flying into the woodlands

Austin-based wing restaurant and sports bar soars to Woodlands for 8th Houston-area spot

Pluckers contines to expand across Houston.

Photo by Melissa Skorpil

Fried pickle spears and Dr Pepper wings are coming to The Woodlands area. Pluckers Wing Bar will open a new location in Shenandoah next year.

Located near the intersection of David Vetter Blvd. and I-45, the new Pluckers will be the Austin-based restaurant’s eighth Houston-area location, joining outposts in places such as the Washington Corridor, Memorial City, and Stafford. A Meyerland location (8731 W Loop South) is expected to open soon.

Credit for that success goes to Pluckers' creative sauces that run the gamut from Maple Chipotle and Spicy Lemon Pepper to Peach Tree Sriracha and Garlic Parmesan. Other menu staples include fried mac and cheese, stuffed jalapeños, sandwiches, and salads. Desserts such as fried Twinkies and fried Cookies and Cream take their inspiration from the State Fair of Texas.

Once named one of America’s top sports bars by ESPN, every location features a lively atmosphere and plenty of TVs. The Austin Business Journal has named it one of the city’s top places to work.

Truly devoted Pluckers fans can join the Pluckers club. A $20 membership brings a host of perks, including rewards for every dollar spent, free food on a member's birthday, and more.

“We’re eager to continue our expansion in the Houston metroplex, and this new location is ideal for reaching new customers who have yet to experience our renowned Pluckers wings,” Pluckers director of marketing Kristin McMinn said in a statement. “We receive so many requests to open locations in communities state-wide, so we’re thrilled to answer that excitement with this new opening in Shenandoah.”

openings news-you-can-eat

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.

barbecue international michelin michelin guide pitmasters pop-ups travel