In Texas, there is plenty of BBQ to be had, but not all of it is good and distinct. Traditions and known methods are reliable but putting a twist on them and adding style along with elements from another culture goes a long way. A certain BBQ brand was doing just that while making its way around Houston at various events, pop ups, and cook offs. Once it was confirmed that this brand was set to have an establishment open for business, a first look was necessary.
Just on the outskirts of southwest Houston, sits a small, rustic, building on the side of Harlem Road. A bronze horse rears at the entrance, and a line of customers out the door is wrapped around the parking lot. Smoke rolls from massive pits on the backside of the building and the place is packed with people and the city’s newest BBQ flavor. Harlem Road Texas BBQ now has a home from which they’ll serve locals and those traveling far and wide.
Chef Ara Malekian is responsible for bringing this goodness to the area. He spent his childhood in the kitchen with his grandmother, and was trained in Switzerland. In the late ’80s, he moved to the United States and began his culinary career. He was later recruited by celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck. After years on the road and at various restaurants, a love for Texas BBQ arose and Malekian developed unique flavors that one can only find at Harlem Road Texas BBQ.
This place boasts slow-smoked meats and other locally-sourced ingredients. Smokers are packed with special branches from a certain fruit bearing tree and pieces of wood barrels that have retained the flavor of wines they once held. On the menu, you’ll find beef and pork ribs, handmade sausage, beef and pork brisket, chicken, and pulled pork. All of which has the most proper tenderness, crisp layers and juiciness. Seriously, the only thing dry here are the bones and the rub. Along with that, sides of potato salad, coleslaw and BBQ beans. It’s worth noting that the burnt ends can be found in the BBQ beans, and they’re extra awesome. You can wash any of the goodness above down with eight flavors of Stubborn Soda from the fountain or get one to go in a bottle.
If you have a sweet tooth, and any room left in your tummy after downing the tasty meats and sides, there is dessert.The pecan pie here contains 50 percent less sugar than most normal pecan pies, but somehow has an amazingly sweet and savory flavor. Then there is the chocolate bread pudding. The taste of it sets off the endorphins and triggers some serious feel good sensations.
To top top it all off, it’s a BYOB establishment. It’s strongly recommended that you get there early or call ahead as they do sell out of this awesome BBQ. Harlem Road Texas BBQ is located at 9823 Harlem Road Richmond, . Business hours are Monday – Tuesday: closed, Wednesday – Friday: 3 p.m .until sold out, Saturday – Sunday: 11.a.m. until sold out.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2018.
