BERNIE’S BURGER BUS
www.berniesburgerbus.com
twitter: @BerniesBurgers | facebook: berniesburgers
CUISINE MADE FROM SCRATCH BURGERS
FINALLY! This school bus is out and about all the time but I’ve been waiting patiently for it to make it to our neighborhood and that day has come. The excitement is palpable. Serving up “100% made from scratch burgers and fries, plus homemade condiments there’s no way you won’t fall in love.” I’m ready for that challenge. With a school theme, burgers by the names The Principal, Detention and Recess and sides referred to as Extra Curricular Activities, the concept is genius. This theme continues onto their website as well. My time had come and I made it to the bus stop, so to speak, at Inversion Coffee House. I ordered the Principlal and a side of sweet potato fries with chipotle aioli. The Principal is the signature burger topped with mayo, pickles, lettuce, roasted tomato, onion, homemade ketchup and mustard. The smell from my to-go bag in my car while being stuck behind a train driving back to my office was pure TORTURE! It smelled heavenly. And, just as all their fans have said, it’s equally amazing in taste. From the buttery soft bread to the buttery juicy meat, the burger is a labor of love. The mere fact that it’s made from scratch is a huge selling point. The sweet potato fries are served piping hot, crispy and the creamy aioli is a subtle spice. I would slather it on a burger too. And while at $7.75 the price might be steep for some, a handmade burger from scratch from Bernie’s is priceless. So you can have your cheaper fast-food (that’s the only place you’ll find a cheap burger) burger, I’ll get mine from Bernie’s. School’s in session!
LA BAR 4302-A RICHMOND AVE.
www.ragin-cajun.com | 713.355.2227
CUISINE CONTEMPORARY CREOLE
CHEF DOMINIC MANDOLA
Located right next door to Ragin Cajun (in the same spot Mandola’s Liquors used to be) is where you’ll find this quaint tablecloth-style gem. Don’t let the tablecloth fool you though; it’s the same warm, welcome, familiar establishment like next door. Booths, tables, bar height seating and a bar make up the space with exposed concrete flooring, mahogany wood accents and brick. TVs are strategically tucked into corners so you don’t miss one minute of action. This is for those looking for full service and elegantly presented delicious Cajun delights with Italian twists. Fan favorites on the menu include LA Bar’s grilled oysters and New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp. Served piping hot, a platter of oysters dressed in a lemon butter sauce, herbs and an Italian cheese blend can turn an oyster loather into a lover. And the BBQ shrimp, elegantly presented with three large shrimp, head and tail included (adds to the flavor after all), in a BBQ sauce will have you reaching for bread to sop it up. It’s not BBQ as you know it in consistency. It’s lighter, less sweet, with a kick. To top off this flavor filled ride, don’t miss out on the colossal (no joke) crab cake with their signature Remoulade sauce (amazing) and we can’t leave without mentioning the Seafood Lafourche pasta. Penne pasta is served with sautéed Gulf Coast shrimp, crawfish, sundried tomatoes and spring peas all in a homemade Alfredo sauce topped with jumbo lump crabmeat. It’s to die for! I suggest splitting it for your waistline’s sake. Dessert can’t be skipped! I’m jealous to think this family gets to enjoy these on a regular basis. I’m not a huge bread pudding fan but their Mama’s homemade bread pudding with rum sauce is outstanding. The flavors are perfection, the rum is subtle and the texture is divine. If you’re a chocolate fan the Chocolate Delight will transport you to child-like giddiness. It’s beautifully presented in a milkshake glass, layers of whipped cream, chocolate mousse, cookie crumbles – all to be scooped up and enjoyed in one bite. It’s a great balance of textures without the chocolate being too overwhelming. It’s an unforgettable meal at an unforgettably storied establishment with a consistent attention to detail, experience and service.
TEXADELPHIA
920 STUDEMONT, SUITE 900
www.texadelphia.com | 713.861.7826
CUISINE SANDWICHES PARTICULARLY CHEESESTEAKS
CHEF N/A
Texadelphia’s newest home is located at Studemont and Washington in the corner spot of a shopping center that used to house Terlingua. This seems more suitable to the area. Boys flock to this establishment. Just ask our Associate Editor Pixie Ibañez who found herself to be the lone female there one day waiting for her lunch. My husband is one of those boys who loves it. You would imagine I’ve had it before but nope. I think it’s a misunderstanding on the fare. It wasn’t until I tasted a bite of Pixie’s cheesesteak that I understood the allure. For my first order ever, I went with a classic Angus beef, grilled onions, mozzarella cheese plus their mustard blend on the side. The bread is soft and absorbs the beef flavor, while the subtle addition of cheese melts to the warm beef. Add in the grilled onion, the mustard blend and it’s a warm savory mix. NO mystery meat here – just 100% certified shredded Angus beef pieces that are perfectly tender with each bite. The mustard sauce is a savory but sweet blend of what seems to be spicy and honey mustards. With a name like cheesesteak I expected it to be smothered in cheese and not much else. Well, the very opposite seems to be true. The beef is sliced thin and then diced up into tiny pieces but the sandwich is loaded with it and just a showing of cheese. The beef is truly the star, with the cheese playing second fiddle. Now that I am educated on the Texadelphia cheesesteak, I get it. I like it. And not only do they offer this appetizing sandwich but they are a sports grille, i.e., TVs for sports viewing. Next time the game is on and you need a place to go, this sandwich and sports grille should be on your list!
By Beatrice Allen
