NYC to HOU

New York City-based Halal food chain picks prime spot for first Houston location

A NYC-based fast food empire with global aspirations has announced the first location in what will be a major push into the Houston market. No, modern burger icon Shake Shack hasn't committed to Houston (yet?), but The Halal Guys have. Begun as a food cart in 1990 to appeal to Muslim cab drivers, the restaurant has blossomed into a phenomenon that's in the process of opening 200 locations around the world.

Although The Halal Guys first announced their plans for Houston last December in QSR Magazine, they only revealed the location of their first restaurant on Thursday. They're taking over a former Snap Kitchen location near Shepherd Square.

It is our pleasure to announce the first location of The Halal Guys here in Houston, TX at 3821 Farnham St. We can't...

Posted by The Halal Guys - Houston on Thursday, August 6, 2015

While the name suggests a primarily Muslim clientele, The Halal Guys chicken, gyro and falafel platters over rice and their signature white sauce have a more universal appeal. Credit for that goes to reasonable prices and that white sauce, which the New York Times tried to describe in 2014 as follows:

But it’s the white sauce, always the white sauce, that draws everybody in, from uniformed cops to dainty girls whose palates otherwise incline to macarons. The recipe has never been divulged or properly decoded, although many have tried. Mr. Abouelenein allows that there’s mayo in it; the rest is silence.

Get ready to taste it, America. It is tangy yet mellow, creamy yet deceptively light, with vague and probably spurious allusions to ranch dressing and tzatziki, a strong implication of garlic and lemon, and maybe even (wild card) tahini. But we will never know the truth, and that is half the thrill.

The restaurant has yet to respond to CultureMap's request for more information about when the location will open, but the usually reliable blogger Zain Mohammed of Zain's Halal Reviews tweeted that he's heard rumors it could be as soon as September. Whether Houstonians will join New Yorkers in lining up for lamb with white sauce remains to be seen, but, in the meantime, diners can check out Jones Fried Chicken on Fondren, which advertises itself as inspired by The Halal Guys, for a preview of the real thing.

The Halal Guys are bringing one of NYC's most popular eateries to Houston.

The Halal Guys / Facebook

The Halal Guys are bringing one of NYC's most popular eateries to Houston.

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there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.