June in Houston: Family Adventures, Huli Huli Chicken & Pinkerton’s BBQ
From Bryan’s June 2026 newsletter. This edition captures the start of summer around Katy and greater Houston, with family outings, a recipe from our kitchen and a personal restaurant recommendation.
A note from Bryan
Food has always been a huge passion of mine. My dad was a builder and developer, but he also owned a restaurant. I grew up around kitchens, worked in restaurants and learned to love cooking early. These newsletters are a chance to share more of that side of our family, along with the places and experiences we enjoy around Houston.
Houston family summer guide
Our June list included Typhoon Texas in Katy, Moody Gardens in Galveston, Space Center Houston, the Houston Zoo’s water-play area, Katy Heritage Park, Children’s Museum Houston, Kemah Boardwalk, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Downtown Aquarium and Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures. Mix an outdoor morning with an indoor afternoon when the heat becomes too much.
A weekend away without a flight
The newsletter’s staycation ideas were Margaritaville Lake Resort on Lake Conroe, Moody Gardens Hotel in Galveston, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort, Hyatt Lost Pines Resort near Austin and Camp Margaritaville in Crystal Beach. These were ideas from our June edition; check each property directly for current amenities and availability.
From Bryan’s Table: Huli Huli chicken
This has become a staple in our house. Chelsea loves it, the girls eat it, and it is often what goes on the grill when family comes over. It is simple, with a sweet, savory glaze that reminds me of being on vacation.
Ingredients
Chicken thighs or chicken breasts pounded thin; ⅓ cup sherry wine; ¾ cup ketchup; ¾ cup soy sauce; a splash of pineapple juice; 1 cup brown sugar; freshly grated ginger; and 3 cloves freshly grated garlic. Grilled pineapple and chopped green onions are optional finishes.
Method
Mix the marinade ingredients and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or overnight. Grill over medium heat until caramelized and fully cooked. Finish with grilled pineapple and green onions. Simple, easy and family approved.
Local spotlight: Pinkerton’s Barbecue
1504 Airline Drive, Houston, TX 77009, as featured in the June edition.
When I moved to Texas, I made it a mission to try barbecue around Houston. Pinkerton’s is a place I keep coming back to. I love the old-school atmosphere, the butcher-paper menu and the experience of gathering around really good food. In my experience, there is often a line, and when a favorite sells out, it is gone.
My order: beef ribs when available, brisket, jalapeño cheese rice and duck jambalaya. That is my personal short list from this visit, rather than a promise about today’s menu.
Life in greater Houston
Discovering a neighborhood includes the parks, restaurants and everyday routines around it. If you are exploring Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land or Houston, I’m always happy to share a personal perspective.
By Bryan Lillis, LUXE Realty Team | RE/MAX Grand. A personal perspective on life around Katy and greater Houston.
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