HTOWNCHOWDOWN.com

Back in the 80's, I lived in Austin, and there was a chain burger location I really enjoyed.  Called Carl's Jr., it was a west-coast burger chain that had recently expanded into Texas.  Their burgers were good; considerably better than the big fast-food chains, and even going so far to give local favorite What-a-burger a run for your money.  Sadly, the economic downturn caused Carl's Jr. to pull out of Texas entirely.

Now, over twenty years later, they're coming back.

Carl's Jr is our kind of burger chain.  They have healthy options for those preferring low carb, vegetarian, or gluten-free meals.  They also have more indulgent offerings, including several burgers that weigh in at over 1,000 calories.

The first location in the Houston area will be on the west side of town, near the intersection of Hwy 6 and West Road.  The location opens for business on Friday, January 14.

But before the opening of the new store, Carl's Jr. is planning three special events, and H-Town Chow Down readers have been invited.  Each event features FREE Western Bacon Cheeseburgers.

(That's the Western Bacon Cheeseburger pictured above.  When I first tried one over two decades ago, I thought they had hit upon perhaps the perfect cheeseburger formula: a charbroiled beef patty, American cheese, bacon, crisp onion rings, and BBQ sauce on a toasted bun.)

On January 11, they'll be giving away lunch from 11am to 1pm in Jones Plaza downtown.
On January 12, dinner will be served from 5pm to 7pm at the Discovery Green ice rink downtown.
On January 13, a pre-opening lunch will be served from 11am to 1pm at at new store: 8491 Hwy 6 N.

If you've never had a Carl's Jr. burger, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.  And if you have, you know why we're excited to see this chain expand back into Texas.

We'll see you there.

There's a new spot opening up in Vintage Park (Hwy 249 at Louetta) that we're looking forward to checking out. Called Peli Peli, it's an upscale casual restaurant with cuisine that looks very interesting.

Peli Peli (also known as Piri Piri or Peri Peri), which means Bird’s-Eye Chili, is a spice found by the Portuguese in the 15th Century on the plains of Southern Africa. The spice rapidly became popular when used to prepare sauces and marinades for Portuguese and African foods. The Bird's-Eye Chili is the cornerstone spice for the cuisine at Peli Peli.

The chef behind this new spot is Paul Friedman, the man who create Paul's Pizza, the popular local pizza chain with some very interesting recipes. Chef Paul has had over 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry, having owned and operated successful restaurant concepts in South Africa and Germany as well as Paul's Pizza.

They're planning a grand opening event with a Live Jazz Brunch on Mother's Day (May 10) from 11 to 3.

For more information, browse their Web Site

Attention to all fans of 70's funk, attractive women, and man food: Brick House Tavern & Tap has opened a location on Highway 290 in northwest Houston.

Following in the footsteps of Hooters, Brick House is a new example of the "brestaurant" concept that is gaining in popularity. Combining guy-friendly comfort food, a "man cave" atmosphere, and an attractive, all-female waitstaff, Brick House is positioned as a guy's home-away-from-home, a place where he can relax with his buddies and behave in an un-politically-correct manner.

Beer selection includes tableside micro-kegs, 40 ounce bottled beers, 100 oz beer bongs, and hand-pulled cask beer.

Brick House Tavern & Tap, 12910 Hwy 290, Houston, 77040, 713-462-0576, brickhousetavernandtap.com