Listdining by The Heights Leader, Fort Bend Star and The Greensheet

THE LIST Family Dining

Family Dining

August 31, 2013

Page 2 • THE LIST • August 31, 2013 • @heightsleader

by Charlotte Aguilar charlotte@theleadernews.com Those 1950s sitcom images of families gathered around a kitchen dining table to enjoy a meal lovingly home-cooked by Mom are long a thing of the past. Today, with both Mom and Dad often in the workplace and youngsters having more demanding schedules that include afterschool sports and arts practices or tutoring, sitting down together frequently means grabbing a quick bite out, on the way home. Or if eating at home, dinner often consists of freshly prepared foods from a grocery or takeout or delivery from a favorite restaurant. With school resuming, The Leader decided that The List this month should chomp into the complex topic of Family Dining. We’ve compiled a list of popular local restaurants, given you some suggestions for kids-eat-free meals and turned to our readers for ideas about what makes a good family restaurant and specifics about ones their youngsters (and they) like. As always, local restaurants support The List with their advertising, and we unabashedly give them some extra attention – and hope you’ll give them your consideration. Family dining can be a tricky and controversial subject. There’s a whole category of restaurants that caters to families and high-end eateries that discourage youngsters’ presence. Middle ground is not easy to come by. Recently, a Leader-area restaurant, that had promoted itself as family friendly -- La Fisheria -- drew national attention when it announced that it was banning children under 9 years old after 7 p.m. Some applauded the move, while others called for a boycott. Not hard to figure out who was on which side. Cottonwood, a Garden Oaks craft beer and nibbles emporium, had a few rocky moments after opening last year when it tried to attract families in early evenings and create an adults-only atmosphere in later hours. Sometimes, according to social media complaints, there was an uncomfortable overlap that seems largely to have been worked out. Parents wonder how children are ever going to learn to handle finer dining if they don’t have the experience, and adults who pay good money with the expectation of grownups-only at nice eateries frequently complain when their experiences are ruined by children who aren’t behaving properly (or parents who aren’t

controlling them and can resent being challenged about their Little Darlings’ presence). Here are some tips from Etiquette Scholar Mike Lininger. Read all his advice at www.etiquettescholar.com. He says: •Children shouldn’t be taken to “fancy restaurants” until they’re 8 or 9, able to sit without stirring and practice their tables manners. •Kid-friendly doesn’t mean youngsters should run wild. Lininger says they should always be on their best behavior and speak softly. •Lininger says eating out can be a good learning experience for both parents and children. •Children need to be taught or reminded of the restaurant routine – viewing a menu, giving an order and staying in place until the meal is over. •Younger children should have something quiet – a pad and colored pens or playthings – to help keep them occupied until the food arrives. The youngest children should have small, healthy snacks to nibble on before the food arrives. •Ordering quickly is important, and youngsters under 5 should still have parents order for them. Choices should be made before the waitperson takes the order. •If a child does act up, they should be removed from the dining area until they are calmed down. •To avoid mishaps, children should always remain seated. •In event of a mess, do your best to clean it up yourself, out of consideration for other diners and the restaurant’s resources. •If your youngster annoys other diners, stop the mischief immediately. If a fellow diner complains, apologize and make sure the child doesn’t repeat the behavior. •Don’t dawdle. Even the best-behaved child gets restless when they’re full and perceive the meal is over. •And ﬁnally, Lininger says you might want to consider giving up the coffee or dessert in the interest of ending the restaurant visit on a good note. As we do every month, The List will be posted online on our website at www.theleadernews.com, and if you have suggestions for favorite places to take your family or more kids-eat-free locations, please send them to news@theleadernews.com and we’ll add them. In the meantime, enjoy those nights out of the kitchen. Come and get it at the vast array of Leader-area family friendly locations.

Ozzie and Harriet Nelson provided the iconic 1950s images of a family sitting around the kitchen table eating a homecooked meal. Today, eating out can be a great family time and learning experience for both children and parents. (Photo from Spanish Flowers on Facebook)

The reviews are in

THE LIST. Andy’s Mexican Cafe 1115 E. 11st Street

At Cavatore, they make a classic Caesar salad table side that’s an entertaining process for youngsters to watch. (Photo from Cavatore Italian Restaurant)

Who better to review family-friendly restaurants than parents and grandparents? The Leader reached out to readers to offer their favorites, and here are their suggestions: Our family loves Los Cucos... the two year old loves the Mariachi music played, wife loves the Margarita’s, and I can get a very nice filet of fish! We also enjoy the Bbq Inn, and well as Gabby’s. When we go on our biking trips in the evening, we prefer Doyles and China Wok (The above is when our kids dine with us- ages 2 & 9). - Clint William Croley We love to eat at Tony’s or La Hacienda. The food is good, and the environment loud enough that no one minds too much if my kid is making a fuss. Plus, we often bump into friends from church or school, making for a nice sense of community. - Karen Salinas

In the area, we like Collina’s because of my son’s love for delicious pasta. It’s fast and easy. We visited Hughie’s for the ﬁrst time last Friday and he devoured their egg rolls (he is NOT a fan of them anywhere else) and ordered more. He also loved their dumplings. He is now becoming quite the pizza snob and his favorite is Brother’s Pizzeria. He says “It’s the sauce, Mom. It’s the sauce.” I agree! - Nora Loera Mine love the kids eat free at Gabbys on Sunday. They get fried okra and brisket sandwiches, which is diﬀerent from a typical kids meal. - Valerie Worrall Folsom Our kids’ favorites are BB’s, Cottonwood, Liberty Kitchen, Yale Street Grill, Christian’s Tailgate. Healthy- well, we do that at home! Liberty Kitchen, however, serves a beautiful fruit salad with all their kid’s meals. - Ashley Day

Gabby’s on Sunday is Kids Eat Free night. My kids love to get BBQ chicken and green beans. Luby’s is kids eat free on Sat, and there are always healthy options available there. Monday is kids eat free at Teotihuacan Mexican oﬀ Airline. Fabulous chicken and beef fajita tacos for the kids! el sombrero on 34th because Golden Seafood on Airline is also the food is always hot and the a hit with my kids. They love the free ice cream is really good. shrimp or grilled ﬁsh with rice - Norma Mancha and broccoli. - Deborah Trevino Seghers Tony’s and Juanita’s have great food and service! - Diane Wells

Hours: Open 24 hours A Heights Tex-Mex classic, where families crunch together tables and share chips, salsa and guacamole and platters full of enchiladas, tacos and other staples. Little ones not used to spicy food yet enjoy quesadillas and a fresh squeezed limeade.

Baskin Robbins 1354 W. 43rd St.

Oak Forest’s classic ice cream purveyor oﬀers specials (look in Leader coupons frequently) and creates custom cakes that make any occasion special.

Page 3 • THE LIST • August 31, 2013 • @heightsleader

Barbecue Inn 116 W. Crosstimbers

www.thebarbecueinn.com For nearly 70 years, Barbecue Inn has served the Greater Heights/Garden Oaks area. Four generations of families have come through the doors and returned often to experience the ﬁnest in Southern comfort food, personalized service and old-fashioned hospitality, making this familyowned restaurant a landmark in the Houston area.

BB’s Cafe 2701 White Oak

www.bbscafe.com An intro to Cajun food and traditional oﬀerings for the young-uns, there are boiled and blackened seafood and ﬁsh and big salads for those who want a taste of the Big Easy without all

$7.45

the frying and heaviness.

Becks Prime 115 W. 19th St.

(Memorial Park Golf Course) www.becksprime.com At Becks Prime, a homegrown Houston institution, they like to brag that there are no microwaves, and that the only use for their freezers is to frost the beer mugs. Burgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, shakes - plus steaks, tuna and chicken options - are all made fresh. Family friendly dinein and patio dining.

Berryhill in the Heights 702 E. 11th Street

www.berryhillintheheights.com This Baja-style Mexican food emporium made its name with tamales, and those include spinListings continued • Page 6

�� BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

6AM Breakfast with home made pan sausage and homemade biscuit

Celebrating 71 Years of Family Cooking Daily Menu Includes Farm Fresh Vegetable Mashed Potatoes Fresh Mustard Greens Candied Yams Fresh Okra & Tomatoes Black-eyed Peas Cornbread Dressing Country Fried Corn Baked Acorn Squash Buttered Squash Fried Zucchini Other Favorites Country Fried Chicken Chicken Fried Steak Fresh Ground Burgers Pan Fried Catfish Grilled Pork Chops Fried Shrimp

WEEKLY SPECIALS Monday Corned Beef Hamburger Steak Baked Spare Ribs Fried Flounder Baked Chicken Tuesday Chicken & Dressing Prime Roast Beef Baked Meatloaf Stuffed Bell Pepper Stuffed Crab Glazed Ham Wednesday Spaghetti & Meatballs Beef Stew Beef Tips & Noodles Chicken Tenders Cajun Baked Catfish Enchiladas Fresh Roast Pork Thursday Chicken & Dumplings Beef Short Ribs Prime Roast Beef Hickory Smoked Sausage Smothered Liver & Onions Salmon Croquettes

Friday Seafood Gumbo & Rice Smothered Steak Baked Ham w/Pineapple Oven Baked Chicken Pan Fried Catfish Homemade Salads English Pea Salad Fresh Pickled Beets Carrot & Raisin Salad Cucumber & Tomato Salad Macaroni Salad Homemade Desserts Rice Pudding Banana Pudding Bread Pudding Peach Cobbler Cherry Cobbler Dutch Apple Cobbler Pineapple Upside Down Cake

*Some daily items subject to change. Call for complete daily menu. Thank You.

2526 Airline Drive • (713)861-3422 Hours: Monday - Friday, 6 am - 8 pm • Saturday, 6 am - 3 pm

www.tripl e a r e s ta u ra n t. c o m

Page 4 • THE LIST • August 31, 2013 • @heightsleader

It’s easy for a simple dining experience with youngsters to turn dramatic. Some planning and following a few simple tips can create a pleasant family experience. Some parents cringe at the mere mention of dining out with their children, envisioning 90 minutes of crying, taunting and tantrums. While some cultures place great signiﬁcance on dining out as a family, North Americans seem less inclined to do so -- unless it is at a family-friendly (not food-friendly) chain restaurant or fast food establishment. However, dining out with young children doesn’t have to be a debacle. Employ a few of the following tips, and your next night on the town with the youngsters in tow might just prove to be a nice family experience.

Spotlight: Canino Produce Get munchies. A hungry child is often a cranky child. Ask if bread, crackers or chips can be placed on the table early on so that the kids have something to snack on and distract them from hunger pangs. Request a table near the bathroom.

While looking at the restroom doors may not make for the most inviting ambiance, it does reduce the hassle of snaking through tables and rows with a child who needs to use the restroom. Order for the table. Giving kids a choice may waste time and lead to arguments. Order a few items that everyone can share, increasing the likelihood that your child will ﬁnd something he or she wants to eat. Stick with recognizable foods. Now is not the time to ask junior to delve into seafood salad or osso bucco. Save taste-testing for another time when there’s nobody else around to hear your child’s protestations.

Make dessert a reward not an expectation. If the children behave to your liking,

dessert can be a reward. It will reinforce good behavior the next time you decide to dine out.

Whether it’s crunchy lettuce, rosy tomatoes, mushrooms and peppers for your burgers, an array of colorful spuds for your potato salad or the tangiest fruit for your pies and cobblers -Canino Produce has what you need to bring a touch of freshness to your family dining. Canino’s been in business since 1958 and anchors the front of the 17-acre Airline Produce Market at 2520 Airline Drive, in what appears to be a more conventional, enclosed store facing the street. But it isn’t conventional at all, cooled by giant fans and containing only fresh produce and a carefully chosen smattering of other regional foodstuffs. The only meat is a cooler of boudin from Louisiana. At any given time, Canino stocks 170 fresh produce items. More sophisticated tastes and Houston’s diverse palates require such variety, he said. Secondgeneration owner Bill Canino and brother-in-law Lawrence Pilkinton run their produce market, not from an isolated of-

ﬁce, but from a desk at the front of the store, where customers feel comfortable approaching them. Canino is a repository for local and regional products. There are tables stacked with bulk packages of nuts, the one case ﬁlled with fresh eggs and a few other specialty items requiring refrigeration, and rows of shelves almost the length of the store featuring jars of Texas- and regionally-produced honey, syrup, jams and jellies and salsas. “These urban market folks didn’t invent these concepts,” Bill Canino with a touch of bemusement. “Those folks may have an acre or two. They grow what’s in season, and that ends real fast… people want this homegrown stuff – but there’s not enough to go around. That’s where we come in,” Canino said.

Canino Produce 2520 Airline Drive 713-862-4027

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�� Family Mexican Restaurant 1431 W. 26th HOUSTON, TX

(713) 880-0100

12503 Telge Rd.

14759 Memorial Dr.

(281)373-0300

(281)493-2252

CYPRESS, TX

HOUSTON, TX

�� MON-THURS 11AM-10PM FRIDAY 11AM-11PM SATURDAY 8AM-11PM SUNDAY 8AM-10PM

www.lahaciendaescondida.com

Page 6 • THE LIST • August 31, 2013 • @heightsleader

Listings continued from • Page 3 ach and chicken varieties. Fun ﬁnger food for youngsters include ﬁsh tacos to grilled corn on the cob, soups and salads.

BRC Gastropub 519 Shepherd

www.brcgastropub.com Part of the New American style of cuisine that has risen in popularity in recent years, BRC Gastropub oﬀers inventive dishes, sandwiches and a killer brunch that can make family dining fun.

Brothers Pizza 3820 N. Shepherd

Leader families swear by this family-friendly chain’s Garden Oaks outpost, with a wide selection of pizza, pasta, subs, wings and salads. Dine-in and takeout only, no delivery.

Carter & Cooley Company 375 W. 19th St.

www.carterandcooley.com A little journey into Heights history for families in an original drugstore full of old photos and ﬁxtures. For nearly a quarter-century, this has been a popular eatery for wholesome sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts.

www.brotherspizzahouston.com

Where you don’t pay for kids to chow down Kids eat free. Music to parents’ ears and budgets. Here’s a list (by no means all inclusive) of some places that offer complimentary mini-meals when adults dine. Please check with the individual eateries to determine their rules. Applebees - Through Sept. 30, the 2959 North Loop West location is participating in a Monday-through-Friday kids-eat-free promotion all day. Get one free kid’s meal with each adult entree purchased. Blackeyed Pea - A special child’s menu of this chain’s homestyle cooking with Southern style is free from 5 p.m. Tuesdays for youngsters 12 and under with each adult entree purchased. Nearby location: 10999 Northwest Freeway. Candelari’s - This European style pizza, pasta and sub joint at 6002 Washington Ave. features a childís menu. With each adult entree or pizza purchased all day Tuesdays, families can earn a free kid’s meal item. Cici’s Pizza - Youngsters under 3 eat free from the pizza-pasta-salad buffet every day with an adult purchasing the buffet. Nearby location: 935 N. Shepherd Drive. Gabby’s BBQ - This Garden Oaks joint at 3101 N. Shepherd Drive sports a cafeteria style line for feeding little ones fast, and a kid’s menu that includes friendly offerings such as grilled cheese and barbecue sandwiches and

plates, burgers, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese. One child’s entree is free with each grownup entree purchased on Sundays for youngsters 12 and under. Little Bitty Burger Barn - Adults eating at this family-friendly location with limited outdoor dining can get two free children’s dine-in burgers from 5-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Located at 5503 Pinemont Drive. Lubys - Classic cafeteria fare with childrenís and healthy specials. Check out their website at www.lubys.com for coupon entitling a family to a free kid’s meal for each adult entree purchased after 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays and all day Saturdays. Two locations near Leader neighborhoods are at 1414 Waugh Drive and 11250 Northwest Freeway. Mytiburger - Oak Forest’s classic burger joint oﬀers one children’s entree with each adult entree purchased every Tuesday night. Located at 2211 W. 43rd St. Prince’s Hamburgers - One free kids meal with each adult purchase after 4 p.m. Wednesdays. Thai Spice - Their Heights location at 460 W. 19th St. has menu and buﬀet items featuring Thai favorites. Children shorter than the counter eat free every day. There’s also free WiFi, if you’re a parent who approves of electronic devices at the dinner table (while you’re on yours).

Cavatore 2120 Ella Blvd

www.cavatoresitalianrestaurant.com Classic Italian in a warm, family setting with piano accompaniment. Lots of classic Italian, including spaghetti and meatballs, and the made-at-the-table Caesar salad is culinary entertainment, while live piano music keeps the little ones engaged.

Cedar Creek 1034 W. 20th Street

www.cedarcreekcafe.com Part of the Creek Group in the Greater Heights, Cedar Creek in Shady Acres has one of the most extensive patios in the area and lots of fun foods for family din-

ing with plenty of adult food and drink options to keep the grownups happy.

Chick-fil-A 13240 NW Freeway

www.cfarestaurant.com Long a revered outpost of healthy fast food, Chick-ﬁl-A caters to families with special children’s meals, options such as fresh fruit and juices - plus indoor playgrounds and special children’s promotions.

Cyclone Anaya’s 1710 Durham

www.cycloneanaya.com Founded by a well-known professional wrestler from a bygone era, Cyclone Anaya’s has been

serving Tex-Mex for more than 40 years and oﬀers family favorites as well as more sophisticated twists.

Dairy Queen 5425 Antoine

www.dairyqueen.com Any Texan who played a Little League game has crossed the threshold at a Dairy Queen, and Lone Star food institution for decades. The children’s menu includes a turkey wrap, applesauce and bananas and a side salad, and the classic Orange Julius drink (tell youngsters it’s the original smoothie) are available. Listings continued • Page 7

Hunting & Gathering

��

99 cent mimosas and champagne

��

half price wines by the glass After 5

Outstanding Gulf Seafood and Wild Game

��

Page 7 • THE LIST • August 31, 2013 • @heightsleader

Listings continued from • Page 6

Doyle’s Restuarant 2136 W. 34 St.

www.doylesofhouston.com Serving patrons in the Oak Forest for nearly 60 years, Doyle’s has become an icon for its Italian fare and thin-crust pizza. There are also chicken sandwiches, big salads -- including the ever popular Heartland Salad with tangy marinated chicken -- and homemade soups to choose from. Exceedingly family friendly.

El Rey Taqueria 3330 Ella and 910 Shepherd

www.elreytaqueria.com El Rey combines Cuban and Mexican fare for locals looking for tasty dishes. Healthy preparation is key here: the chicken is slow roasted on a rotisseries, and ﬁsh and seafood are grilled.

El Tiempo Cantina 5602 Washington Ave.

www.eltiempocantina.com Created by the Laurenzo family, which for many years owned

the popular Ninfa’s chain of restaurants and still controls the original, El Tiempo keeps the family culinary tradition alive but with updated twists. The menu features an array of child-friendly choices.

Freebirds World Burrito 1923 Taylor St. & 13280 NW Freeway

www.freebirds.com Founded in Santa Barbara, Calif., then planting its roots in College Station, Freebirds is another of the “Fresh Mex” restaurants that have become popular in the last 15 years. You move down a long cafeteria-style line of fresh ﬁllings and toppings that your server custom creates for you, as healthy or daring as you wish. Special child-sized oﬀerings.

Frida Mexican Kitchen 3452 Ella Blvd.

www.lacasadefridahouston.com This Tex-Mex eateries pays tribute to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and promises to serve dishes like Kahlo painted, with “the ﬁnest colors and ingredients.” Food is prepared fresh and, unlike tradi-

tional Mexican cooking, uses olive oil. Meatless options abound, as well as family-style “parilladas,” which feature heaps of grilled beef, chicken, carnitas and shrimp, as well as peppers and onions, served with handmade tortillas.

Happy Fatz 3510 White Oak Drive

www.happyfatz.com Gourmet hot dogs and other comfort foods, including signature desserts, located in a cozy Heights bungalow with indooroutdoor dining.

Hickory Hollow 101 Heights Blvd.

www.hickoryhollowrestaurant.com Billing itself as a “real Texas cafe,” Hickory Hollow features a variety of homestyle eats and designates menu items that are “lean on calories but big on Texas ﬂavor and options for youngsters.

Jackie’s Kitchen 2210 Mangum

www.jackieskitchenhouston.com Opening its doors in 2010, Jackie’s Kitchen has quickly es-

tablished itself as a family-friendly eatery specializing in comfort food.

zarella and parmesan) to the Pit Master (brisket with colby jack and barbecue sauce).

Java Java 911 W. 11 St.

Kojak’s Cafe 1912 W. 18th St.

www.javajavahouston.com Started in the former Heights Above Florist shop, Java Java has quickly become one of the city’s top coﬀeehouses and eateries, with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Jax Grill 1613 Shepherd Drive

www.jaxgrillhouston.com Casual and family friendly, Jax Grill has a vast menu of burgers, seafood and other entrees.

Jus’ Mac 2617 Yale St.

www.jusmac.com A child’s dream and adult craving: Houston’s ﬁrst and only establishment to exclusively cook and serve macaroni and cheese nearly 20 diﬀerent ways from the All-American (colby jack and American cheese) to the Popeye (fresh spinach, onions, and mushrooms topped with moz-

www.kojakscafe.com Mediterranean cuisine is frequently touted as one of the planet’s healthier diets, and Kojak’s is one of the few places in the Greater Heights to oﬀer such items as falafel, hummus, baba ganoush and stuﬀed grape leaves. Kojak’s now has extended hours, so you can enjoy supper through 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Little Bitty Burger Barn 5503 Pinemont

www.littlebittyburgerbarn.com With a bevy of accolades and kudos from Houston burger lovers and attention from national media, the Little Bitty Burger Barn has been pleasing customers for a long time. The menu, which is constantly changing, features burgers for any type of palette, and kids can eat free from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Listings continued • Page 13

SEASONAL PRODUCE YEAR ROUND

Over

55 Years

serving our customers at the same location!

2 Blocks Inside North Loop

2520 Airline Dr.

610

Airline

Come see our great bargains. Fresh vegetables and fruits all year round. All kinds of ﬂowers, garden plants, tomatoes, peppers etc.

Sylvester

45 Service St

Page 8 • THE LIST • August 31, 2013 • @heightsleader

by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com Barbecue Inn co-owner Wayne Skrehot proudly holds the restaurant’s original ledger that his father, Louis Sr., compiled when he opened on Oct. 22, 1946 at 116 Crosstimbers Road. Skrehot, 73, was six years old when his father brought barbecue, fried chicken and seafood to Independence Heights. Nearly a decade later, Louis Sr. passed away and a 15-year-old Wayne, then a Reagan High student, and his 18-year-old brother, Louis, ran the restaurant along with their mother, Nell. Many restaurants have come and gone since the mid-20th century, but Wayne credits “the quality of the food” and the service with the restaurant’s longevity. The current brick building has been the home of the restaurant since 1965. Four-and-a-half years ago,

Louis Jr. retired and Wayne’s son, David, bought 50 percent of the business. Along with his siblings and cousins, David, 52, grew up working in the restaurant. He then embarked on a successful career in sales/marketing, before returning to the family business. David said his father and uncle always encouraged him to be open to different career paths and return if he wanted to do so. “Returning to the restaurant is great,” David said. “I really enjoy it. You see people you’ve known for years, but you always meet somebody new, which makes it interesting. When people come in here, it’s like going back in time.” Some of the employees have worked at Barbecue Inn for 3040 years. They were there when David was a child, and he’s now proud to work with them again. “We have a great staff from the cooks to wait staff and bus boys

-- they like what they do,” David said. The family now celebrates its fourth generation in the restaurant with David’s 14-year-old son, Jesse, working part-time as a busboy. “People ask ‘who’s that? Is that your grandson?’,” Wayne said. “It’s exciting.” Barbecue Inn’s popularity extends far beyond the north side of Houston. They’ve received accolades from America’s Best Bites, Travel & Leisure and Southern Living, which named Barbecue Inn one of the top 100 restaurants in the United States and recognized the quality of its fried chicken. “We’re known for fried chicken, fried shrimp, chicken fried steak, barbecue ribs and St. Louis style ribs with a Texas ﬂair,” David said. “We started out originally as just barbecue, and expanded with fried foods.” David said well-cooked fried

Barbecue Inn co-owners Wayne Skrehot, left, and his son, David Skrehot, stand next to a photo of Wayne’s father, Louis Sr., who started the restaurant in 1946. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter) chicken that takes 25 minutes to prepare is a rarity these days. “Our fried chicken takes people back to a time when that’s what you waited for,” Davis said. David said “word of mouth” has produced local and long-

distance customers for Barbecue Inn. “We’ve had people come straight from the airport,” David said. “We’ve had them dropped oﬀ in a cab, with their luggage.”

632 W 19th Street��www.table-19.com 713-864-3301

Open Daily �� Mon-Friday 7am-3pm Sat 8am-6pm & Sun 8am - 3pm all day brunch on the weekends breakfast until 11am during the week

�� Our soups and salad dressings are made in house using local ingredients whenever possible.

Heights is dry but Table 19 is not.

BYOB

�� Box Lunches and Sandwich Trays Also available in the evenings for private parties

Spotlight: Cyclone Anaya

Owner Rico Valencia and his sister, Vienna Valencia Molder Cyclone Anaya was a legendary wrestler, square-jawed and handsome, and his namesake eatery has earned its own legend status with its family hospitality and deep-seated traditions in his honor. Anaya earned Mexico’s wrestling championship at the age of 17 and quickly became a favorite in the pro ranks when he came to the U.S., winning many more titles. But it was in Houston he set down roots when he married a former Miss Houston. He and Carolina, who were married for 50 years, had ﬁve children to-

gether -- and decided to go into the restaurant business. Now, 40 years later, Cyclone Anaya’s three Houston locations -- including the sleek, modern Leader-area restaurant at 1710 Durham -- and outlets in Dallas and Virginia, are still serving Carolina’s original recipes. There are staple combinations with enchiladas, tamales and tacos. But the vast lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus also feature updated and gourmet selections, including wood-ﬁred items and such palate pleasers as lobster enchiladas. For the grownups, the full bar boasts a wide selection of prime tequilas that allow you to blend your own top shelf margarita, mixed drink specialties such as mojitos, and a rotating selection of specialty shots.

Cyclone Anaya 1710 Durham 713-862-3209 www.cycloneanaya.com

Page 9 • THE LIST • August 31, 2013 • @heightsleader

Spotlight: PaPa Mo’s Deli Why cook when you can pick up PaPa Mo’s? Owner Joan Kofteci established PaPa Mo’s Deli because of family. The Kofteci’s son Neil had been living in Houston for more than five years when he and daughter-inlaw Ellen announced they were expecting their first child. The Koftecis decided to re-evaluate their business and living situation in Long Island, New York when their first grandson, Caleb was born. Their son and daughter-inlaw then encouraged them to explore opening a deli in Houston. “We figured if we could find a small place in a good location, we were going to give it a try,” she said. Kofteci said she gets inspiration for her business from her grandfather who endured the Depression in New York. “The reason his fish store made money is because he was selling fish at one penny per pound profit, but he used have a line out his door,” she said. “Because he kept

it so reasonably priced, he always had business. I feel everyone is working so hard for their money these days.” That’s why PaPa Mo’s Deli caters to families by offering hot dinners and food to pick up for hard-working business people on their way home. “Sandwich style, salad style, ﬁnger food, whatever you want. We can create something to ﬁt your budget for the number of people you want,” she said. Papa Mo’s also has daily specials. “Every day, there’s at least

four of them here,” she said. “The average person can come in here and eat a full meal with a drink and it will definitely be under $10. If you take advantage of a special it’s even less than that,” she said, adding “What you’re going to get for that is a good sized portion and you’ll definitely be satisfied.”

PaPa Mo’s Deli 713-802-0043 www.papamosdeli.com

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Celebrating 80 years of serving Houston! Purchase any Classic Burger Platter and recieve a FREE SHAKE! Not valid with any other offer or discount. Only at Prince’s Diner, 1201 North Post Oak Rd. Exp 012/31/13

Dine in, Order online or use our convenient Drive Up Window for phone–in orders www.PrincesHamburgers.com

1201 N. Post Oak 713.686.1950

Page 10 • THE LIST • August 31, 2013 • @heightsleader

Spotlight: Spanish Flowers

Huge familygatherings area acommon occurrence at Spanish Flowers (Photo submitted) Since 1979, Spanish Flowers has enjoyed a reputation far beyond its Heights-area neighborhood as the place to go for a middle-ofthe-night hankering for Tex-Mex and Mexican specialties. This vast restaurant, located at 4701 N. Main, is always humming and is known for large family gatherings. The 24-hour eatery (except for a break from 10 p.m. Tuesday-9 a.m. Wednesday) offers a lengthy menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner specials plus authentic beverages ranging from fruit drinks to margaritas. There’s everything from the standards – enchiladas, tacos, tamales – to traditional mole, menudo, caldos (soups) and parrilladas – sizzling grilled platters of meats and shrimp served individually or family style. Five lunch specials are offered daily. And there are gourmet touch-

es, too. Besides the standard chile con queso and nachos, the menu offers an avocado appetizer ﬁlled with shrimp, scallops and crabmeat, then topped with a tarragon sauce. You can enjoy Spanish Flowers in the comfort of your home with a choice of take-out packs that come with rice, beans, pico de gallo, tortillas, chips and salsa. Choices include a whole roasted chicken, beef or chicken fajitas, enchiladas by the dozen, pork parrillada (featuring a pound of carnitas, half-pound of barbecue ribs, jalapeno sausage and charro beans), or carne guisada.

Spanish Flower 4701 North Main 713-869-1706 www.spanish-ﬂowers.com

Spotlight: Mytiburger, Baskin Robbins One owner in Oak Forest has cornered the market on good, old-style family-style, All-American treats. Shawn Salyers started by operating the Baskin Robbins on 43rd Street, which has become a neighborhood staple for all kinds of cold treats, especially welcome in balmy weather. And when the beloved Mytiburger shut down last summer, Salyers saw its customers’ loyalty and saved the day. No matter how its passionate fans describe it –– classic, vintage, an old-fashioned joint –– the burgers do the talking at Mytiburger. They’re the kind you (or your mom and dad) chowed down on in the 1960s and ’70s –– simply grilled patties on lightly grilled buns with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and a slice of good ol’ American cheese, if you please. On the side, you’ll ﬁnd substantial fries and homemade onion rings. There’s a drive-thru, and décor inside is a throwback, too, with a black-and-white ﬂoors, tile counter, old school menu board (no digital here), and vintage Coke memorabilia. New: Bacon, refried beans,

Baskin Robbins 1354 W. 43rd St. 713-290-0877

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713-862-4960

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Texas Cafeteria 2400 N. Shepherd 713-862-5958 www.texascafeteria.com

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and barbecue on certain days, hamburgers, chicken & dumplings and steaks. Many groups take advantage of the large meeting-party room for special events, and the Texas Cafeteria’s catering business thrives from clients wanting good, comforting food with reliable service. First-time visitors soon become friends, with a veteran staff of affable employees ready to serve. From blue-collar workers to executives in suits and families with children –– everyone is welcome in the Koumonduros family dining room, just as they have been for nearly a half-century.

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baked rolls and cornbread,” the café’s menu beckons. All of our fried items are hand breaded and everything is prepared fresh daily.” From the days when Miss Mary was the cook, running the kitchen like a master sergeant to today, they pride themselves with good meals at a good price – “home style food at fast food prices,” they’re fond of saying. Breakfast includes that consists of eggs, huevos ranchero, omelets, port chops, pancakes and oatmeal and cereals, not to mention the memorable French toast, biscuits and gravy and hash browns. There are daily lunch special consisting of meat, two vegetables, a salad, rolls and housemade desserts, if you have room after the generous portions. The bountiful steam table also features seafood, special salads,

Mytiburger 2211 W. 43rd St. 713-686-7078

Mytiburger stages biweekly classic car shows.

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Spotlight:Texas Cafeteria Classic American breakfasts and lunches (and early dinners) with hearty Texas-sized portions have made the Texas Cafeteria a favorite in the Heights for nearly a half-century. The Texas Cafeteria was ﬁrst known as the Texas Café when George and Polly Koumonduros opened it in 1965 on Shepherd Drive in the Heights, and today it’s serving new generations of the original patrons’ families. The original Texas Café that was located closer to the street burned down in 1969. When the restaurant reopened in the early ’70s, it had the new name and increased parking – and today, the family is in the process of updating the eatery once again. “Start your day with a fresh cooked breakfast or come and join us for lunch to try out home style cooked meals or home

eggs are now topping options, patty choices include buffalo, turkey and veggie, and you can munch sweet potato fries. New/old: Biweekly classic car shows on Saturdays. Most modern touch: free wi-ﬁ. Order a thick malt or milkshake, and toast Salyers for saving this community institution.

610

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PAGE 11 • THE LIST • August 31, 2013 • @HEIGHTSLEADER

Spotlight: Andy’s Café

Sacred Heart Society of Little York members work in the kitchen during the weekly spaghetti luncheon. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter)

by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com The history of the Sacred Heart Society of Little York is every bit as rich as the 60-year recipe for the spaghetti sauce that’s served every Thursday. Sacred Heart, located at 816 Whitney Drive, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The non-proﬁt organization was started by produce farmers from Sicily in 1923. In the 1920s, Little York was surrounded by farms, and it acquired its name because some of the Italians who came to the United States had plans to move to New York City. Instead, they became farmers on the north side of Houston. Heights native Tony Leago, a Reagan High graduate, is a proud member of the organization, and his grandfather was a founding member of it. Every Thursday, Sacred Heart hosts a spaghetti luncheon that attracts between 300 to 400

people. Folks travel from as far away as Clear Lake and Deer Park, and many area schools host reunions during the spaghetti luncheon. The money generated from the weekly luncheon goes to covering costs, with the remainder going to charity. Some of the group’s 200-plus members work on the kitchen crew. St. Joseph’s Table is an annual event that raises money to distribute food baskets to the less fortunate during Christmas time. They also have social events, that involve their families and friends. To join the organization, one must be Italian (or married to an Italian) and Roman Catholic. Tom Flaherty, who is Irish, is the ﬁrst non-Italian president of Sacred Heart. His wife is Italian. “My wife grew up here -- a lot of her friends are members here,” Flaherty said.

Old fashioned hamburgers at their best! family-run business for over 45 years insures the traditions of quality, made to order fresh food, friendly service and treating customers like family.

3401 W. T.C. Jester • 713-957-1100 M-F 11am-9pm Sat 11am-5pm

Tex-Mex doesn’t get much more old school than Andy’s Café, operated by the Morales family since 1977. And with the full menu available 24/7, it’s the perfect place to satisfy a middle-of-the-night craving for Tex-Mex comfort foods. Forget ﬁnding Baja tacos or short rib nachos at Andy’s. Their chili gravy-topped cheese enchiladas (which can be served with an egg) are classics, and you’ll swear the carne guisada with the slow-simmered beef chunks in a brown gravy, or the meal size

soups -- caldo de res (beef) and caldo de pollo (chicken) came from a home kitchen. That’s because the recipes are the originals from owner Sadie Morales, now 82, who started Andy’s with her late husband, Jessie. Sadie’s still active at the café, along with sons Thomas, David and Andy. Loyal customers swear that Andy’s menudo – the tripe and hominy stew that’s a classic TexMex hangover cure – is the best in Houston. The housemade red and green salsas and bowls of creamy gua-

camole are great pick-me-ups at any hour. Breakfast, lunch and dinner plates are reasonable and hearty. Early risers can get a two-eggmeat-beans or potatoes breakfast special for $3.59 or breakfast burritos (same as tacos in other places) for $1.39 each from 5-9 a.m., and a plate of three enchiladas, with rice and beans, chips and salsa, is $6.99 at lunch.

Andy’s Cafe 1115 E. 11th St. 713-861-9423

Spotlight: Chicago Italian Beef & Pizza Tradition is something that Americans take very seriously. One of the great traditions is parents building a successful business that they can pass along to their children. Chicago Italian Beef & Pizza is living that American Dream and honoring the food of one of the great cities in the U.S. In June 2012, Don Jose Marquez passed the family business on to his daughter, Rosio Caro. As a child, Rosio was afforded the opportunity to learn about Chicago-style cooking because

her family resided in the Windy City for years. As the new chef/ owner, Rosio always dreamed of having a car free family style restaurant. “I always wanted to open a casual place where I could bring some of the traditional food of Chicago, not knowing that Houston, Texas would become my home,” she said. At Chicago’s, one can sit and enjoy a cold frosted beer, a oneof-a-kind deep dish pizza, a gyro, Italian beef, Philly steak sandwich, and our famous Chicago hot dog served on a poppy seed

bun. Let’s not forget about the assorted salads and pasta dishes, served with homemade garlic bread that is made daily. It’s the varied cultural inﬂuences of Chicago brought authentically to your neighborhood – where the Chicago skyline takes root in the shadow of the Houston skyline.

Chicago Italian Beef & Pizza 1777 Airline Drive 713-862-2828

Page 12 • THE LIST • August 31, 2013 • @heightsleader

We asked our readers what they look for when they’re dining out with the little ones. Here are their insights.

A Flavor of New York in Texas Linden Carter “Booth seats, large tables, laid back and wood or cement floors, so when kids throw stuff on the floor, (it doesn’t ruin it). Calm music and booster chairs.”

James Taylor “A comforting atmosphere, and a little more lighting. There’s a diﬀerence between a date restaurant and a family restaurant. I always associate family restaurants with people that are more friendly. And options for kids.”

Jennifer Jackson “Probably the ambiance or things for kids, so they can write on the table or have their own menu -- things to keep them occupied without being super loud.”

FREE SIDE ITEM

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Cherita Judson “A good kids meal and a relaxed atmosphere.”

Phillip Thompson “Variety and prices, quality food and good service.”

Kelvin Sam “Any place you can get vegetables and all your basic food groups.”

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Houston’s Choice for Authentic Mexican Food & Outstanding Service Since 1979

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WE CATER Any Special Function or Gathering • Wedding Rehersal Dinner • Graduation Parties • Business Meetings

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4701 NORTH MAIN

www.spanish-ﬂowers.com

OPEN 24 HOURS EXCEPT TUES. - CLOSED TUES @10PM REOPEN WED. 9 AM

713-869-1706

Listings continued from • Page 7

Lola 1102 Yale Street

www.eatlola.com Youngsters love diner food, and this Ken Bridge Delicious Concepts take on the classics is perfect for homestyle eating from breakfast through dinner.

Lupe Tortilla Mexican Restaurant 1511 Shepherd Dr.

www.lupetortilla.com A playground - need we say more about how families are viewed by this popular Tex-Mex chain which originated here in Houston. All the Tex-Mex staples, plus fajita platters that devotees swear by.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt 519 W. 19th St.

This self-serve frozen yogurt parlor oﬀers nonfat choices and fruit toppings.

Miller’s Cafe 3830 N. Shepherd

www.millerscafehouston.com Miller’s Cafe has been serving burgers since 1980, and its current menu features 14 diﬀerent burgers to satisfy a variety of cravings. Among those are the Bleu Cheese Burger, complete with its namesake dairy.

Mom’s Country Deli

www.momscountrydeli.com Mom’s Country Deli features old-fashioned meals just like, you guessed it, mom used to make, but there are new twists, too -chicken pita, gyro and sub sandwiches, meal-size salads and giant baked potatoes, among them.

Mytiburger 2211 W. 43rd St.

A paragon of old style road-style Texas hamburgers, Mytiburger has been serving up thin-patty vintage style burgers for nearly 50 years. Yes, the standbys are still the burgers, fries and malts, but there’s a good-for-you buﬀalo burger and grilled chicken sandwiches, on the menu, too, and kids eat free with a grownup every Tuesday night.

Onion Creek Cafe 3106 White Oak Blvd.

www.onioncreekcafe.com One of a quartet of restaurants owned and operated by the Creek Group, the Onion Creek Cafe is an institution in the Heights

known for its coﬀee, drinks and food. It takes pride in serving Texas milk, Texas pastured eggs and meat and chicken that’s vegetarian fed and hormone-free.

PaPa Mo’s Deli 465-B T.C. Jester Blvd.

www.papamosdeli.com Priding themselves on oﬀering Texas-sized portions with New York ﬂavor, for a reasonable price. Breakfast all week, fresh homemade hot lunch specials, and authentic New York deli sandwiches.

Pappa Geno’s Cheese and Steak 1801 Ella

www.pappagenos.com While Pappa Geno’s is known to most for its Philly Cheesesteaks and fries, the eatery does make all of its signature sandwiches with grilled chicken, too.

Pink’s Pizza 1403 Heights Blvd. 3404 N. Shepherd

www.pinkspizza.com The original Heights-Garden Oaks pizza joints, with specialty oﬀerings, plain old family-friendly pies, sandwiches, pasta, salads and killer desserts thrown in for good measure.

Rainbow Lodge 2011 Ella

www.rainbow-lodge.com Want to broaden your family’s palates? You won’t find the normal fare at Rainbow Lodge. Dotted with exotic meats such as elk, venison and buffalo, the seasonally adjusted menu features a variety of dishes for patrons for something off the beaten path. There are Burger Fridays with blends of the game meats, and Comfort Food Sundays.

Ruggles Green 748 E. 11th St.

www.rugglesgreen.com Houston’s first certified green restaurant practices a strong ethic of healthy eating, offering an abundance of gluten- and dairyfree and vegetarian options, with a special emphasis on its Kids Live Well choices for youngsters.

Smashburger 174 Yale St.

www.smashburger.com One of the new “fast gourmet” burger chains, Smashburger offers healthier options, including a spicy black bean veggie burger, grilled chicken sandwiches, meal-

size salads, and sides include sweet potato fries and veggie frittes, an assortment of vegetables and plenty of choices for children.

Spanish Flowers 4701 N. Main St.

www.spanish-ﬂowers.com Open literally all week, this Heights institution is made for families. There are parilladas, the sizzling platters of grilled proteins and veggies, huge bowls of soup that are a meal in themselves, and a wide choice of well-prepared ﬁsh and seafoods, among the classic Tex-Mex choices. An extra treat: licuados, the Mexican fruit drink that can be made with milk or soy instead of ice cream.

Table 19 632 W. 19th Street

Page 13 • THE LIST • August 31, 2013 • @heightsleader

Southern Comfort Food At Its Best Come in and try our award winning

fried chicken or delicious

barbecue WE’RE OPEN TUESDAY – SATURDAY 10:30 am - 9:30 pm SUNDAYS & MONDAYS CLOSED

116 West Crosstimbers @ Yale 713-695-8112

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www.table-19.com Table 19 is a cozy little dining spot in the Heights, featuring homemade breakfasts, soups, salads, sandwiches and pies (including a killer chicken pot pie) that are family-friendly.

Tacos A Go-Go 2912 White Oak Dr.

www.tacosagogo.com A fun atmosphere and oﬀbeat choices for tacos make this a fun spot for families. Eating healthy with your youngsters? Good choices are plentiful on this menu, including ﬁsh tacos, veggie quesadillas, salads and black beans.

Free Wi-Fi Breakfast

Dinner

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Tortas El Angel 1018 N. Shepherd

www.tortaselangel.com Tortas are Mexican sandwiches and Tortas El Angel’s bolillos (French style rolls, crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside) set these tortas apart, with fillings both traditional and vegetarian.

Lunch

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1115 East 11th St. (Near Studewood St.)

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713-861-9423

Triple A Restaurant 2526 Airline Drive

www.triplearestaurant.com Billing itself as “Where Good People Meet to Eat,” the Triple A Restaurant recalls a 1940s diner, complete with waitresses that call you “sweetie” and classic comfort food dishes. With its location right next to the Airline Produce Market, you can bet the veggie choices are fresh and tasty.

Yale Street Grill 2100 Yale Street

Take the family into a bygone era with a trip to this old-fashioned corner drugstore-diner. Located in a former pharmacy founded in the Heights in 1923.

�� 1777 Airline Dr.

713-862-2828

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• BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER Dine-in or Takeout Join us for All Day Delivery ($10 min) breakfast

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www.chicagoIBP.com

Yes! We Cater

Page 14 • THE LIST • August 31, 2013 • @heightsleader

Spotlight: Triple A Serving up homestyle cooking since 1942, the Triple A restaurant has “Where Good People Meet To Eat” as its motto. And entering its large, packed dining room at breakfast, lunch and dinner is testimony to that popularity. The family-owned eatery was founded by “Papa George Schmidt,” then taken over by a nephew, Harry Schmidt, then later Harry’s brother, Sonny. Carrying on the family tradition is Cecil Schmidt, and wife Janet, and their son Matthew. The menu hasn’t changed much over the decades, and many of the employees have logged

service years in the double digits, adding to the down-home feel. Menu items such as much praised chicken and dumplings, chicken fried steak, meatloaf, beef short ribs, corned beef and cabbage and old fashioned breakfasts - plus daily specials with veggies starting at $7.45 - guarantee the loyal clientele. Though the menu is packed with old-fashioned dishes that many health-conscious diners shun now, there are healthier options, too - especially the veggies, which can be eaten solo in a popular four-choice plate. Part of the secret to Triple A’s

success is its location. Perched on the edge of the Airline Produce Market, the menu features the freshest fruits, vegetables and eggs - something frequently mentioned in its rave reviews. Statewide publications have spotlighted Triple A as “the homiest place in town…I like its freshfrom-the-chicken eggs at breakfast,” and its “vegetables so fresh off the truck that any seasoning besides salt is superﬂuous.”

Family Dining Triple A Restaurant 2526 Airline Dr. 713-861-3422

A Family Tradition for Decades

Food selections the whole family will enjoy! CATER YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH OUR

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PLACES you should try

713-862-3209

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Don Jose Mexican Restaurant 5305 Antoine Dr. @ Pinemont Houston, TX. 77091 713-682-3853

Don Jose is a long-standing Mexican restaurant in our community. They offer great food, and for your special occasion, there is a banquet room available. Stop by and try their vast array of specialty dishes. Open seven days a week.

House of Fries Burgers & More 5322 Antoine Dr. 713-682-4111

House of Fries is the most underrated burger joint in Houston. The dedicated team ensures the satisfaction of each customer. The amazing juicy and perfectly seasoned burgers are further enhanced by the crunchy veggies and grilled buns. They specialize in hand made fresh meat burgers and fresh hand-cut- fries cooked-to-order. Burgers come in two sizes, the original ﬁve ounce and the giant eight ounce patties. Loading your fries with one of the many meat toppings takes your meal to a new level.

Don Teo’s Mexican Restaurant

2426 West 34th St. 713-681-7641 donteos.com Hours: 11am-8pm, Monday, Tuesday & Sunday; 11 am-8:30 pm, Wednesday & Thursday; 11 am-9pm Friday & Saturday

A family restaurant in Oak Forest with lengthy ties to the nowdefunct Monterrey House chain, Don Teo’s offers patrons some of the familiar tastes of that institution. Tex-Mex lovers can try the Fiesta Dinner, which includes enchiladas and tamales. Catering is available.

Tortas El Angel

713-862-9222 1018 N. Shepherd www.tortaselangel.com

Tortas el Angel’s tortas are ﬁlled with different kinds of meat. They offer daily specials, and on weekends: menudo, seafood soup & caldo del res. Happy hour is Mon-Fri, 4-7 p.m. and offers a variety of Mexican beer.

ing Serv ood y it F Qual Over For ars! 48 Ye

tart your day with a fresh cooked breakfast or come and join us for lunch to try our home style cooked meals or home baked rolls & cornbread. All of our fried items are hand breaded and everything is prepared fresh daily. We thank you for your patronage.

Food Prepared Fresh Daily!

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• Eggs • Omletes • Pork Chops • Pancakes • Ribeye Steak • Daily In House Specials

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Plate Lunch Special Consist of Meat Entree, 2 vegetables and a salad - Items vary daily • Baked Chicken • BBQ • Chopped Sirloin • Fried Fish • Fried Shrimp • Roast Beef • Chicken Dumplings • Turkey/Dressing • Stuffed Chicken Breast

Many More Items Available!

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2400 N. Shepherd • 713-862-5958 Fax:713-863-3757

www.TexasCafeteria.com

Page 15 • THE LIST • August 31, 2013 • @heightsleader

Spotlight: Rainbow Lodge

Spotlight: Spaghetti Western

around 10:30 a.m. the day of. On one particular Friday, the mix was buffalo, lamb, venison, and pork belly topped with queso fresco and avocado pico de gallo. The large, tall, impressive burger was served on a Slow Dough challah bun with the queso Rainbow Lodge’s rustic patio is a favorite gathering spot. fresco and avocado pico (Photo submitted) de gallo already heaped on top. Sitting beside What goes into an eight-ounce burger? At the Rainbow Lodge, every Friday it were fresh heirloom tomato slices, yields a new mix. One week it may be butter lettuce, pickles and red onion. antelope, venison, wild boar and pork A healthy dose of lightly salted, golden, belly. Another week, it may be nilgai house-made potato chips completed (antelope), lamb, venison and lamb bel- the dish, which included a side plate ly. Forrest Gump’s mama would say that condiment trio of whole seed mustard, it’s like a box of chocolates: “You never ketchup, and mayo. Sundays are also great for families at know what you’re gonna get.” And that’s the beauty of it -- you could literally get the Lodge, with a fresh Comfort Food Sunday selection each week. a different burger every week. Not only do the mixes change based on what’s available at the end of the Rainbow Lodge week, but the toppings do, as well. If 2011 Ella Blvd you follow @TheRainbowLodge on 713-861-8666 Twitter, they announce their Friday mix www.rainbow-lodge.com

Themed to the old spaghetti westerns, this popular 12-year-old eatery at 1608 Shepherd Drive will soon have a second Leader-area location at 1951 W. T.C. Jester Blvd. With its “where you don’t need a fistful o’ dollars” motto, Spaghetti Western serves pizzas, pastas, salads and sandwiches and boasts a 4-7 p.m. hapSpaghetti Western will soon open a second outpost at 1951 W. T.C. Jester py hour from Mon(Photo submitted) day through Friday for grownup tastes, featuring margaritas, nental filmmakers. This is according to the Spaghetti Westfrozen Bellinis and a vast selection of draft ern website www.spagwesthouston.com, and bottled beers. which says, “Now that you know where we A little history that it may be fun to imgot our name, it’s time you come on in and part before taking the family: Between give us a try!” 1960 and 1975, European film production companies made nearly 600 Westerns. Critics either blasted or ignored these films, Spaghetti Western and because they were financed by Ital1608 Shepherd Drive ian companies, they called them Spaghetti 713-861-1313 Westerns. Fans of the genre embraced the term, which is now lovingly used to label www.spagwesthouston.com any Western made and financed by conti-

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