Wolf's Burger: East Houston

OK, this is one of those places that you don't judge by the outside.  Wolf Burgers is located in a run down strip shopping center on the Sam Houston Tollway just North of I-10 E.  On this day, it is packed as it probably always is on any given day.

Today, the usual: Cheeseburger Basket with French Fries and Ice Tea.  The burger is really good- multi napkins- fresh ground beef, well seasoned, cooked to perfection on a seasoned grill and JUICY.  The bun was warmed to the point of almost crispy, but you could taste the butter.  The steak fries were a total disappointment.  I should have gone with the tater tots or onion rings. 

If you find yourself on the East side, check out Wolf's Burgers.  Don't judge this place by the Outside, go on inside.  You will be pleasantly surprised, and I would definitely get there early.....

Wolf's Hamburger
4323 E Sam Houston Pkwy N
Houston, TX 77015
713/453-1890

China Garden: Houston

China Garden is my favorite Chinese restaurant in Houston.  Located in Downtown at LaBranch and Leeland across from the Toyota Center, this place is always packed for lunch and dinner.  They have been serving authentic Chinese food since 1969.  My sister introduced me to China Garden fifteen years ago, and whenever I am in Downtown Houston, I always try to stop in.

To be honest, I am not real adventuresome when it comes to Chinese food.  A good cup of won ton soup and some egg rolls are a standard for me.  So, guess what I ordered- a cup of won ton soup and an order of egg rolls.

China Garden's Roast Pork Won Ton Soup is different than other won ton soups.  The broth is thicker and more like a chicken broth.  The Soup, as you can see has tons of cabbage, some carrots, and multiple won tons.  It is really good even on this 100 degree day.
 

 China Garden has the BEST egg rolls that I have ever had- definitely the Star.   China Garden's Home Made Crisp Egg Rolls are fried to perfection without the grease that you find with other egg rolls.  Inside, they are filled with cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, other vegetables, and lots of black pepper.  They are delicious especially dipped into the Plum Sauce and Hot Mustard.  They are definitely worth the trip to Downtown Houston.

If you are in the mood for other China Garden delights, they have an excellent Lemon Chicken.  They have an extensive menu serving a range of dishes from Fish Steak, Squid, Crab to the usual Chicken, Beef and Pork.  In fact, they have over 70 entrees to chose from in addition to their Gourmet Dishes, Spring Rolls, and Chow Meins. 

Word to the Wise: If you are running from the Law, I would avoid China Garden.  There is usually an officer or two eating here.  Otherwise, China Garden should be a must before any Rockets game, concert, or just because you are in the neighborhood.  They definitely have something for everybody.
 
China Garden
1602 Leeland St
Houston, TX 77003
713/652-0745
http://www.chinagardenhouston.com/

Molina's: Houston, Texas

Since I grew up in Houston, I have grown up eating at Molina’s.  Now, it has become my Friday lunch place with my parents.  The original Molina’s was a tiny building right on Westheimer.  Molina’s built their existing building right behind it.  I think the Boston Tea Party restaurant was here at one point- now, I am dating my age, but I have been eating at Molina’s for over 30 years!  Yikes, but at least, it's not since 1941 when Molina's started!

Currently, Molina’s is renovating again.  We promptly get seated in Laurie’s section because she is a family favorite.  She is very personal and gives great service.  You just like her the minute you meet her, and this is true with the following that is sitting in her section.

But, I digress this is a food blog.  Upon seating, your basket of chips arrives with the original Molina’s salsa, a fire-roasted salsa, and marinated onions and carrots.  In the old days, jars of this stuff were on the tables, but I am sure some CODE makes that unsanitary today.  I absolutely LOVE their salsa- there is a hint of vinegar in it that keeps me coming back for more.  The fire-roasted salsa is good, but I LOVE the original salsa.  The marinated onions and carrots take me back to my childhood with every single bite.

On this day, I ordered the crispy beef tacos plate, as does my dad. 

The 3 tacos come out under a pile of shredded cheese, shredded lettuce and taco sauce.  If you want cheese, you will have to order it: shredded or queso is available.  Everything is super fresh.  You ALMOST feel like you are eating a healthy taco salad.  The taco shells were crisp; the meat was seasoned well; the lettuce was plump; and the cheese- why do I love this shredded cheese.  Top it off with some Molina’s original salsa- HEAVEN!  This plate of tacos does not come with rice and beans, but there is more than enough food to eat.

My mom ordered the lunch portion of the chicken fajitas for one.  There is nothing “lunch portion” about it.  We always bring home enough for another fajita.  The chicken comes out sizzling with a side of adobe butter that is never needed.  The chicken is moist and well seasoned.  Guacamole and pica de gallo grace the condiment plate.  You will have to ask for a side of cheese or sour cream.  The flour tortillas were steaming hot.  Yummy rice and terrific charro beans top off this lunch portion of the fajitas. This is my other lunch staple at Molina’s. 

We always top our lunch off with coffee.  Molina’s serves the best pralines that I have ever had.  The pralines are thin, not too sweet, and just divine with our freshly made coffee.  There’s nothing like a sugar-caffeine high to get you through Friday rush hour traffic.  Molina’s is a definite local stop if you are in Houston.  Just beware of their margaritas, but that is a whole other blog!

Molina's

7901 Westheimer

Houston, Texas

713/782-0861

http://www.molinasrestaurants.com/