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    7 things to know

    7 things to know in Houston food: Reopenings, doughnuts, and a cocktail contest

    Eric Sandler
    Aug 24, 2020 | 1:35 pm

    Editor's note: Houston’s restaurant scene moves pretty fast. In order to prevent CultureMap readers from missing anything, let’s stop to look around at all the latest news to know.

    Openings, re-openings, and coming attractions

    BCK, the Heights restaurant that’s a sister concept to Galleria-area bar and restaurant Bosscat Kitchen, has reopened for dine-in service. Originally opened in 2018 with a retro-inspired menu that included "Pasghettios," the restaurant shifted its focus twice to broaden its appeal. Last year, it offered a more burger-centric. In its latest iteration, BCK now serves wings, tacos, and milkshakes.

    In addition, BCK will serve as a local outpost for Miss Mini Donuts, a concept developed by BCK co-owner Leslie Nguyen. Get flavors such as Oreo, Powdered Sugar, and Signature Pink in boxes of four, 25, 50, or 100.

    The second Houston-area location of Fire Wings has opened at 8401 Westheimer Rd. The California-based chain, which opened its first Houston-area location in Alief in June, offers over 20 flavors of wings including the usual (Buffalo, BBQ, Garlic Parmesan) as well as the more unusual (Mango Habanero, Salt & Pepper, and Peanut Butter). Similarly, diners may opt for a range of sides include french fries, mozzarella sticks, or garlic noodles.

    Speaking of California imports, Mochinut will join imports such as 7 Leaves Cafe, soft serve ice cream shop Bae, and Korean hot dog purveyor Chung Chun Rice Hot Dog at 9798 Bellaire Blvd., Eater Houston reports. As its name implies, Mochinut serves mochi doughnuts that add rice flour to the batter for a pleasantly chewy texture. Flavors include ube, taro, matcha, and black sesame.

    Houston’s fourth Chicken Salad Chick will open in Spring on September 2. Located at 4161 Riley Fuzzel Rd., the first 100 people to arrive on opening day will receive free chicken salad for a year. See the restaurant’s Facebook event page for details and rules regarding the promotion.

    Other news and notes

    Tarka Indian Kitchen, the Austin-based fast casual restaurant, has a special back to school promotion. From now through September 10, get 50 percent off a kid’s meal with a purchase of an adult entree. The offer is not available via third party delivery apps.

    Congratulations to Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Their Rosé and Honey Agave ciders earned gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the cider category at the National Honey Board’s 2020 National Honey Beer Competition. Both beverages use Don Amusan from Burleson's Honey in Waxahachie, TX.

    Upcoming food event

    Backstreet cafe sommelier and beverage director Sean Beck will attempt to match skills with three of Houston’s most expert cocktail creators. Scheduled for this Wednesday, August 26 (weather permitting), Beck’s virtual cocktail dinner will feature his take on three classic cocktails alongside versions from: Anvil owner Bobby Heugel (Manhattan), Johnny’s Gold Brick owner Benjy Mason (Chartreuse Daisy), and Nobie’s/The Toasted Coconut bar manager Sarah Troxell (El Presidente). The $38 meal includes three pairs of mini cocktails, a choice of select entrees from Backstreet Cafe, and a Zoom call where the competitors will discuss their creations. Email sean@htownrestaurantgroup.com to reserve a spot.

    Tarka is offering a special back to school promotion.

    Tarka Indian Kitchen food spread
    Courtesy of Tarka Indian Kitchen
    Tarka is offering a special back to school promotion.
    news-you-can-eat
    news/restaurants-bars

    What's Eric Eating Episodes 569 and 570

    Meet the man behind Houston's affordable new Chinese restaurant

    CultureMap Staff
    Jul 17, 2026 | 4:57 pm
    Fortune Eight restaurant food spread
    Photo by Clay Grier
    Fortune Eight's menu includes dishes such beef with broccoli and mapo tofu.

    On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” CultureMap editor Eric Sandler talks to Allen Lin about Fortune Eight, his recently opened Chinese restaurant on Washington Avenue.



    The conversation begins with Lin explaining how Covid restrictions and political turmoil in Hong Kong prompted him to close his four restaurants and relocate to Texas. Whereas his Hong Kong restaurants were full service, Fortune Eight is an affordable, fast casual concept.

    “If I could do Chinese restaurants all over again, how could I streamline it so I wouldn’t have to be faced with so many inconsistencies in how we produce the food. I started looking at Chinese restaurants across America. Why is there only one restaurant that’s been able to do it on a wide basis? It’s Panda Express,” Lin says.

    “I wondered if I could modernize Chinese food but make it with better ingredients. I wanted to create something that’s comfortable and familiar, but I want to elevate it a bit to make it taste better. You don’t feel so bloated and greasy afterwards. That’s what we’ve tried to focus and lean in on to create that consistency and taste.”

    Towards that end, Fortune Eight uses automated cooking tools to saute the meats and vegetables in some of its dishes. Not only do these methods help Lin achieve the consistency he’s aiming for, they allow him to charge almost fast food level prices for Fortune Eight’s dishes. Diners can expect to pay about $13 for an entree, drink, and tax.

    The tidy menu includes a greatest hits-style menu of Chinese and Chinese American fare, including Mongolian beef, beef with broccoli, walnut shrimp, sauteed green beans, chow mein, and, of course, General Tso’s chicken.

    Listen to the full episode to hear more about Lin’s time in China. He also discusses his plans for marketing the restaurant and adding additional locations.

    In this week’s other episode, Sandler and co-host Felice Sloan discuss the news of the week. Their topics include chef Justin Yu’s plans to open House of Louie in Montrose, Barnaby’s Cafe opening a new location in Garden Oaks, and Uptown Italian restaurant Tavola closing just shy of its three-year anniversary.



    In the restaurant of the week segment, Sloan and Sandler share first impressions of Galaxy Pizza, chef Anthony Calleo’s neighborhood pizzeria in Spring. Both of them find a lot to like about the casual eatery, including its crispy crust and plentiful toppings.

    -----

    Subscribe to "What's Eric Eating" on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Hear it Sunday at 8 am on ESPN 97.5.

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