In an innovative approach to cross-regional cuisine, Tejas Chocolate & BBQ in Tomball is causing a stir in New York City's culinary scene without so much as flipping a single brisket in the Big Apple. According to KHOU, the Texas establishment is exporting its savory smokehouse expertise through a partnership with Wonder, a fresh concept that delivers restaurant meals to New Yorkers by recreating them with licensed recipes and cooking methods.
This delivery-first food hall could be Texan pitmasters' dream come true or a New Yorker's brisket-enabled fantasy, as it brings top-tier chefs and their signature offerings under a single digital roof. "New Yorkers love Texas barbecue," said Marc Lore, founder and chairman of Wonder, in a statement obtained by KHOU. "Tejas is my favorite restaurant inside of Wonder. I absolutely love it." Wonder aims to make elite meals from celebrated chefs more accessible, starting with New York and planning a broader expansion across the country.
Tejas Chocolate & BBQ has already caught the attention of BBQ lovers in Houston with their inventive "BanhBQ," a fusion of classic Vietnamese banh mi with Texas-style smoked meats. The Houston Chronicle reported that the brainchild behind this culinary mashup, Scott Moore, was struck by inspiration upon realizing that the fresh banh mi bread he loved was available commercially. This discovery led to an array of mouth-watering creations filled with smoked pork belly, brisket, and even smoked pastrami.
The success has been notable. Wonder pointed out that Tejas Chocolate & BBQ is currently its top seller. Amidst bustling city blocks and the relentless race of yellow cabs, a piece of the Texas spirit is thriving, barbecued and delivered to the doorstep of New Yorkers hungry for a taste of the South. The vision for Wonder and its participating partners is expansive, with plans to roll out more locations within New York City and eventually, serve up their curated cuisine to a nationwide audience.
