August 2012 Odds and Ends

Well Dear Readers, the Dog Days of Summer have arrived.  And as August comes it, we've had a break in the rains that kept us cooler in July and now it's hot.  However, there are plenty of shady patios with spray mist cooling systems, as well as covered, thoroughly air-conditioned interiors.  And as August begins, there is plenty to look forward to this month:

1.  Houston Restaurant Weeks are Back!!!

Just like last year, and every year since 2003, a large number of Houston area restaurants  are offering special meals which will result in a $3.00 to $5.00 donation to the Houston Food Bank.  Last year these meals resulting in over $800,000.00 in donations.  This year, there will be participation from restaurants in Galveston and Montgomery counties with donations going to their respective food banks. This event was the brainchild of Cleverly Stone--a fixture on Houston Talk Radio and occasional contributor to Fox 26 morning news.  It was originally 1 week, but now its the entire month of August. Per their website:

“Houston Restaurant Weeks gives people in Houston an opportunity to experience Houston’s exceptional restaurants while providing much-needed relief for families suffering from hunger,” said Brian Greene, CEO of the Houston Food Bank. “We are grateful to once again be the beneficiary of this incredible event.”

Follow HRW on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/HouRestaurantWk.
Be a fan of HRW on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HoustonRestaurantWeeks.

Food Bank donations are made by the participating restaurants based upon how many lunches and dinners they sold during the event.

 The list of participating restaurants has gotten longer!!!  It includes Morton's The Steakhouse, The Bombay Brasserie, Kiran's and Eddie V's.  This will give diners the chance to sample a variety of different menus and restaurants, and help give back to our local food banks.

2. Saint Arnold's Divine Reserve 12

Lucky So and So!!!

Ah craft beer... St. Arnold's... Every year a new Divine Reserve is released, like last year's Divine Reserve 11--which was an intense double IPA.  This year is a dark brown ALT or old style that was the result of a local homebrewer winning a Contest for the recipe.  It was released on July 31--yesterday.  I checked around several places close to my work before and after, and managed to get 2 Bombers (22 oz bottles).  I had hoped for a 6 pack, but no luck.  If you are one of the lucky few, you should cellar a couple of bottles as its supposed to age quite well.  I will be tasting it in a couple of days and will provide commentary on it then.  If you were one of the unlucky folks who got jack squat, it may show up on EBay at a much higher price, or it may get a 2nd run like DR 11 did as the Endeavor IPA^2.  There were lineups, purchase limits and some arguing at various places.  Some of them held off until afternoon to give those at work a chance at getting a Bomber or a 6 pack.  I consider myself lucky I got the last 2 Bombers at a local HEB.  I'm going to cellar one, and drink the other.  I will half heartedly look for a 6 pack and if I get one, I'll cellar both bombers.

3. Hatch Green Chile Season is Back

Just like this time last year, Central Market has a HUGE batch of Hatch Chiles to sell.  They'll be roasting and selling them from August 8 through August 21st.  They'll also be having some cooking classes and a couple of meals there as well.  Chuy's and other restaurants in the Houston area will be doing special dishes with Hatch Chiles, and I figure Whataburger will bring back the Green Chile Double for a limited time.  I have my feelers out and will update this to let you know of any other Hatch Green Chile items in the Houston area for you to enjoy during this wonderful season!!!

4. Greater Houston Restaurant Association 75th Anniversary

The Greater Houston Restaurant Association (GHRA) announced today it will begin a celebration of its 75 years of serving the Houston region this month. To commemorate this occasion, the GHRA will conduct a series of events and activities that celebrate the nearly 60,000 employees and 3,900 area restaurants who contribute to the success of Houston’s dining industry on a daily basis. In addition, the GHRA will honor some of the industry’s most successful entrepreneurs and business people. 

“We are honored to celebrate 75 years of serving Houston,” said GHRA President, Reggie Coachman. “Our employees are the most important ingredient in our incredibly successful recipe here in Houston, and this special occasion gives us the chance to say thank you to them as well as share how, through hard work and determination, many Houstonians have accomplished the American dream.” 

Anniversary activities will include contests, special events at select Houston restaurants, giving back and more. The GHRA is also launching a 75^th Anniversary website (www.75yearsservinghouston.com) that will provide updates on events and industry news.

The GHRA, a chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association, was founded in 1937 by restaurateurs who gathered to discuss issues Houston restaurants faced and has grown to become Texas’ largest local restaurant association.

Well that about wraps it all up for now.  

And Remember:  Eat Happy, Y'all!!!
早安，你!!!