Lots to sample

Pie & chocolate-covered bacon, oh my! 5 don't miss food items at the Nutcracker Market

Amid the various interpretations of "cocktail attire" on display at Wednesday night's Nutcracker Market VIP preview, I wandered the halls looking for this year's best food options. Vendors from all the country show up to sell their wares. While there are lots of prepackaged soups and more dips/sauces/spreads than I cared to count, a few items did stand out as being particularly worthy of attention.

Pie In The Sky - 1331

Simply put, the Pie in the Sky's pumpkin and chocolate pecan pies were the best things I tasted during my visit to the market. They have a nice flaky crust and flavorful fillings. Also, at two 6-inch pies for $20, they're reasonably priced enough to make excellent surprise gifts for pie-loving friends. Or eat one on the drive home and keep one for later. I'm not here to judge.

Bear Creek Smokehouse - 235

Since most of the food vendors at the market offer sweets, Bear Creek Smokehouse stands out with a variety of savory offerings. Sure, they're also peddling fudge and chocolate-covered bacon, but the brisket, ham and chili all tasted good. With everything available to sample, it's easy to pick out the right meat for an upcoming holiday meal.

Texas Tamale Company - 1855

Looking for an easy, filling meal on a cold night? Thaw one package of Texas Tamale Company's pork-filled treats and top with the company's chili con queso and chipotle pepper sauce. The result is a one-two punch of creamy and spicy that's hard to beat.

Gingersnaps/The Center/Willow River Farms - 1556

This booth's pitch is simple: buy treats that benefit The Center, a non-profit agency of The United Way that helps people with mental retardation. Given how closely associated all things gingerbread are with the holiday season, it's a win-win.

Susie's South Forty Confections - 224

Lots of places sell toffee, but Susie's toffee can be eaten straight from the freezer. As with Girl Scout cookies, it turns out that cold toffee is the best toffee. Consider it your new favorite midnight snack.

Don't miss the frozen toffee at Susie's

13 Nutcracker Market preview party foodie review November 2013

Photo by Eric Sandler

Don't miss the frozen toffee at Susie's

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say boo

Houston smash burger pop-up finds permanent home on East End esplanade

Photo by Drea Karolina

Boo's Burgers wil occupy a kiosk on the Navigation Esplanade.

One of Houston’s favorite burger pop-ups is opening a brick and mortar restaurant. Boo’s Burgers will open a permanent location in early 2025.

Located in the Second Ward at 2510 Navigation Boulevard, Boo’s Burgers will occupy a kiosk on the bustling Navigation Esplanade. A permanent location represents the next step for chef Joseph Boudreaux, who founded Boo’s Burgers in 2021 while he was working as a barista at a downtown coffee shop. Prior to that, he worked at a number of restaurants, including Leeland House and Tiny Champions.

Boo's Burgers Joseph Boudreaux Chef-owner Joseph Boudreaux.Photo by Drea Karolina

Those experiences helped shape the chef’s take on the classic smash burger. It features a 50-50 ratio of chuck and short rib that he grinds himself with a little fat for extra juiciness. It gets topped with a slice of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, pickles that Boudreaux makes himself, and burger sauce.

“Burgers are something everyone in Houston can relate to,” Boudreaux said in a statement. “We’ve tapped into that shared memory of local mom-and-pop burger stands while weaving in the city’s unique blend of southern charm and urban culture. The East End feels like the perfect place for Boo’s next chapter. It’s a vibrant community that’s rich in history, where we can create a space that’s both familiar and exciting.”

Joseph Bourdeaux smashburger That's a photogenic burger. Photo by Eric Sandler

Having a permanent location will allow Boudreaux to expand his menu with food specials and sides. Diners can also expect a full range of drinks and desserts. The restaurant’s design will take inspiration from streetwear and hip hop, establishing it as a uniquely Houston destination. Prior to the opening, Boudreaux will host Boo’s Burger Run, a bi-weekly pop-up series with chefs from the East End and other parts of Houston.

“We’re not just opening a restaurant,” Boudreaux added. “We’re building a space where food, culture, and community come together. We want Boo’s to be the kind of place where people feel connected to Houston’s past and future.”

news-you-can-eat openings burgers boo's burgers