPsn7_MvuyXGQQIgzqOqDhJ80wwIFVADF2Cs3jSwp8LljGzSnkiOX9KZeeqdlRQN558HdSWv8Uq4KcTudJlQkCWYo6Uwh1uB2DjAlUgW48dzvmlwchG78JXkfcqTD6NZi9kMERtOnQQqduQ0pPj6YObKlA7QmI_pFJxIFDyodFMDs01o1Nk/s1000/Liberty%20Taco%2020230810_093325%20(4).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwr2I9el-WPsn7_MvuyXGQQIgzqOqDhJ80wwIFVADF2Cs3jSwp8LljGzSnkiOX9KZeeqdlRQN558HdSWv8Uq4KcTudJlQkCWYo6Uwh1uB2DjAlUgW48dzvmlwchG78JXkfcqTD6NZi9kMERtOnQQqduQ0pPj6YObKlA7QmI_pFJxIFDyodFMDs01o1Nk/w200-h113/Liberty%20Taco%2020230810_093325%20(4).jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Liberty Taco is in Subway's former space</b>, with an appealing storefront. The sign that advertised breakfast tacos (they open at 6:00 AM!) is what really hooked me, so I stepped in. I'm glad I did.<p><b>The friendly staff</b> offered to answer any questions, without being overbearing. The space is long and narrow, but very efficient and comfortable. Where Subway's former sandwich-making counter once was is now a kitchen with a service window. Fun wallpapers adorn the room. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJicI9Qym04l9372vWOa-2zblwAmuWL9l3VVeLapSL7qsMHo5UxYdD3AUfHElG3xHwn1bl12zEQYcS2hwI1Q9A8LZqhtj0dy4oWjB_qj_tgGJOBbkqJVp4PnJkr_d8kS1txWeH5frGQEsysFubg2rFT0epsuzupX-KMPVpI45J11ddLqcG2B6Er4wN118/s1000/Liberty%20Taco%2020230810_093325%20(5).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJicI9Qym04l9372vWOa-2zblwAmuWL9l3VVeLapSL7qsMHo5UxYdD3AUfHElG3xHwn1bl12zEQYcS2hwI1Q9A8LZqhtj0dy4oWjB_qj_tgGJOBbkqJVp4PnJkr_d8kS1txWeH5frGQEsysFubg2rFT0epsuzupX-KMPVpI45J11ddLqcG2B6Er4wN118/w200-h113/Liberty%20Taco%2020230810_093325%20(5).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast Brisket Taco</td></tr></tbody></table><b>I scanned the menu and focused on the Breakfast Tacos and ordered the Texas Brisket, Egg & Cheese.</b> I also ordered a coffee and was impressed that this little taco shop served Kona, a nice way to wait for my food.</div><div><br /><b>I confess that the brisket taco looked small </b>when the server delivered it to my table. <i><b>But my opinion of it changed as soon as I picked it up.</b></i> <p></p><p><b></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm5uG_9_-iGaZNP5huRgKVY7IErbN-J3fbtcOWtP3bPuKGeC2KovjzqTSK2MucMxFMsXpo9zsyiaWh58ISAH0QQJmyLB20JRblHl8rn05egweuCGdMoYiFBswFNXbNyd5WWDCYS8Hi6YiZe3WRXWJG934NzomC0QuJTqLBErD41Hz8iq27uhIoPkh15Q/s1126/Liberty%20Taco%2020230810_093325%20(8)-vert.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm5uG_9_-iGaZNP5huRgKVY7IErbN-J3fbtcOWtP3bPuKGeC2KovjzqTSK2MucMxFMsXpo9zsyiaWh58ISAH0QQJmyLB20JRblHl8rn05egweuCGdMoYiFBswFNXbNyd5WWDCYS8Hi6YiZe3WRXWJG934NzomC0QuJTqLBErD41Hz8iq27uhIoPkh15Q/w178-h200/Liberty%20Taco%2020230810_093325%20(8)-vert.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberty Taco menu</td></tr></tbody></table><b>It had some heft to it,</b> packed full of perfectly scrambled egg and nicely shredded brisket topped with cheddar. It oozed brisket juice every time I lifted it to my mouth. And OMG, it was delicious. If I had had more time I might have eaten three more.<p></p><b>I will definitely return,</b> and I won't wait for another appointment nearby. They are now a destination unto themselves. That brisket breakfast taco impressed me that much, and the menu choices are very intriguing. To quote from their website, "<i>Our made-to-order tacos will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey as you sample our Liberty Steak, Thai Basil, Cali Club, and other varieties.</i>" <p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjs1DOwphLjsqLjVZWwj0Axyb3pzzuVp4qtwptIYHacPN2KQYG6jhNOIaOY0vs8z3P-x15pOl26PIcUNJFfAMANGWaBNEdJzvT5bAWlH4zkgA2zYU1UaA2y96crQUPl7thn6eleQnPLyvpLya1M70utUqJ9VupDepmtTJWtiRiMno0FWa0ukZlA3_qlPI/s1000/Liberty%20Taco%2020230810_093325%20(3).jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjs1DOwphLjsqLjVZWwj0Axyb3pzzuVp4qtwptIYHacPN2KQYG6jhNOIaOY0vs8z3P-x15pOl26PIcUNJFfAMANGWaBNEdJzvT5bAWlH4zkgA2zYU1UaA2y96crQUPl7thn6eleQnPLyvpLya1M70utUqJ9VupDepmtTJWtiRiMno0FWa0ukZlA3_qlPI/w200-h113/Liberty%20Taco%2020230810_093325%20(3).jpg" width="200" /></a></p><b>A local chain, this is Liberty Taco's third location.</b> They're only in Houston. Staff told me that the company has been around since 2017, and this store opened about four months ago. They have yet to add this location to <a href="https://www.libertytaco.com/" target="_blank">their website</a>. They're located in The Shops At Memorial City (12365 Kingsride Ln, Houston, TX 77024), just west of Memorial City Mall. (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/DcHBykhRJSG2KHB67" target="_blank">See Google Maps</a>) Plenty of parking, outdoor tables available. Phone: 713-992-5877</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-40363792231724277552023-08-12T22:45:00.013-05:002024-03-16T16:04:48.766-05:00Will "Hotline Burger 2" EVER Open?<b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Update, Jan.1, 2024: <i>They're finally open!</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div><i><b>Update 8/12/2023:</b> Hotline Burger's new location at 8850 Bellaire Blvd is still not open for business. When I last wrote about this in April, they told me they'd open "in the summer." But now, in mid-August, they still haven't even removed all of the old signage from previous occupant Twistee Treat. </i> On August 12, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zMjATeMhSM1gE2GE7" target="_blank">Their Google Maps listing</a> says they are "temporarily closed." <i> </i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b>Also see: <a href="https://tomeatshouston.blogspot.com/2023/10/still-hope-for-hotline-burger-2-in.html">Still Hope for Hotline Burger 2 in Sharpstown</a><br /></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Here is the original post from 4/11/2023:</i></b><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcQBQnxf-Iu5umDeryviWcADoDA8jZg9uwQqmXIffV50iK8KboOcH5KtFugYboay2AlxcexVaMukmIDPEG1BjlOCNpdgm8T-ivVetgOdrGY-46-MbGYQ2NoFtI0Gm9Iz2JQXKybbPRZl7VM5c1ffHllXmOzTmTTpDb7snc9Dh7HF9ae-naL5TPxE65Pg/s1000/Hotline%20Burger,%20Bellaire%20Blvd%2020230410%20AUG%2013.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcQBQnxf-Iu5umDeryviWcADoDA8jZg9uwQqmXIffV50iK8KboOcH5KtFugYboay2AlxcexVaMukmIDPEG1BjlOCNpdgm8T-ivVetgOdrGY-46-MbGYQ2NoFtI0Gm9Iz2JQXKybbPRZl7VM5c1ffHllXmOzTmTTpDb7snc9Dh7HF9ae-naL5TPxE65Pg/w200-h113/Hotline%20Burger,%20Bellaire%20Blvd%2020230410%20AUG%2013.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Hotline Burger has a new location</b> in Sharpstown on the cusp of Chinatown at 8880 Bellaire Blvd Suite P, Houston (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/GUthvtJwUczrY9wC7" target="_blank">map</a>). That's a block west of Gessner. They're calling it "Hotline Burger 2." Their only other location is at 1585 Hwy 6, Houston.<div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_HSisOWWofOgegr3YBU00kUCMqwPjN9Yc4HbglpwSE4D89mWmXxyRH6Fv4THSqXXYHxerZlxjUnt_wPAcYzz2DO0CuRyjLU-VuzD1hfD5A-nW-gCNxsxW8tzy0Re6V9_H8cAU4Sin_eC5GLBLlqUvdMRlsb7XSJsBdujNd2fdPwEU4uRwPZ7ukwP/s1200/twisteetreat-1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_HSisOWWofOgegr3YBU00kUCMqwPjN9Yc4HbglpwSE4D89mWmXxyRH6Fv4THSqXXYHxerZlxjUnt_wPAcYzz2DO0CuRyjLU-VuzD1hfD5A-nW-gCNxsxW8tzy0Re6V9_H8cAU4Sin_eC5GLBLlqUvdMRlsb7XSJsBdujNd2fdPwEU4uRwPZ7ukwP/w200-h133/twisteetreat-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Rebecca Wright,<br /><a href="https://my-table.com/flavors-swirl-twistee-treat/" target="_blank">My Table Magazine</a>, 2017</td></tr></tbody></table>Hotline Burger recently finished refurbishing the building that housed <b>Twistee Treat</b> ice cream palace, complete with a giant "ice cream cone" atop of it. While cute, it seemed out of place, looking more like something you'd see on a desolate part of Route 66 than along Bellaire Boulevard. That eyesore is gone, giving the newly renovated structure a clean, aerodynamic look.<div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SlhJV7hbFVlI8c7KnIXFjP0ISMo-sZ3CoTWFUL4Mj2cTQIkPdfpc3k4nDIROrnkaJX-PxM2jRJT33a-1GEF2a5Ta-zlm9G57s4D6stkQv5WizGi6GTCjzYkdtEGZdkGaA067uL4vpvwn8SLBuKCBbS9pucTjjnKlV-u8aUW7O9hXc_QdTPaL4Bhl/s682/hotline%20burger.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="682" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SlhJV7hbFVlI8c7KnIXFjP0ISMo-sZ3CoTWFUL4Mj2cTQIkPdfpc3k4nDIROrnkaJX-PxM2jRJT33a-1GEF2a5Ta-zlm9G57s4D6stkQv5WizGi6GTCjzYkdtEGZdkGaA067uL4vpvwn8SLBuKCBbS9pucTjjnKlV-u8aUW7O9hXc_QdTPaL4Bhl/w200-h187/hotline%20burger.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotline Burger's smash burger<br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hotlineburgertx/?hl=en" target="_blank">photo from Instagram</a></td></tr></tbody></table>The Hotline Burger on Highway 6 has indoor seating. It's not a certainy, but it seems very unlikely that Hotline Burger #2 will. The building is just too small. Like the Twistee Treat that was there before, the only "dining area" will probably be the outdoor picnic tables. Drive-thru service should be available, and there is ample parking in the adjacent shopping center's lot.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm eagerly anticipating their opening. <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zFQRAziPkSfdDSqNA" target="_blank">Reviews from their first store</a> are very good and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hotlineburgertx/?hl=en" target="_blank">the food photos look amazing</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>There is precious little information about Hotline Burger to be found on the internet. </b>What seems to be written by someone with the company, however, can be found at the <a href="https://culinaryagents.com/entities/426736-hotline-burger#" target="_blank">Culinary Agents website</a>:</div><div><br /></div></div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Hotline Burger began in the Summer of 2019 as a nameless pop up serving SoCal style smash burgers at bars and breweries. We took the positive feedback and turned it into a food hall space in Downtown Houston in 2020. Once the pandemic broke out, we were no longer able to sustain our position through the next year and decided to not renew our stand. <b>Fast forward to 2021, we found an opportunity to sign 2 new locations, with HWY 6 being our first brick and mortar. Hotline Burger 2 will be opening in Chinatown (Bellaire Blvd & Gessner Rd) later in 2022</b>. </i>[Emphasis mine]</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com08880 Bellaire Blvd p, Houston, TX 77036, USA29.7064829 -95.54081191.3962490638211555 -130.6970619 58.01671673617885 -60.384561899999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-6054930673506684932023-08-11T21:56:00.010-05:002023-08-26T12:09:22.872-05:00Correcting Mike Chen About Chinese Burgers<p></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="302" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FmYnisqWK18" title="YouTube video player" width="530"></iframe></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cdzM-qvo48S01bT6_PX9GEvQgUeinOlfqWhx3YytxdagJo2uHEgUcxGYDmjrmYuWE1MoDORUK1OLv1Vbkhn84pu7XcwAIZqivnEpXAyeTDKoN1YBilrbGkOV9FQpffenRIme_DLXN-KI1PFnDgK05mbQKBFXVQzjuPwfgv_gbxjc4hTsgT0M9V5OcUw/s1920/Mike%20Chen%20Critique%20BUMPER.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cdzM-qvo48S01bT6_PX9GEvQgUeinOlfqWhx3YytxdagJo2uHEgUcxGYDmjrmYuWE1MoDORUK1OLv1Vbkhn84pu7XcwAIZqivnEpXAyeTDKoN1YBilrbGkOV9FQpffenRIme_DLXN-KI1PFnDgK05mbQKBFXVQzjuPwfgv_gbxjc4hTsgT0M9V5OcUw/w200-h113/Mike%20Chen%20Critique%20BUMPER.png" width="200" /></a></div><b>I'm a big fan of food YouTuber Mike Chen</b>. I've been following him for years. He's a creative and engaging personality who really knows food. But there is one thing he does that <i>bugs the heck out of me</i>. Like thousands of other people, he misuses the term "Chinese hamburger."<p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc_57BwIw95xoLdlilcAyGm94e9edTmvNiDloeZWvn68uvPJzqZlblpUblQPDECAl_JgQseByUD2a2iBP5OGvKs-j_0KfqqboNkk4B7ecJ81FkhKpwGMaRvDgfPmHiqdUCZTh6v6YS6Icjxmm51kd1t6u1bEfEikcQmKbWHaIWy5PKQme5JYLrCn6RG0/s1280/Mike%20Chen%20NYC%20Chinese%20Burgers%20(xxx).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc_57BwIw95xoLdlilcAyGm94e9edTmvNiDloeZWvn68uvPJzqZlblpUblQPDECAl_JgQseByUD2a2iBP5OGvKs-j_0KfqqboNkk4B7ecJ81FkhKpwGMaRvDgfPmHiqdUCZTh6v6YS6Icjxmm51kd1t6u1bEfEikcQmKbWHaIWy5PKQme5JYLrCn6RG0/w200-h113/Mike%20Chen%20NYC%20Chinese%20Burgers%20(xxx).jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b>He should know better. </b>He has presented himself as a burger expert. Other respected foodtubers call him a burger expert. And in fact, I believe his "is" a burger expert, which is what makes his use of the term "Chinese burger" so infuriating. He knows the real name of that sandwich is "Rou Jia Mo 肉夹馍" but opts for the less precise "Chinese burger." He knows full well that if there is no patty, there is no burger. <div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>This is less about</b> what the sandwich is called than it is about <i>the bastardization of language</i>. Although I'm using Mike Chen as an example here, it's not to pick on him. If he should see this, I hope he'll take it as friendly criticism from a fan. </div><br />
<b>Related:</b><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Chinese Burgers Are NOT Hamburgers - <a href="https://tomeatshouston.blogspot.com/2023/07/chinese-burgers-are-not-hamburgers.html">Tom Eats Houston</a></li><li>The ancient history of the modern hamburger - <a href="https://youtu.be/kunK7-GHWFY" target="_blank">BBC - YouTube</a> </li><li>The Wrong History Of Burgers Everyone Believes - <a href="https://youtu.be/kunK7-GHWFY" target="_blank">Mashed - YouTube</a></li><li>Roujiamo: Is this Chinese snack the world’s first hamburger? - <a href="https://www.goldthread2.com/food/roujiamo-chinese-snack-worlds-first-hamburger/article/3093480" target="_blank">Goldthread</a></li></ul>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-24844719559349434252023-08-05T21:42:00.021-05:002023-09-12T11:00:25.247-05:00Pulled Pork Sandwich (and some BBQ history)<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="292" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WrJ1CuUtPMA" title="YouTube video player" width="520"></iframe></p><p><b></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AlI_TiJlEx89eJJMUTS9amh8ztOoCFY0u2hdExR0hO2LGT0FQH9rPwnTz6O5KtIw7xEPL9NLd9qz53QXYjENbp_bfsrIrvpicErmMZNZ2WkebGY5GjyZ212gDJqTscClMe-1vv-qMOibGYfel_YvqRfQFdcr9v15t40IQLNYZOKjy7aTVtW33Yengg8/s640/pexels-min-an-1482803%20Photo%20by%20Min%20An%20https%20www.pexels.comphotoclose-up-photo-of-man-cooking-meat-1482803.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="640" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AlI_TiJlEx89eJJMUTS9amh8ztOoCFY0u2hdExR0hO2LGT0FQH9rPwnTz6O5KtIw7xEPL9NLd9qz53QXYjENbp_bfsrIrvpicErmMZNZ2WkebGY5GjyZ212gDJqTscClMe-1vv-qMOibGYfel_YvqRfQFdcr9v15t40IQLNYZOKjy7aTVtW33Yengg8/w200-h131/pexels-min-an-1482803%20Photo%20by%20Min%20An%20https%20www.pexels.comphotoclose-up-photo-of-man-cooking-meat-1482803.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-man-cooking-meat-1482803/" target="_blank">Min An, Pexels</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b>I recently had a great barbecue pulled pork sandwich at The Burger Joint</b> in Houston <i>(see video below)</i>. When I told several friends about it, all three Texas natives sneered. "Nah," one said, "ya don't put no barbecue sauce on shredded pork." Another said that only beef or chicken should be barbecued, not pork. <p></p><p><b>I was mystified by that, dumb Yankee that I am.</b> I've seen all three of those guys eagerly devour pork chops. Hours of research on the internet didn't help me find an answer to why some Texans have such an aversion to barbecued <i>pulled pork</i>. The only hints I could find lead me to believe it's the Texan worship of brisket. "If it ain't brisket," they seem to believe, "it ain't BBQ." Or maybe pulled pork in Texas just isn't made right most of the time. More on that in a moment.</p><p><b></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6urVCvbH271rahKq2icvLAvyBO7EqMqpB2augNQknLRBNqrtjacfxVfRK-u6JRIz4ztghtExJGw510oi__WkAUrdDropF2ZPyy5BarpKVKt3fJfNIlQo3_KJZC52WBBZPmZIXjyDg3lRvfK5R9VeBzAY0Ikr3KwOL6Af0l1m-4-2CzafBlJgt7JLVBM/s1200/image-from-rawpixel-id-6032431%20public%20domain.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6urVCvbH271rahKq2icvLAvyBO7EqMqpB2augNQknLRBNqrtjacfxVfRK-u6JRIz4ztghtExJGw510oi__WkAUrdDropF2ZPyy5BarpKVKt3fJfNIlQo3_KJZC52WBBZPmZIXjyDg3lRvfK5R9VeBzAY0Ikr3KwOL6Af0l1m-4-2CzafBlJgt7JLVBM/w200-h133/image-from-rawpixel-id-6032431%20public%20domain.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public domain image</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Texas and BBQ are practically synonymous</b> to some, <i>but not all</i>, people. Just as the ancients believed Earth was the center of the universe, many Texans think their state is the center of the BBQ Universe. It's not, although Texas BBQ is wonderful, <i>but there are other great BBQ styles and recipes around the U.S. and, indeed, around the world</i>. <p></p><p><b>Since food preferences are subjective,</b> there is no "right" or "wrong." Whatever floats your boat is what's best for you. Nobody can say you're wrong for liking any particular food or flavor. One man's treat is another man's trash, and vice-versa. (Anchovies, anyone?)<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><b>The fact that Texas-style BBQ is not universally accepted as the only BBQ style</b> is easily demonstrated by the varieties of it around the U.S. "Barbeque and smoked meat lovers throughout the nation tend to favor one regional BBQ taste, most likely without even knowing there are four regional types of barbeque," notes <a href="https://texaspepperjelly.com/blog/differences-between-regional-bbq/" target="_blank">Texas Pepper Jelly</a>. "Wait? There’s more than one type of BBQ?" Indeed, and within each of those types are sub-types, and sub-types of the sub-types. And that's just in the U.S., never mind the many dozens more around the planet. <span><br /></span></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMf2gzElU6qEdbpdwwHt9W_9P55Y4rIWM9IWeitp_6h8kodVfWmQeyFqx5kFmvQR9Qli0OUFNft61kkZw-jLjDM_VpD7MoDvRhjx4sKZNzeIR3h-K0RGkONCRE6L_t5BT_EG4Tpoaq459_WBgsEzSribOwjLkeYDPq4Jr5aLYP6K2OXTPmtGl_8y749gs/s600/The%20Burger%20Joint%20thumbnail%20(12).jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMf2gzElU6qEdbpdwwHt9W_9P55Y4rIWM9IWeitp_6h8kodVfWmQeyFqx5kFmvQR9Qli0OUFNft61kkZw-jLjDM_VpD7MoDvRhjx4sKZNzeIR3h-K0RGkONCRE6L_t5BT_EG4Tpoaq459_WBgsEzSribOwjLkeYDPq4Jr5aLYP6K2OXTPmtGl_8y749gs/w200-h113/The%20Burger%20Joint%20thumbnail%20(12).jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, showing off my pulled pork<br /><i><a href="https://youtu.be/WrJ1CuUtPMA" target="_blank">Watch the video</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Back to the pulled pork sandwich I had at The Burger Joint. </b>It was succulent, tender and juicy, and delicious. Was it fancy? Not at all. Was it BBQ? Yes, but the sauce was polite and did not overpower the pork. I don't like it when BBQ sauce, or <i>any</i> sauce, covers the flavor of whatever it's put on. <p></p><p><b>My father once told me </b>that sauces were originally created to make spoiled or rancid foods palatable back in the days before we had reliable food preservation methods, refrigeration especially. That's why I cringe when I see someone pour steak sauce or ketchup on a steak. Either that steak doesn't taste good by itself or the person eating it just doesn't understand steak. I'd wager they like their steak well done to the point of being more like a leather belt than a succulent piece of flesh. </p><b>So my three friends – with their Texas-centric palates </b>– don't like BBQed pulled pork. Well, screw 'em, I say. I do. And the one I mentioned above is one of the best I've ever had. But the one that stands out in my mind most was had in Chicago, when I was working in the Civic Opera Building. <div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPAOjOhUyChL76NJgqb876JsBmqick9HWztZtiDVTAT_PxJcueoNYd8pVFV_CuawyuJ5KUDtDiLO69zwEagYer5rg8B_MUBg-aETzCQQBpEV-3KRoBc4725_aFSmxwVIZ9x0iJg2me16FNe4-8u6_sbDTYSxa8mS5CWgWDRGesimubg4DohKeQflsPJc/s1200/image-from-rawpixel-id-5944286-jpeg%20public%20domain.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPAOjOhUyChL76NJgqb876JsBmqick9HWztZtiDVTAT_PxJcueoNYd8pVFV_CuawyuJ5KUDtDiLO69zwEagYer5rg8B_MUBg-aETzCQQBpEV-3KRoBc4725_aFSmxwVIZ9x0iJg2me16FNe4-8u6_sbDTYSxa8mS5CWgWDRGesimubg4DohKeQflsPJc/w200-h133/image-from-rawpixel-id-5944286-jpeg%20public%20domain.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulled pork (public domain)</td></tr></tbody></table><b>There was a great food court there</b>, circa 1996. I think it's gone now. One of the vendors was a man from North Carolina. His specialty item was a foot-long BBQed pulled pork sandwich, and it was to die for. Served on an incredible bun, it had a vinegar tang that <i>complimented </i>the pork without masking it. The one I had at The Burger Joint had that tang too. But it was a bit sweeter and, like its North Carolina cousin, complimented the pork without covering it up.</div><div><p><b>For the record, that North Carolina BBQ sauce</b> was as good or better than any I've had in Texas. My friends' aversion to BBQed pulled pork might (maybe) stem from the fact that, well, it's not usually done right around here. </p><p><b>"Pulled pork in Texas is embarrassing,"</b> says Daniel Vaughn, barbecue editor of Texas Monthly, in an interview this month. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I mean, we do so much so well – whether it’s brisket or pork ribs, beef ribs – you know, there’s so much effort into getting this nice juicy slice or the perfect bark or just incredible flavor out of each bite. And then in pulled pork, it’s just, you know, throw on a pork shoulder, overcook it, shred it up, and then basically make a snowball out of it and throw it on either a bun or on the tray. There’s just not much that goes into it.</i> ~ Source: <a href="https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/texas-style-pulled-pork-embarassing-barbecue-debate-daniel-vaughn/" target="_blank">Texas Monthly, 2023-08-01</a></p><p><b></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Vo-xomRVzJ2wKV9HvRTODsG9TCSHLRyRUraSIBhnezf5V0jfOthhIqrpFAXjzmEcav9mWIg-lLaYa06alBTbxK0ZgX899-_PtkEUbr-PmT6oOKkUZGpUbhlM6jhk4GS8VVJZFpu8bEvxVtOzJFDl3E2zG2ENQ2FE4y8yW1CV1By63VC9jhhDRK95sDI/s639/pexels-tolga-erbay-8364505.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="639" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Vo-xomRVzJ2wKV9HvRTODsG9TCSHLRyRUraSIBhnezf5V0jfOthhIqrpFAXjzmEcav9mWIg-lLaYa06alBTbxK0ZgX899-_PtkEUbr-PmT6oOKkUZGpUbhlM6jhk4GS8VVJZFpu8bEvxVtOzJFDl3E2zG2ENQ2FE4y8yW1CV1By63VC9jhhDRK95sDI/w200-h134/pexels-tolga-erbay-8364505.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-roasting-on-the-brick-oven-8364505/" target="_blank">Tolga Erbay, Pexels</a></td></tr></tbody></table><b>I'd have to agree with Daniel Vaughn (also see his article, "<a href="https://www.texasmonthly.com/bbq/texas-style-pulled-pork-is-embarrassing/" target="_blank">Texas-Style” Pulled Pork Is Embarrassing</a>"). </b>That might get Gov. Abbott to send the National Guard after the entire staff of Texas Monthly and myself, but I'll hold to it and repeat the fact that <i>Texas did not invent barbecue</i>. It never had, and never will have, a monopoly on it. <p></p><p>Texans are very good at barbecuing beef, chicken, and whole pieces of pig flesh. But <i>shredded</i> pork seems to flummox some of them.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>Was BBQ invented in Texas? Absolutely not: </b>If we're going to credit any of the 50 United States with "inventing" BBQ, <a href="https://destination-bbq.com/south-carolina-birthplace-of-barbecue/#:~:text=With%20many%20of%20the%20other,place%20here%20in%20South%20Carolina." target="_blank">it would have to be South Carolina</a>. <p></p><i><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftN_qbQz_j6qUEaDWkMMKhlEzR2p3x8-Z3jrzVxuKxKp9Q-62meiVp0_0ydAlVyF6SQYrRymNUAo1i-HKM15T9AkIws4HtkxqVVgi9YJ7UfppUUh7of4PviwbK8itIdWCvpXd-yW8RbGKEGoCM9paud8bGUqNu3qxfoyARo9VzP7kYFrcnIvoz6k3CU8/s400/5cdc1dfe4a5d5.image.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="400" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftN_qbQz_j6qUEaDWkMMKhlEzR2p3x8-Z3jrzVxuKxKp9Q-62meiVp0_0ydAlVyF6SQYrRymNUAo1i-HKM15T9AkIws4HtkxqVVgi9YJ7UfppUUh7of4PviwbK8itIdWCvpXd-yW8RbGKEGoCM9paud8bGUqNu3qxfoyARo9VzP7kYFrcnIvoz6k3CU8/w200-h132/5cdc1dfe4a5d5.image.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mesoamericans BBQ fish</td></tr></tbody></table><b></b>The history of the word barbecue goes back to the indigenous people of North and South America, the Spanish word barbacoa was used by the Taínos who inhabited Hispaniola, Jamaica and Cuba. Barbacoa was used to describe the slow cooking of meat over an open flame.</i><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Gonzalo Fernández De Oviedo y Valdés, a Spanish explorer, was the first to use the word "barbecoa" in print in Spain in 1526. After the Spaniards & Columbus landed in the Americas in 1492, they found the people of Taino roasting meat on a wooden framework resting on sticks above a fire. The conquerors from Spain then embraced this style of cooking and spread it to more areas of America & beyond.</i> ~ Source: <a href="https://www.cindersbarbecues.co.uk/cinders/who-invented-the-bbq-the-history-of-barbecues" target="_blank">Cinders Barbecues</a> </p><p><b>Thousands of years <i>before</i> the Spaniards</b> co-opted the Taino meat roasting method, people in Egypt were already enjoying BBQ. More than a few pharaohs probably love it.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>The first barbecue recipes are associated with the ancient Egyptian and Sumerian civilizations, around 7,000 BC. Unlike our food, these cultures did not use animal fat or lipids as fat. They used a thin rice bran oil. But they smoked meat at a high smoking temperatures.</i> ~ Source: <a href="https://smokebbqcafe.com/the-history-of-bbq-how-it-all-started/" target="_blank">Smoke BBQ Cafe</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizF19fSHN4OICuQeknfGjk9ah4QUmLAC4FWu56fuyC5Y-0tO1FymB4SIuhXGRW9K9qC3xwUMnl5CqvPNnUdBRxYG-i47wr8SBRGygvg3uH5EjrAT0GLj1qe43vmVhjIF6W5UvC2BCnxCd1thdG3EkRScBbf4hNgeeHna7SF5p7Zw8PXtRCVr-VbNWuyiY/s839/Neanderthals%20bbq.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="839" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizF19fSHN4OICuQeknfGjk9ah4QUmLAC4FWu56fuyC5Y-0tO1FymB4SIuhXGRW9K9qC3xwUMnl5CqvPNnUdBRxYG-i47wr8SBRGygvg3uH5EjrAT0GLj1qe43vmVhjIF6W5UvC2BCnxCd1thdG3EkRScBbf4hNgeeHna7SF5p7Zw8PXtRCVr-VbNWuyiY/w200-h136/Neanderthals%20bbq.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: "pt serif", Georgia, Times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Credit: De Lumley, M. A. . <br />néandertalisation<br /> (pp. 664-p). CNRS éditions.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>That's nothing, though.</b> There is evidence that <a href="https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/cave-evidence-kangaroo-meat-family-bbq-0010130" target="_blank">people in Australia some 20,000 years ago</a> were cooking meat over open fire. By definition, that's barbecuing. <b>BUT WAIT! 150,000 years </b><i><b>before that</b>,</i> people were <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8828740371595368394/2484471955934943425?hl=en#" target="_blank">probably doing the same thing</a>. That's before any people lived in the Americas.<p></p><p><b>Neither South Carolina nor Texas can honestly claim to be the birthplace of barbecue</b>. It's origins are too widespread and span too many millennia for any one place. It began before humans kept records of such things. There seems little doubt that ancient people around the world were roasting meats over open fire independent of each other's influences, just as surely as no one culture can claim the harnessing of fire or the use of knives or arrows. The truth is that we'll never really know the true origins of cooking meat over flame, and there probably was no single place of its invention. Sorry, Texas. I still love you, though.</p><p><b></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChzGkoQlz77jPPxaLoFW7uc60nUbpeRtTB2Xy1siCCf_PJ4iu1CPNGsrKjHs8Z_mQrPc0nT9LqnUXhc1EKT2irs_G6MHPVyDZKyOia8FxrVLjWXj-WNLYAzYVO6bQEefxNRmX3ZU9mVSOaZhTDxm4-iB76GkK-_GTMBpUSml14NAIxWMWvHVPSNLPMfk/s1280/The%20Burger%20Joint%2020230608%20(4).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChzGkoQlz77jPPxaLoFW7uc60nUbpeRtTB2Xy1siCCf_PJ4iu1CPNGsrKjHs8Z_mQrPc0nT9LqnUXhc1EKT2irs_G6MHPVyDZKyOia8FxrVLjWXj-WNLYAzYVO6bQEefxNRmX3ZU9mVSOaZhTDxm4-iB76GkK-_GTMBpUSml14NAIxWMWvHVPSNLPMfk/w200-h113/The%20Burger%20Joint%2020230608%20(4).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Burger Joint on Montrose</td></tr></tbody></table><b>About The Burger Joint: </b>I've had a lot of pulled pork sandwiches in my time, but this is one of the best! Great burgers, too. The Burger Joint in Houston's Montrose neighborhood offers great casual outdoor dining. The burgers, fries, milk shakes and more are also amazing. Family friendly environment. For adults, they offer a nice selection of beers. Off-street parking.<p></p><p><b>The Burger Joint </b><a href="https://burgerjointhtx.com/" target="_blank">https://burgerjointhtx.com</a><b> </b></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>2703 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006 Tel: (281) 974-2889</li><li>2002 N Shepherd Drive, Houston, TX 77008 Tel: (713) 485-6734</li><li>1350 West Bay Area Blvd, Friendswood, TX 77546 Tel: (832) 284-4197</li></ol><p></p><p><b>Related Articles: </b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/best-bbq-cities" target="_blank">The Best U.S. Barbecue Cities</a> - Food & Wine </li><li><a href="https://amazingribs.com/barbecue-history-and-culture/barbecue-history/" target="_blank">Barbecue History: Outdoor Cooking Through The Ages</a> - AmazingRibs </li><li><a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/free-times/food/despite-what-you-may-have-heard-south-carolina-is-probably-not-the-birthplace-of-barbecue/article_d659a9d2-2519-54ce-afa7-f509ab81869e.html" target="_blank">South Carolina Is (Probably) Not the Birthplace of Barbecue</a> - The Post & Courier</li><li><a href="https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/cave-evidence-kangaroo-meat-family-bbq-0010130" target="_blank">Cave Holds Evidence of a 20,000-year-old Kangaroo Meat Family BBQ</a> - Ancient Origins</li><li><a href="https://blog.cheapism.com/barbecue-around-the-world" target="_blank">From Barbacoa to Yakitori: 25 Barbecue Styles From Around the World</a> - Cheapism</li><li><a href="https://www.mashed.com/239129/why-you-should-think-twice-about-using-steak-sauce/ " target="_blank">Why You Should Think Twice About Using Steak Sauce</a> - Mashed </li><li><a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/why-doesnt-anyone-use-steak-sauce-anymore" target="_blank">Why Doesn't Anyone Use Steak Sauce Anymore?</a> - Thrillist</li></ul><p></p></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-5399048074449343562023-08-02T21:36:00.014-05:002023-08-13T14:11:05.122-05:00Exploring a Huge Muslim Supermarket in Houston<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N7eP3uPnKc4" title="YouTube video player" width="520"></iframe><p></p><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvqd5k_GXqHhv6gnRzHzk-w5WBzt7cqhUmi38SaRa2_puhHE_p3fvGQKTzkegVY--b5HZpjCtR0T8LMuOKc3sBYUvanxq-khbW6etWHNwtPjrgrx7tneIVuhIwRw2m3HPz4hwAUL0Hj3NPMlsVXcElpQuQ-8Zf1MaL92GrEGeq_Ah5rECRyDIz6hN9_s/s710/Almadina%20Market%20Still%20(6)%20nuts%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="710" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvqd5k_GXqHhv6gnRzHzk-w5WBzt7cqhUmi38SaRa2_puhHE_p3fvGQKTzkegVY--b5HZpjCtR0T8LMuOKc3sBYUvanxq-khbW6etWHNwtPjrgrx7tneIVuhIwRw2m3HPz4hwAUL0Hj3NPMlsVXcElpQuQ-8Zf1MaL92GrEGeq_Ah5rECRyDIz6hN9_s/w200-h113/Almadina%20Market%20Still%20(6)%20nuts%2002.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, they sell camel milk</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Looking for camel milk? Or a whole lamb's head?</b> I explored a big Middle Eastern grocery store in Houston that sells that and much, much more. <b>Almadina Supermarket</b> at 3210 Hillcroft Street in Houston is a must-visit stop for anyone, <i>Muslim or not</i>, to find delicacies and treats that you just won't find in "mainstream" grocery stores. From spices, sweets to nuts, meats to treats, freshly cooked food and hot flat breads, Almadina has something for everybody. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8q1i9uv_Zn-PN-fl6Uzc38PYCxIL2VLzbSj9mGkrCuvBAUCpBwRSjCSH4H0WG-lV54ZsYPqPDle83Ke6OZL4p0xA2LWYBmvWzMfPMcm6EnXzRQymnWFoZ2XaxZMbE7pCibcmeyPjYv-n0aOgIdAvO2OEqhaGArDuVeGwzSdmVOkpj6ydu_ta5UmDQfQw/s710/Almadina%20Market%20Still%20(0)%20exterior.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="710" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8q1i9uv_Zn-PN-fl6Uzc38PYCxIL2VLzbSj9mGkrCuvBAUCpBwRSjCSH4H0WG-lV54ZsYPqPDle83Ke6OZL4p0xA2LWYBmvWzMfPMcm6EnXzRQymnWFoZ2XaxZMbE7pCibcmeyPjYv-n0aOgIdAvO2OEqhaGArDuVeGwzSdmVOkpj6ydu_ta5UmDQfQw/w200-h113/Almadina%20Market%20Still%20(0)%20exterior.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>I first visited Almadina</b> in late 2022. Upon entering, I was immediately struck by how nicely laid out the store is. The vast variety of international foods quickly impressed me. This store is <i>not</i> just about "Arabic" or "Muslim" foods. It's for <i>anybody</i> who loves spices and seasonings, and they offer a multiplicity of those. Also impressive is the stock of <a href="https://almadinahouston.com/product-category/super-market/canned-foods-and-pickles" target="_blank">condiments, relishes, and pickles</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVQloWLLL2lTwLbjEdMJubfstaed_WPeveLtbqxe5dC7uKt2S54H5ndx7ca1g9XRrNw32A5k3CjDCTV9fKd8x2oHpnFoiVKckcxiU1vERgD0d3ycqy2eMnG1hTt4BtLbJZBO_MWbrZq6fE_tNkZh7YFsRlBhzx6hWX690bHPNFMWo9MLWGXnMClPrHBY/s837/Giardiniera%20Ziyad.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="560" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVQloWLLL2lTwLbjEdMJubfstaed_WPeveLtbqxe5dC7uKt2S54H5ndx7ca1g9XRrNw32A5k3CjDCTV9fKd8x2oHpnFoiVKckcxiU1vERgD0d3ycqy2eMnG1hTt4BtLbJZBO_MWbrZq6fE_tNkZh7YFsRlBhzx6hWX690bHPNFMWo9MLWGXnMClPrHBY/w134-h200/Giardiniera%20Ziyad.jpg" width="134" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giardiniera w/oil</td></tr></tbody></table><b>I was accidentally thrilled (yes, </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">thrilled</i><b>)</b> when I stumbled upon giardiniera, and <i>Italian</i> condiment. As a former Chicagoan, that was quite a find. After nine years of searching Houston for a good <b>Chicago-style giardiniera <i>made with oil</i> </b>instead of the traditional Italian recipe without oil, I found it at Almadina. <b>Any Chicagoan who loves an Italian beef sandwich </b>knows what I'm talking about: It's gotta have that oil. "Apparently in Northern Italy the vegetables were just pickled with vinegar, but in Sicily, they were kept in oil," <a href="https://thisishowicook.com/giardiniera-recipe-chicago-style/" target="_blank">according to food blogger Abbe Odenwalder</a>. (And the Sicilian <i>mafiosi</i> once had <a href="https://mafiagenealogy.com/2021/02/24/little-sicily-chicago-the-saloon-on-gault-court/" target="_blank">strong influence in Chicago</a>.) </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>My point in telling you about the giardiniera</b> is that Almadina offers a lot to <i>any </i>food shopper, with unexpected treasures. </div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6RGQSvz-UmU8X-YCJ7cGhHk7AF3Fml8d4Ni7oUFwM7EpuKIw6QvjrDs_P4D8YcHI61QfG_gdlIKJ8p_CRV0j8jSut1SntU27GuI1yg4FTrcJoqBRvn_jBOo-OcxJuvkEuuRXcL_9_7TSAHrqkzyCllm0iIz673vLKPaOrmlQNVGTVGC5j9HB1YcvYCk/s800/Almadina%20vlcsnap%20(5).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6RGQSvz-UmU8X-YCJ7cGhHk7AF3Fml8d4Ni7oUFwM7EpuKIw6QvjrDs_P4D8YcHI61QfG_gdlIKJ8p_CRV0j8jSut1SntU27GuI1yg4FTrcJoqBRvn_jBOo-OcxJuvkEuuRXcL_9_7TSAHrqkzyCllm0iIz673vLKPaOrmlQNVGTVGC5j9HB1YcvYCk/w200-h113/Almadina%20vlcsnap%20(5).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Za'atar manakish منقوشه زعتر</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Lovers of pita, naan and other flat breads </b>will love <a href="https://almadinahouston.com/product-category/bakery-deli" target="_blank">Almadina's bakery and deli</a>. "The biggest highlight you’ll encounter is the freshly baked bread section," <a href="https://www.houstoniamag.com/eat-and-drink/best-community-grocery-stores-houston" target="_blank">noted Houstonia Magazine</a>. "Almadina has an array of savory Arabic baked goods from the North Indian pita bread Roghni naan (perfect with baked chicken tikka) to Manakish, a flatbread topped with za’atar, a blend of sesame seeds, sumac, and thyme."</div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaxTh2NHcBgJdSp5SJzx9YDD-1-HVhud4nKQaoJCnsC5WaH2FRIIIewUnk0mMDC3VcmVPorHvHVEzBV6KaleT7csv8FVLiBhpY2DsuP_9cIRxm1F-LduLbVwsXM2NLLV74YvcI-igoKj3v2DT63M_OqEc7drRVpPIWpxK2Wz0dgpK-qRxDyweLVle_TE/s710/Almadina%20Market%20Still%20(23)%20lamb%20testicles.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="710" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaxTh2NHcBgJdSp5SJzx9YDD-1-HVhud4nKQaoJCnsC5WaH2FRIIIewUnk0mMDC3VcmVPorHvHVEzBV6KaleT7csv8FVLiBhpY2DsuP_9cIRxm1F-LduLbVwsXM2NLLV74YvcI-igoKj3v2DT63M_OqEc7drRVpPIWpxK2Wz0dgpK-qRxDyweLVle_TE/w200-h113/Almadina%20Market%20Still%20(23)%20lamb%20testicles.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You won't find this at Kroger</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><b></b></div><div><b>Almadina has wide appeal</b> to people of diverse demographics, but there's no doubt that their niche is the Muslim community. As such, they have an good variety of meats that are <i>halal</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Whether you're looking for chicken, beef, lamb or goat,</b> they've got it. Need an entire head of lamb or goat? Check. Lamb or beef tongue? Check. A whole or half lamb or goat? You bet. Lamb testicles? Sure.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2-1fca6VHkNJNDABeJmHKkeJyK98iqJlC1o2swiHCiGv6IxVdEpezw5JUfJlCLenDu-yWfu9BcuSnu6X4qQfR43wBNVFhXiyKTAVQEASfWi8b-VqzZ3XDh60_ZuXd-hUI6mieTtLUv9DXazIHwz56jx94JWI7G2JLW8-qoqEkeKBvqYFFJEpOHLygYs/s710/Almadina%20Market%20Still%20(24)%20nuts.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="710" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2-1fca6VHkNJNDABeJmHKkeJyK98iqJlC1o2swiHCiGv6IxVdEpezw5JUfJlCLenDu-yWfu9BcuSnu6X4qQfR43wBNVFhXiyKTAVQEASfWi8b-VqzZ3XDh60_ZuXd-hUI6mieTtLUv9DXazIHwz56jx94JWI7G2JLW8-qoqEkeKBvqYFFJEpOHLygYs/w200-h113/Almadina%20Market%20Still%20(24)%20nuts.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes you feel like a nut</td></tr></tbody></table><b>And speaking of nuts, </b>Almadina not only has a big assortment of packaged nuts, but they also feature a huge table full of loose nuts sold by the pound. Seeds, Fancy Mix, Squash Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Cashews, Pistachios, Peanuts, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Turkish Pistachios, Iranian Pistachios, and Pecans.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Looking for olives?</b> Go to a mainstream grocery store and you'll find a few brands and varieties of them, but the selection at Almadina probably dwarfs anything you've ever seen. This is undoubtedly due to the cultural importance of olives in Middle Eastern culture. </div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70bL_dfLIeYsP0wMTQKtd4D0naXvpylmdh19Senui3xnasf0SWFIS82gmnS1reSbfxIxf2C-5h6EhMjPRs_qYAVBzfZvqWb7jBum1malYmwpl9NuHHRcNWSEZciAXxHIihFkfvL7nQEer108lgO4RxDGJupVq60QUf4nyea2imklUQUOcBZ4J6X2dBoM/s800/Almadina%20vlcsnap%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70bL_dfLIeYsP0wMTQKtd4D0naXvpylmdh19Senui3xnasf0SWFIS82gmnS1reSbfxIxf2C-5h6EhMjPRs_qYAVBzfZvqWb7jBum1malYmwpl9NuHHRcNWSEZciAXxHIihFkfvL7nQEer108lgO4RxDGJupVq60QUf4nyea2imklUQUOcBZ4J6X2dBoM/w200-h113/Almadina%20vlcsnap%20(1).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olives, Olives, Olives!</td></tr></tbody></table><b>"Olives were cultivated about 8000 years ago</b> in Anatolia, where it spread to the Middle East, North Africa and Southern Europe (Efe). The olive was spread throughout Mediterranean Europe and North Africa very early, due to its ease of vegetative propagation and cultivation in dry climates (Jordi)," according to the <a href="https://arabamericantribe.wordpress.com/2015/10/01/olives-the-fruit-of-the-middle-east/" target="_blank">Arab American Tribe website</a>, and "Olives are eaten with almost every meal in the Middle East, sometimes even at breakfast." </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Website: <a href="https://almadinahouston.com/" target="_blank">https://almadinahouston.com/</a></div><div><div>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/almadinahouston/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/almadinahouston/</a></div></div></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-90118862092028415392023-07-24T11:32:00.001-05:002023-07-24T11:39:18.219-05:00The Fascinating Connection Between Whataburger and Campbell's Soup Co.<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://houstonhistoricretail.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Herfys-Whataburger-Houston_5640-1024x768.webp" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://houstonhistoricretail.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Herfys-Whataburger-Houston_5640-1024x768.webp" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whataburger without A-frame<br />Photo: Houston Historic Retail</td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: large;">F</span>ew people cover the retail food industry as well as Houston Historic Retail (HHR) does.</b> A recent post of theirs examines the one-time connection between Campbell's Soup Company and Whataburger. It's a deep dive into a history that anybody interested in either of those companies will enjoy reading, not to mention folks who like Houston history in general. <p></p><p>Here's an excerpt from HHR's July 21 post, "How Seattle & Campbell’s Soup helped shape the history of Whataburger in Houston":</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">When selecting Houston as its first out-of-market expansion, it seems that <b>Herfy’s/Campbells</b> were relying on the absence of McDonald’s to help their prospects. This harkens back to Herfy’s hometown of Seattle, which was...free of McDonald’s when Herfy’s was founded. In Houston, McDonald’s was kept out of the city limits until the 1970s by the similarly named McDonald’s Drive-Inn chain. Beyond this general naivety, some more specific issues included the building design. Rather than custom design stores for car-dominant, hot, and humid Houston, <b>Herfy’s reused store layouts from the Northwest</b>. Issues included a lack of drive-thrus, as they were becoming more commonplace at competitor’s restaurants, and outdoor access restrooms, likely making some uncomfortable dining experiences during the dead of summer. [emphasis added]</p></blockquote><p>The post explains why some Whataburgers stores do not have the familiar A-frame design that has become so iconic. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">From 1971-1975 Herfy’s would construct 11 of their planned 25 restaurants in the Houston area. By the end of 1975, looking to expand again in Houston, Whataburger would quietly purchase all 11 Herfy’s locations. <b>The stores would briefly shut down and reopen as somewhat unusual looking for the era Whataburger stores. Of the 11, let’s take a look at a few former Herfy’s.</b> [emphasis added]</p></blockquote><p><b>Houston Historic Retail presents some great photos</b> of former Herfy's/Campbell's stores that are still Whataburger, <i>sans </i>A-frame. Check out <a href="https://houstonhistoricretail.com/2023/07/21/how-seattle-campbells-soup-helped-shape-the-history-of-whataburger-in-houston/" target="_blank">the full article on their website</a>. </p><p><b>Herfy's seems to be an extinct company, but the name lives on.</b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">During the 90s, the Herfy’s name would begin to reappear on new stores which bore little resemblance to the original chain. Often offering Chinese food in addition to burgers, it seems that these new clones were unauthorized and simply banking on the name for popularity. The original location, still under one of the franchisees from 1963, would finally shut its doors in 2006. As of 2022, many independent Burger stands in the Seattle area continue to use the Herfy’s name, and sometimes even the logo, but otherwise, these new locations have no connection to the old stores. <a href="https://houstonhistoricretail.com/restaurants/herfys-hamburgers/" target="_blank">See HHR's post "Herfy's Hamburgers."</a></p></blockquote><p><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWykk0QKXYfzF1F6o2U2hhcROx38YQRhKzIWMTiR3SnRhOui9wCMp9rQK2EJ3CJ-Rqt514x8VHmU0Vq-YdfleMpRadKk-A5JqCUemWMmc1A5sMgANjiZw7VW50-AsFtpGG_oFjRCwMKVagu3Dy6jHpV9C8pXDFXVXK3zDq3hwvrXb84dbdvBR0-1YnpT4/s500/herfy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWykk0QKXYfzF1F6o2U2hhcROx38YQRhKzIWMTiR3SnRhOui9wCMp9rQK2EJ3CJ-Rqt514x8VHmU0Vq-YdfleMpRadKk-A5JqCUemWMmc1A5sMgANjiZw7VW50-AsFtpGG_oFjRCwMKVagu3Dy6jHpV9C8pXDFXVXK3zDq3hwvrXb84dbdvBR0-1YnpT4/w200-h200/herfy.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herfy Food Services Co.,<br />Saudi Arabia</td></tr></tbody></table>Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia,</b> there is a burger chain called "Herfy" that's <a href="https://www.herfy.com/pages/expansion/pgid-1458629.aspx" target="_blank">looking to expand internationally</a>. Just a reminder that they're not the same company. Even so, I wish they'd hurry up and open a store in Houston. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/herfyfscksa" target="_blank">Their food looks amazing</a>.</p><p>Follow Houston Historic Retail on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HoustonHistoricRetail" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</p>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-77984900851681738702023-07-15T18:00:00.032-05:002023-08-13T12:21:25.982-05:00Mayuri Indian Cuisine Serves Up Confusion<p><b>Mayuri Indian Cuisine is worth trying, </b>even though I found fault with some things. I'll warn you now: This review is about more than the food and service, and it gets a bit brutal.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakVZUNV-gUBFuD63jYKZThIy1zfPQaxYMqJcimqw938dCL4l-Dq1dEbvSTEIQEjvw-9xi_8F4qZIJ1F_1w7pVoGCoBhZ0IE_4Vxawa34BFNjvl0sp8TR-W-LovDuw3FnmszKzGV05IiJVL1TZ-yD4T1iQurFus-Rq7WfqVLpY0_fkqp3trzuFy1isVH8/s800/Mayuri%20Indian%20Cuisine%2020230712%20(4).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakVZUNV-gUBFuD63jYKZThIy1zfPQaxYMqJcimqw938dCL4l-Dq1dEbvSTEIQEjvw-9xi_8F4qZIJ1F_1w7pVoGCoBhZ0IE_4Vxawa34BFNjvl0sp8TR-W-LovDuw3FnmszKzGV05IiJVL1TZ-yD4T1iQurFus-Rq7WfqVLpY0_fkqp3trzuFy1isVH8/w200-h113/Mayuri%20Indian%20Cuisine%2020230712%20(4).jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>They have some rough spots </b>that they need to pay attention to. Those problems involve not only the food, but also <i>presentation, marketing, web presence and communication skills</i>. All of these could be corrected quickly and easily.... if they want to. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUIaQxM3OFB2bGrDIOKIdCYgeDadLKg9mQ1BF-AqVqt2gv6C3TQOegLuCb0NF3diA7gZJEuAJ8hVW1wEpBOHDW1EGsXkcAPVVoWMzyXwV1twGcYLec8VOQk2U92_spxx3L8mjhqKXZQ86TjXC4VUYFjiG_bRjsSIOv6ZiWunpmYHEQkIlcd9MDKlglBU/s800/Mayuri%20Indian%20Cuisine%2020230712%20(6).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUIaQxM3OFB2bGrDIOKIdCYgeDadLKg9mQ1BF-AqVqt2gv6C3TQOegLuCb0NF3diA7gZJEuAJ8hVW1wEpBOHDW1EGsXkcAPVVoWMzyXwV1twGcYLec8VOQk2U92_spxx3L8mjhqKXZQ86TjXC4VUYFjiG_bRjsSIOv6ZiWunpmYHEQkIlcd9MDKlglBU/w200-h113/Mayuri%20Indian%20Cuisine%2020230712%20(6).jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b>Their newest store, at 5727 Westheimer Road</b> in the Galleria area, is in the space formerly occupied by Fu Belly, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fubellyhouston/posts/pfbid0tA6VJWp6EzKxebgeWoABgbmehX1MCYEy468pjanCgww8ssmCLkNttp3iMp3UHxUhl" target="_blank">which closed on April 22, 2023</a>. The layout is completely new, making for a comfortable room with mixed seating choices.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5_0oXqlwnVANDd3AyaLFqzBsxUjWLNuk46WYBBR1fCSTRy9O5qcNskfhnM0tyVSW1532oewJ6aRmtL6x9RSXkwBooj4KlH_TQq9KZ7h9apZXJNONeU2kxoRMoWMimBKs-4pPtup9FbAt6qDflaF-HNjmSi42hQP_mo8VTQufbssiq0nfECvdFXdIiqQ/s800/Mayuri%20Indian%20Cuisine%2020230712%20(8).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5_0oXqlwnVANDd3AyaLFqzBsxUjWLNuk46WYBBR1fCSTRy9O5qcNskfhnM0tyVSW1532oewJ6aRmtL6x9RSXkwBooj4KlH_TQq9KZ7h9apZXJNONeU2kxoRMoWMimBKs-4pPtup9FbAt6qDflaF-HNjmSi42hQP_mo8VTQufbssiq0nfECvdFXdIiqQ/w203-h361/Mayuri%20Indian%20Cuisine%2020230712%20(8).jpg" width="203" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">COMMUNICATION</span></b></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span> <div><b style="font-weight: bold;">I was greeted at noon by a lady (hostess?)</b> who asked if I was dining in for getting takeout. I told her I was waiting for a friend and we'd be eating at a table. "Do you want the buffet?" I said I didn't know yet, "let me look at the menu, first time here." She then offered a folded one with no pictures, a takeout menu. It was not as extensive and didn't have photos <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mayuri+Indian+Cuisine/@29.7371225,-95.4772449,3a,80.7y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipN1gT_FxjWZLb7_NNYVvf1NeEL-xSxIELaN7Nc!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipN1gT_FxjWZLb7_NNYVvf1NeEL-xSxIELaN7Nc%3Dw203-h133-k-no!7i1284!8i847!4m14!1m3!11m2!2s5_ZxyYyGsMhJTYaemxRApJz_5Z-mZg!3e3!3m9!1s0x8640c10bc92e7921:0x3176598ce124b993!8m2!3d29.7369006!4d-95.477243!10e5!14m1!1BCgIYIQ!15sCgEqWgMiASqSARFpbmRpYW5fcmVzdGF1cmFudOABAA!16s%2Fg%2F11v0xmkdc2?hl=en&entry=ttu It is irritating that their website doesn't show their complete menu, either. https://mayuriusa.com/indian-cuisine-menu/ " target="_blank">like the menu I saw on Google Maps</a>. <p><b style="font-weight: bold;">I asked for the full menu </b>and she again pointed to the takeout menus in front of me. Her English was good, so I'm not sure why she seemed confused. I said I saw a menu with photos online, and she then retrieved a full, photo-filled menu. She then asked me again if I wanted the buffet or would be ordering from the menu. <i>Again </i>I told her I didn't know yet. I took a seat a booth and examined the menu. I couldn't find any reference to a buffet on the menu.<b><span></span></b></p><p>Aside from interpersonal communication issues, the company has big issues in getting a clear message out to the public. I discuss that below under "Marketing and Websites."</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">SECRET BUFFET</span></b></p></div><div><div><b style="font-weight: bold;">Most restaurants would brag about their buffet. </b>Not Mayuri. Only one of their three websites even mentions a buffet, as noted above. A search of their "main" website's source code found the word "buffet" zero times. <i>None at all. </i></div> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><b></b></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"></p><b style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">GOOD FOOD, BUT…</span></b></b></div><div><b style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-weight: bold;">My friend arrived a minute later and we decided on the buffet.</b><b> </b>It offered a good selection of items from which to choose. The smells were enticing. I loaded up my plate. Some of the items were excellent. <p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RaEkoS-so1zaniu0eiqMREqWImaJol1-K7FWXi2_mo9pQbuUIwnoRKT-l82xnCgEC4e52pBYCNGznsR4sDFz02-iS2m6sjtQRiUNIdFwlsEdcgbLZK1tn5JK0xZhthG6YyosC_udizRs2BZcn2L2q5niFBsiDlqh4Q6zW7_v_pPjbYaJRlU4ZLebtAg/s800/Mayuri%20Indian%20Cuisine%2020230712%20(9).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RaEkoS-so1zaniu0eiqMREqWImaJol1-K7FWXi2_mo9pQbuUIwnoRKT-l82xnCgEC4e52pBYCNGznsR4sDFz02-iS2m6sjtQRiUNIdFwlsEdcgbLZK1tn5JK0xZhthG6YyosC_udizRs2BZcn2L2q5niFBsiDlqh4Q6zW7_v_pPjbYaJRlU4ZLebtAg/w200-h113/Mayuri%20Indian%20Cuisine%2020230712%20(9).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You won't leave hungry</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Most enjoyable for me</b> </span>was the hot, fresh naan bread and the tender chunks of goat in a dark curry. It was spiced just right, and the basmati rice made the perfect bed for it. The food tasted good, but it was not extraordinary. I've had as-good or better Indian fare at smaller restaurants.<p></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b>However, some of the buffet items were not hot enough.</b> </span>I'm talking about temperature. Those items included the Baby Corn Majestic, the Chicken Tandoori, and Fish Nuggets. They would have tasted better if they were hotter, <i>but more importantly this raises food safety concerns</i>.</p><b style="font-weight: bold;">Crappy napkins: </b>The ones provided on the tables are like the kind you find at roadside hot dogs stands, and they weren't even in a dispenser. They were just sitting in a pile on the table. The napkins you get at McDonald's are better. Keep in mind that many of the items both on the menu and the buffet are finger food, messy and requiring good napkins. <p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b>My friend said maybe they didn't have time</b> </span>to get them into this new store. I reminded him that Mayuri already has other locations, and must already have relationships with vendors. Couldn't they have called their napkin vendor a couple of weeks prior to opening?<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b>That said, I left full and satisfied.</b> The buffet cost me $18.39 (with tax). </span>That's a bit steep, but it's even more annoying when you see "Monday to Friday Buffet price is $11.95" <a href="https://www.mayuri.com/buffet.html" target="_blank">on one of their websites</a>. If you want to take a chance on their buffet, they're having a grand opening special soon: "The team behind Mayuri Express is proud to announce our 3rd location in the Uptown neighborhood. To celebrate our Grand Open, we are offering a Lunch Buffet on June 24th and 25th for only $12.99! Mark your calendar!" <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/mayuri-indian-cuisine-houston" target="_blank">From Yelp!</a> </div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">MARKETING AND WEBSITES </span></div><br /><div><b style="font-weight: bold;">A company's web presence is, these days, a crucial part of their marketing strategy. </b>Mayuri's is a confused mess, frankly, as hinted by the above reference to the buffet price. On what seems to be their <a href="https://mayuriusa.com/" target="_blank">primary website's home page</a>, they list their three stores: Westheimer, Tomball, and Downtown. Each has "Our Menu" with five things listed: Biryanis, Snacks, Tiffins, Drinks, Desserts. But none of those general categories are links to descriptions. Granted, there is the "Indian Cuisine Menu" link at the top, but why not include that link in the three locations' sections instead of dead text? </div><br /><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFaBFZHEqLLtH7VRUBCWbWMRi0HtHrXwO4nuNWd6E7Cm3bv3cXlbtFym4E3jNFhcJtyCthvmqn_0DHhWahgGMlBIul8lnHBa-lNIQM7nnTiCXuCaN04Ca9D5pQXIr6z_v2W9z9ZNNq4KA_d08NZyW5yfkLW6t9ULb0nElKhu6YGYIfEkyQN8Kz8UdlEI/s800/Mayuri%20Express%20Samosas%202.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="800" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFaBFZHEqLLtH7VRUBCWbWMRi0HtHrXwO4nuNWd6E7Cm3bv3cXlbtFym4E3jNFhcJtyCthvmqn_0DHhWahgGMlBIul8lnHBa-lNIQM7nnTiCXuCaN04Ca9D5pQXIr6z_v2W9z9ZNNq4KA_d08NZyW5yfkLW6t9ULb0nElKhu6YGYIfEkyQN8Kz8UdlEI/w200-h163/Mayuri%20Express%20Samosas%202.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shy about the menu?<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Note:</b> </span>All of my websites observations were made on July 15, 2023. <br /></div><br /><div><b style="font-weight: bold;">For the Westheimer store, </b>there is no "Order Online" or "View Menu" option. Tomball offers only the "Order Online" and Downtown only has "View Menu." To add to the confusion, their Downtown store shows up as "Mayuri Express" but it's not called that on the main website. On Google Maps, the photos posted "By Owner" shows only <i>one</i> menu photo, and that only shows two samosa items. Wow.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Click on the Tomball section's "Order Online"</b> and you're taken to (drum roll, please) a page call "Ordering from Mayuri Express." Search Google for "Mayuri Express" and you get two hits: The one at 930 Main Street ("Downtown") and one at 21145 Texas 249 Access Road ("Tomball"). To top it off, on the bottom of that page you'll see "Our Locations." It's below the three location sections above it, but <i>it only lists Downtown and Tomball,</i> with no mention of Westheimer.</div><div><br /></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">HOW MANY MAYURIS? </span></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div></div></div> <div><b>One company, I think, but they have at least <i>three </i>distinct web addresses.</b> One is <u><a href="https://mayuriusa.com" target="_blank">https://mayuriusa.com</a></u> (the one I've cited from above).</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Another</b> is <u><a href="https://www.mayuri.com" target="_blank">https://www.mayuri.com</a></u>, which seems dated because it makes no reference to the new Westheimer store.<b> </b>That's the one that listed the buffet at $11.95 "at main location," but they don't specify which location is the "main" one. </div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVNvyccC9FaWQySDvYKRwsEvMCI1h6gbBdueiVkVv7Dc1QMCqQQmIIB_N9aPApYdk9AZepghsyFKhhAjq6h6j-D_-1LFZVMa970n6N_kOTe297wlflHxyBqV3_1G2qy6Sq0Q65NyCrOs5PnBE75KvLvhgihKUrkS2nyr_LooUSWLZ4MzLSGAoeq7dClg/s1126/Screenshot%202023-07-15%20165556.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1126" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVNvyccC9FaWQySDvYKRwsEvMCI1h6gbBdueiVkVv7Dc1QMCqQQmIIB_N9aPApYdk9AZepghsyFKhhAjq6h6j-D_-1LFZVMa970n6N_kOTe297wlflHxyBqV3_1G2qy6Sq0Q65NyCrOs5PnBE75KvLvhgihKUrkS2nyr_LooUSWLZ4MzLSGAoeq7dClg/w200-h141/Screenshot%202023-07-15%20165556.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayuri's Sushi Mystery<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b>And there's a <i>third </i>one</b>, <a href="https://www.mayuriexpress.com" target="_blank">https://www.mayuriexpress.com</a>, which shows <i>sushi</i> on its home page. <b>Yes, <i>sushi</i>,</b> at their Tomball location. Holy geez, this makes my head spin. I mean, okay, they serve sushi. But they're primarily an Indian restaurant. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>The "About Us" page says,</b> "Mayuri express is a cornerstone in the Houston community and has been recognized for its outstanding Indian cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff." <i>But why are there sushi photos on the home page? Sushi is not even on the menu!</i> Their "Galley" page has <i>no photos at all.</i> What the hellza goin' on here? It's as if the web designer was in a big hurry and randomly grabbed some stock food images, the type of food be damned.</div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>QUIET GRAND OPENING</b> </span><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46HKhDsRK4yk_KihHJSRCy4-NJNzEDw0sTsptjp1Bo6PYrrmEjYrkIImYT_cfDxGDyPt3JbeAjCklGPdkwf4wd0f9ay4egRDSGl_O0Ma26lqy4fIkO_udPfhFgj7NBBIOB60L3T0EuDRAh6KhciZQjZZ39Fiw46iAcNh5uJpEo6PBtDVSlTuIVjaUK04/s1000/Mayuri%20Grand%20Opening%20Poster.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="728" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46HKhDsRK4yk_KihHJSRCy4-NJNzEDw0sTsptjp1Bo6PYrrmEjYrkIImYT_cfDxGDyPt3JbeAjCklGPdkwf4wd0f9ay4egRDSGl_O0Ma26lqy4fIkO_udPfhFgj7NBBIOB60L3T0EuDRAh6KhciZQjZZ39Fiw46iAcNh5uJpEo6PBtDVSlTuIVjaUK04/w146-h200/Mayuri%20Grand%20Opening%20Poster.jpg" width="146" /></a></div><b>Remember that Grand Opening notice</b> from Yelp! announcing their new Westheimer location featuring a discounted buffet price on June 24 and 25? Mayuri posted that on Yelp!, <i>but not on any of their websites.</i> It's not mentioned on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063753932240" target="_blank">their Facebook page,</a> either.</div><div> <br /><b>All of this is enough to cause indigestion. </b>Buffet items not kept hot enough, a hostess who was confused about the menus, crappy napkins that are more insult than convenience. The marketing and web presence problems seem to mirror the in-house dining experience at Mayuri Indian Cuisine. Or is it "Mayuri Indian Restaurant?" Or, maybe, "Mayuri Express?" Whatever they call themselves, they're serving up a big helping of confusion.<br /></div></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-21647703260333739792023-07-13T00:29:00.021-05:002023-08-26T12:23:18.132-05:00Chinese Burgers Are NOT Hamburgers<b>The so-called "Chinese hamburger" is not a hamburger at all.</b> Put simply, it's a loose-meat sandwich. Between the buns of a "Chinese hamburger" is <i>shredded </i>or <i>coarsely chopped </i>pork that is <i>never formed into a patty</i>. In no way is it a "hamburger" or "burger." A hamburger requires a patty of <i>ground </i>meat. No patty, no burger. This isn't rocket science.<div><div><br /></div><div><b>To anyone who cares about truth and accuracy, it's a myth worth debunking.</b> Unfortunately, this perversion of language is perpetuated by people who know better, "food experts" who lazily call Rou Jia Mo a "Chinese burger" just because "it's easier." Easier? So why, then, don't they call <i>Fettuccini al Pomodoro </i>the easier name of "spaghetti?" It would be no less accurate than calling a loose meat sandwich with no patty a "burger."</div><div><p></p><p></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zyPMLOrBF7U" title="YouTube video player" width="520"></iframe><p></p><p></p><p></p></div></div><div><div><b>The Chinese name for it is "Rou Jia Mo" (肉夹馍),</b> which loosely translates to "meat in a bun." But that could describe a bologna sandwich or a hot dog, a sloppy joe or a pulled pork sandwich. Crucially, "Rou Jia Mo" does not specify a PATTY of meat. After seeing otherwise-respectable food experts refer to "Chinese hamburgers," it was refreshing to find <a href="https://youtu.be/5FXkOvQGx1M" target="_blank">Andong,</a> a renowned food expert and YouTuber who notes that "<i>the Chinese burger is a myth</i>." He sums it up perfectly: "<i>No patty, no burger.</i>" </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>It doesn't matter</b> if the Rou Jia Mo loose pork sandwich was created before the German-American sandwich <a href="https://www.etymonline.com/word/hamburger" target="_blank">known universally as a hamburger</a>. It doesn't matter which came first. Rou Jia Mo is still not — <i>and never has been</i> — a hamburger. Dinosaurs came before horses. That doesn't make them horses.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Related:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Does the "Chinese Hamburger" Deserve Its Name? - <a href="https://youtu.be/5FXkOvQGx1M?si=9X_DyYWMl-DKisZ4" target="_blank">YouTube</a></b></li><li>Here's How Hamburgers Got Their Name - <a href="https://www.tastingtable.com/870025/heres-how-hamburgers-got-their-name/" target="_blank">tastingtable.com</a></li><li>Minced Meat Vs Ground Meat - <a href="https://foodsguy.com/minced-meat-vs-ground-meat/" target="_blank">foodsguy.com</a></li><li>Where Hamburgers Began - <a href="https://www.history.com/news/hamburger-helpers-the-history-of-americas-favorite-sandwich" target="_blank">history.com</a> </li><li>His Name Is Andong - <a href="https://youtu.be/zWO0TofGC8Q?si=VahCdpJ0xrIihjYf" target="_blank">YouTube</a></li></ul><a href="https://www.tastingtable.com/870025/heres-how-hamburgers-got-their-name/" target="_blank"></a></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-69063660646000864002023-06-10T14:02:00.012-05:002023-07-05T17:46:37.816-05:00Trill Burgers Thrills Houston's Bun B Fans<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8gpHsiVyZGRy3TnzaJbeHInSLuWlS0omT3lNi3fnbPkwlxxAqXtuZO8pvRgDDi54D7fJ4mT_vI2VsTTWg_P9cnpcMxCJhcaDQwcdma_Pk7XlynMODg53izpGwbtSz3X-xgDHxygm1S5J32NKzkLjg7vV-uoVcL5E0tqcQX9Y0xo8JUrXaNR4aHQV/s1000/Trill%20Burgers%2020230608_120432%20(2).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8gpHsiVyZGRy3TnzaJbeHInSLuWlS0omT3lNi3fnbPkwlxxAqXtuZO8pvRgDDi54D7fJ4mT_vI2VsTTWg_P9cnpcMxCJhcaDQwcdma_Pk7XlynMODg53izpGwbtSz3X-xgDHxygm1S5J32NKzkLjg7vV-uoVcL5E0tqcQX9Y0xo8JUrXaNR4aHQV/w517-h291/Trill%20Burgers%2020230608_120432%20(2).jpg" width="517" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>Trill: </b></i><i><b>An adjective used in hip-hop culture to describe someone who is considered to be well respected, coming from a combination of the words "true" and "real". </b></i><i><b>~ <a href="https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Trill" target="_blank">Urban Dictionary</a></b></i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP3ItcPbJpLkYCFxjF_2aEUuNuEwf7KpFdCb4NrXPU6kPigYPlSMVNB_DUUnayNnoeBkaUsn4SXOdfrv5tUG5RQK192lqpGjlvhXKBLxa6onul2tx41jvMAvoJmlWjSvsVQWzsaMAW_nVIvRvQ8CVcy6tkylq5aNZrKAhjrKxnT_C6o1a_xFxugBI/s1000/Trill%20Burgers%2020230608_120432%20(4).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP3ItcPbJpLkYCFxjF_2aEUuNuEwf7KpFdCb4NrXPU6kPigYPlSMVNB_DUUnayNnoeBkaUsn4SXOdfrv5tUG5RQK192lqpGjlvhXKBLxa6onul2tx41jvMAvoJmlWjSvsVQWzsaMAW_nVIvRvQ8CVcy6tkylq5aNZrKAhjrKxnT_C6o1a_xFxugBI/w200-h113/Trill%20Burgers%2020230608_120432%20(4).jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Yes, I went to Trill Burgers to experience the now-world-famous smashburgers. Yes, I stood in the amazingly long line. I estimate there were about 80 people waiting to get in on the second day of Houston rapper Bun B's opening of his first permanent location. Yes, my mouth was watering.<p></p><p></p><p></p>Trill Burgers's new home at 3607 S. Shepherd Drive (at Richmond in the Monstrose District) is bright yellow, a beacon shining brightly from an otherwise drab but bustling intersection. And there's a bus stop <i>right in front</i> of the place. Location, location, location is the mantra in the restaurant industry, and Trill Burgers got it right. <span><a name='more'></a></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5oMp7vkWbiGCsAoRHV571uvAVKX4cn5YXBM7tSOXLMP7BKesozlvibAIAG2cT8SkDOICMNIUNZ2jGHD78eS_j8EVbwjJPotPKXwgFJQbwkeSuY1maF0eoZZpFrbyHqRn8s7iZE6gYE5A2_GeuEl0RCJLhPSNu1pA1dQsqxgRaVImPh42c8FF2OkT/s1000/Trill%20Burgers%2020230608_120432%20(6).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5oMp7vkWbiGCsAoRHV571uvAVKX4cn5YXBM7tSOXLMP7BKesozlvibAIAG2cT8SkDOICMNIUNZ2jGHD78eS_j8EVbwjJPotPKXwgFJQbwkeSuY1maF0eoZZpFrbyHqRn8s7iZE6gYE5A2_GeuEl0RCJLhPSNu1pA1dQsqxgRaVImPh42c8FF2OkT/w200-h113/Trill%20Burgers%2020230608_120432%20(6).jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Foolishly, I did not expect such a large crowd. I arrived at 12:00 noon sharp and happy that I took a bus there. The parking lot, ample under 'normal' conditions, was packed. Street parking here is nigh impossible. Sadly, I didn't have 45 to 60 minutes to lose standing in that line, as I had somewhere else to get to. I snapped some photos of the scene and went up to The Burger Joint to meet with friends. <span></span><div><p>Suffice it to say, however, that Trill Burgers's "soft opening" this week was a smashing success (pun intended). They told me a Grand Opening is planned for next week (June 11-17). I suggest you take the bus, because long lines are guaranteed. </p><p>If you want to experience it at this location, you better hurry, because <a href="https://houston.eater.com/2023/6/7/23746072/bun-b-trill-burgers-smash-burgers-houston-restaurant-openings-montrose" target="_blank">according to Houston Eater</a>:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><i>Despite the Montrose spot being Trill Burgers' first brick-and-mortar, the smash burger business isn’t slated to be there for long.</i></p><p><i>According to a release, the smash burger joint will use this space as an “extended pop-up” location for six months, while Bun B and his team search for a permanent home in the area. In the meantime, the restaurant will be open for limited hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.</i></p></blockquote><p>Report on Trill Burgers's soft opening from Fox26 Houston:</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Au73WejwquY" title="YouTube video player" width="420"></iframe></div><p></p><p>During a private party at Trill Burgers on Saturday, June3 "Ludacris....came by the restaurant with his manager Chaka Zulu, DJ Infamous and crew to try the famous Houston smashburgers after a performance in Texas on Saturday, June 3, 2023."</p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RHKyZQ8uwZw" title="YouTube video player" width="420"></iframe></div></div></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-11196374770377944132023-06-09T18:26:00.022-05:002023-07-15T18:27:44.927-05:00Cowboys & Indians Restaurant: Tex-Indian Fusion Confusion in Houston<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJ8Xdqu_b42H2MK3fyuCWeKXW7xvB0K_0w9EhIRlZih3oOmLtT4HYBCD3jTGdJ3qwaAZ2zzDrFdKEqlvll6z_ap1KA1oUIIlG9ij1fI7wUsJiJFVSmkSZfEs60ezqzWjAd80gPDbmaGYwBmnyZPRM3lzbqgPNX5Dkk0-es_txgxoHRRn_2tntC3rH/s800/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJ8Xdqu_b42H2MK3fyuCWeKXW7xvB0K_0w9EhIRlZih3oOmLtT4HYBCD3jTGdJ3qwaAZ2zzDrFdKEqlvll6z_ap1KA1oUIIlG9ij1fI7wUsJiJFVSmkSZfEs60ezqzWjAd80gPDbmaGYwBmnyZPRM3lzbqgPNX5Dkk0-es_txgxoHRRn_2tntC3rH/w200-h113/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20(1).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cowboys & Indians, Houston TX<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>I took my friend Jeff to Cowboys & Indians in Houston, Texas</b> for his birthday recently. We both like Indian food, and of course we're big fans of Mexican and TexMex. </p><p><b>There is an abundance of Indian, Mexican, and TexMex restaurants in Houston</b>, so we were eager to experience a place that describes itself as "Indian-Tex Fusion & Cocktails" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cni713/about" target="_blank">on their Facebook page</a> and as "Indian & Texan Fusion" <a href="https://cowboys-n-indians.com/" target="_blank">on their website</a>. The atmosphere is laid back, eclectic and fun, including an attractive outdoor patio. Overall, it was a great experience, but I have a few minor criticisms.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><p><b></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXtaHb51HTd7v8BqAlHKmsiX0WT4QSJMF2PFEqKXEa-XmgHvfTd-qOJ_fqlxhio0rBk9s20OWGUXA_kfPdSMIjrrnknKxEzALrmmj5rcDIn91g06LuoqexStDwi5xw0t5IHuQN--sBMdQ1TniijL9TK890Z2fgDRunaVbaGz35uzaw325knFV2oNI/s800/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20Butter%20Chicken%20Tikka%20Masala.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXtaHb51HTd7v8BqAlHKmsiX0WT4QSJMF2PFEqKXEa-XmgHvfTd-qOJ_fqlxhio0rBk9s20OWGUXA_kfPdSMIjrrnknKxEzALrmmj5rcDIn91g06LuoqexStDwi5xw0t5IHuQN--sBMdQ1TniijL9TK890Z2fgDRunaVbaGz35uzaw325knFV2oNI/w200-h113/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20Butter%20Chicken%20Tikka%20Masala.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b>The fare of Cowboys & Indians, while excellent, is <i>not </i>"fusion."</b> It's more like a <i>pairing </i>of Texan and Indian cuisines. Although delicious, the Indian entrées we ordered had no hint of anything Texan or TexMex.<p></p><p><b>I had the Butter Chicken Tikka Masala ($18.00). My friend had the Lamb Vindaloo ($22.00). We shared a Hummus Plate ($12.00). </b></p><p><b></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP93CPkjuB7hX-9LbyLA1OmNQKAoYcudkC_5D1ZC1HyIg51WVZqwuIC-LNVb_0CiV9HcKBKg38WyItF0drnoepk4hbDw2Uua9ggjkobYKAnxS_CNkipvyziv5b2v00XA5fzRBZ0Umt4T_zDUhR34WmebClNSPj86E6HuOgzSvi5WdUAgInlvVyzQfT/s800/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20Hummus%20Plate%2001.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP93CPkjuB7hX-9LbyLA1OmNQKAoYcudkC_5D1ZC1HyIg51WVZqwuIC-LNVb_0CiV9HcKBKg38WyItF0drnoepk4hbDw2Uua9ggjkobYKAnxS_CNkipvyziv5b2v00XA5fzRBZ0Umt4T_zDUhR34WmebClNSPj86E6HuOgzSvi5WdUAgInlvVyzQfT/w200-h113/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20Hummus%20Plate%2001.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Cowboys & Indians does have a couple of fusion items</b> on their "Shareables" (appetizers) menu. The "Naan-Chos" ($15.00) meets the definition of fusion, as do the "Naan Quesadillas" ($14.00). But that's about it. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_I1UCqE53O-a0BsqLLtf3n8Dc2epQjTawJw27l2AMRqqJdNj_MJsfwXoH-aCwF3Cb6cZB_BQV8eJT2xTTGnGY8gV8g6xrlgrtADhhxYwrxQsWlsAU-n0YcCpbMHYl5EELqY5MeI9UBnvbeK-Vl3GvVwPIjlbUHMbvZT-asjdhL9Ji-_rH1gNhSwz/s800/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20(7).jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_I1UCqE53O-a0BsqLLtf3n8Dc2epQjTawJw27l2AMRqqJdNj_MJsfwXoH-aCwF3Cb6cZB_BQV8eJT2xTTGnGY8gV8g6xrlgrtADhhxYwrxQsWlsAU-n0YcCpbMHYl5EELqY5MeI9UBnvbeK-Vl3GvVwPIjlbUHMbvZT-asjdhL9Ji-_rH1gNhSwz/w200-h113/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20(7).jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Any fusion on the "Dinner" menu? </b>One item, kind of, maybe. They offer, the "Himalayan heat burger," with "tomato-onion jam, jalapeno, romaine lettuce, mozzarella cheese, cilantro raita, brioche buns" and is served with "seasoned fries." </p><p><b>Okay, but what's Indian or "Himalayan" about any of that?</b> Sure, the raita is an Indian yogurt sauce. But come on. If they added mayonnaise instead of that, would it be French fusion? After all, mayo was invented in France. For that matter, there's nothing uniquely Texan about hamburgers. </p><p><b>For the high prices,</b> the portions could be a bit more generous. The unimaginative "Accompaniments" (sides) has very little fusion; nearly all items there are straightforward Indian or TexMex/American Southern. Many Indian restaurants will give you complimentary naan with an entrée; those that charge for naan will be more generous.</p><h4><b>BUT WHAT IS FUSION CUISINE? </b></h4><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Essentially, this catch-all term means bringing together ingredients from different cultures and merging recipes," <a href="https://www.escoffier.edu/blog/world-food-drink/whats-the-status-of-fusion-cuisine/" target="_blank">according to the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts</a>. "This technique of joining culinary forces offers truly novel flavor combinations and unique menu offerings that customers can’t find elsewhere." I found none of this at Cowboys & Indians.</span></h4><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZhiYTgTrW4-Zv-yDOgcOKVYrEeD7o01Y5TZiQ82XjwdNhaHiUKo1VnPLCBoS7POZgdqsbghT0cC4bzhRwjlRssQwRbW050AGey4Jt4qnXRXueAR-sT9GOWHBA0OSNJbhiKP94SrSyk2QpGL_-xqr3yrBSeDWdleUg17MyKpi2tCf-zxmoe1O0t1O/s800/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20(6).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZhiYTgTrW4-Zv-yDOgcOKVYrEeD7o01Y5TZiQ82XjwdNhaHiUKo1VnPLCBoS7POZgdqsbghT0cC4bzhRwjlRssQwRbW050AGey4Jt4qnXRXueAR-sT9GOWHBA0OSNJbhiKP94SrSyk2QpGL_-xqr3yrBSeDWdleUg17MyKpi2tCf-zxmoe1O0t1O/w200-h113/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20(6).jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b>Cowboys & Indians is NOT a fusion restaurant.</b> Except for a handful of items, Cowboys & Indians <i>doesn't </i>merge recipes to create "<i>truly novel flavor combinations and unique menu offerings that customers can’t find elsewhere</i>." Too few, anyway, to say it's a fusion restaurant. To use a classic Texas phrase, "it just ain't."<p></p><p><b>Even food writer John-Henry Perera</b> of the Houston Chronicle has fusion confusion. His Nov. 11, 2022 column was titled "<a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/food-culture/restaurants-bars/article/Texas-Indian-fusion-restaurant-Cowboys-Indians-17577450.php" target="_blank">Texas-Indian fusion restaurant Cowboys & Indians launches new brunch</a>." In that piece, Perera wrote an especially puzzling passage: </p><blockquote style="border: medium none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i>"Despite the new digs, food remains the same: A fusion of Southern-fried comfort and Indian cuisine. While the line between the two is especially pronounced, a few offerings have crossed continents, including the naan-chos and masala fries." </i></p></blockquote><p><b>What?</b> How does he think there can be fusion of X and Y with an "especially pronounced" line "between the two?" Answer: <i>There can't be</i>. It defies the laws of physics. Perera contradicts himself. And why does he think the South (or Texas) has a special claim on <i>pommes frites</i> (french fries)? According to the Chronicle, Perera "has been with the paper for close to 10 years and is responsible for trending and buzzy food coverage, including guides and other fun things." It's too bad he doesn't know what fusion cuisine is. </p><p><b>Alas, neither do the folks</b> at KHOU's <a href="https://www.khou.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/great-day-houston/get-a-taste-of-texas-and-indian-fusion-at-cowboys-and-indians/285-3c854ca4-5c7b-4e0b-b68f-e9cf983ad1fa" target="_blank">Great Day Houston</a>, and<b> </b>if you search Google for "cowboys & indians restaurant fusion," you'll find a lot of other people who don't, either.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksaeUr-UTVeHiys7EXwdlP5HuA2cRhVR_Df6Noex9myych2_qeIyYmHXRMPyUbjRXvxmwcJXnsc9hYNOOvrLgJFTgW0Y2KN8kqv0TBK1pBxrRSQ3jYWE6V6XRRX3lEWaLHbn1049fhiZoSKBU72MdymkwM0uJKlhkqPREYhft2SQ0VGak8la3NszL/s800/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20(10).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksaeUr-UTVeHiys7EXwdlP5HuA2cRhVR_Df6Noex9myych2_qeIyYmHXRMPyUbjRXvxmwcJXnsc9hYNOOvrLgJFTgW0Y2KN8kqv0TBK1pBxrRSQ3jYWE6V6XRRX3lEWaLHbn1049fhiZoSKBU72MdymkwM0uJKlhkqPREYhft2SQ0VGak8la3NszL/w200-h113/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20(10).jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b>The dishes at Cowboys & Indians are great, <i>but they aren't unique</i>.</b> In my quest for a Texas-meets-India fusion experience, I found nothing new, mainly the type of Indian fare served up for an American audience. Virtually nothing on the Cowboys & Indians menu meets the fusion definition offered by the Escoffier School. <div><br /></div><div><b>If I go to an Indian restaurant that offers "<a href="https://www.teaforturmeric.com/chicken-karahi/" target="_blank">Chicken Karahi</a>" and also "Big Texas Chicken Fried Chicken," </b>that's <i>not </i>fusion. It's accompaniment, it's pairing. But it's not a joining. Nothing is fused together. On the other hand, if that restaurant offered a "Big Texas Chicken Karahi Fried Chicken," <i>that would be fusion.</i> It would be a blending of cuisines, mutually taking inspiration from each other, and Cowboys & Indians falls short doing that.</div><div><p></p><p><b>Some good examples of culinary cross pollination (fusion) </b>can be found at "<a href="https://www.harighotra.co.uk/indian-recipes/dish-type/fusion" target="_blank">Dishes with an Indian Twist</a>." My favorite there is the "<a href="https://www.harighotra.co.uk/loaded-nachos-recipe" target="_blank">Indian Style Loaded Nachos</a>." That would be a nice addition to the menu at Cowboys & Indians, a true fusion of Texan and Indian flavors and textures.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>Food Fusion Is Growing in Popularity</b></h4><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFNCkka6eo09tvRIrKMxD95bkWorYupYG1tVZwr4S_Pu0DFAI_cdBRD95Psdq_8AvgZtBxhdRNfRtVfFy4Quh8lQt_cNO7ba2gYWyNKq9xgjaIw9DuZ8rkgVjsl-NVGtvqUPCOfs-Ddfi1fmJER0XddtG_OBq5445II06qefecqNNwkTYqqbqyOJb/s800/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20(5).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFNCkka6eo09tvRIrKMxD95bkWorYupYG1tVZwr4S_Pu0DFAI_cdBRD95Psdq_8AvgZtBxhdRNfRtVfFy4Quh8lQt_cNO7ba2gYWyNKq9xgjaIw9DuZ8rkgVjsl-NVGtvqUPCOfs-Ddfi1fmJER0XddtG_OBq5445II06qefecqNNwkTYqqbqyOJb/w200-h113/Cowboys%20&%20Indians%2020230525%20(5).jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b>"The popularity of food fusion owes a lot to the mash-up,"</b> <a href="https://www.nisbets.co.uk/what-is-food-fusion" target="_blank">notes website Nisbets</a>. "It is also growing in popularity because it allows chefs to create something distinctive from their competitors, a dish they can truly call their own." Cowboys & Indians fails at this. None of their entrées are "distinctive from their competitors." </div><div><br /></div><div><b>You can visit <a href="https://texashighways.com/culture/the-mahatma-gandhi-district-is-the-epicenter-of-indian-culture-in-texas/" target="_blank">Houston's Gandhi District</a></b> and get the same dishes <i>and many more </i>at a dozen different restaurants, often for less money. You can get chicken fried chicken or a hamburger all over Texas.<p></p><p><b>Cowboys & Indians co-founder Imran Khan is a very cool guy,</b> and we enjoyed our after-dinner conversation with him. (We both lived in the Chicago area and love Devon Avenue in Chicago, with its long stretch of Indian and Pakistani shops and eateries.) I would return to Cowboys & Indians, but only for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. I'd like to see this restaurant be a bit more courageous in their foray into fusion....and actually do it. </p><p>Parking is limited and very tight. Handicap accessible. Family friendly. Full bar.</p><div><b>Cowboys & Indians</b></div><div>519 Shepherd Drive, Houston TX <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/VTi3LaeNWWxA4m4x9" target="_blank">Google Map</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Related:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>10 mind-blowing desi-foreign fusion dishes that will leave you wanting for more - <a href="https://recipes.timesofindia.com/us/articles/features/10-mind-blowing-desi-foreign-fusion-dishes-that-will-leave-you-wanting-for-more/photostory/62947462.cms" target="_blank">Times of India</a> </li><li>The Evolution Of Indian Fusion Cuisine: How Traditional Indian Flavors Are Mixing With Global Cuisine - <a href="https://banjarava.com/the-evolution-of-indian-fusion-cuisine-how-traditional-indian-flavors-are-mixing-with-global-cuisine/" target="_blank">Banjara</a></li><li>Fusion Cuisine and The Ascension of Cultural Cuisine - <a href="https://thegreatgastro.com/en/fusion-cuisine-ascension-cultural-cuisine-2/" target="_blank">The Great Gastro</a> </li></ul></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-17174463984558949502023-05-14T21:37:00.012-05:002023-07-15T18:37:21.205-05:00Dumbest Bus Stop Design Ever?<p><b>This is probably the worst bus stop design</b> I've ever seen. Located at the intersection of Bellaire and Gessner in southwest Houston, Texas, it wastes space that could have been used as more seating for commuters, and provides a hiding spot for criminals.</p><p></p><iframe width="460" height="280" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9G1cIQHhcUA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-7588328402311632732023-04-30T21:35:00.032-05:002023-07-21T15:44:14.062-05:00Digital Kiosks Offer Information And Security Risks (Updated)<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vbM55z4K4_k" title="YouTube video player" width="540"></iframe><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Exploring the city just got easier, thanks to interactive digital kiosks.</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93t_BIU5uQThRLd6FGslk0ACmLPifq_AVFrE6G6nKFVfbaXWIuajaZ_oLwBCOYVp5Z8YODOADtjwiYnboTCLkihdwZdgAJpS4lpcse9Ynp2PRvyzIbdbb8wPDdRy8y0vM-x42SN0vcvc9JHPmNH9fCh5Y3-2OR6S0VIrVnRIh0Rkgsvepla7vxUgp/s800/vlcsnap-00001.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93t_BIU5uQThRLd6FGslk0ACmLPifq_AVFrE6G6nKFVfbaXWIuajaZ_oLwBCOYVp5Z8YODOADtjwiYnboTCLkihdwZdgAJpS4lpcse9Ynp2PRvyzIbdbb8wPDdRy8y0vM-x42SN0vcvc9JHPmNH9fCh5Y3-2OR6S0VIrVnRIh0Rkgsvepla7vxUgp/w200-h113/vlcsnap-00001.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IKE Smart City kiosk, Chinatown<br />Photo: Tom Eats Houston</td></tr></tbody></table><b>UPDATE, July 16: The kiosk at Bellaire and Corporate has disappeared. </b>The reason is unknown, but it sure looks like a vehicle took it out. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Strewn around the kiosk's base</b> was what looked like the remnant of shattered car parts, typical when a vehicle strikes something. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjO_yQm9GxHSfrmlUc_AGD4HSAeuEKPOGtFCusCXHuytKMS_U2PDaPZHmblD4drIowwtjrUv5Q5Rfi243ZI2Mp7Xo7AQ6kVs0UhDar5vASalCUZBVqtSCW35Q3qw20bbXDhD3qcwBBzy_Sp10kD8PkUgQDXBpUmnoQ2MeTGGYGFRCQAbys8HvQ7WoaeY/s450/Kiosk%20Chinatown%20GONE%2020230716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="450" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjO_yQm9GxHSfrmlUc_AGD4HSAeuEKPOGtFCusCXHuytKMS_U2PDaPZHmblD4drIowwtjrUv5Q5Rfi243ZI2Mp7Xo7AQ6kVs0UhDar5vASalCUZBVqtSCW35Q3qw20bbXDhD3qcwBBzy_Sp10kD8PkUgQDXBpUmnoQ2MeTGGYGFRCQAbys8HvQ7WoaeY/w200-h190/Kiosk%20Chinatown%20GONE%2020230716.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gone, 7/16/2023</td></tr></tbody></table><b>On April 10 in Chinatown,</b> I came across this digital kiosk at the southeast corner on the intersection of Bellaire Boulevard and Corporate Drive. I was intrigued. I visit Chinatown frequently, and don't recall seeing it just a couple of weeks ago. My initial reaction was, "Cool!" but I also wondered if the changing images on each side would be a distraction to drivers at this very busy intersection.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Like electronic ambassadors,</b> these kiosks will help you find your way around a neighborhood that you're not familiar with — and maybe show you new things in your own part of town.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b>The kiosks do concierge duty</b>, showing you nearby things to do, parks, clubs, aquariums, reviews, museums, dining, local activities and more. You can have the kiosk send details to your email or phone. It will help you with public transit, and because it's a hot spot it can connect you to Wi-Fi. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>But there's also a dark side to all of this, as I'll get into below.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>A press release from the mayor's office</b> in February 2022 announced that "wayfinding kiosks called IKE (Interactive Kiosk Experience)" would gradually be appearing around Houston – not all once.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyPbIkq-sgCok8RVwxcISadkwIQyJmGy5vzeeq0AGEexm_-tNn74Dv846B_LU2_2krN2HGUmDCzwY6zeuyS6H6wwkIoEqPrFFtjt9ObmPi1EAF1M7ODASn80S6_zwDLK3u97E9nuR5we5_CzVISjDK1zjQT8mjZCOeLtVI84-REVFvvBK2MnG8asw/s800/Screenshot%202023-04-30%20183240.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="800" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyPbIkq-sgCok8RVwxcISadkwIQyJmGy5vzeeq0AGEexm_-tNn74Dv846B_LU2_2krN2HGUmDCzwY6zeuyS6H6wwkIoEqPrFFtjt9ObmPi1EAF1M7ODASn80S6_zwDLK3u97E9nuR5we5_CzVISjDK1zjQT8mjZCOeLtVI84-REVFvvBK2MnG8asw/w200-h143/Screenshot%202023-04-30%20183240.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digital kiosk, a guide <br />for any neighborhood<br />Photo: Tom Eats Houston</td></tr></tbody></table></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">"The City of Houston released an RFP (Request For Proposal) for Interactive Digital Kiosks in March of 2020 and selected IKE Smart City as the vendor in March of 2021, which was later approved by City Council in May….Installation will occur in phases of 25 kiosks throughout several neighborhoods including Downtown, Uptown, Midtown, Montrose, Museum District, Texas Medical Center, Greater Third Ward, EaDo, Upper Kirby, and more. Further, at least 10% of all IKE kiosks will be located in underserved neighborhoods, as defined by the City, including Gulfton, Sunnyside and others," the press release noted (emphasis mine). <a href="https://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/press/2022/ike-smart-city-kiosks.html" target="_blank">Full Press Release</a></div></blockquote><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><b>Community Impact Newspaper <a href="https://communityimpact.com/houston/heights-river-oaks-montrose/government/2022/04/06/proposed-ike-kiosks-spark-safety-image-concerns-in-the-heights/" target="_blank">reported</a>: </b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>The first of the kiosks was unveiled Feb. 7 on Avenida de las Americas in downtown Houston. The rest will be placed all over the city in three phases of 25 kiosks each, 10% of which will be located in underserved communities, city officials said.</div><div><br /></div><div>All 75 kiosks should be installed by 2023. In a 12-year contract with IKE, the city of Houston is expected to receive between $11 million and $50 million in advertising revenue from the kiosks.</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>On a less touristy note,</b> "the kiosks provide access to social services information such as homeless shelters, addiction recovery programs, and food support," according to IKE Smart City. https://designsmartcity.com/ike-smart-city-houston-to-be-deployed-and-privacy-issues/</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>THE DARK SIDE: BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Users of IKE kiosks should be concerned about two things," warns designsmartcity.com.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Sharing certain technical information with an “internet service provider” is a slick way of saying IKE and Third-Party Partners are ID'ing every Bluetooth enabled device.</div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><br /></div></blockquote>The second concern is third party internet service providers are under no obligation to delete a user’s personal information every 12 months, or ever.<br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><br /></div></blockquote>Things get a lot more disconcerting after reading IKE’s “Camera” section. </blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Additionally:</b></div><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Everyone passing in front of an “IKE Smart City” kiosk will be recorded and have their images stored for at least 15 days. Except of course if IKE or law enforcement want to save the footage, then it is anyone’s guess how long they will retain the footage for.</div></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;">For more about privacy issues and the kiosks, see the article "<a href="https://designsmartcity.com/ike-smart-city-houston-to-be-deployed-and-privacy-issues/" target="_blank">IKE Smart City – Houston To Be Deployed and Privacy Issues – How Do They Make Money?</a>" </p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>SAFETY CONCERNS</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some Houstonians fear that the kiosks present a danger, both as obstacles and as distractions:</div><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><div>Community activist and Heights resident Kevin Strickland <a href="https://communityimpact.com/houston/heights-river-oaks-montrose/government/2022/04/06/proposed-ike-kiosks-spark-safety-image-concerns-in-the-heights/" target="_blank">told Community Impact Newspaper</a> he is worried about safety, especially for bicyclists and as a potential distraction to drivers. </div></blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><div>Cooke Kelsey is the chair of Scenic Houston’s advocacy committee, a visual environmental preservation group. In a phone interview, he said he thinks it is hypocritical of the city to implement the kiosks while also pushing for better bike lanes and pedestrian amenities.</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, these kiosks offer convenient information and probably help drive traffic to nearby businesses. But, like so many other things in the digital world, it comes with potential privacy issues. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Sources:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mayor's Office Press Release - <a href="https://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/press/2022/ike-smart-city-kiosks.html" target="_blank">City of Houston press release</a> – Feb 7, 2022 </li><li>IKE Smart City – Houston To Be Deployed and Privacy Issues – How Do They Make Money? – <a href="https://designsmartcity.com/ike-smart-city-houston-to-be-deployed-and-privacy-issues/" target="_blank">Smart City Kiosk RFPs</a> – Feb 15, 2022 </li><li>Proposed IKE kiosks spark safety, image concerns in the Heights – <a href="https://communityimpact.com/houston/heights-river-oaks-montrose/government/2022/04/06/proposed-ike-kiosks-spark-safety-image-concerns-in-the-heights/" target="_blank">Community Impact</a> – April 6, 2022 </li></ul></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-29835421076381931672023-01-30T15:09:00.006-06:002023-07-05T14:25:20.064-05:00Bun Kabab, We Hardly Knew Ye<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRMK3fPDCLDMDbWHsRiwWXQuoLp5nq2rQp9_2oP77iwtLQDk2oepZamkm6aQVtlW_bhd35yc2Bi5KHCUO4-cieWcS8E7AEbLaIHIg96ayymPdIv--DspW_gGcNpPXlqLyoQ99H2f_dgoTFpcflIEvU59kpiULtOf8yPbwHxTXuaXVRhirWgleysVA/s1200/Bun%20Kabob%2020211025%20(13).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRMK3fPDCLDMDbWHsRiwWXQuoLp5nq2rQp9_2oP77iwtLQDk2oepZamkm6aQVtlW_bhd35yc2Bi5KHCUO4-cieWcS8E7AEbLaIHIg96ayymPdIv--DspW_gGcNpPXlqLyoQ99H2f_dgoTFpcflIEvU59kpiULtOf8yPbwHxTXuaXVRhirWgleysVA/w200-h150/Bun%20Kabob%2020211025%20(13).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bun Kabab</td></tr></tbody></table><b>This little fast food-style restaurant was, probably, doomed from the beginning.</b> Bun Kabab, a halal Pakistani eatery now permanently closed, had a bad location working against it. <p></p><p><b>Situated at 6965 Harwin Drive, Houston</b> in Accessory Plaza II (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/d8zr4zMW5hjfcEiCA" target="_blank">see map</a>), it was virtually invisible from the street. The store opened in early 2021, located just over a quarter mile west of the famous <a href="https://houston.eater.com/maps/houston-restaurants-little-india-mahatma-gandhi-district" target="_blank">Gandhi District</a> along Hillcroft Avenue. </p><p><b></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcanF5_5LMpKEERC1b10LXbj50HRDGZL8-FDbOt0uzg8FehkM--D2xL_NsfvGwMRBV-tVtGcp7Ooo2oUUvHE6tfQL_H5YE59ZstZS19hpiHanDH-RjoLc_yx3HJMlpyYSc3YXuboNjVl-3Qrt2NMNMm8xUWdbPBKoDZtJX7BiYSjBuAGiOmLzRd_FD/s600/Bun%20Kabab%2020211025%20(6).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcanF5_5LMpKEERC1b10LXbj50HRDGZL8-FDbOt0uzg8FehkM--D2xL_NsfvGwMRBV-tVtGcp7Ooo2oUUvHE6tfQL_H5YE59ZstZS19hpiHanDH-RjoLc_yx3HJMlpyYSc3YXuboNjVl-3Qrt2NMNMm8xUWdbPBKoDZtJX7BiYSjBuAGiOmLzRd_FD/w200-h113/Bun%20Kabab%2020211025%20(6).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Bun Kabab</td></tr></tbody></table><b>It was not able to draw people</b> who go to that area seeking the south Asian cuisines the area is known for. Had they been located on or much nearer to Hillcroft, <i>Bun Kabab might still be open.</i><p></p><p><b>Although Harwin is a busy street,</b> Bun Kabab had poor signage. It was in <a href="https://www.allbiz.com/business/accessory-plaza-ii_11-713-952-2424" target="_blank">Accessory Plaza II</a>, with merchants selling jewels, watches, computers, wholesale of other household goods, retail clothing, footwear and leather articles in specialized stores, and clothing accessories. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><b>Much of Harwin is filled with similar places,</b> and has very few restaurants along it. In other words, Bun Kabab's location was not a destination for people seeking a Pakistani or south Asian dining experience.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoFGUiP3cjlqMy5qUxlF6hZXbAsJlG3Uh1lUtLPZ5AexDdldTYPpmvbG4U2csDaZSYpksMV4CZjzQtCRcywCGR4oBEFNXfJoFDE_5cqOl5Ab7NOsLb9GPdsda1DCWBwIJz7BJ4c49HTgqhVgWMsHVaXwOjk4_KYOqsSVXwJ-6s0NTu0_m3oqLZQbZ/s600/Bun%20Kabab%2020211025%20(8).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoFGUiP3cjlqMy5qUxlF6hZXbAsJlG3Uh1lUtLPZ5AexDdldTYPpmvbG4U2csDaZSYpksMV4CZjzQtCRcywCGR4oBEFNXfJoFDE_5cqOl5Ab7NOsLb9GPdsda1DCWBwIJz7BJ4c49HTgqhVgWMsHVaXwOjk4_KYOqsSVXwJ-6s0NTu0_m3oqLZQbZ/w200-h113/Bun%20Kabab%2020211025%20(8).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gyro Omelette (left) with <br />Paratha (flat bread, right)</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Google Maps reviewers</b> (23 of them) gave Bun Kabab 3.5 stars (out of 5), and reviews were mixed, from enthusiastically good to scathingly bad. <p></p><p><b>My own experience was not bad, nor was it great.</b> I liked what they were trying to do, which was serve something unique and tasty. That's what I got, and it was both good enough and interesting enough that I went there three times. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGFYbigwYgIXQr6KkHcRfgby1neUt_bNlP8ia0p93_wDUE8ZEngIrskABkOyxEljrfxgxhPGd90ZQ1I8IDfpSbAxglbOZxbslCf8TXtz8x8PY_bSeeJsrjTLtkVcE-d-qlzTHDmoMU9tKHD_yjxQfxyVOBQsCNXbPVwEZgNrAApvb98Iesh4fj-0e/s600/Bun%20Kabob%2020211025%20(10).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGFYbigwYgIXQr6KkHcRfgby1neUt_bNlP8ia0p93_wDUE8ZEngIrskABkOyxEljrfxgxhPGd90ZQ1I8IDfpSbAxglbOZxbslCf8TXtz8x8PY_bSeeJsrjTLtkVcE-d-qlzTHDmoMU9tKHD_yjxQfxyVOBQsCNXbPVwEZgNrAApvb98Iesh4fj-0e/w200-h113/Bun%20Kabob%2020211025%20(10).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gyro Omelette</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Had I rated it while it was still in business,</b> I also would have given it 3.5 stars. My first visit was on October 25, 2021. I was struck by the vibrantly cool decor, a sort of updated classic American diner vibe. It was very clean, including the restroom. <p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><b>I ordered the Gyro Omelette with Paratha</b> ($6.00), and two samosas ($1.00 each). I was pleased with both, and the mildly spicy green sauce you see in the photo was amazing. There was plenty of gyro meat in the omelette; it cooked nicely. <div><b><br /></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sNDkL5MkgdWyprnWTpjMask2jqo0DtbBz0VNnRdN5CQFqa7ArzziFRxk3mK3Fyt1gb7fPgme5D-BiqH8YOoVQs4Q6keWn2BKkqenPrAAe8DlQwvwWrMAaImRrITssTcn7LuuFBpvXr5MRNVNjpW6VeD0GVsY5p1MY1b5hlvea36gzJG-_MMGYL6o/s600/Bun%20Kabab%2020211025%20(19).jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sNDkL5MkgdWyprnWTpjMask2jqo0DtbBz0VNnRdN5CQFqa7ArzziFRxk3mK3Fyt1gb7fPgme5D-BiqH8YOoVQs4Q6keWn2BKkqenPrAAe8DlQwvwWrMAaImRrITssTcn7LuuFBpvXr5MRNVNjpW6VeD0GVsY5p1MY1b5hlvea36gzJG-_MMGYL6o/w200-h113/Bun%20Kabab%2020211025%20(19).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karachi Beef Bun Kabab</td></tr></tbody></table><div><b></b><b>My next visit</b> was a few weeks later, and I ordered the <b>Karachi Beef Bun Kabab with Fries</b>. This was disappointing. The meat was a mush, kind of bland, and the bread was nondescript. I would rate the fries at 6.5 on a scale of 10. <br /><p><b>Not helping any</b> was the inconsistent quality of the food and service, including some language barrier issues. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EZvAvJhp8oKY946a550g0oaDVfo3NkiKOrM8HtCTVia8hhd1-6WSAszCBbIG36kVZwp09TCcQMm4qBXFCdvQkTmZX5NdRcI5kzzWU4Na8vxrR-oU_-1MxTWRQ_p5AJNCjDaemMr7I97jIt-lwxIQiIVGlnQ4D4cYyahUorAL8sc138NryRJ3Zz3u/s600/Bun%20Kabab%2020211025%20(18).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EZvAvJhp8oKY946a550g0oaDVfo3NkiKOrM8HtCTVia8hhd1-6WSAszCBbIG36kVZwp09TCcQMm4qBXFCdvQkTmZX5NdRcI5kzzWU4Na8vxrR-oU_-1MxTWRQ_p5AJNCjDaemMr7I97jIt-lwxIQiIVGlnQ4D4cYyahUorAL8sc138NryRJ3Zz3u/w200-h113/Bun%20Kabab%2020211025%20(18).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karachie Beef Bun Kabab and Fries</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>Bun Kabab probably could have succeeded</b> in a better location and if the owners had a bit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SPECIALBUNKABAB" target="_blank">more social media savvy</a>. A few American-style items on the menu, such as a regular hamburger, might have helped draw more customers from the many offices and shops nearby. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaO--Y6-xGfwF0P_C6jo_hGjvgrgQw167eLvIXN_nvnK1nNsSWFECkoAgLaqpAuorqRaB0cooBZonxJShOkKCAKbk4aCEqK3olcznxn3xVFd_9XCR_LiFK9rL1uWHchTD22LH4WYYqu6_qIBYzTil81LFcJtwPfTOWNlpfgyqhrhOcx2eGv3Na8AE/s1400/Bun%20Kabab%2020211025%20MENU.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaO--Y6-xGfwF0P_C6jo_hGjvgrgQw167eLvIXN_nvnK1nNsSWFECkoAgLaqpAuorqRaB0cooBZonxJShOkKCAKbk4aCEqK3olcznxn3xVFd_9XCR_LiFK9rL1uWHchTD22LH4WYYqu6_qIBYzTil81LFcJtwPfTOWNlpfgyqhrhOcx2eGv3Na8AE/s320/Bun%20Kabab%2020211025%20MENU.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bun Kabab's Menu</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZUNv-k9KLJVWWmRK1DB452Gf2HfkD7Y8brWZigPxTh1Z8cW5zQjIB23ozttTlqToX8c5jtH9jpNpof6GRnJdSOc4DMFqb5oCO1lek1prj36FCx1ihFkca-yrH02t4TPFM-Em5n7KZzBR3XA9S4TG5tXH9TTql5jvwLG0oMeTr2wjRwRyQGhpo45H/s800/Bun%20Kabab%2020211025%20(17)%20(2022_07_28%2005_48_13%20UTC).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZUNv-k9KLJVWWmRK1DB452Gf2HfkD7Y8brWZigPxTh1Z8cW5zQjIB23ozttTlqToX8c5jtH9jpNpof6GRnJdSOc4DMFqb5oCO1lek1prj36FCx1ihFkca-yrH02t4TPFM-Em5n7KZzBR3XA9S4TG5tXH9TTql5jvwLG0oMeTr2wjRwRyQGhpo45H/s320/Bun%20Kabab%2020211025%20(17)%20(2022_07_28%2005_48_13%20UTC).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bun Kabab's huge outdoor patio</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1zlvOJFbaDcDiPf0sVsGZDDCmurz-mIbaIMm3eSFOY7AglEVeDZMiqQvRkQE_tz7xdzkGhd462AnDkhlkHL1DvD00MIMxBZaoP6SLAZ0oIYdbXXDkkfzKOAMYiboDo3sB0dEPy_ugBqw9KW4rBh3EBs_zbLdyjbuYH0Lpg3xXVK8BLxu096O6N59/s1256/Bun%20Kabab%20Facebook%2001.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1256" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1zlvOJFbaDcDiPf0sVsGZDDCmurz-mIbaIMm3eSFOY7AglEVeDZMiqQvRkQE_tz7xdzkGhd462AnDkhlkHL1DvD00MIMxBZaoP6SLAZ0oIYdbXXDkkfzKOAMYiboDo3sB0dEPy_ugBqw9KW4rBh3EBs_zbLdyjbuYH0Lpg3xXVK8BLxu096O6N59/s320/Bun%20Kabab%20Facebook%2001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0Houston, TX, USA29.7604267 -95.36980281.4501928638211545 -130.5260528 58.070660536178849 -60.2135528tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-47082459752085647772023-01-26T20:45:00.018-06:002023-07-05T18:02:51.975-05:00A Last Look At James Coney Island<p><b>It was a good run, really.</b> James Coney Island became a Houston institution after humble beginnings as a hot dog stand in 1923 in the city's downtown. "It wasn't until forty years later that a second location opened and by 1988, it was a multi-million dollar brand," <a href="https://www.houstonpress.com/restaurants/james-coney-island-looks-toward-100-hungrys-third-location-14257547" target="_blank">Lorretta Ruggiero reported for Houston Press</a> in October 2022. </p><p><b>But the little local hot dog empire</b> <a href="https://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/james-coney-island-westheimer-closed/" target="_blank">closed its last outpost during the first weekend of last October</a>, and now the empty building near the Galleria awaits the proverbial wrecking ball.</p><p><b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6G0x_deAub6d8eaJGLH8icYSAVeC3DCokA1nghkc_hL4_qxiVLppM_C9A7_AB-Szbl69BhQycrDGan2lSqjDqS8WMVSSfHY7uX0-9ZnrvQu1FXRqzj-TcpQwiSZDQeDO9Yc1IUonsxdlvYK07qnvRnYeWiJ8AzqpWvUAC-j3mdDHoSfTTzmSukjk/s800/James%20Coney%20Island%2020230126%20(13).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6G0x_deAub6d8eaJGLH8icYSAVeC3DCokA1nghkc_hL4_qxiVLppM_C9A7_AB-Szbl69BhQycrDGan2lSqjDqS8WMVSSfHY7uX0-9ZnrvQu1FXRqzj-TcpQwiSZDQeDO9Yc1IUonsxdlvYK07qnvRnYeWiJ8AzqpWvUAC-j3mdDHoSfTTzmSukjk/s320/James%20Coney%20Island%2020230126%20(13).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">James Coney Island, 5745 Westheimer Road<br />(more photos below)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br />The company renamed itself JCI Grill in 2014</b>, Ruggiero wrote. The closing of their hot dog palaces, however, is by no means the end of the company. They have big plans to revamp and rebuild. <span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><b>In a press release, Darrin Straughan, JCI President</b> of 29 years, said, "Future builds and locations will be smaller in footprint with interiors closer to 2,000 square feet. The company will shift operational focus to a technological and consumer-facing enhancement of the drive-thru, curbside pick-up and off-premises experience." (If anybody can translate that, please do in a comment.)<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDvkkD15dE_nQDY9qTFAvjgw2psYMRCxoJQID_vxvp_u6v6cGwTVcEvvbi6cxkuBi4mmdkVHbT1bwP4V5KVFC0NBkm0i-AJzdFhW55HPGqNJWG9Zej3AFY3EuzvuY8xcG1zcEKNlueiOnkf6yQfz5rS7MS6MwHD0yzXCHL7eqsHDgzvrHWd6lDUIU/s800/James%20Coney%20Island%2020230126%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDvkkD15dE_nQDY9qTFAvjgw2psYMRCxoJQID_vxvp_u6v6cGwTVcEvvbi6cxkuBi4mmdkVHbT1bwP4V5KVFC0NBkm0i-AJzdFhW55HPGqNJWG9Zej3AFY3EuzvuY8xcG1zcEKNlueiOnkf6yQfz5rS7MS6MwHD0yzXCHL7eqsHDgzvrHWd6lDUIU/s320/James%20Coney%20Island%2020230126%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b style="font-weight: bold;">I've eaten at James Coney Island a couple of times</b> and to be honest, I wasn't impressed. But then, I grew up with <a href="https://youtu.be/Q91S-xJFkRQ" target="_blank">Chicago-style hot dogs</a> – something JCI attempted but never got right (in my opinion). Let's wait and see what their future attempts yield. </p><p></p><p><b>On January 26, 2023 I stopped by the James Coney Island location at 5745 Westheimer Road</b>, on the periphery of Houston's Galleria neighborhood, for one last glimpse. To many Houstonians, it's an iconic building. After the building is razed and the rubble hauled away, a new structure there will house <a href="https://artisansrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Artisans, a French-themed restaurant</a>. From hot dogs to <i>haute cuisine</i> (and by the way, <i>haute </i>is pronounced "oat").</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI3bhbehWjjwjOGCKhkU-R7P7WrtSpXZhZ7pxf-4A5cfzHjsEcIK6b93zVxGQPg19PC7KtOU_GNGG93n2DpAjWRImJppdPQ9gCZPwgNORbEbIMjge69ESneQ9tXl8xGTpo1FhR1uax59d_gyTLFbyLZjOoaxpWnlp70ZXB6OQ9D3ap7fl91ZmC80i/s800/James%20Coney%20Island%2020230126%20(5).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI3bhbehWjjwjOGCKhkU-R7P7WrtSpXZhZ7pxf-4A5cfzHjsEcIK6b93zVxGQPg19PC7KtOU_GNGG93n2DpAjWRImJppdPQ9gCZPwgNORbEbIMjge69ESneQ9tXl8xGTpo1FhR1uax59d_gyTLFbyLZjOoaxpWnlp70ZXB6OQ9D3ap7fl91ZmC80i/s320/James%20Coney%20Island%2020230126%20(5).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQmrgYpQuxKYFCTB3LZWX-4gJtWfLnJmbWiqLG88lu77rnQHCsdHZzkLLXQtV_fjesmcXNCNvbV2uL4wMJsmizaxQwFiVoZ1goSduIEcq7DWqZoNYiS4EKTF8cqD4R8KBZ7HgprngG3C3vuvIEmzHUMVBM9H5lXdWzi8bY3rcKCisdS7NTgzvOreC/s800/James%20Coney%20Island%2020230126%20(9).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQmrgYpQuxKYFCTB3LZWX-4gJtWfLnJmbWiqLG88lu77rnQHCsdHZzkLLXQtV_fjesmcXNCNvbV2uL4wMJsmizaxQwFiVoZ1goSduIEcq7DWqZoNYiS4EKTF8cqD4R8KBZ7HgprngG3C3vuvIEmzHUMVBM9H5lXdWzi8bY3rcKCisdS7NTgzvOreC/s320/James%20Coney%20Island%2020230126%20(9).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtkqxBx30KdldnpF9En-NanufojFjyZiu5u1zw5IbhVuvnwkg2_lheXZ9GGNV_al9AhJF5Jt8AeBJ4Woa2mQO6S1pvnwt0MHIsDpzveKEdazgZG9KbBCx3WGhswcqNew6CxGju-zl0AFQ56p0N0csdC-j4cvm51FJqV1n6gG2SMwUSasPpMHG-CKA/s800/James%20Coney%20Island%2020230126%20(10).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtkqxBx30KdldnpF9En-NanufojFjyZiu5u1zw5IbhVuvnwkg2_lheXZ9GGNV_al9AhJF5Jt8AeBJ4Woa2mQO6S1pvnwt0MHIsDpzveKEdazgZG9KbBCx3WGhswcqNew6CxGju-zl0AFQ56p0N0csdC-j4cvm51FJqV1n6gG2SMwUSasPpMHG-CKA/s320/James%20Coney%20Island%2020230126%20(10).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJt1CvIuX_5yOEt-kmtaCCKl38UWzoEjPf77jeVVI67PqOC32pmYpN0o7yQCUKEjKIenkwLadBqSywWIZ0eL0gTmso_sB6xx4DR9WUCPzPpmnzpus96x1jJR1K-_d71UMwxcTmayJDE7qQ5ILg3l-83zqnVNfBNimD9HtH1D3ozsgspm4LCkMDzwU/s800/James%20Coney%20Island%2020230126%20(11).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJt1CvIuX_5yOEt-kmtaCCKl38UWzoEjPf77jeVVI67PqOC32pmYpN0o7yQCUKEjKIenkwLadBqSywWIZ0eL0gTmso_sB6xx4DR9WUCPzPpmnzpus96x1jJR1K-_d71UMwxcTmayJDE7qQ5ILg3l-83zqnVNfBNimD9HtH1D3ozsgspm4LCkMDzwU/s320/James%20Coney%20Island%2020230126%20(11).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-8605785979972393612023-01-20T21:36:00.011-06:002023-07-05T14:29:07.262-05:00Updated: Crime-Ridden McDonald’s in Downtown Houston Demolished<p><b></b></p><div><b>One of the worst McDonald's </b>I've ever been in is closing – finally.</div><div><div><b><br /></b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXN5dK7uAshxewoTNEB3kB09nDagwTfukOCtDxrGPOfeSQK0j07Rpeg-qBUWzqRVFcz8bDPyS58MQCN2zivmuEMRAOuVKlOPDOyhDll5Q8YLpksSgUm-ZBx_1OJ52QUKo68Iv8tLRbpHGJSRW3sWXptP3NhpBg2ks_XJlzqVGGu7-kY97eh_Lp4MGb/s800/9baTjVS.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="800" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXN5dK7uAshxewoTNEB3kB09nDagwTfukOCtDxrGPOfeSQK0j07Rpeg-qBUWzqRVFcz8bDPyS58MQCN2zivmuEMRAOuVKlOPDOyhDll5Q8YLpksSgUm-ZBx_1OJ52QUKo68Iv8tLRbpHGJSRW3sWXptP3NhpBg2ks_XJlzqVGGu7-kY97eh_Lp4MGb/w320-h179/9baTjVS.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Reddit Houston u/lolunix, via<br /><a href="https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/49821-mcdonalds-2017-main-st/" target="_blank">houstonarchitecture.com</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b> I've been in a lot of creepy, downright frightening Mickey Dees in my life,</b> but none compared in my experience with this one. It was the worst in Houston, and just might have been the worst McDonald's in the nation.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>The building was finally demolished on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Nobody will miss it:</b></div><div><br /></div></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div><div style="text-align: left;">“We’ve seen a lot of crazy things go down here," [a local man] said. "Daily drug deals, we’ve seen guys getting beat up, guys getting their money stolen. It’s a really difficult place. This whole area downtown is not the place you want to be." <a href="https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/midtown-mcdonalds-demolished/285-007e3f45-bf59-445f-89ae-05198d544fc1" target="_blank">KHOU-11, 2023/02/08</a> </div></div></div></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="180" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1uHMRIczX8I" title="YouTube video player" width="320"></iframe></p><div><p><b>Yes, I've been there. Once, in June 2013.</b> It's located at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Jn9CpXRMtENHEQJ69" target="_blank">2017 Main Street, Houston</a>, right across from a Greyhound Bus station that's almost as scary. I took three steps in and immediately realized I'd just passed into a <i>post-apocalyptic dystopian nightmare</i>. The huge, armed security guard just inside the front door, a large black man, gave me a look that told me, a 57-year-old white dude, to <i>leave now while you still can.</i> I nodded a thank you and took his advice.</p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><b>A report on January 20, 2023 by <a href="https://localtoday.news/tx/mcdonalds-is-closing-at-the-greyhound-bus-terminal-in-downtown-houston-151358.html" target="_blank">LocalToday.news summed it up</a>: </b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>The infamous arches at Block 2000 of Main Street, next to the downtown Greyhound bus stop, were torn down during the winter break.</p><p>The restaurant has been around for decades. The earliest mention in the Chronicle was on February 4, 1989, when Susan Warren reported that a nasty cold front was making rescue workers nervous. Although warm shelters were set up, half a dozen homeless people had settled under the Pierce Elevated.</p><p><i>“Most people camping in the area sought — at least for the day — a warm haven at restaurants and the nearby bus station, said an employee at the McDonald’s restaurant next door. The clerk said campers would no doubt be returning after dark to spend the night under the freeway, lighting fires in barrels and old grill pits to keep them warm.”</i></p></blockquote><p><b>When I was there 10 years ago,</b> I was struck by the sight of several people passed out on the sidewalk across the street, by the bus station. As I walked out of the station, I was warned by an elderly man washing taxi windshields to keep moving for my own safety. </p><p><b><a href="https://houstonhistoricretail.com/2023/01/06/demolition-watch-mcdonalds-on-main-street-could-we-be-getting-an-automated-location/" target="_blank">Houston Historic Retail said this</a> on January 6: </b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">Situated just between the Greyhound Bus Station and the Pierce Elevated section of I-45, this McDonald’s has seen it all. From robberies to homicides, from poor service to “traveling salesmen,” this store has seen just about everything. This situation became so bad that about a year ago, McDonald’s ended up closing off the dining room entirely and adding a makeshift security door with a window to allow for walk-up customers. </p></blockquote><p><b>A tweet from 2018: </b></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> Woman shot, second person injured after witnesses say an upset customer started shooting outside a downtown McDonalds. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/khou11?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#khou11</a> <a href="https://t.co/N6uvWT3u1t">pic.twitter.com/N6uvWT3u1t</a></p>— Brett Buffington (@BrettWSAV) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrettWSAV/status/1032817633660428288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><p></p><div><b>Localtoday.news also noted that</b>, <i>"Commenters on two different Reddit threads were quick to point out the location’s far from stellar reputation, including some of its nicknames: Crackdonalds, McStabby, and Chaos McDonald’s, for example."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>See more <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/houston/comments/s380bn/why_does_this_mcdonalds_even_still_exist_this_is/" target="_blank">Reddit posts about this McDonald's</a>.</div><p></p></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0Houston, TX, USA29.7604267 -95.36980281.4501928638211545 -130.5260528 58.070660536178849 -60.2135528tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-26365556657579136142023-01-11T21:06:00.028-06:002023-07-05T17:52:53.277-05:00Expired Food On Shelves At Fiesta #39 in Houston<p><b>When you're grocery shopping, it's important to check the dates on the foods you buy. </b></p><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYxtrQi0Ma_IPTfulWNjoNhahXmL0thuQDCf8Qix0V894jB6qg5RkRmdjn7P8CApa4-6cpGroq_C6rakh-f50k56Cwlh8KJyTkQmeFwG0Q4_W04lLDOChNquqOq-MnFn7PnC719nZazlpA8A7mu6xIFgNEi_kaRFSTH5KAl0ja8fNFo7fPx1le0zc/s500/Fiesta%20Logo%20233.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="500" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYxtrQi0Ma_IPTfulWNjoNhahXmL0thuQDCf8Qix0V894jB6qg5RkRmdjn7P8CApa4-6cpGroq_C6rakh-f50k56Cwlh8KJyTkQmeFwG0Q4_W04lLDOChNquqOq-MnFn7PnC719nZazlpA8A7mu6xIFgNEi_kaRFSTH5KAl0ja8fNFo7fPx1le0zc/w200-h189/Fiesta%20Logo%20233.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Today I was in Fiesta Mart</b> in Houston's Sharpstown neighborhood and found six cartons of liquid egg whites that <i>expired weeks ago</i>. <div><p></p><p><b>This is Store #39, at 8710 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, Texas</b>. This store, in my opinion, is the worst supermarket in Houston and one of the worst I've seen anywhere in the United States. </p><p><b>To be fair,</b> there are other Fiesta stores that I like, <i>but this particular store is run particularly poorly</i>. Examples follow.</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><b>According to <a href="https://foodspace.wordpress.com/2017/09/09/using-liquid-egg-whites-past-the-expiration-date/" target="_blank">Foodspace</a>, </b>liquid egg whites "are ONLY good until the expiration date."</p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVu-mUH8ZJPXQnROzMTqcMXFw9-7nvMHiy_wF-tSailG2qu8gaAljQggXxy2S8kYSNsVle5ViDdG6v5i7BIeMWG40PxpaKPgjU5otXxFAOks4lhzDrW9K8oxpYxwHt-kfNq_6fmd3iQ-iuID5eCY9-BBfG3ddQaP2v1XUnQoOOV30kcgSgzN72C1gW/s1000/Fiesta%20Expired%20Egg%20Whites%2020230111%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVu-mUH8ZJPXQnROzMTqcMXFw9-7nvMHiy_wF-tSailG2qu8gaAljQggXxy2S8kYSNsVle5ViDdG6v5i7BIeMWG40PxpaKPgjU5otXxFAOks4lhzDrW9K8oxpYxwHt-kfNq_6fmd3iQ-iuID5eCY9-BBfG3ddQaP2v1XUnQoOOV30kcgSgzN72C1gW/w320-h181/Fiesta%20Expired%20Egg%20Whites%2020230111%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><b>Five of the liquid egg cartons I found at Fiesta were marked "Use by 26 Dec 22,"</b> and one was marked "Use by 28 Nov 22" (six weeks and 2 days past safe usage). As with the expired sausages I found in August 2022 (<i>see below</i>), I took the expired cartons up front and left them with a clerk and when I asked for a manager I was told they were all in a meeting. I asked her to tell the managers that they're doing a lousy job of keeping expired food items off the shelves.<p></p><p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLeWiw7vnqfTz-1zJw71ydj-E6neKgjwRoUfATAAnT-kvxWV9v4sNTjaaSQ1IUShYip1oKqN_dEsZEUQOLlgO8Oczt8sReecIEmvVuS1-oo4oITMDt37LKWYIUQfQwnVHDa8F0QzC7hx8wLNr_a5hf6ufiblH4tLLiwYFiSJKMBUACxnxt7_Im5vu/s1000/Fiesta%20Expired%20Egg%20Whites%2020230111%20(2).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLeWiw7vnqfTz-1zJw71ydj-E6neKgjwRoUfATAAnT-kvxWV9v4sNTjaaSQ1IUShYip1oKqN_dEsZEUQOLlgO8Oczt8sReecIEmvVuS1-oo4oITMDt37LKWYIUQfQwnVHDa8F0QzC7hx8wLNr_a5hf6ufiblH4tLLiwYFiSJKMBUACxnxt7_Im5vu/w320-h181/Fiesta%20Expired%20Egg%20Whites%2020230111%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a><b></b></div><b><div><b>According to the <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/eggs/egg-products-and-food-safety" target="_blank">USDA on the safe handling of eggs</a>,</b> "If the container for liquid products bears a 'use-by' date, observe it. Follow the storage and handling instructions provided by the manufacturer."</div></b><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8iNHkuZWUyegKhxMaDdZrfV2il4_kY21JdyPx3hboBXaUVsR8PXQH_MQUpsqacBwo0strnmrBFElpcu8ZFSpiykV7N7Nl2WCfu3GysQG3LpXlxQSUMciVIQZeZq9tjOEH6SPP9e7BWJu1LQw62O_0FVX8kE33NImwLuEoVXCMYw2DRm9dOvbNtE_/s890/Fiesta%20Expired%20Sausages%2020220830%20(3).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="890" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8iNHkuZWUyegKhxMaDdZrfV2il4_kY21JdyPx3hboBXaUVsR8PXQH_MQUpsqacBwo0strnmrBFElpcu8ZFSpiykV7N7Nl2WCfu3GysQG3LpXlxQSUMciVIQZeZq9tjOEH6SPP9e7BWJu1LQw62O_0FVX8kE33NImwLuEoVXCMYw2DRm9dOvbNtE_/w320-h181/Fiesta%20Expired%20Sausages%2020220830%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Over the past four years, I've come across numerous products</b> at this Fiesta that are <i>long past</i> their "sell by" and "use by" dates. Do they <i>want </i>to be sued for food poisoning?<p></p></div><div><b>Back on August 30, 2022, I found <i>seven packages</i> of past-date sausages</b>. Each had a "sell by" date of July 31. <b>A month out of date.</b> How did the staff miss this?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVR4y2JxQ13agbvMMtOZUmOxnCb_hn7fuSBQPYUPNoY8x7DSVjYTuAsS6YzKDKURsA7FaMMZoGlHyK7wnOJCQFgWX45wzYsNmDO7Gvx_Vk7FILCAs8-hhh7wIfGqrm-iFAXOWvwVxOsZrtD_9LjkwcI4Esdw6zBdcMV23VM8vSXlXE4hP8PsuO7ib9/s500/Fiesta%20Logo%20333.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="500" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVR4y2JxQ13agbvMMtOZUmOxnCb_hn7fuSBQPYUPNoY8x7DSVjYTuAsS6YzKDKURsA7FaMMZoGlHyK7wnOJCQFgWX45wzYsNmDO7Gvx_Vk7FILCAs8-hhh7wIfGqrm-iFAXOWvwVxOsZrtD_9LjkwcI4Esdw6zBdcMV23VM8vSXlXE4hP8PsuO7ib9/w200-h191/Fiesta%20Logo%20333.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>I've often found perishable items that are <i>way past </i>"sell by" dates </b>at this store. <b>Not just a day or two, <i>but weeks past</i>.</b> Dairy, packaged meats, and other items. Do they not care? Are they lazy? Stupid? Do they put profit ahead of customer safety? I don't know, I'm just asking. </p><p><b>I only stop in to this store for convenience;</b> soda, bottled water, canned goods, and other items that are not a food poisoning risk. But I usually go out of my way to shop elsewhere, because this store has the <i>worst</i> checkout process I've ever experienced at <i>any</i> grocery store across the country. </p><b>Customers unaccustomed to electronic pay terminals</b> regularly clog up the "Express" lanes (clearly marked as "10 Items Or Less") with a cart full of 30, 40 or more items – and the clerks and managers do not enforce the 10-item limit. Clerks needing a manager's assistance will call out "service," tying up the line for many minutes until one shows up to solve whatever it was. I swear, I've never seen that <i>as a regular occurance</i> in <i>any</i> other grocery store in America. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Although the store has 10 checkout lanes</b>, they usually have only three or four open even as people are lined up 20-deep and blocking the aisles. It's as though the managers are blind to this or they just don't care. Maybe they're blind to it <i>because </i>they don't care.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhh9Zn0bb44_3q2i1c9njzcpF_zDkTs3Z00apmVn71Xcb_9hylnI1bkyuw7Q6G2o4v36snXRadOGkrXMQpao2lGF2GBLFHUxy_J33QOaN5fbeCUA7yop635NR5QrnpM84k0NkaFkvxQiJIKZfOsUIOGeAEHlFRBsyUO4UnnV_DsHEiUtuyw2B9t_k/s444/image-from-rawpixel-id-6759882-jpeg-transp.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="444" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhh9Zn0bb44_3q2i1c9njzcpF_zDkTs3Z00apmVn71Xcb_9hylnI1bkyuw7Q6G2o4v36snXRadOGkrXMQpao2lGF2GBLFHUxy_J33QOaN5fbeCUA7yop635NR5QrnpM84k0NkaFkvxQiJIKZfOsUIOGeAEHlFRBsyUO4UnnV_DsHEiUtuyw2B9t_k/w200-h189/image-from-rawpixel-id-6759882-jpeg-transp.png" width="200" /></a></div>Ninety percent of the customers</b> mindlessly block the way with their carts and stare at you dumbly when you say, "excuse me" as you try to get past them. When you leave the store, your brain hurts.<p></p><p><b>A couple of years ago, I found a packaged seafood item on a non-refrigerated display.</b> The package clearly said, "Keep Refrigerated," and not just after opening. It was perishable. I pointed this out to a manager. His response shocked me. "Well, we don't refrigerate those in my country." <i>What the hell? </i></p><p><b>You've been warned. </b>Check those "sell by" dates, especially at Fiesta Mart #39 in Houston. It might keep you from getting sick.</p><p><b>Related:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Problems With Fiesta Mart In Texas - <a href="https://rogersparkbench.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-problems-with-fiesta-mart-in-texas.html" target="_blank">Chicago News Bench</a></li><li>Using Liquid Egg Whites Past the Expiration Date - <a href="https://foodspace.wordpress.com/2017/09/09/using-liquid-egg-whites-past-the-expiration-date/" target="_blank">Foodspace</a></li><li>This Is What Those Best-By, Sell-By, and Use-By Dates Really Mean - <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/article/best-by-sell-by-use-by-dates/" target="_blank">All Recipes</a> </li><li><b>OSHA launches investigation into Fiesta Mart after 2 butchers suffer from amputation injuries -</b> <a href="https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2022/08/16/osha-launches-investigation-into-fiesta-mart-after-2-butchers-suffer-from-amputation-injuries/" target="_blank">Click 2 Houston</a></li><li>Fiesta Mart reviews & complaints - <a href="https://www.complaintsboard.com/fiesta-mart-b132846" target="_blank">Complaints Board</a></li></ul><p></p></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0Houston, TX, USA29.7604267 -95.36980281.4501928638211545 -130.5260528 58.070660536178849 -60.2135528tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-35604672722170359322023-01-07T19:30:00.020-06:002023-07-05T18:32:52.295-05:00Houston's Legendary Prince's Hamburgers (updated)<b>Prince's Hamburgers has a long history in Texas, especially in Houston.</b> It is probably the most iconic, most legendary burger restaurant in Space City. <i>And yes, I mean moreso than the beloved Whataburger.</i><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt42JP_g91_YZ_AB7xp37PbAEnqT4bCDdPstVvo4ZYjoIbYw4CbsrVNSbg7-ZMLTZCzkWkCZ1V92bEjKWOXQNnh_bKjSV-BsQfyY7kfbW0p-7MaDtdan8gQLOffTn6OptTwGOsPUvnUrymJJbQt1JPbeaf8iW_l1Cmc0tgb1HlbewEjX2xTMZKVjUT/s960/Prince's%20vlcsnap%20(85)%20THUMB%2012.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt42JP_g91_YZ_AB7xp37PbAEnqT4bCDdPstVvo4ZYjoIbYw4CbsrVNSbg7-ZMLTZCzkWkCZ1V92bEjKWOXQNnh_bKjSV-BsQfyY7kfbW0p-7MaDtdan8gQLOffTn6OptTwGOsPUvnUrymJJbQt1JPbeaf8iW_l1Cmc0tgb1HlbewEjX2xTMZKVjUT/w320-h181/Prince's%20vlcsnap%20(85)%20THUMB%2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/nAydZcktmFY" target="_blank"><b>CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO</b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Whataburger is legendary,</b> <i>but not as much</i> as is Prince's. By the time <a href="https://stories.whataburger.com/our-history-the-whataburger-story/" target="_blank">Whataburger started up in 1950</a>, Prince's Hamburgers had already been in business for 14 years and was already legendary. Unlike Whataburger, Prince's is actually named after the man who founded the restaurant. There is no "Mr. Whataburger." <div><p></p><p><b>I recently visited Prince's Hamburgers for the fifth time</b> at the Sharpstown Park Golf Course and had their magnificent Bopper Bacon Cheddar Burger with fries and their famous onion rings. I also had the great pleasure of interviewing co-owner Terry McConn, who gave fascinating insights into Prince's history and future plans. </p><p><b>According to the <a href="https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/princes-hamburgers" target="_blank">Texas State Historial Association</a></b> (TSHA), George Douglas “Doug” Prince, Jr. started a "small hamburger stand on Lemmon Avenue in Dallas in 1929....Within a year, Prince looked for greater opportunity, and on a visit to Houston in 1934, he decided that city was the best location for his business."</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep7P5SOd8dL4OxoKg8ATXUVr83htQb3sglT5Ek5c8UmOO7v24LC2jOFDPgURhY-ZW9wZmN5YHdywaIUQXhFUvOX94JUPGR47ZAXdLoRyP5xxcnA3c4-sI9DPNlNjJCf6_mlL4EUAKCY4iKYay6-BIc4yu6sgKCVKeva2e3z3oiS7VL0Yi4lErz-tx/s960/Prince's%20Stills%2020221123%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep7P5SOd8dL4OxoKg8ATXUVr83htQb3sglT5Ek5c8UmOO7v24LC2jOFDPgURhY-ZW9wZmN5YHdywaIUQXhFUvOX94JUPGR47ZAXdLoRyP5xxcnA3c4-sI9DPNlNjJCf6_mlL4EUAKCY4iKYay6-BIc4yu6sgKCVKeva2e3z3oiS7VL0Yi4lErz-tx/w320-h181/Prince's%20Stills%2020221123%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prince's at Sharpstown Golf Course</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Mr. Prince moved to Houston in 1935</b> and "opened his first-drive in an old Weber’s Root Beer stand at 4509 South Main. The contract said that the Weber name should remain for six months. After that time the 'Prince’s Famous Hamburgers' name was launched in March 1936."<p></p><p><b>"As carhops became popular across the country,"</b> says TSHA, "he staffed each drive-in with attractive carhops dressed in sequined uniforms similar to a band majorette. Prince’s is credited with helping to popularize the position, and in 1941 Prince’s carhop Jeanette Hall was crowned “America’s first Carhop Queen” and was pictured in Life magazine." (<i>And that was nine years before Whataburger existed.</i>)</p><p><b>Unlike Whataburger,</b> which is thriving today and was <a href="https://www.statesman.com/story/business/2019/06/14/texas-chain-whataburger-sold-to-chicago-investment-firm/4905435007/" target="_blank">acquired by a Chicago firm in 2019</a>, Prince's Hamburgers nearly went extinct. "The last Prince's Hamburgers location in Houston has closed, a victim of Hurricane Harvey's massive flooding," <a href="https://www.chron.com/entertainment/restaurants-bars/article/Prince-s-Hamburgers-has-closed-its-last-location-12546782.php" target="_blank">the Houston Chronicle reported in 2018</a>. "The location at 3425 Ella Boulevard was the last location standing."</p><p></p><p><b>But Prince's is not down yet.</b> In fact, they seem poised for strong comeback, <b><a href="https://youtu.be/nAydZcktmFY" target="_blank">as you'll see in my video</a></b>. </p><p></p></div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0Houston, TX, USA29.7604267 -95.36980281.4501928638211545 -130.5260528 58.070660536178849 -60.2135528tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-7317168432792903942022-12-21T14:35:00.009-06:002023-07-05T14:29:50.301-05:00Clear But Cold Weather Forecast PANICS Houston<h4 style="text-align: left;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZc3lLbPJNC5nAqq61NayJXC025ECcBq4QfrVOad5s2z1YE2xJpL1mhvN7oGGXuOSDxfni-HdUm53bmq9Xg0enfglhInKdJqJuNSpY7ShCkaBpgUcuoSquQB2bD8LDePj8B6lEhH5EK_GRW3HcLzw5x-vyc1YZ8ogpyvYmyEOhRbszia2cWeXtt5j/s800/Jack%20Nicholson%20frozen%20maze.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZc3lLbPJNC5nAqq61NayJXC025ECcBq4QfrVOad5s2z1YE2xJpL1mhvN7oGGXuOSDxfni-HdUm53bmq9Xg0enfglhInKdJqJuNSpY7ShCkaBpgUcuoSquQB2bD8LDePj8B6lEhH5EK_GRW3HcLzw5x-vyc1YZ8ogpyvYmyEOhRbszia2cWeXtt5j/w215-h121/Jack%20Nicholson%20frozen%20maze.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>And You Thought Texans Were Tough?</i></h4><p></p>At the grocery store today (H.E.B.), some customers were talking of "shortages" on the shelves. I saw none, to be honest, at least nothing significant. <p></p><p>Well, some raw chicken items were being restocked while I was there around 11:30 a.m. I spoke with the guy putting more bird parts on the shelves and he said, "You should have seen it yesterday. There was a rush on chicken." I asked him why. </p><p>"The freeze is coming," he said. What he meant was the cold front predicted to hit Houston late Thursday evening. Temps will plunge to 19 degrees ("feels like 5") on Friday morning <i>and some Houstonians are freaking out about that.</i></p><p>"Happens every time there's a freeze forecast," the stocker said. "Every single time," he chuckled.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3P2unFTK3sqa8LEkzev_Rxp_Fgnw26dD9OQDTuiFvfRhkAX83qMCwwBXbQAKAikieYkEz_YtRbaVpBJ_AUUgBlUWpqM_MluQeFexY2tJgdFvS6OfAdpI40naGPRB5b-Q6wY2Q3n6xyDGk-BGi99kjx_ScLbkeT37FEP8Vqr4VPZsq4j-lsWb5n9Ox/s900/Forecast.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="900" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3P2unFTK3sqa8LEkzev_Rxp_Fgnw26dD9OQDTuiFvfRhkAX83qMCwwBXbQAKAikieYkEz_YtRbaVpBJ_AUUgBlUWpqM_MluQeFexY2tJgdFvS6OfAdpI40naGPRB5b-Q6wY2Q3n6xyDGk-BGi99kjx_ScLbkeT37FEP8Vqr4VPZsq4j-lsWb5n9Ox/w214-h144/Forecast.png" width="214" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to enlarge <br />source: wunderground.com</td></tr></tbody></table>Yes, people are actually panic buying, thinking they need to stock up for a few days of chilly <i>but dry </i> weather. It's not going to snow. There will be no ice on the roads. What the heck do they think will happen? Deliveries will not be stopped or even slowed. Stores will not be closed.<p></p><b>The ONLY reason I can imagine that they're panic buying now is that the prospect of having to go out in temps below 50 generally terrifies them. And they say Texans are tough? LMAO. </b><p></p><p>The next precipitation forecast is next Thursday, Dec 29, when temps will be well above 60 with no chance of freezing. But to me, a native of Wisconsin who spent half of my adult life in Chicago, a few days of dry, cool weather is no big deal.</p><p>They say "everything's bigger in Texas." I reckon that includes fear of chilly weather, too.</p>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0Houston, TX, USA29.7604267 -95.36980281.4501928638211545 -130.5260528 58.070660536178849 -60.2135528tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8828740371595368394.post-84109116108346759992022-11-09T13:53:00.014-06:002023-01-07T18:08:57.122-06:00Houston METRO's Absurd Anti-Advertising Policy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UnSa3vnXHNOco02--wTnGk24g1E7WiQgch6cqNfs3aao10E1eawwuC7oj11FpCrdkckdDXCgbFoW4iw25Duwqt6oifFNKSwDMwJ284GxFILVwWKvnz2-8IPZ3cu9SNwTSKEQCpwPCc_p7IbQa6ePQq59uqFDQ8vPg9SAFYwmWl0iFbEs1heiTjP6/s549/Bus%20-%20ridemetro-org.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="549" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UnSa3vnXHNOco02--wTnGk24g1E7WiQgch6cqNfs3aao10E1eawwuC7oj11FpCrdkckdDXCgbFoW4iw25Duwqt6oifFNKSwDMwJ284GxFILVwWKvnz2-8IPZ3cu9SNwTSKEQCpwPCc_p7IbQa6ePQq59uqFDQ8vPg9SAFYwmWl0iFbEs1heiTjP6/w200-h109/Bus%20-%20ridemetro-org.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: ridemetro.org</td></tr></tbody></table><div><b>In case you haven't heard yet,</b> the Houston Astros won the World Series. There was a big parade downtown on Monday, November 7 to celebrate that win by tying up the city's limited police resources and completely effing up traffic patterns for hours.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>It's natural that people want to celebrate</b> the victory of highly paid athletes, whose triumph in no way affects them in any real or meaningful way. I get that. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I even get why all rides on METRO</b> (Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County) public transit services "<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/TXMETRO/bulletins/3362ff8" target="_blank">will be free throughout World Series Parade day</a>." It does make sense to discourage automobile traffic downtown <a href="https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/sports/2022/11/06/436836/city-of-houston-will-host-astros-world-series-parade-on-monday-metro-offering-free-rides/" target="_blank">with such a big event happening</a>. As a result, <i>all </i>riders on METRO today got free rides (myself included), even if their bus trips took them nowhere near the parade.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>As I said, I get it.</b> I also get why METRO is "offering free rides on all Metro buses, trains, Bike Share and Metro Micro on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8. The free rides will run from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on November 8." They want to make voting as easy as possible. <a href="https://www.fox26houston.com/news/metro-offering-free-rides-to-2022-midterm-election-polls" target="_blank">Fox26 reported this</a>:</div><blockquote><i>METRO announced they will give free rides to the voting booths for the 2022 midterm election. The League of Women Voters is partnering with METRO to offer rides to polling locations across the Houston area for registered voters on certain dates. METRO says voters can ride at no charge on METRORail, local buses, METRORapid, curb2curb, and METROLift paratransit services.<br /><br /></i><div style="text-align: left;"><div><i>These free rides will be available the first week of early voting from Oct. 24 – Oct. 30, 2022, and on Election Day on Nov. 8, 2022.</i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><b>My favorite part of that report is this: </b><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>METRO says voters only need to tell the bus drivers and/or fare inspectors they are going to or returning from the polls.</b></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>In other words, you could get free rides all day </b>on November 8, 2022 if you simply told the driver that you're on your way to vote. They had to take riders at their word, apparently, since they didn't require anyone to show their Texas Voter Registration Certificate — and even <i>if someone did</i>, it doesn't mean they hadn't already voted, intended to vote, or that the certificate was even theirs. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>So for two days in November,</b> Houston METRO <i>gave away ALL of its fare revenue.</i> And here's a dirty little secret: <i><b>They don't care. </b></i>In fact, METRO <i>seems to dislike money.</i> </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Here is what METRO says </b>(image) about <a href="https://www.ridemetro.org/Pages/FareDiscountedFare.aspx#" target="_blank">its offerings of free fares</a>:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZH_FRi9HQ9GQbP-5Pia5fk9kiInZuIDpBLMo_qe2lPqe3ppZxUjCEFj497UGKSPUQyxbNn7UgnGmlnIpoc4mYkqDZKrp1_gcHtM3OG9F0JoHiWQMPbYRBVkqKA7n00f43w59X5YGyW9Tj0LNsPSrRzYxrtTjJN7LFp-3zIZIFxrwd-evIGndsWbt/s665/Bus%20-%20free%20fares.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="665" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZH_FRi9HQ9GQbP-5Pia5fk9kiInZuIDpBLMo_qe2lPqe3ppZxUjCEFj497UGKSPUQyxbNn7UgnGmlnIpoc4mYkqDZKrp1_gcHtM3OG9F0JoHiWQMPbYRBVkqKA7n00f43w59X5YGyW9Tj0LNsPSrRzYxrtTjJN7LFp-3zIZIFxrwd-evIGndsWbt/s320/Bus%20-%20free%20fares.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">https://www.ridemetro.org/Pages/FareDiscountedFare.aspx#</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>No problem there, right? </b>Who would argue against helping kids, the disabled, jurors doing their civic duty, or seniors? Only the heartless.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>BUT THERE IS A BIGGER PROBLEM</b> with the way METRO regards money. Or funding, or subsidies, or whatever you want to call it. Apart from many drivers giving homeless people free rides regularly, they actually <i>turn down money.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Well, not <i>all</i> money. Just money they would have to <i>earn</i>. </b>I'm specifically referring to their very long history of allowing commercial advertising on their buses and trains. While just about every other city in the world gets paid good money for ads on their public transit vehicles, METRO thinks a commercial promo on the side of a bus would make Houston less attractive. Let me point out that the first word in "business" is "bus." But METRO's overlords are not the only ones scared to death of a Coca-Cola ad on the side of a bus.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Take Ed Wulfe, for example,</b> who wrote an absurd (in my opinion) op-ed in the Houston Chronicle back in 2013. In his piece, <b>"<a href="https://www.chron.com/opinion/outlook/article/If-buses-become-rolling-billboards-city-s-image-4206841.php" target="_blank">If buses become rolling billboards, city's image will suffer</a>,"</b> Wulfe nervously wrote that Houston's very reputation would be sacrificed:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i>It is difficult for a city to obtain a positive image - and very easy to lose it. Our commitment to quality of life and quality of place is paramount and cannot be compromised. Houston cannot afford to sacrifice more than three decades of remarkable progress by allowing rolling billboards across our city, on our thoroughfares, through our parks and in our neighborhoods.</i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Good lord, really?</b> Does Ed Wulfe think that the quality of life in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Miami, or hundreds of other cities across North America, Europe, Africa, South America and Asia declined <i>because of advertising on the sides of their buses</i>? Are people like Ed Wulfe blind to the already billboard-and-sign-rich environment that is Houston? Do they hate commerce? Are they just control freaks? I'll never understand their fear and loathing of something so useful and so harmless.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqE8lMQQJZjc_mpVMgYYf_jDGudJk6DdZCrOKPV1CKTkL8rgo3sLN9nSlksg2ubHqJwT2rWn8pWmRkXMossDCM2NBX3-ZZKBL6XjfvsxlymQGohQHhwOLDT0VMeDcHBLppIzsEfdb5tGniSR4U-ImjRqtuVRfnm-e3EC9fs9kfHDFTgsbVCId8DNB/s768/Bus-Photo-Adverta-Number-768x576.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqE8lMQQJZjc_mpVMgYYf_jDGudJk6DdZCrOKPV1CKTkL8rgo3sLN9nSlksg2ubHqJwT2rWn8pWmRkXMossDCM2NBX3-ZZKBL6XjfvsxlymQGohQHhwOLDT0VMeDcHBLppIzsEfdb5tGniSR4U-ImjRqtuVRfnm-e3EC9fs9kfHDFTgsbVCId8DNB/w200-h150/Bus-Photo-Adverta-Number-768x576.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.adverta.co.uk/new-year-new-outdoor-advertising-campaign/">The first word in business is "bus"</a></td></tr></tbody></table><b>That's amusing for several reasons: </b>(1) <a href="https://www.ucityguides.com/cities/10-ugliest-cities-in-the-world.html" target="_blank">Houston is already damned ugly</a>; (2) Billboards and gaudy store signs mar the look of many streets in Houston and Harris County; (3) A bus zipping past you with a McDonalds ad on its side is not nearly as de-beautifying as stationary, towering McDonald's billboard. And if you don't like that bus advert, it'll be gone in just a second.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>When I first moved to Houston</b> nine and half years ago from Chicago, I almost immediately noticed the complete lack of <i>commercial</i> advertising on the buses. The only placards on board are non-commercial, almost exclusively from METRO itself, telling riders such things as it's against the law to assault a driver (duh), multilingual info about contacting police (that's cool), telling us that there's free WiFi on board, and so on. I was baffled.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><b>This annoyed me. </b>Let's be honest: Even if you find ads to be annoying, you must admit that many can be informative. Being new to the city, ads for restaurants and stores would have been <i>helpful </i>to me. But commercial ads on buses and trains would also help the local economy. After all, there are agencies that place those ads, and they employ people. Advertising helps drive customers (no pun intended) to businesses, thus increasing their profitability. With more businesses that are profitable, more people can either be hire or retain their existing jobs. And so on. You probably get the picture.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>But the leadership of METRO turn their collective ("collectivist?") noses up </b>at such revenue opportunities. In late September, 2022 it was reported that METRO had "adopted the largest budget in its history for FY 2022-23, totaling nearly <b>$1.8 billion.</b> The budget, approved by METRO during its Sept. 22 board meeting, addresses rising operations costs and includes a slew of capital improvements with <i>a 38% hike from last year’s $1.3 billion budget</i>." [Emphasis mine]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>A 38 percent hike (half a billion dollars) to cover "rising operating costs?" </b>Inflation right now is about 8 percent, nowhere near 38 percent. Whatever. I'm not writing this give a detailed analysis of their budget which, being run by quasi-government authoritarians, is probably full of waste and mismanagement. Legal disclaimer: It didn't say it is, I'm opining that it <i>probably</i> is. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>In August, 2022</b> it was reported that "The Federal Transit Administration awarded METRO <b>$21.6 million to purchase 20 new electric buses and charging infrastructure. The project was estimated to cost $25.2 million</b>, according to agenda documents from a May 19 METRO Finance & Audit Committee meeting." [Emphasis mine]</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Keep that $25.2 million figure in mind. </b>Shortly after moving to Houston, I phoned METRO's offices and asked someone why they don't take advertising on buses, trains, bus shelters and train stations. The answer shocked me. "We don't need it," I was told. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>"What do you mean, you don't need it?"</b> I asked, adding, "even if you have enough now why not make extra money for any future need?"<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>"It's just not something we want to do,"</b> they said. I thank them for their time and hung up. That was nine years ago, and the response still blows my mind.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">About that $25.2 million figure...</h3><p style="text-align: left;"><b>The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) </b>has long had adverts on its trains, buses, stations, and shelters. They're not only informative, but a lot of riders <i>enjoy them</i>. Many are entertaining and become the topics of conversations and social media posts. The sourpusses at METRO would be horrified, but Chicagoans (and New Yorkers and city dwellers worldwide) generally either don't mind them or find the commercial adverts to be amusing and even informative. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHwtvDXt_kJVzDvj3aRP8iyan97igd17vpF1kKgS-JdXuRDe8BQtxVfh-Ci78M_RZytw0NyNpJCLY-ARVoO_U65RMLyXOPdirVkomMSZHQdjTa7mQGjXjOnrAcQtsqQKIlOeP_hyna2JsYhC6HGKBH_Hj_pOQaKF-rFVDi2A3us0iMSdUUVdKFGMX/s640/bus-stop-6744570_640.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHwtvDXt_kJVzDvj3aRP8iyan97igd17vpF1kKgS-JdXuRDe8BQtxVfh-Ci78M_RZytw0NyNpJCLY-ARVoO_U65RMLyXOPdirVkomMSZHQdjTa7mQGjXjOnrAcQtsqQKIlOeP_hyna2JsYhC6HGKBH_Hj_pOQaKF-rFVDi2A3us0iMSdUUVdKFGMX/w200-h134/bus-stop-6744570_640.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b>So back to the $25.2 million</b> that METRO recently <i>sucked from American taxpayers</i> to buy 20 electric buses. <b>In December 2019, <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/cta-to-nearly-triple-digital-advertising-network-under-new-agreement/" target="_blank">Chicago Transit Authority reported</a></b> that it authorized a "New contract [that would] generate up to $247.5M in revenues for CTA over next five years." That's nearly TEN TIMES the amount that METRO took out of U.S. taxpayers' pockets, but CTA isn't stealing it. They're <i>earning it</i>, through advertising placements. METRO could purchase almost 200 electric buses for that amount.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>In the same report, CTA also noted </b>that "Revenue from non-farebox sources—such as advertising, concessions and charters—helps CTA hold the line on fares and maintain service levels. Digital outdoor advertising on CTA has proven very popular with advertisers, including newer additions to CTA’s outdoor advertising options, including the large format video wall at Clark/Lake in downtown Chicago and 21 interactive digital screens located at select pilot locations across the system. Over the course of its 12-year partnership with Intersection (formerly known as Titan), CTA ad revenues increased from $17.2 million in 2010 to at least $32.4 million in 2019."</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>That 2019 five-year CTA contract included this:</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>$204.6 million in shared revenues, with $187 million guaranteed to CTA</li><li>$30.3 million in capital investment in new digital screens by Intersection</li><li>$12.6 million investment in software upgrades to run digital advertising screens that also display customer information.</li></ul></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>But METRO of Houston/Harris County say they "don't need" that kind of money. </b>While $247 million is a fraction of METRO's FY 2022-23 budget of nearly $1.8 billion, it's not a small fraction. It's nearly 14 percent, or approximately one seventh (1/7), of the new budget. That's nothing to sneeze at, and as shown above, it would be enough to buy 200 electric buses for METRO. That would be like a person earning $100,000 per year happily turning down an easy additional income of nearly $14,000. No rational person would do that.</p><p><b>Like any public transit system,</b> METRO has to maintain its system. They also want to expand it. As noted earlier, METRO's FY 2022-23 is almost $1.8 billion. Coincidentally, CTA's budget is virtually the same amount; </p><p><b>For fiscal year 2023,</b> the CTA is proposing a $1.8 billion operating budget that keeps fares at their current levels, maintains the agency’s commitment to improving service, and continues important investments to upgrade and modernize the system.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>It must be noted that Chicago's public transit system faces far more challenges</b> (in my opinion) than METRO does. Houston does not have a subway or an elevated rail system. Instead, it has some light rail trams that cover a very, <i>very </i>small part of Houston and doesn't even extend beyond the city's borders. Chicago not only has a much larger rail system, but much of that includes underground tunnels — one of which runs <i>underneath the Chicago River</i>. And, of course, CTA has buses. More buses, in fact, than Houston has. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Chicago's CTA has 1,864 buses. CTA daily weekday ridership is well over 1.5 million (as of 2016). <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/facts/" target="_blank">Source</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>METRO has fewer than 1,400 buses (and it's much more spread out than Chicago, meaning more are desperately needed). METRO has a daily ridership of only about 188,200 (weekdays, Q2 2022). <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Metro" target="_blank">Source</a></li></ul><p></p><p><b>Some people call Houston "Space City," LOL.</b> But they still haven't mastered twentieth century ground transportation. And don't even get me started on the sidewalks here.</p><p><b>RELATED:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20100723083211/http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/07/metro_no_ads_on_buses_despite.php" target="_blank">Metro: No Ads On Buses, Despite (Or Because Of) Tough Economic Times</a> - Wayback Machine</li><li><a href="https://www.ucityguides.com/cities/10-ugliest-cities-in-the-world.html" target="_blank">TOP 10 UGLIEST CITIES IN THE WORLD</a> - ucityguides</li><li><a href="https://www.houstoniamag.com/travel-and-outdoors/2013/11/houston-ugliest-city-in-the-first-world-november-2013" target="_blank">Houston: Ugliest City In The First World</a> - Houstonia Magazine</li><li><a href="https://medium.com/@CommuterKate/top-7-ads-using-public-transit-ef31b95777c" target="_blank">Top 7 Ads Using Public Transit</a> - Medium.com</li></ul><div><br /></div><p></p>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168316809023553247noreply@blogger.com0Houston, TX, USA29.7604267 -95.36980281.4501928638211545 -130.5260528 58.070660536178849 -60.2135528