What is it about Webster? Two international restaurant chains have chosen Webster to roll out their first Houston-area stores. One is Pinkberry, the frozen yogurt chain that opened yesterday at 19325 Gulf Freeway. The Pinkberry folks promise locations are also coming for inside-The-Loop, The Galleria area and The Woodlands. Meanwhile Pollo Campero, the Guatemalan chicken chain, is opening its first new-style store in Webster at 702 W. Bay Area Blvd. on October 4. Yes, there already is a Pollo Campero in Houston (we asked that, too), but this all-new version is a “modern iteration … designed with the U.S. consumer in mind.” Webster’s Pollo Campero will be soon followed by a location on Washington Avenue and a third slated for Missouri City.
Next Monday (October 3), Anvil Bar & Refuge at 1424 Westheimer will hold a rum seminar and tasting open to the public 2 to 4 pm. Hosting the event will be one of the world’s foremost rum experts, Edward Hamilton, author of several books and creator of the Ministry of Rum website. Guests will sample a number of rums from around the world. The event is open to the public for bartenders and enthusiasts alike.
Congratulations to Chef Tai’s Mobile Gourmet Food Truck of College Station, which was voted America’s Favorite Food Truck by fans of The Great Food Truck Race. The contest to name America’s Favorite Food Truck started back in July with nearly 600 trucks and asked fans to nominate and vote for their favorite local truck. More than four million people voted and now, Chef Tai Lee can claim the grand prize of $10,000 and the chance to appear on season three of The Great Food Truck Race. Lee, who is himself a Texas A&M graduate, serves the campus crowd.
What do you call half a pound of prime ground steak, corned beef, hot sauerkraut, melting Swiss cheese and Russian dressing, all between two toasted buns? A lot of people had suggestions on what to call this new, giant burger creation now being served at Kenny & Ziggy’s (2327 Post Oak Blvd.), but it was Sugar Land residents Ken and Diane Brett who decided this monster could only be called The Big Reubowski. Very clever, Bretts! The couple won a $50 gift certificate (with all the pickles they can eat while at the restaurant).
Bering’s Hardware at 6102 Westheimer will host a week-long grand re-opening even though their doors have never actually closed. The re-opening October 1 to October 9 will showcase Bering’s completely updated interior. Cooks and foodies will want to check out the expanded housewares and gourmet departments. During the week, Bering’s will feature daily specials, such as “buy one pound of coffee and get another free” and a variety of raffles and give-aways. Gardening guru (and one of our heroes) William “Bill” Welch will be signing copies of his book, Heirloom Gardening in the South, on Sunday, October 9. The grand finale will be a drawing for a $500 Bering’s shopping spree and a $345 Fiori spa package.