green day

Healthy eating restaurant offering salads and more freshens up Galleria with first Houston locale

A healthy eating concept will open its first Houston location this weekend. The Original ChopShop's Galleria-area location (5018 San Felipe St.) this Friday, October 15.

Similar in approach to Flower Child, the Original ChopShop's menu includes protein bowls, salads (“chops”), sandwiches, fresh juices, protein shakes, acai bowls, breakfast items, and parfaits. Many diets are taken into consideration, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

Some of the recommended dishes include: Cool Down Juice (watermelon, pineapple, apple, lime, ginger); Jacked UP PB + J Protein Shake (strawberry, banana, peanut butter, etc.); Chicken Teriyaki Protein Bowl; Kale Caesar made with lemon-dijon dressing; and a club sandwich that gets kicked up with avocado pesto and red wine vinaigrette.

Diners have the option of both indoor and outdoor seating. To-go customers will appreciate the convenience of a drive-thru.

The Arizona-based restaurant already has a Texas presence with seven locations in the Dallas area. In addition to the Galleria-area restaurant, a second Original ChopShop will debut in Upper Kirby (3021 Kirby Dr.) later this fall.

Although the restaurant is new it town, it does have a local tie. Mac Haik, the CEO of Mac Haik Enterprises and former Houston Oilers wide receiver is an investor in the Original ChopShop's sister brand, Bellagreen.

The Galleria-area location opens October 15.

Courtesy of The Original ChopShop

The Galleria-area location opens October 15.

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flying into Houston

Chopped champion's Indian-spiced fried chicken joint opens in Midtown

One of Houston’s most dynamic chefs has unveiled his take on fried chicken. Pok Pok Po is now open in Midtown.

Located at 3201 Louisiana, the restaurant is the latest concept from chef and Chopped champion Jassi Bindra and business partners Surpreet and Preet Paul Singh, the trio behind Indian fine dining restaurant Amrina in The Woodlands. Bindra’s fried chicken recipe uses a gluten-free flour and starch batter that’s seasoned with Indian Kashmiri red chili powder along with other herbs and spices. It’s pressure cooked to ensure the meat stays both juicy and crispy.

The certified halal chicken is available as strips, sandwiches (made with thigh meat), and chicken breast bites.Those looking for a heartier meal, can get their chicken served on top of sidewinder fries or in the “Rice & Shine,” which includes basmati rice and Bindra’s “Desi kimchi.” Beverage options include Akra, an American-style lager that’s brewed in India, cannabis-infused drinks from 8th Wonder and non-alcoholic options such as sodas and a mango lassi.

“At Pok Pok Po, we’re creating something that’s not just a meal but an experience,” Bindra said in a statement. “We’ve taken everything people love about fried chicken and given it a twist with bold, gluten-free recipes and flavors that truly speak to the diversity of Houston.”

While most counter service restaurants are designed primarily for to-go, Pok Pok Po’s 55-seat dining room caters to those who want to enjoy their meals. It features banquette seating and a white-and-black motif that will also be present at Bol, the restaurant’s sister concept that’s opening soon.

The two restaurants occupy part of the former Artisans space. Medium Rare, an affordable steak frites restaurant from Washington, D.C., recently opened next to Bol and Pok Pok Po.

Courtesy of Pok Pok Po

Pok Pok Po is now open in Midtown.

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