Houston eats, take-out edition

I eat a lot of take-out meals. I’m a single 20-something- I think most of us do. While I do love cooking, it’s a little challenging to create multiple meals every week for just one person. So I rely on take-out when I’m in the mood for a hot meal, but not in the mood to cook it. I’ve had some success recently after branching out from Pei Wei (my go-to take-out spot)- allow me to share.

First up is Al’s Quick Stop. Just like another Al’s (that I’m sure everyone reading this knows my undying love for), this place specializes in gyros. This place is also a dump, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. It’s actually a convenience store, right next to the favorite Montrose bar/restaurant/music venue, Rudyard’s (or Rudz if you’re in the know).

Grainy Blackberry picture of the menu. Gotta get me an iPhone.

I don’t know too many people that are willing to risk gas station food for a good gyro, so one day when I was in the neighborhood, I grabbed a gyro, some fries, and a canned Dr. Pepper from the gas station area to go. The total for these three items was around $6 or $7, which is UNBELIEVABLY cheap in my opinion. And I love cheap.

One of my favorite foods, the gyro

Hand-cut fries

I have to say, I was really impressed. The gyro meat was just how I like it- a little crunchy on the outside, but not overcooked. Interestingly, the two gyros I’ve had here in Houston (Niko Niko’s and now Al’s), have both been served in this way- meat and veggies folded inside a pita like a taco. Back home at my other favorite Al’s in Birmingham, gyros are rolled into a thin pita with lettuce and tomato, like a wrap. I prefer the Houston method much better. I love the pillowy pita bread that they use at Al’s Quick Stop. I hear the fries are hand-cut, and they proved to be very tasty, although they didn’t survive the car ride home very well.

Al’s does have a small seating area next to the order counter, and I may try that out one day to see how the fries are fresh out of the fryer. If you are squeamish about eating at a convenience store, get it to go and pretend you got it from Niko’s. It’s much better in my opinion.

Next up is Pierson and Company BBQ, a shack that dishes out some of the city’s best ‘que in North Houston.

Bread in a ziploc bag. Nice touch.

Mmmmm carne...

Rib in cross-section

They weren't kidding when they said "small" peach cobbler

Author’s note: I drafted this post around 2 months ago and then completely forgot about it. In the spirit of moving forward and getting back into this blogging thing (for reals), I’ll add one last addition to Houston take-out and then keep on truckin’!

Tacos al Pastor from 100% Taquito in Houston. Pork, pineapple chunks, and cilantro in a corn tortilla. The meat was too gristley for me.

Also from 100% Taquito, but this I would go back for. Corn tossed in lime juice and chile powder. So simple, so delicious.

Chubby’s Tacos…Not Texas, but close

Two friends invited me to join them on a taco adventure, and I must thank them for helping me branch out from my regular Mexican grub haunts (Armadillo, Montey’s, El Rod, La Fiesta, Chipotle). Chubby’s Tacos opened a Raleigh location recently, a second establishment of the original in Durham. And judging by the crowd (in this nondescript strip mall) word has quickly traveled about the bangin’ salsa bar, variety, fresh ingredients and relaxed atmosphere. Check the menu here. Chubby’s has acquired beverage permits now, too, so you can partake in a beer or a margarita.

What’s so great about Chubby’s? The menu is simply priced, with items served à la carte. This is especially satisfying for me because I like variety, picking and choosing a few things to try. Fresh ingredients: salsa bar, veggies, herbs. Flavors: a variety of flavor combos, beyond the traditional.

this is a proper taco meal

My order: two tacos (Carne Asada—diced seasoned steak with onions & cilantro; Grilled Tilapia—citrus marinated with chipotle cream sauce and pico de gallo). Plus, I made it a meal for an additional $2 to include rice, beans and chips. LG, what do you think? This looks like Houston food… so while you might be a little jealous, I know you’ve got at least five places down the street that offer this grub.

The carne adasa taco is my standard order, so no surprises there. The combination of spicy steak with cilantro and onions is simple, but the bright cilantro and crispy onion go great with the meat. And here’s what really makes it: soft corn tortillas…far superior to the flour.

The grilled tilapia taco was nicely balanced with a delicate chipotle sauce, not too smokey, and lightly fried fish. The pico burned so good.

The beans and rice represented the standard for most restaurants, but I add a heaping spoonful of salsa to pep it up a bit and make it spicy. Rice and beans makes it feel more like a meal, but I’ll get another outrageously good taco instead next time.

On to the salsa…

don't make me commit, i'll try them all

From top to bottom, left to right…I will do my best to remember…1. Salsa Verde 2. Habanero (Spicy!) 3. Can’t remember, but It looks like I liked it 4. Salsa Fresca 5. Guacatillo (Avocad0-Tomatillo) 6. Roasted Pepper? This bloggie got seriously distracted by consuming the salsas, and forgot their names.

Here’s a look at the day’s special: The Chubbychanga (fried tortilla, stuffed with chicken, onions, peppers), plus a side of queso dip, chips and a classic margarita on ice.

Chubby's Changa

Mas tacos

Check it: more tacos, because Chubby’s is all about variety. That’s a Chicken Fajita (seasoned chicken with lettuce and cheese) and Al Pastor (marinated pork & pineapple with cilantro and onions). In corn tortillas!

Finish it all off with something sweet.

fried plantains with sweet cream sauce

If you’re in search for an upgrade or just something different from your more frequented Mexican restaurants, why not try Chubby’s. It’s local, plus prices are reasonable. The ingredients are fresh. You’ll find tofu, tilapia and ahi tuna alongside traditional steak, chicken, shrimp and pork. And you can have it anyway you want it: taco, taquito, gordita, torta, burrito (the size of your head!), quesadillas, taco salads and nachos.

I have a feeling I’ll be going back this weekend. Any takers?

BOOM—chubby's tacos

(Late) Early Cinco de Mayo

Since I am in Texas, and thus the closest foodstalker to Mexico, I thought I should probably celebrate Cinco de Mayo on more than just the cinco this year. Since the actual day fell on a Tuesday this year, my group hit up our Tuesday Tradition- Terlingua Border Cafe for half priced fajita night! I will save that review for another Tuesday since I don’t have any pictures, but suffice it to say, it must be good if we keep coming back every week!

So, on the quatro de Mayo, I decided to start the celebration a little early with these Lime-Cilantro Pork Tacos. I have recently started basing my weekly meals on what is on sale at Central Market for the week- this particular week featured pork tenderloin, so I did a quick search and landed on this recipe. It just so happened to have three of my favorite ingredients in the title, so how could I go wrong?

 

Onions, jalapenos, and garlic going to town. Note the terrible knife skills.

 

Bowl of pork, glass of wine, smell of onions sauteing- perfection.

 

Ta-da!

I didn’t take any pictures of the actual finished product- if you thought it all looked the same color in the picture above, you should’ve seen it wrapped in a corn tortilla. What it lacked in visual presence though, it made up for in taste. I just love the combo of lime and cilantro. I ate this as leftovers for several days afterward and I enjoyed it every time. 

Mez

I dedicate the carne featured in this post to LG, who celebrated her birthday Monday.

My folks were driving through Raleighwood this past week and we decided to meet up for dinner at Mez, the contemporary Mexican restaurant in RTP operated by the Chapel Hill Restaurant Group (411 West, Squid’s, Spanky’s in Chapel Hill and 518 West in Raleigh).

I had been here before, so I was pumped to return. Last time I got the Tacos de Pescado, which were lightly fried tilapia topped with a cabbage slaw, salsa and a spicy aioli. I highly recommend that entree. It’s a good serving size, balanced, and an all around good rendition. From that former trip, I can also recommend the chips and salsa sampler with three different salsas–roasted tomato-pepper, fresca and avocado-tomatillo green salsa.

Back to this more recent visit. My family ordered diversely. Dad got the beef fajitas (flank steak with red rice, onions, peppers, served with flour tortillas, guacamole, crema and chimichurri). Fajitas are always a winning order because they can be customized! Make it just how you like it.

una fiesta en la boca

Mom got the scallop special. These large sea scallops were seared delicately and to perfection: still very tender, like butter melting in your mouth. The scallops came with a jicama/carrot/cilantro slaw and a coconut rice ball, lightly fried. This plate was beautiful and healthy, but more in line with a small plate, not an entree. Serving size = weak.

seared scallops & coconut rice

Well, Mez did not fail in the serving size of my 14 oz. Rib Eye Adobado with sauteed spinach and poblano mashed potatoes. My stomach feels full just thinking about it. The steak was seared to a crisp outside finish with a juicy inside and rubbed with ancho chili, cumin and brown sugar. Then, perched on top was a dollop of a wild mushroom butter.

classic case of eyes > stomach. but yeah, i ate it. all.

I felt like Liz Lemon devouring the steak in front of Jack following his secret heart attack. “A dog took it..it came out of nowhere…!” The steak was the hero of the plate, but the spinach was insanely good. Bright and seasoned well. The mashed potatoes were Yukon golds, so they naturally had a delicious buttery texture. I didn’t notice much poblano pepper flavor though.

What an enjoyable experience. It’s also worth noting that Mez is North Carolina’s first restaurant designed to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards for site development, water conservation, energy efficiency and construction materials. Mez collaborated with UNC-CH students and faculty during planning stages.

Some differences you may notice in the restaurant’s operation: the use of local organic ingredients, mostly natural lighting, washcloths (not papertowels) in the restroom and hybrid vehicle designated parking.

Because of their commitment to recycling, community involvement, and green operations, the Chapel Hill Restaurant Group was named the 2007 Sustainable Business of the Year by the Foundation for a Sustainable Community. Hoorah! What a great example to set for high quality food (The Foodiest Small Town in America, Bon Appétit), environmental consciousness and green advances in engineering.

Keep Austin Tasty

Foodstalking runs in my family. I am probably the most obsessive, with Dad at a close second- although that may just be because I have much more time on my hands to obsess. That’s why I always jump at the chance to foodstalk with said family. Reasons being A) they aren’t embarassed by my weird habit of taking pictures of my food, B) We usually have similar tastes, C) There are some restaurants that only the Goldens will visit, brave souls we are.  So when I found out my sister was going to come visit me in Texas, I figured it was a good time to drag her to along for the ride.

We begin this long weekend in Austin, which just so happens to be my favorite city in the country. I got in Friday night just in time to meet friends for dinner at Polvo’s, which is a Mexican dive in South Austin. Tear… this type of place makes me long for the Mexican joints in Birmingham that made me like Mexican food (El Poblano and Sol Azteca were my most frequented). Too many of the Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston are overpriced and too much of an ordeal for it to be plausible to go on a regular basis. Polvo’s was definitely more like what I am used to as far as Mexican food goes- decent, cheap margaritas, and food that sticks with you for a while. I had some kind of beef fajitas (can’t seem to find the exact name on the menu), and they hit the spot.

The next day’s meals started with brunch/lunch at Z’Tejas. Part of this place’s main appeal is the location and atmosphere: right on busy 6th Street (but far enough out that it’s not considered a ‘touristy’ spot- a Golden no-no), and a massive patio that is perfect for spring in Central Texas. They have excellent brunch cocktails and mojitos- of which I didn’t partake in this time. I had the Huevos Rancheros, a standard for me. I will enjoy anything with avocado in it (more on that later…), and the eggs were perfectly cooked.

4:00pm: time for a snack. Sister and I just so happened to run into this fabulous place that is basically my ultimate food fantasy on wheels. That’s right, an airstream trailer that sells cupcakes. Located in the quirky South Congress area, they have a short list of flavors (no daily rotation here like some of the cupcake purveyors in Houston) and a couple of tables with napkin holders on top. There just so happened to be a Gregg Allman look-a-like playing acoustic around the seating area on the day we were there- not sure if that’s a regular occurence or just a random Austin musician trying to catch his big break. I had the Red Velvet, which in my experience is a pretty good barometer for cupcake quality. The cake was moist and the frosting had the most interesting texture- whipped, not hard like a lot of bakery cupcakes, and on the thin side- I kind of liked it. The frosting was almost too cream cheese-y for me (not one of my favorite ingredients), but I did appreciate that it wasn’t sickeningly sweet like many non-homemade frostings.

Hey, Cupcake!

Sweet Southern goodness

Saturday dinner was at Curra’s, a place that is known for its avocado margaritas and no-frills Tex-Mex food. Our entire table ordered the avocado margaritas- I may have been the only one that actually enjoyed it. I think the reason is…

Ugh, I hate to reveal this dirty secret to the World Wide Web…

I don’t really like normal margaritas. I know, it’s strange. I don’t normally like to be reminded that tequila exists, and too many margaritas don’t do a good enough job of masking it/use the cheap stuff, which reminds me that it exists the next morning. I like the addition of avocado, because it’s just one more ingredient to mask the fact that I am drinking tequila. The consistency resembles a smoothie, so one warning would be to drink it quickly before it gets warm. Warm smoothies are not good. To eat, I had the Enchiladas Curras- cheesy, meaty, yummy goodness that you expect from Tex-Mex food.

Avocado marg

Mmm... cheese...

Our final stop in Central Texas is located on the famed BBQ Trail. I had previously made a stop at the City Market in Luling on another trip to Austin, a place that I credit with making me realize that I may actually enjoy brisket. I wanted to test another Top 5 BBQ spot to see if it was a fluke, so sister and I headed to Smitty’s Market in Lockhart. If you are easily intimidated by new dining experiences, Smitty’s is not for you. First you must enter the actual pit area and purchase your meats. Slap some brisket and ribs on butcher paper, give the man named Virgil your cash (ONLY), and head into the dining room. From there, you’ll purchase your sides and drinks. Don’t waste your time on sides. The beans were of the tasteless pinto variety. Ask for sauce at the “sides check-out,” or else you’ll be sadly sitting  at your table, staring at a bottle of hot sauce like sister and I did for a few minutes before we wised up. Between the two of us, we had a 1/2 lb of brisket and 1/2 lb of ribs. I think Dreamland owns Smitty’s in the ribs department- while the ribs were tasty, they were a little dry. The brisket, however, was exactly what this carne lover has learned to like about Texas BBQ- you taste the MEAT. Yes, you taste the smoke- but there’s nothing artificial about it as some Southeastern ‘que can seem. I did, however, like the City Market’s brisket a little more I believe. Could have been an off day for Smitty’s, but I thought the meat at City Market was slightly more moist than Smitty’s.

Smitty's Market exterior

Order carne here

Before

After

That’ll do it for the Austin portion of sister’s trip. Stay tuned for new adventures in Houston…

Playing Catch-up: Mint, Lilly’s, Jibarra & Vita

Time for a round-up on dining out in the Triangle. We’re running the gamut here with foods from around the world!

1. Mint, Chapel Hill, NC (my favorite in this group)

This is an Indian restaurant, located next door to Local 506 on the Carrboro end of Franklin, and within the same block as India Palace (also good, but it’s been a few years since I last went there). The inside is simply elegant–nice bar, dim lighting, not kitschy. We started out the meal with a bottle of wine and complimentary papadum served with two chutneys.

pregame snack

I’m an adventurous eater (though not Andrew Zimmerman style), and I’m always open to trying new foods. So I asked the waiter to pick out his favorite from the menu–I’m not vegetarian, and I enjoy some heat. So I got the Mint Chicken!

the mint chicken

The food was amazing. The chicken was tender and moist on the inside, and lightly charred on the outside for some crunch and smoky oven flavor. And notice the portions are healthy. I had enough leftover for lunch the next day. The dishes at our table came with large bowls of basmati rice, plus we ordered assorted naan. I was reminded recently that there are in fact four types of dining utensils: fork, knife, spoon and BREAD, perfect for sopping up the sweet and spicy red coconut curry sauce. Others at the table ordered the Chicken Vindaloo (a favorite, and spicey) and Saag Paneer. Hold me back, I’m seconds away from driving to Chapel Hill for the lunch buffet.

2. Lilly’s Pizza, Raleigh, NC

Lilly’s is a freakin’ cute pizza joint in my neighborhood that thrives on fun crowds, art and music, outdoor seating and the best in local and natural ingredients. It fills the Pepper’s Pizza void in my heart that I’ve had since moving out of Chapel Hill. I went to Lilly’s recently with a friend before seeing The Wrestler at The Rialto. We split The Aristocrat (topped with extra virgin olive oil, organic garlic, organic mushrooms, sharp white cheddar, mozzarella, roasted tomato slices, roasted yellow onions, organic roasted potatoes & Parmesan). I was a slice into enjoying the pie before I said–hey, where’s the famous Lilly’s tomato sauce? This sauceless pie, unencumbered by heavy tomato sauce, stands out with it’s herby, garlic tang! I was surprised how good the roasted potato was. Arrive here early to snag a table, especially if it’s warm and sunny. Also worthwhile at Lilly’s: the $6 lunch special (2 slices+drink or 1 slice+salad+drink).

the aristocrat

3. Jibarra, Raleigh, NC

We’re heading to Mexico. Fancy Mexico. Jibarra is a contemporary Mexican restaurant in the downtown Depot. This area and restaurant has a lot of promise if it can overcome its slightly off-the-beaten-path location.

my marg sprouted an orchid

First up: a classic Jibarra margarita. Tequila is supposed to be Jibarra’s thing, with over 30 varieties available. You can order a tequila flight with a sampling of three. Pass. I would have liked to see versions of your traditional margarita, similar to Sol Y Luna in Birmingham. I remember getting the savory Sol Y Luna Margarita there with Sauza Conmemorativo tequila, Grand Marnier and homemade spicy sangrita. Mmm not your average Monty’s pitcher.

tacos de carne asada

For dinner I ordered the Tacos de Carne Asada (thin sliced ribeye served with potato, onion and poblano pepper medley, diced onion, cilantro, salsa molcajeteada and flour tortillas), a personal fave. This is my standard order at Mexican restaurants. My overall assessment, honest and true…I like Monty’s more. Ahhhhh. I know. Maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe price point, but Monterrey’s is just as good, if not better.

Jibarra does win in atmosphere, quality of drink, salsas, sides, presentation, etc.

4. Vita, Durham, NC

This cute place is operated by the restaurant group responsible for Parizade, George’s Garage, BIN54 and Spice Street. So I expected good Mediterranean flare and a nice dining experience right off the bat. A lot of food was ordered by our table. I think pictures will speak more than words.

antipasto: proscuitto

antipasto: fungi

spinach salad w/ pancetta, red onion, walnuts, goat cheese, balsamic vinaigrette

a special: salmon & risotto

spaghetti w/meatballs

a special: ravioli w/asparagus

spicy chicken pizza

Our entire table was very satisfied with the food, ambiance, service and 1/2 price wine night. I would definitely return here, especially to sit outside on the patio to dine. Ooh! And I nearly forgot one of the best parts. Rustic Italian bread is brought to the table pre-meal, along with your regular olive oil. But they also serve full heads of roasted garlic! Yum. Just pop out a clove, and it makes the perfect topping to a bite of bread. Nice touch.

Hola tacos

Moving to Texas has given me a new found appreciation for all foods Mexican. I’ve always enjoyed binge eating at Mexican restaurants, but that is always how it transpired. After chips, queso, guacamole, margaritas, enchiladas combo with rice and beans, and sopaipillas, the whole experience usually ends up being more of a negative one. It’s amazing how many different variations of the cuisine I’ve encountered since moving to Houston. Now I consider scrambled eggs naked without tomatillo salsa, I buy homemade tortillas almost as regularly as whole wheat bread, and my most frequented take out restaurant is El Rey, a fabulous Mexican/Cuban taqueria. To feed my obsession, it’s only 3 minutes from my apartment AND it has a drive-thru. Every time I go, I try to get something different. I’ve gotten breakfast tacos (pretty good), their cinnamon coffee (amazing- I now add a generous sprinkle of cinnamon in my filter every morning thanks to that coffee), and their grilled fish tortas are pretty delicious as well. This time I opted for an a la carte selection. 

The spread. Clockwise from top left: Taco Al Pastor, Tortilla Soup, Cuban Taco

The Cuban Taco is a special El Rey creation. You choose either beef or chicken (I picked fowl), flour or corn tortilla (corn of course) and they top with black beans, roasted plantains, and a sour cream sauce. The Tortilla Soup is one of their signature items. Rich and spicy chicken broth is spiked with huge, I mean HUGE, chunks of their famous rotisserie chicken, large slices of avocado, and they kindly package the tortilla strips separately so you don’t have to deal with soggy soup! Genius. The Taco Al Pastor was new to me, and I’m so glad I tried it. Roasted pork tossed in a “light Mexican sauce”- whatever that is- and topped with chopped onions and cilantro, served in a corn (for me) tortilla. 

I haven’t had it yet, but I hear the ceviche is good. I’m a little wary of eating raw seafood from an establishment with a drive-thru; but since I’m picking it up about once a week these days, I better add it to my list if I want to make my way through the entire menu.