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Hella Soul’s 2012 Featured Food Truck: Happy Endings Asian Fusion

Happy Endings HTX Food Truck

“OH. MY. GOD.”  Literally, these are the words that escaped me as Happy Endings co-owner, Ryan, watched as I bit into the deliciousness that is a Happy Endings veggie-dog, aka the “BDL with no bacon.”  This sausage veggie-dog comes on their homemade, sweet Hawaiian hot dog bun topped with spicy kimchee, velvety cream cheese, fresh chives, Japanese mayo, tangy katsu sauce, and Sriracha sauce.  The toppings were out of this world to say the least; but I also have to comment on the veggie-dog, which was unlike anything I have tasted in my 10 years as a vegetarian.  Not to put the team on the spot, but I saw those meat-lovers staring at me in envy as I devoured it; and I’m almost positive I saw a bit of drool escape Ian’s mouth before he manned up and took a bite (30 man points to Ian for trying a veggie-dog).  The flavors combined were perfect, but words simply do Happy Endings’ food no justice; it is something that can only be expressed through interjections and understood through experience.

The Hella Soul Team was lucky enough to try nearly everything on their menu, which usually includes a weekly special.  At the festival, the team tried:

The BDL

The BDL (the meat-lovers version of what I had): All of Happy Ending’s hot dogs are a quarter pound of 100% beef frank served on their signature homemade Hawaiian hot dog bun.  This hot dog is topped with kimchee, cream cheese, chives, Japanese mayo, katsu sauce, Sriracha sauce, and bacon bits.

Bun B: Moist and tender barbecue pork packed into a steamed or fried Hawaiian bun; Happy Endings’ customers generally choose the fried version.  This dish was given its name when rapper, Bun B, tried several variations of the bun, and fell in love with the fried version served today.

The Shanghai Eggrolls

Shanghai Eggrolls: Small crispy eggrolls paired with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.  David reported that the eggrolls and sauce were a great, authentic combination that he considered Vietnamese comfort food.

Maui Wowie Sliders: About a quarter pound of angus beef sandwiched inside of their homemade Hawaiian bread, topped with cheese, pineapple, and homemade teriyaki sauce.

The Tsunami (#2): A Happy Ending’s hot dog topped with spicy mayo, teriyaki sauce, and seaweed.

The Geisha (#1): A Happy Ending’s hot dog topped with spicy mayo, katsu sauce, and bonito flake.

The Zen (#3): A Happy Ending’s hot dog topped with cream cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.

It’s not just the incredible food that makes Happy Endings so enticing; its owners (Ryan and Emily) are what every restaurant owner should be: Personable (unlike one Mexican restaurant in attendance whose owner was, put nicely, short and rude), passionate about their food, and there to make the customer happy.  It is for this reason that HellaSoul.com chose Happy Endings as our Featured Food Truck of the 2012 Haute Wheels Food Truck Festival.

Find Happy Endings Food Truck (@happyendingsHTX; facebook.com/HappyEndingsHTX) serving these dishes and its weekly special at these locations:

• Mondays from 11-2 at BoConcept (4302 Westheimer Road);
• Tuesdays from 11-2 at Soundwaves (3509 Montrose Boulevard);
• Wednesdays from 11-2 in the office parking lot at 1502 Augusta Drive, and evenings at Liberty Station (2101 Washington Avenue);
• Thursday nights at Petrol Station (985 Wakefield Dr.);
• Friday and Saturday nights at Boheme (307 Fairview); and
• Sunday afternoons at Liberty Station (2101 Washington Avenue).

Other Participating Food Trucks
The full list of the festival’s food truck participants can be viewed here.  Below are a few other food trucks the Hella Soul Team was lucky enough to try (there’s only so much room in our bellies).

• Porch Swing Desserts: Traveling around in a 1948 International Panel Van, this dessert truck, “serves a slice of Southern nostalgia reminiscent of yesteryear.”  And I have to say, after trying their creamy Chocolate Icebox Pie, that description is spot on; it was the epitome of perfection.

• Kicker’s BBQ: New to the Houston area, Kicker’s was originally founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 2009.  The truck moved to Houston 3 weeks ago, and we have to say, “We likey long time.”  I went for the Avocado Egg Rolls with house Sweet Tamarind Sauce (can you say, “Om nom?”).  Irais went for the Loaded Brisket Fries, which consisted of fresh cut fries, 3 cheeses, smoked brisket, Kicker’s trademark sauce, sour cream, and jalapeños.  All I know is that I saw the fries one minute, and the next they were gone; and considering we were all stuffed by this time, that says a lot.

• LadyBird:  The team had the privilege of trying both the Caprese Grilled Cheese and the “LadyBird.”  The Caprese Grilled Cheese is a refreshing adaptation of the Italian Caprese Salad; made with incredibly fresh ingredients, including a roasted red pepper jam, David hasn’t stopped raving about this dish.  Vic had their signature “LadyBird” grilled cheese, which is fresh green tomatoes, and Texas goat, cheddar, and Brooklyn ricotta cheeses melted between two perfectly grilled slices of fresh sourdough bread.

• Phamily Bites: So we didn’t actually try Phamily Bites this time; we’ve all been there before, and David’s eyes roll into the back of his head every time he recounts the flavor of their Classic Spam Musubi.  However, they’re worth mentioning because in addition to serving killer food, they have an awesome photo booth… ATTACHED TO THEIR TRUCK.  Check out the Hella Soul Team’s photo booth picture here.

• Pi Pizza: Fresh ingredients with a twist, these pizza ninjas rotate their menu weekly.  Customers can choose from inventive pizzas like “The Spaniard” (loaded with chorizo, onions caramelized in smoked paprika, and manchego cheese) and “The Drunken Peach” (consisting of peaches and blue berries in whiskey syrup, diced habanero peppers, Texas goat cheese, and mozzarella).  The truck’s owner, Anthony, prides himself in providing customers with handmade pizzas topped with unique ingredient combinations; this was evident when he commented that he’d, “put his [pizza] sauce up for any Pepsi challenge.”

• SlimRitas: I’ve personally been turned off of margaritas in recent years because many establishments make them with syrupy, fake mixes.  SlimRitas’ margaritas, however, have revolutionized the margarita.  Not only are they made with REAL juices, but they’re only 100 calories per serving; the SlimRita team uses a series of natural sweeteners to bring margarita enthusiasts fresh margaritas for a fifth of the calories.

• Zilla Street Eats: I’m sorry, but this place blows Jus’ Mac out of the water.  Their creamy gouda mac and cheese is accompanied by a surprising and hella good ingredient: Cheetos.

The Beer(s)
The Hella Soul Team tried a variety of beers while at the festival’s Beer and Wine Garden.  A few of the participating beer companies were Big Sky Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Rahr and Sons, Saint Arnold, Wells, and Alaskan.  I personally tried the following three beers:

• Wells’ Banana Nut Bread Beer:  It was slightly sweet, but not in an overpowering way.  The banana flavor is especially present at the finish.
• Alaskan Amber Ale: Only slightly hoppy, this beer was rich and incredibly smooth.
• Sierra Nevada Torpedo (Extra IPA): Totting 7.2% alcohol, I had to have two of these.  The Torpedo had a slightly citrus zing and the hops flavor was very present, especially at the finish.

Haute Wheels: The Company That Started It All
Food & Vine Time Productions is an event planning company founded by a married couple in 2002.  Hosting such events as Wine & Food Week, Zest in the West, Katy Sip ‘n Stroll, and the Brewmasters International Beer Festival, the Food & Vine team works tirelessly to share their passion for food and wine with the Greater Houston Area.  And the company likes to help our community; both years that they’ve hosted the Haute Wheels Food Truck Festival, a percentage of the ticket proceeds have gone to benefit the Houston Community College Foundation.

Exciting Publications
Two authors promoted their books at this year’s festival.  The first was written by Paul Galvani, a writer who has been filled with an overwhelming love for food since he was a boy.  Currently working as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston and a food writer for the Houston Chronicle, he promoted the July release of his new book, Houston’s Top 100 Food Trucks.  In it, Galvani includes reviews, descriptions, and contact information of the 100 best food trucks in the Houston area.

The second author at the festival was Ronnie Crocker (pictured above).  A professional writer for more than 25 years, he happily signed and sold copies of his first book, Houston Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in the Bayou City, to festival attendees throughout the day.  In his book, Crocker takes readers through Houston’s beer history.  He begins with the beers produced during the Industrial Revolution, goes into Prohibition, and then follows through to current times when, within a 5 year period, Houston’s brewery count grew from 1 to 5.

My Personal Experience at the Festival
The Food Truck Festival was more than I ever could have imagined.  I spent 5 years in Austin and watched as its food truck presence grew from literally one cupcake stand to entire lots filled with trucks.  But, honestly, Austin’s food trucks don’t quite have the oomph Houston’s do; I mean really, where’s the fun in a food truck that is stationary?  Food trucks are similar to love in that way; they’re no fun when the thrill of the chase is nonexistent.

What I loved most about the event was that it captured the essence of what food trucks offer customers: Local, gourmet (sometimes organic) food prepared with the freshest of ingredients.  But food trucks aren’t just about the food; they’re about experiencing our community, trying foods out of the ordinary, and supporting local businesses.  I think @jjLassberg’s tweet said it better than anyone could have, “6 bucks at fast food joint or 10 bucks at food truck… I’ll take the truck #foodttuckfest [sic] #hautewheels.”

The bottom line is: The Haute Wheels Food Truck Festival’s got soul, just like our city.

Check out our video and more pictures from the festival below.

Contact Me
Email: Jenna@HellaSoul.com
Twitter: @JennaMannella

The Food
iFest takes place throughout City Hall, Sam Houston Park, and Tranquility Park, or nearly 16 acres if you want to get technical.  So you can imagine the number of food choices iFest patrons have the opportunity to try.  This year, iFest attendees could enjoy:

• Jerk chicken and coconut curry shrimp at Cool Runnings Jamaican food stand,
• Shaking beef at Sang Sang Fish Sauces’ and Tran Can Cook’s shared stand, and
• Traditional Vietnamese dishes at Kim Son’s stand.

As if that wasn’t enough to fill your belly, other stands featured Greek, Lebanese, Italian, Argentinian, American, Columbian, Chinese, African, and Caribbean foods (amongst many others).  Then were the food stands of local Houston businesses.  Some of the deliciousness attendees could enjoy were:

• Cupcakes from Treats From Scratch or Zeapod Cakery,
• Fancy custard, like the “Cousin Ollie,” from Grandma’s Old Tyme Frozen Custard, and
• A dry ice fruit drink, known as a Volcano Splash Drink, from How Ya Bean’s.

The Music, Art, and Cultural Performances
Featuring such acts as Los Lonely Boys, War, Steel Pulse, and Galactic, iFest’s musical performers did not disappoint; and naturally, the performers were from all over.  The calming acoustic music of Australian singer/song-writer Travis Caudle, the relaxing tunes of Virginian folk/reggae band SOJA (not gunna lie, I’m listening to them as I write this), and Trinidad-native Sean Richards on the Caribbean Steel Drums were amazing acts not to be missed.  See the full music line-up here.

The arts and crafts stands were located all throughout the festival.  iFest attendees could discover and purchase the art photography of Josh Trefethen, jewelry and key chains literally made of dead insects courtesy of Real Bugs, and dolls, bracelets, and other trinkets of the Inca’s from Inca Wash.

The cultural performances and activities were nothing short of superb.  Tango classes were taught, the belly dancing group, Haraka, performed dances from a variety of cultures, and the fashions of West Africa were paraded down the African and Caribbean Bazaar runway by Kachi Designs’ models.

Other Activities
Of course, the purpose of iFest, according to their site, is to showcase, “educational activities, exhibits and programs onsite… [in an effort]… to inspire the children of today to become global citizens of tomorrow.”  So it’s no surprise that the children’s activities alone make iFest a must for any parent.  There was a kids-only petting zoo (which Vic and David somehow found themselves in… coincidence?), Radio Disney performance, graffiti exhibit where kids were actually encouraged to paint on the walls, and a Mad Science activities area where kids could get their Frankenstein on.  Then there were the cultural activities (see the list here), which gave young ones the opportunity to gain insight into the world of anthropology through shoebox excavations, and make their own traditional Albanian coat of arm’s shield and musical instruments with recycled materials and other crafts.

NBA Nation also attracted quite the attention.  Teenagers and young adults flocked to the attraction to compete in dunk, shooting, and obstacle course contests in the pursuit of prizes.  Throughout the weekend, NBA legends and players Kyle Lowry, Darryl Dawkins, Luis Scola, and Clyde Drexler made appearances; children and adults alike even had the opportunity to meet Darryl Dawkins in person.

For further information on the Houston iFest, check out the following:

• Hella Soul’s video coverage of iFest;
• iFest’s official website;
• A description of each of iFest’s 7 zones (the Silk Road Zone, Kids Zone, Latin Zone, International Zone, Louisiana Zone, Jamaica Zone, and African/Caribbean Zone).

The auto show in Houston has always been an annual tradition to me, but I’ve felt the last 4-5 years have lacked a bit of luster. Last year I remember walking through the entire show rather quickly, and disappointed, but this year is different.

Walking around this year brought me back to when I was 13 or 14. The look of pure excitement in my eyes while lovingly gazing at cars I would soon see on streets was quickly brought back. This day and age you can get all the information and pictures you can handle; but seeing the newest cars (and updates to current ones), the new technology these cars pack, and just seeing the fresh paint shine so beautifully in the lighting of the hall makes the pictures we see pale in comparison. Pictures honestly don’t do justice for some of these cars, and don’t forget the free swag!

Along side the normal cars, there were some custom ones too, as well as technological showcases. All of the spokes people were very knowledgeable, handled every question I asked; If you’re curious about something, ask away! And don’t forget the test drives available of select cars. If you were hesitant about going to the auto show, this is the year to go.

Spoke to him about his truck, and it was definitely one of those cases where you are overwhelmed with subtitles and attention to details that you just want to do multiple walk arounds to try and soak it all in.

You look at the front and see custom projectors, a large intercooler behind the mesh grill with a TRD badge, and a simple yet tasteful cf overlay on the lower portion of the bumper. Walk around to the side and you immediately notice the stance. Lowered slightly on 20 inch WORK racing Crag SK5 in work metal buff finish wrapped in Nitto tires.

Come around the back and see a stock looking exhaust and with a roll away bed cover. I was in love. A custom turbo setup pushing 400+ hp, tastefully modified exterior with the ideology of function over form, on a pretty epic wheel/tire setup had me infatuated. This is what I love; simple in execution, done tastefully, and has a side of it no one will ever expect.

PS – it smokes vettes by truck lengths.

- fin

David Huynh

Growing up in a urban environment, nothing could prepare me for this. I’ve seen pictures of this festival, seen it on TV and heard about it but experiencing it in person is overwhelming.

After always wanting to go and my fellow associate endlessly going on with how fun it was, I had to witness it for myself. Seeing everything from amazing puppet acts, to great comedy shows, and experiencing food I’ve never had, I was quite happy. The sheer amount of people was surreal and the percentage of people who dressed up was entertaining; reminded me why I love this city, we love to have a good time. So many entertainment acts, the legendary foods that were available, and most of all the people are what makes this such a great event. Such a great first experience, and one I will remember.

-fin 

David Huynh

Shout out to http://www.texrenfest.com/ for allowing us to cover this event!

“The Texas Renaissance Festival is the Nation’s largest, most acclaimed Renaissance theme park.  Open to the public every Saturday, Sunday, and Thanksgiving Friday, October 8th through November 27th, and to students for School Days, Tuesday and Wednesday, November 1st and 2nd.”

More info and purchase tickets here.

Heart Stopper Fright

Houston Haunted Houses Presents : Castle of Doom & The Sanitarium

Fearshire Farms (our number 1 pick!)

Welcome to Fearshire Farms

Brazoria County is known for its paranormal activity and haunted legends. Fearshire Farms were fearless when choosing this area to build their establishment on an old haunted farm. A straight shot down 288 south from Houston will lead you to a scenery of trees that are only lit up by the stars in the sky. A country road leads you away from the freeway to an old farm better known as Fearshire Farms.

Fearshire Farms has 5 attractions to choose from. If you have the stomach for it, I suggest you attempt to power through them all.

The entire layout of Fearshire Farms is pure genius. You arrive to the grounds and you instantly get thrown into an 80′s horror film. Walking up to Fearson’s farm house you notice the 1900s décor, a white picket fence, and a creepy corn field in the back. The site of it screams Fritz Kiesrsch’s 1984 masterpiece, “Children of the Corn.” The house is a personal favorite of mine, because anyone can recreate an old house, but you can’t recreate the creaking floors, deteriorating exterior, and bone chilling feel of the home.

Dead End Corn Maze

Making your way out of the house, you will be led through to the Dead End Corn Maze. The corn maze stands eight feet tall and is difficult knowing what, where, and when something will terrorize you. Once you make your way through an abandoned school bus, a crazy old man, and shredded limbs, brace yourself for the chainsaw frenzy.

288 Scare Factory

The 288 Scare Factory. Good God, what is there to say? A mad scientist experimental lab with wacked out patients, animals, and tumbling objects. Look out for the stacked barrels of toxic waste that aren’t well secured.

My final thoughts: I have been to Haunted Houses all over the country. This is one of my favorite attractions I have attended. The impressive part about this place is the fact that they have only been in business for 3 years. I can only imagine how much better and twisted it can become from here on out. From the wardrobe and the make up, to the details in the scenes. This place takes the cake. Great job guys, I will re visit before the end of the holiday. My regards to the master mind behind the madness, Harold. Thanks for having us.

Q & A 

When was the attraction started?

3 years ago

Why was this location chosen?

Its all real and authentic.

What got you into this industry?

I like to scare people.

What is your favorite scene?

The house because its a real 1900s farm house. The material used to build the house can not be reproduced even if you wanted to. Authenticity.

What makes you different?

Our location. We are on an actual working farm. The fact that we have separate attractions, and we market separate attractions. Not several attractions in one. When you come here, you will spend hours, not minutes. We are the only real haunted corn field and farm house for hundreds of miles.

What is the most memorable reaction?

Has to be witnessing someone throwing up and urinating at the same time.  

Follow us on Twitter and FaceBook for updates and coverage on Houston’s top haunted attractions and free passes!

Adios

-Vic

I will go ahead and say that this was my first haunted house I’ve ever been to. Not really a fan of being scared and startled, I came into this worried. Upon entering the premise I was greeted by a handful of food trucks and picnic tables with concessions and games nearby. Nice change of pace from what I was expecting, good to see that there were more than haunted houses and catered to others.

I went through both parts of the attraction, and unwillingly enjoyed being startled and freighted. Don’t want to give away too much but I was thoroughly scared and freaking out, all while manly screaming. One of my favorite parts was this mind twisting tunnel, makes your senses go insane and just all around screw with your head.

If you’re looking for a great haunted house within the city limits, that cater to you even if you don’t want to be scared, than this is a great choice. From the great scares, and seeing all the other types of entertainment they had to offer, I will be definitely be going back!

Q&A

When was the attraction established?

This is our 13th year.
How many people attend on your busiest day?

4,000 people on the last Saturday of the month
Why did you choose your current location?

It’s a freeway front. There’s no other haunted house on this side of town.

What part of the walk through is your favorite?

In the Sanitarium the morgue is my personal favorite because I built it. In the Castle of Doom we have a ball pit room with a real nice surprise. In the Texas Chainsaw Maze we have over 25 guys with chainsaws.

What makes you different?

We are more than just a haunted house. We are like a haunted theme park with characters that roam around terrorizing spectators. We have live entertainment on our stage, food trucks, adult beverages, and best of all, clean and air conditioned facilities.
What is your most memorable reaction?

We had an hour wait line with two guys that talked smack the entire time stating our attractions were going to be disappointing. A friend of mine working in the house was an ex lineman for the Detroit Lions. He kicked the front door open, ripping it off its hinges, and ran out with a chainsaw. The two guys screamed like girls, and ran off. One of them ended up running into a door jam and knocked himself out cold. Everyone in line ended up laughing so hard because they heard them talk smack the entire time. Paramedics had to come and wake him up and check him out. His ego was what was hurting.

 Thanks for having us!

Houston Haunted Houses‎

Fin!
-David

Lights out.

Imagine yourself lost in the woods where unexpected blasts of water from beneath an old bridge welcome you to a world of total chaos. This is what the mine has to offer your imagination. As you make your way through, you may be greeted by sudden screams, knocks, uneven pathways, monsters, and heavy brush. Make sure to follow closely to the insane clown leading your way.. fall behind and you just might wish you had.

Blood Bath Maze

After surviving the mine, your next task is to find your way out of a maze full of dead end turns, false doors, and creatures that follow you throughout the madness. Make way for the lost crying girl frantically trying to find her way out.

Sparky

Your final stop will be the master piece of Heart Stopper Fright – The House of No Mercy. Be ready to crawl, slide, jump, and squeeze your way through this mad house. You can forget about walking arm in arm with your varsity boyfriend throughout some of the areas that are only fit for one. You will meet a lost little boy in there.. he will lead you the way out. Good luck.

My final thoughts: Nothing screams eerie like a Haunted Attraction far away from civilization. Heart Stopper Fright pushes the limits of physicality by having you squeeze through tiny spaces, crawling through crawlspaces, climbing over beds, and sliding down an insanely unstable slide. I have never been to an attraction with this type of physical nature. Be sure to dress comfortably, you are in for quite the exertion.

Q & A:

When did HSF start?
We started in 2007, but have been in the industry for 20 years.

What interested you in the Haunted Attraction industry?
We have done special effects, commercials, and also worked with Lil’ Wayne on his music video. We decided to go to the next level.

What makes you different from other Haunted Attractions?
We don’t have a set pathway. We are spread out amongst 13 acres that require you to crawl, jump, and slide your way out.

What is the most memorable reaction you have witnessed?
A guy got so frightened, he fell over backwards flat on the floor.

Follow us on Twitter and FaceBook for updates and coverage on Houston’s top haunted attractions and free passes!

Credentials:

www.3Haunts.com

Shepherd, TX. 77371

Since this is it’s first go at it, there were some hiccups, but that has already been said. Despite this people were having a great time and it was a huge turn out. Here were some of the sites below:

This was a great event for us, it really showed me personally why I love this city; the great people. Southern charm is a wonderful thing.

- fin

David Huynh