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    home run eats

    Ken Hoffman on the Houston Astros' grand slam menu and El Tiempo's debut at Minute Maid Park

    Ken Hoffman
    Apr 18, 2022 | 9:15 am

    Batter up, belly up, and eat up: the Houston Astroshome opener is Monday, April 18 and hungry fans will have more choices than ever at Minute Maid Park's concession stands in 2022. The team from Aramark, which runs all the food and drink stands, is ready to host a sold-out crowd for the opener. But it wasn't easy getting here.

    "Supply chain challenges and commodity price increases were huge. A freezer that cost $2,000 last year is now $4,000," Jimmy Coatsworth, general manager for Aramark at Minute Maid Park, tells me. "There were significant delays of equipment. We're still waiting for souvenir cups, deli paper, a freezer, and popcorn machines. The Astros' slogan for 2022 is 'Level Up,' and we don't have souvenir cups saying that. Other commodity prices are up 20 percent over a year ago. Beef prices have jumped dramatically. Fortunately, in some cases we knew that prices would be going up and we bought things early."

    The Astros and Aramark are rolling out more upscale new items than Sunday brunch at the Four Seasons. We'll get to them later.

    Here's the thing about ballpark food, though. A big league baseball stadium can offer caviar, lobster, filet mignon, and a wine list comparable to Rick's Cafe in Casablanca, but still the majority of fans will grab a hot dog, nachos, and beer and swear it's the best thing they've ever tasted.

    As Coatsworth says, "if you don't love a hot dog at a baseball game you're not doing it right."

    Hot dog stands are where fans will find the biggest change this season. There's a new hot dog supplier at Minute Maid: the Texas Chili Company.

    "Our Texas Chili Company hot dog is 1/6th-pound made with Angus beef. It's a plump dog. We had several hot dog tastings before we settled on the flavor profile. We started with 30 different hot dogs, narrowed it down to 10, then three. We did blind taste tests. We wanted a dog with a good snap and a good texture whether it's grilled, steamed or cooked on a roller. We also didn't want a dog that's too salty. We got a good one, I'm confident that fans will approve."

    Dog days of summer (and spring)
    Stop worrying —Tuesdays will mean Dollar Dog games again. Unlike some other stadiums, Minute Maid Park will continue to sell the same size franks on Dollar Dog Nights as other days. Coatsworth says there's a Dollar Dog algorithm — his crew prepares 1-1/2 dogs per fan.

    Since I promised there'd be no math, that means if the Astros draw 30,000 fans (the average crowd on Tuesdays) Aramark prepares 45,000 franks on short order.

    "We cook them all the same way as regular nights. We just help the stands out by doing large batch cooking in our commissary where we can cook 5,500 dogs every 30 minutes in our large ovens," Coatsworth says.

    What's (not) poppin'?
    Here's a particular supply chain issue that vexes Coatsworth. A year ago he ordered five large popcorn machines and they've yet to arrive. It's not a small thing.

    "Popcorn is very important to the sensory experience of a baseball game. Popcorn has a distinctive aroma. It appeals to people's sense of comfort. It targets pleasure areas of the brain. Like movie theaters, popcorn is the first thing you smell when you walk into a ballpark. If you don't smell popcorn, you're not sure what, but something's wrong. People love the saltiness of popcorn and we love it because it helps fans drink more Karbach beer."

    The lead hitter at Minute Maid
    What's the single most popular food item at Minute Maid Park?

    "Nachos are king in this building, and nothing is close. Hot dogs are a distant No.2," Coatsworth notes. "We can't find enough places to sell nachos. We have them on every level and anywhere we can fit a portable stand. I totally get it. I was raised in Houston and I understand our melting pot culture and I definitely know how we love our Tex-Mex. Last year we introduced Asian-style nachos and they were a giant success."

    Check out these rookies
    Coastsworth has high hopes for several new food items, but topping the list is the House Smoked Pastrami Sandwich and Slovacek's Crawford Bock and Cheddar Sausage.

    "The pastrami sandwich has five ounces of pastrami that we smoke at the stadium. It's a great winner, I think. The Crawford Bock and Cheddar Sausage has the perfect amount of beer flavor and big chunks of Cheddar. We also have a new chef Scott Strickland who worked with me here for several years and will kick up the culinary grade several notches."

    Fan faves return
    Popular local restaurants Killen's BBQ and Pluckers will be back, joined by El Tiempo (replacing Torchy's Tacos) on the mezzanine level in centerfield. El Tiempo will bring its classic fajitas, carnitas, homemade tortillas and, of course, its outrageous frozen margaritas.

    Here is a complete list of new food items, courtesy of the Astros, including prices and locations within Minute Maid Park.

    La Pina Dog: Last year's limited-time-only sensation is now on the fulltime menu. It's an all-beef hot dog grilled and topped with fresh smoked pineapple and candied jalapeños and teriyaki glaze. Price $13.99 at Sections 113, 129 and 416.

    Asian BBQ Nacho: Fried wonton chips, Asian-galazed roasted pork, sweet chili aioli, mint, cilantro, green onion, and fresh lime. Price $14.99 at portables behind Sections 114 and 206.

    Tostitos Walking Nacho: Doritos topped with queso blanco, pico de gallo, crema, and your choice of red chicken, green chicken, or pork carnitas. Price $14.99 at a stand behind Section 255.

    Smoked Chicken Half: Half a chicken brined in Crawford Bock beer then smoked to perfection for your BBQ plates. Price for two-meat plate $15.49, three-meat plate $20.49 at Butcher Section 224.

    House Smoked Pastrami Sandwich: Served on rye bread with Swiss cheese, cole slaw, and housemade dressing. Price $15.99 at Home Plate portable behind Section 116.

    Two Banana Leaf Chicken Tamales: Topped with curtido, cotija, and salsa rojo . Price $13.49 at Section 124.

    Pupusa : Two pupusas choice of cheese or carnitas loaded with curtido, cotija, and salsa rojo. Price $12.99 at Section 124.

    Grande Papas Nacho: Beef carnitas, cheddar cheese, jalapeño, crema, elote, and pico de gallo topped on fries. Price: $13.99 at Section 124.

    Coke Floats: Your favorite Blue Bell ice cream flavor and your choice of soda. Price $8.29 at The Creamery at Union Station Section 106.

    Slovacek’s Crawford Bock and Cheddar Sausage: Price $8.99 at Slovacek's Sausage portables. Also food stands at Sections 112, 129, 134,231, 416, 427.

    Texas Nachos with Brisket.

    Houston Astros Minute Maid Park food 2022 Texas Nacho with Brisket
      
    Photo courtesy of Houston Astros/Aramark
    Texas Nachos with Brisket.
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    Where to Eat Brunch Now

    10 Houston restaurants spicing up brunch with fresh new flavors

    Brianna Griff
    May 16, 2025 | 10:14 am
    Smoked Salmon Latke Kirsten Gilliam Okto Brunch
    Photo by Kirsten Gilliam
    Okto's newly launched brunch features fresh dishes like this smoked salmon latke.

    Houston’s weekend routine just got a jolt of new flavors. From a Peruvian-Vietnamese mash-up to a Mediterranean feast in Montrose and a seafood-driven spread in Autry Park, a wave of both new and established Houston restaurants are rolling out fresh takes on everyone's favorite weekend indulgence. Whether it’s four riffs on eggs Benedict or savoring a foie-gras macaron while being serenaded by a violin, these 10 new options are delivering bold brunches with global influences and tipsy tinctures.

    Alora Restaurant and Bar
    Located in the former Kau Ba space in Montrose, this restaurant touts itself as Houston's only Peruvian-Vietnamese restaurant. For brunch, chefs and married couple Diego Ponce and Makala Ponce have created a menu that fuses the two cuisines — think Lima Hot Chicken and Pandan French Toast ($19) with aji limo pepper balanced by the sweetness of pandan. The Bò Né ($28) is a Vietnamese twist on steak and eggs alongside Comté cheese, pate, and tomatoes, while the salmon on crispy toast ($22) is crowned with guacamole, pickled vegetables, and a passion fruit vinaigrette. Beverages include the Alora Bloody Mary ($15) with pickled quail eggs and green mango. Alora serves brunch 11 am-3 pm on weekends.

    Smoked Salmon Latke Kirsten Gilliam Okto Brunch
      

    Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

    Okto's newly launched brunch features fresh dishes like this smoked salmon latke.

    Chardon
    The Thompson Hotel's fine dining restaurant launched in February, transporting both guests and diners to France with its fare. Chardon has become a destination in its own right, and the addition of weekend brunch makes it even more appealing. Classics like Quiche Lorraine ($18) and Croque Monsieur ($32) sit on the menu alongside creations of delicate Lox et Crêpe with dill crème fraîche ($26) and the Avocado and Haricot Vert Tartine topped with a jammy soft-boiled egg ($17). The Bisous Tower ($23/person) proffers a selection of savory pastries and small bites like foie gras macarons and Texas cornbread madeleines. A violinist sets a soft soundtrack while patrons dine. Brunch is 11 am–3 pm on weekends.

    il Bracco
    The Galleria-area Italian spot just upgraded its weekend offerings with several new bites. Housemade pastries include zeppole with orange marmalade ($10), blueberry focaccia ($9), and an artichoke and arugula scone ($12). The weekend-only bucatini carbonara is now joined by shakshuka alla verde, the restaurant's riffs on eggs in purgatory ($19); frittata with with asparagus, goat cheese, tomatoes, and arugula ($17); and a mortadela sandwich on focaccia ($16). Pair them with a mimosa, espresso martini, or a breakfast martini with a little orange marmalade. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

    Maximo
    The West U. restaurant's weekend brunch offers a range of masa-based dishes. Consider egg Benedict that swaps the traditional English muffin for masa cornbread or cinnamon-sugar coated masa waffles that are topped with cheesecake whipped cream, Japanese peanuts, and agave syrup. Huevos ahogados, drowned in green tomatillo salsa, are served with a side of corn tortillas to soak up every bite of the mushrooms, greens, and Oaxacan cheese. Pair them with cocktails such as the Java-Horchata Flip (sake, coffee liqueur, horchata, whole egg, peanut chili crisp) and the Sangria Tango (tomatillo, cucumber, coriander, green chili, with the guest’s choice of agave or Mexican gin). Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

    Melrose
    Created by CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Chef of the Year Emmanuel Chavez, the Montrose lounge serves clever riffs on enduring brunch favorites. Options include charred tomatillo chilaquiles with poached eggs, an acai bowl served in a half coconut, hanger steak with eggs and chimichurri, and a breakfast sandwich made with scrambled eggs, cheese, and brown sugar-roasted “billionaire’s bacon” on a brioche bun. The Melrose Tower channels New York's iconic Sadelle's restaurant with its house-cured lox, mini bagels, chive cream cheese, and accoutrements. Drink options include a spritz, Bloody Mary, and a michelada verde made with tomatillo juice. Brunch is served on Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

    MF Lobster and Seafood
    The weekend spread at this Autry Park destination aims to elevate Houston’s brunch offerings. Think Benedicts made with silky hollandaise cascading over lobster, braised bacon, pork belly, or classic Canadian bacon (yes, that’s four varieties of the dish). The indulgence continues with wagyu steak and eggs, buttery Maine lobster popovers, and bagels and lox featuring Ora King salmon and roe. For the sweet tooth, choose a brioche pain perdu with caramelized apples and whipped maple mascarpone, or end the meal with a dark chocolate pot de crème. MF Lobster and Seafood serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-2:30 pm.

    Okto
    Sof Hospitality’s Mediterranean restaurant kicks off Sunday with a late-morning feast of fresh flavors such as pan con tomate salad with grilled sourdough and bruleed burrata ($20) and the rich notes of the beet-cured lox atop a potato apple latke ($22). Other highlights include an omelet with blue crab and mascarpone ($24) and a crepe Suzette ($16) accentuated with Grand Marnier, candied orange, and whipped ricotta. Okto’s spot at the trendy Montrose Collective boasts a spacious patio and ample underground parking (or valet). Brunch is served Sunday from 11 am-4 pm at Okto.

    Relish Restaurant and Bar
    The second outpost of this River Oaks staple opened in Memorial’s Town and Country Village at the end of 2024, but only added brunch to its repertoire at the end of April. Flaky herb biscuits ($9), buttermilk pancakes topped with brandied pecans ($15), and a salmon citrus salad with champagne vinaigrette ($24) are just a few of the dishes available. The Italian baked eggs ($18) in a pomodoro sauce with Italian sausage and grilled sourdough is a highlight of the menu. Diners can take advantage of all-day happy hour deals on select cocktails, beer, and wine, with a full espresso bar for those abstaining or still recovering from the previous night’s festivities. Relish serves brunch from 10 am-3 pm on weekends.

    Santé Lounge
    The Upper Kirby lounge’s patio is sure to be a destination for the posh set this summer. Santé's Sunday Funday Brunch features an elevated twist on classics like Dubai chocolate croissants, the grilled-to-order Santé burger with brioche, and a platter laden with five chilled seafood preparations. Patrons can listen as a live DJ spins tunes while relaxing on the patio with its cabanas, chandeliers, and greenery. Order the deviled egg trio (Nashville hot chicken, Tobiko caviar, and ramen egg) and sangria (with white or red wine) for the table. Brunch at Santé is from 12 pm-4 pm on Sunday, with a required dress code.

    Traveler’s Cart
    The Street Market Brunch is an international affair with cinnamon-dusted Morning Churros ($8), Chinese breakfast dumplings ($12) paired with a sambal-oyster-soy sauce, and charming fish-shaped Japanese taiyaki waffles ($9) with yuzu custard filling. Or dig into Turkish cilibir eggs ($15) seasoned with Aleppo pepper, smoked paprika, and za’atar oil. The global tour continues at the bar with "around-the-world" mimosas, a build-your-own Bloody Mary cart, and Don’t Stop the Carnival ($13), a punchy Brazilian coffee cocktail of rum, sweetened condensed milk, and toasted coconut. Traveler’s Cart serves brunch from 10 am-3 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

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