Mondays are for bringing you a restaurant review. This week, we head just a little bit outside of Houston.

Note: I was at the Houston Burger Bracket Challenge tonight, got home and have been writing this piece about the Chappell Hill Bakery and Deli for the Houston Press. The photo above is a taste of what to expect. I’m exhausted, but will have this post updated with a full write-up a little later in the week. I promise you’ll like it. Please check back in for this one. Thanks!

“UPDATE” As seen on Eating Our Words:

Last year, former EOW blogger Ruthie Johnson wrote a piece in which she highlighted the Chappell Hill Bakery and Deli Express. Fast forward to a year later. This family-run establishment, once located in an Exxon station on the side of Highway 290 in tiny Chappell Hill, is all grown up.

Now called the Chappell Hill Bakery and Deli (8900 Highway 290 East), the new place is much bigger. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to miss the massive orange building which is located a stone’s throw away from the original location. This new endeavor was seven years in the making, inspired by the vision of owner John Kopycinski, who had been running the original spot for the past 47 years. “He just wanted to provide a really unique eating atmosphere,” said John’s daughter Christi Strock.

If you know anything about Chappell Hill Bakery and Deli, you know they have some of the best kolaches in Texas. I found that out first-hand. The fruit kolaches are magical, but if you go without trying a sausage, you’d be making a big mistake. It is the best kolache in Texas. Period.

But the new spot does so much more. Choose from an assortment of Blue Bell Ice Cream, hamburger baskets and barbeque plates. The brisket, alone, is worth the 50-minute drive from Houston. They also have ribs, chicken, and sausage, along with all the sides.

As well as kolaches of all varieties, the bakery is churning out freshly-baked pies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, homemade granola and breads, and coffee cakes. These products, along with the beautiful country décor, are all Chappell Hill. Says Strock, “We’re having some of the local vendors come in. We’re trying to keep it very local, so you get a real sense of what small-town Chappell Hill is all about.”

Chappell Hill Bakery and Deli is still under a soft opening, but expect the place to be fully stocked by the start of summer. The town of Chappell Hill is once again hosting the annual Bluebonnet Festival this weekend. When you drive out, do yourself a favor and stop by that big orange building on the side of Highway 290.