Excellent braised lamb shank over chive mashed potatoes from Ray's Gourmet Country in Fulshear, Texas.

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Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger at Black Walnut Katy.

One of the best little burger joints in Houston started as a family owned local grocery back in 1961.  As the years went by the little deli meat counter started serving hot food in the shadow of downtown in the 1st Ward District.  Eventually this small neighborhood landmark became Stanton City Bites.  Today they have an extensive burger menu with a few other things like sandwiches, salads, and various snacks.  They have also amassed a large selection of craft beer to enjoy with your burger of choice.

http://www.stantonscitybites.com/

J-Dubs Burger Barn recently opened in Old Town Katy. They are serving up burgers with fresh ground beef and hand cut fries out of an old house.

I ordered the Jalapeño Burger which came piled high with mustard, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and jalapeños topped with pepper jack cheese on a jalapeño bun.  Served with hand cut fries and a drink for only $8.82 plus tax.  That's a deal!

Had a fantastic date night at Haven. Majken and I were very impressed with the great service and outstanding food.

I had the shrimp corn dogs with Tabasco remoulade for starters. For my main I chose the Gulf fish and head on Gulf shrimp offering. This night the fish was Mahi Mahi. They were served with a butternut squash purée.

Duck confit egg rolls with blueberry balsamic glaze at Crush Wine Bar in Amarillo, Texas.

The recent cooler weather started me thinking about Phó. It is the perfect meal on a cool fall day.

I was in the mood for a burger, as always, and decided to check out Guru Burger in Sugarland Town Square. I've been hearing lots of chatter about their burgers and craft beer selection. Sounds perfect for me.

I chose the Royale with Cheese. A traditional style burger with grass-fed Texas Akaushi beef, sharp cheddar, hydro bibb lettuce, roma tomatoes, and house made pickles on a wheat bun. I paired it with a Karbach Brewing Barn Burner.

The veggies were fresh and the burger was cooked a perfect medium. I'll be back real soon.

I had the opportunity to take a out of town co-worker out for dinner recently. I gave her a few choices of great places and being that she is a wine chic she chose Max's Wine Dive. Collectively we sampled a few small plates and a couple of appetizers. All were good but the pork belly was supreme.

Caramel Corn Crusted Pork Belly - Root beer-braised Black Hill Ranch pork belly, pistachio caramel corn and celery root puree.

Since I first heard about Wicked Whisk many months ago I have been following them on Twitter. A few weekends ago I had the chance to cross paths with them and try out what they have to offer.

This day I chose the Texas Melt. A wagyu beef patty between a cheddar roll bun, then topped with applewood bacon, peanut butter, and jalapeño jam. It was an interesting combo with the salty bacon, spicy jalapeños, and peanut butter. It was a hot, sticky mess! And that is a great thing.