Saturday, February 25, 2017 • Page 1C
Irish restauranteur bringing burgers to Durham By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com In January 2016, developer Bryan Danna bought a former gas station/car wash at 1603 N. Durham that he had big hopes for – and now they are coming to fruition. Balls Out Burger – a “no-frills, straightforward burger and beer joint” will open this spring in Shady Acres, near The Heights. A press release on the venture says that, “the menu may be simple, but the atmosphere will impress with industrial clean lines, a massive porch area, stellar music, outdoor games of all kinds, and strategically placed flat screen TVs for game day gatherings.” Balls Out Burger is Ian Tucker Hospitality Group’s first Houston concept. And who is Ian Tucker? The 37-year-old native of Ireland studied Economics and Math at Trinity College in Dublin and worked there in the restaurant business since 2004. He opened his own restaurant, The Exchequer D2, with a
Along with the Balls Our Burger concept, Ian Tucker also plans to develop a cocktail bar, called a Poitín, at Sawyer Yards in the Washington Avenue Arts District.
partner in 2009. According to press materials, Tucker and his team were awarded Best Gastropub at the Irish Restaurant Awards in 2010 and again in 2012. The Exchequer also took the prize for Best Cocktail Bar at the Irish Restaurant Awards in 2012, 2013, and 2016. Next was the purchase of Sweeney’s Pub, a
live music bar in Dublin. Then in March 2014, the group opened a second Exchequer, dubbed The Exchequer Wine Bar, in a suburb of Dublin. Tucker was elected Chairman of the Restaurant Association of Ireland in 2013 and stayed in the role until leaving Ireland for the United States in September of 2015. And just why did
he leave at the height of his success? In 2014, Tucker met his now American wife Casey, who was on a four-day vacation in Ireland, when she and a friend and made a fateful stop into The Exchequer D2. To make a long story short, the Tuckers now live in Houston and are expecting their first child. Tucker is now planning to bring his considerable experience to bear on two new concepts - Balls Out Burger on N. Durham, and “a sophisticated, concept-driven cocktail bar and restaurant” called Poitín, which is the name of a traditional Irish distilled beverage. Poitín (pronounced Putt-cheen) will follow Balls Out Burger in the fall at Sawyer Yards in the Washington Avenue Arts District. It will take its cues from The Exchequer as a “concept-driven cocktail bar and restaurant with broad appeal.” Once open, Balls Out Burger will be open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
The Great Debate Over
If you want pizza on N. Shepherd, you have your choice By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com If you’re in the mood for pizza, you’re in luck. In the last few years it seems that there has been an eruption of restaurants along North Shepherd and elsewhere that specialize in the pie. With that in mind, I put out a highly scientific anonymous survey to see where people’s preferences lie. The answer – all over the place. About a quarter of the people I asked said that Pink’s Pizza at 3404 N Shepherd Drive was their go-to spot. This may not be surprising since Pink’s has been open for the last five years. One of my respondents said that the reasons for their loyalty were the following: “quality ingredients, love their cheese, general concept, delivery, gluten free options, great salads, and pizza crust is delish.” Convenience was a matter for another who said “Pink’s is in our neighborhood and they deliver.” “We’ve always prided ourselves on providing the freshest, most premium ingredients available, and most people know that,” said Delicious Concepts owner Ken Bridge. “We also have a very unique flavor profile.” Bridge has gotten used to the pizza competition. “We always feel the opening of a new competitor, initially being that most people want to try and evaluate a new concept,” he said. “We usually bounce back within a couple of months. A new concept will find their unique audience and customer base and build from there. Our retention has always been deep rooted in the community and maintaining consistency in our core values; quality, consistency and customer service. I would agree that there seems to be an abnormally high level of pizza options in this particular area, but damn, who doesn’t love pizza!” My personal fav at Pink’s? Hands down the Hawaii Five O. Others mention This Guy which features sausage, chicken, goat cheese, mozzarella and spinach.
and lots of big groups in Montrose.” When asked about pizza saturation Jerrier – perhaps predictably considering the nature of his business – says he’s not sure you can ever have enough pizza. “If you use New York as a benchmark, the neighborhood is certainly not oversaturated,” he said. “It was kind of a bummer that Mellow Mushroom opened about 100 feet from us, but they are really a totally different style and experience.” Jerrier notes that they follow strict Neapolitan guidelines but like to have fun with creative toppings. “In the Heights, the guys from Southern Goods make brisket for us for our Elena Pizza,” he said. Jerrier also notes that they’re working on a brunch menu that they hope to roll out in the late spring. Speaking of Cane If you want pizza, the consistent restaurants in the area have been joined Rosso’s neighbor, anothby newcomers like Cane Rosso and Mellow Mushroom. er five percent of people on my survey have alNewcomer Cane Rosso (1835 N is to eat it quickly before it gets too ready been won over by Mellow Shepherd Dr.) got five percent of soggy. the vote. When they first moved into And the reason my kids liked it so Mushroom (1919 N Shepherd Dr) as the area last June a lot was made of much the first time around? S’mores their pizza place. “I loved the atmosphere of Meltheir non-New York Neapolitan style Calzone (chocolate, marshmallows, pizzas, which according to their pro- caramelized sugar) for dessert. Say low Mushroom and their food when we visited the Steubner Airline lomotional materials are “meant to be no more. eaten with a knife and fork.” Cane Rosso’s owner, Jay Jerrier, cation,” said Elizabeth Villarreal. A true Neapolitan pizza dough is says he’s been please with business “Haven’t been to the new Shady Acres location yet.” formed by hand and does not ex- so far. My family went for the first time ceed 3 millimeters in thickness. It’s “We’ve had a great reception to also baked at a high temperature for not only our pizza, but also our cock- last week. Mellow Mushroom started a short time and is fairly soft when tails,” he said. “The delays in getting in Atlanta, GA near where I grew up served. This was a turn off for a few open were really frustrating, but we so I was familiar with it, and rememfriends I talked to, so when my family finally got our Heights location open bered liking it then. As one enthusiastic Yelp reviewer ate there without me and wanted to in June and our Montrose location go back I was hesitant. Turns out I open in late October. Each loca- said, “this chain has explosive flalike Neapolitan pizza, since I’m not tion has a really different customer big on thick crusts anyway. The trick mix - lots of families in the Heights See Pizza P. 2C
While we’re dreaming about new restaurants By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
The conversations about pizza in our Pick Your Pizza article led to a wish list of what people say they still want in the area. “More chef owned places,” said Jennifer Scogin. Brie Kelman is looking for a restaurant with a good outdoor place where kids can play. She’s excited to see what will happen at Jimmy’s Ice House on White Oak which was recently purchased by Braun Enterprises. “Hoping for the best at the Jimmy’s location since Braun typically does good stuff and it is one of the few places remaining with so much land,” Kelman said. Tarka, a casual Indian restaurant, is opening at Bryan Danna’s 19th & Shepherd development but people still want more. “I’d love Indian or Mediterranean food around here,” said Candice Croker. Danyel Ramelow adds Pakistani, Persian, Turkish, Greek, Vietnamese, Caribbean, Japanese type of restaurants to that list. For those who can’t wait for Tarka to open, Kelman suggests a new spot just south of I-10 on Shepherd - Surya Indian. Sushi still gets numerous votes as do restaurants that serve food with fresh ingredients and salads for takeout. People want more good delis although they are torn on chain vs no chain. Another thing that was a constant – some more truly kid friendly, budget friendly options. “Something like Little Matt’s in Bellaire would be awesome!” said one. “One that has a wait staff, family friendly and affordable,” said another. “I’m glad to see the new ones: Union Kitchen and Liberty Kitchen, but not necessarily good for family budgets.” Other votes were for German, Israeli and French food – “just more elevated food. We have a few nice restaurants, but for the most part, the food is unimaginative.” Elizabeth Villarreal says she has a dream of opening a family style pub styled after an English pub in Oak Forest – “Lunch, dinner with pub fare... pints and a wee dram for everybody!” Best quote of the discussion is courtesy of Stella Stevens: “For me, I’m done for the most part with yuppie food. I am Doyle’s, BBQ Inn and Mi Sombrero all the way. If it’s not north of 610, I don’t need to go.” Asked to elaborate? “Any place where there is kale on the menu,” she said.
Interesting, Approachable, Fun 941 W 18th St. 77008 • (832) 953-4677 www.eurekaheights.com hours: W: 4-9pm • Th: 4-9pm • Fr: 4-9pm • Sat: noon - 9pm • Sun: noon - 6pm
Grab a 32oz Crowler To-Go
TI Beverage group Ltd
vampire.com
941 W 18th St. 77008 (832) 953-4677 www.eurekaheights.com