The concept at The Counter is unique – when you walk into this eatery, you're handed a clipboard with an extensive list of ingredients that allow you to build your own gourmet burger. There are more than 300,000 different combinations, so you could have a unique burger every time you go.

Star by choosing what kind of patty you'd like, with choices including beef, chicken, turkey, or a veggie burger. There are 12 cheeses to select from, about 20 sauces, and a variety of premium toppings, such as sundried tomatoes, avocado, applewood smoked bacon, or chili. Regulars point out that The Counter offers gluten-free buns. If the choices seem overwhelming, you can always order from the regular menu, which is filled with sandwiches, salads, and side dishes.

The Counter
9595 Six Pines Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 231-2147
thecounterburger.com
Read the reviews on Yelp.

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Kona Grill serves up some stellar modern American cuisine along with an expansive menu of sushi. Indoor and outdoor seating and a bright ambiance add to the appeal of this popular local restaurant.

Happy Hour is a great time to visit to enjoy spectacular specials on food and drinks! Order a cocktail, beer or glass of wine and a sumptuous starter like Chicken Satay or Ahi Wonton Crisps. Flatbreads and salads are on Kona Grill's menu, along with a flavorful list of sandwiches. Offerings include a Turkey Burger, an Avocado Chicken Club, and a Big Kahuna Cheeseburger with applewood bacon. Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon with pork fried rice, Pan-Asian Noodles with beef tenderloin, and Miso Sake Sea Bass with ratatouille are among the entrees avilable here.

If you'd like to try it for yourself, Kona Grill is open every day in The Woodlands, Texas.

Kona Grill
3 Waterway Square
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 466-4061
www.konagrill.com/restaurants/the-woodlands-tx.aspx
www.yelp.com/biz/kona-grill-the-woodlands-the-woodlands

Public Domain/Public Domain

Even the most experienced chef gets stumped by a recipe every now and then. To prevent road blocks during your next cooking session, memorize these three common cooking terms.

Baste
You've probably come across this term when cooking that Thanksgiving turkey. Simply put, to baste is to keep meat or other foods moist during the cooking process by spooning over a sauce, water, or its own juices. This adds flavor, while preventing the meat from drying out.

Roux
Used as the foundation of thicker sauces and gravies, a roux is a mixture of equal parts butter and flour that's stirred constantly over low heat until smooth.

Macerate
Commonly applied to dessert recipes, macerating entails covering fruits or veggies in liquid, then letting them marinate until the fruits and veggies soften and the liquid's flavor has been absorbed. Said liquid is typically a mixture of lemon juice and sugar.

Cooking Terms [Recipe Goldmine]
The Basic Kitchen: Glossary of Cooking Terms [Les Petites Gourmettes]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [BHG]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [Cookery]

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