bagel on the run

Houston bagel shop with freshly-baked fare sprints into Clear Lake

The second Houston-area location of Jeff’s Bagel Run is at the starting blocks. It will begin a soft opening this Wednesday, September 3, in Clear Lake.

Located at 923 Bay Area Blvd., the new Jeff’s features a drive-through, which should aid diners seeking to grab bagels, schmears, and coffee on their way to work. Houston franchisees Brian and Jillian Hess opened the first Houston-area location of Jeff’s in Bellaire back in January.

Brian Hess tells CultureMap he’s learned a lot about bagels since then. “I think it’s going well,” he says. “The community seems to appreciate having a Jeff’s. We get a lot of positive reviews. Hundreds of people come out every weekend.”

Founded in Orlando, Florida in 2019, Jeff’s Bagel Run serves 15 flavors of bagels in both traditional flavors like poppy, sesame, salt, and everything as well as non-traditional flavors such as asiago, cacio e pepe, and jalapeno cheddar. They’re paired with more than a dozen spreads, covering everything from whipped butter and plain cream cheese to banana pudding and roasted jalapeno. With fall on the way, the shop will add seasonal pumpkin flavors for bagels, schmears, and coffee.

Since the bagels are boiled and baked throughout the day — ensuring that fresh bagels are available as frequently as every half hour — Jeff’s doesn’t offer toasting, which hasn’t always sat well with the bakery’s customers.

“People aren’t happy about not toasting,” Hess says. “We’re just trying to bring that fresh baked bagel experience. Everyone is used to the toasted experience.”

The couple’s franchise agreement calls for them to open five locations throughout Houston. They’re in negotiations for a store in the Uptown/Tanglewood area, Hess says, with two more to follow after that.

To celebrate the opening, the first 100 customers on Wednesday and Thursday will receive a free sticker and a coupon for a free bagel and spread to redeem on their next visit (limit one per customer, per day).

For Friday’s grand opening, the first 100 customers will receive a free sticker and a coupon for a free bagel and spread to redeem on their next visit. (one per customer, per day). In addition, the first 50 customers who order a large iced beverage will receive a free koozie.

Jeff’s Bagel Run will be open daily from 6:30 am-2 pm.

Courtesy of Jeff's Bagel Run

Jeff's Bagel Run is coming to Clear Lake.

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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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