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H-E-B sweeps Food & Wine list of best supermarkets in U.S.

H-E-B is no stranger to celebrations.

Photo courtesy of H-E-B

If one were to cast a Hollywood film based on grocery chains (hey, 20 years ago, a Barbie movie would have seemed farfetched, too), surely Nick Offerman could stand in for the ever-practical Hy-Vee. The more patrician Erewhon might be the juicy role that forces Gwyneth Paltrow out of retirement.

But the character of H-E-B could only be played by Meryl Streep — feigning surprise at the camera as her name is read. The homegrown grocer is practically buried in plaudits but can’t help but smile when it gets recognized one more time.

The latest comes from Food & Wine. Earlier this year, the long-running magazine named H-E-B at the top of its list of the Best Supermarkets in America. The locally based business bested regional giants like Publix and Wegman’s and cult faves like Trader Joe’s.

For those already converted, the editors didn’t offer much new insight to chew on. Texans buy the in-store tortillas in bulk and squeeze limes via turquoise Cocinaware. For those who still think Publix’s Havana Bold sub is equal to that excellence, however, it was a comeuppance.

Only two other chains operating in Texas made the Food & Wine list — the aforementioned Trader Joe’s and bulk cheese puff depot Costco. Neither H-E-B-owned Central Market nor Austin-based Whole Foods Market made the list, though it’s unclear whether those more upscale stores met the “supermarket” qualification.

For those keeping score, H-E-B is sweeping awards season. Also in February, the grocery snatched Amazon’s spot atop dunnhumby’s Top U.S. Grocery Retailers list and dominated Newsweek’s Most Trusted Grocery Retailers in America rankings. It might be time for H-E-Buddy to start working with a stylist.

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Smoke on the Thames

2 Michelin-starred Texas barbecue joints fire up monthlong London pop-up

InterStellar and La Barbecue at The Ned London

The Ned London/thened.com

Even in Austin's home scene, these restaurants are considered the cream of the crop. Abroad, this is an extra special treat.

Two of Texas' best barbecue joints are are firing up their smokers in London. Austin-based InterStellar and La Barbecue are in residence for one month a London hotel called The Ned.

Service started on September 4, and guests have until October 4 to see what great barbecue tastes like on the other side of the pond.

Each restaurant sent its best representative: John Bates of InterStellar BBQ and Ali Clem of La Barbecue, the two pitmasters who led them to barbecue's first Michelin stars. Both are somewhat traditional with a few signature twists, making them a good match beyond their similar levels of prestige.

Proteins on the menu include pork ribs, pulled lamb shoulder, chopped cheese sausage, and InterStellar's famous peach tea pork belly burnt ends. Brisket will be available as an add-on. The team is also cooking up sides and pairing the bites with cocktails made for the occasion by Jack Daniels.

The exclusive sharing tray is available for $75 per person, with a minimum of two people per reservation ($150). A 14.5 percent service gratuity is also being added.

Many barbecue fans understand that a smoker plays a huge part in the final product, and being away from home could dramatically change the cooking process. An Instagram post explains (and seems to lightly promote) that the pitmasters are using Ironbrand smokers, which are custom-made in the United Kingdom.

The residency is happening at Electric Bar & Diner, The Ned's all-day American diner. The 248-room hotel is located in Poultry, on the north side of the River Thames near St. Paul's Cathedral. It is also very near to the Bank Station, a connecting station for four rail routes, making it easy to get to from many parts of London.

Booking is already going fast, so guests who want to snag a space should commit soon.

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