Eji’s on Main Opens Brick and Mortar in Waller PLACES T O EAT The Best of Cy-Fair

Chef’s Tasting

by Patricia Hudson

Several months ago, I received an invitation to attend a Chef’s Tasting and Open House in Waller. Normally, I would have passed, but as the invitation was extended by Chef Dustin and Gina Reed, I made it a point to make the drive. You might recall that we previously featured Eji’s Culinary, named for Dustin’s Grandma Emma Joy and Grandma Irene, in homage to the treasured memories of food and family shared at their tables. The French Le Cordon Bleu trained chef, together with his wife Gina’s own memories of food, family and friends at her Italian Grandma Sedita’s house every week, provided the foundation for Eji’s Culinary Catering and food truck enterprise. The food truck has gone by the wayside. In its place is a charming brick and mortar where Chef Dustin strives to source fresh local ingredients from local farms and small businesses within a 250-mile radius. Eji’s on Main held its Grand Opening on August 20, 2022.

“Dustin and I chose Waller because of the charm and unique qualities of the town. We fell in love with the building that is our new home the minute we saw it. The building was built in 1929; it was a feed store originally. We tried to keep as much of the original building as possible when planning our kitchen build out,” explains Gina.

The Eji’s concept of food service continues to revolve around delicious down-to-earth meals made from scratch. “Eji's on Main offers a three-fold approach. First, customers can come in and order hot food made to order from the counter and take it to go or take it next door to Location Six Brewery. We encourage the latter, as you can enjoy a beer while supporting two small businesses at the same time. Second, we offer prepared meals in our cooler to take home and heat. You will see meals such as Maw Maw's lasagna, Grandma's meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans, and Eji's Chicken N Dumplins'. In a rush during lunch? Just grab one of these meals and take it back to the office to heat up, or come in and get meals for the whole week,” comments Gina. “Lastly, we are offering some of our space to other local, small businesses to sell their products. We currently have vendors who make hand poured soy wax candles, handmade clay earrings, shea butter and kombucha. We are always searching for new small businesses that we can help promote and get their name and product out to the local community.”

The Chef’s Tasting showcased a delightful selection from Chef Dustin’s repertoire: Dijon Thyme Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry balsamic onion jam and sherry mustard cream, “Yard Bird” of buttermilk fried chicken breast, Chappell Hill hickory smoked bacon, Pure Luck goat cheese, balsamic roasted tomatoes, spring mix, shaved red onion, cilantro lime aioli, and fougasse, and Eji’s Umami Burger, Texas Gyulais (Wagyu) beef patty, fried duck egg, gruyere cheese peanut butter jalapeno bacon jam on a potato bun. Equally delectable offerings of side dishes were sampled and savored. Dustin and Gina have kept their irresistible Mini Bread puddings on the menu; I couldn’t decide which was my favorite: the Lemon Blueberry or the Triple Chocolate! Want to share the Eji’s on Main Experience? Consider booking a Chef’s Table Dinner with your friends and family. It’s worth a drive out to Waller.

Eji’s on Main 2322 Main Street Waller, TX 77484 713-423-7976 info@ejisculinary.com www.ejisculinary.com

by Liz Arrington

As October winds down in Houston- the days start to feel a little more chilly, a little more cozy, and a lot more festive. It’s a time where many of us are able to reflect on the year behind us, and take stock of all we have and all we hope to gain.

For many people, this is the season of giving. As we reflect on our lives with gratitude, we are often impressed with the desire to give back. Abundant Thanksgiving meals are a luxury while there are so many families in our community struggling to put food on the table all month long. All the gifts and extravagance of the Christmas season fill our spirits with joy, while so many go without. Gratitude has the incredible power to soften our hearts to the needs of others.

Traditionally, there are a number of ways to give back during the winter holiday season. You’ ll begin to see opportunities to serve and contribute to local nonprofits, food pantries, and assistance programs. Schools, churches and community centers usually host large food drives, gift drives, or sponsorship opportunities to help provide support for families in need.

This spirit of giving is synonymous with the holidays, and Cypress really shines in the way that our city comes together with Texas-s ized generosity. I’ll be the first to admit, when it comes to giving back, it’s not something I do nearly often enough. Or, it feels that way at the end of the year when I’m counting my blessings and realizing I could have given more. Like most busy parents juggling an overwhelming amount of tasks and responsibilities week after week all year long, the months absolutely fly by. I’m guilty of saying, “Life will settle down as soon as…..” over and over while life proceeds to never actually settle down.

For most of us- just getting started is the most daunting aspect of giving back. Time and money seem to be the two things I never have enough of, so the idea of adding anything that is going to demand MORE of these two precious resources absolutely stops me in my tracks.

Recently I sat down to brainstorm ways that I can make an impact that works with my busy life instead of comparing myself to others around me. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of taking the small steps that open yourself up to the opportunities that are around you.

Here are some of small steps you can take:

● Find and follow causes and organizations that resonate with you on social media, or join their mailing list. These groups are very good at letting people know exactly what they need, and often it’s simple things that make a big difference.

● Talk to that one friend. You know the one. The one who is always posting about their latest project or cause? They can often point you in a good direction for starting out. Or, they’ll welcome you to join them!

● Think outside the box. Most local groups often rely on volunteers or have a very small st aff. Do you have skills that could support their goals? Graphic Design, writing, social media posts, photography, web design, analytics, these are all high level skills that can overwhelm and slow down progress in the non-profit sector.

● Involve the whole family! Even young children enjoy giving back and caring for others. Whether it’s a monthly volunteer opportunity locally, a project you can work on together at home, or simply having discussions about helping others and causes that are important to your family.

Giving back in a way that is personal, meaningful, and specific can be so incredibly rewarding. There is room in your life for it, and with a little creative thinking you can absolutely find a way to incorporate ways to give back into your life all year long!

Liz Arrington combines her background as a professional children’s therapist with her love of music to provide early childhood music and movement classes to families of Cypress. Outdoor, Weekday, and Saturday classes available. See more at www.songfulbeginnings.com