(May 2008)

By Warren Rojas

Hard Times wings ($8.29) soar after a brief visit to the grill, where they develop an attractive sear on top of their tantalizing sauces (lip-smacking chili-lime rocks; honey barbecue brings the sweet). A bowl of Terlingua Red five-way chili mac ($8.19) beats back hunger with a mountain of noodles, spicy chili, beans, cheese and onions.

(June/July 2007)

By Warren Rojas

Chili lovers prone to crumbling crackers into their brew will appreciate the salty snap of the Frito chili pie ($7.89), heaping your choice of chili (color mine Terlingua red), diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar and a dapper dab of cool sour cream atop a nest of the familiar baked corn curls.

Texas Chili - Honarable Mention

(June/July 2006)

By Warren Rojas

Another regional chain, the Hard Times version of this culinary scorcher is the beefiest of the bunch, bearing spoonful after spoonful of coarse ground beef soaked in a cumin-laden tomato broth. No beans, no veggies-just oil and meat. And a brick of the homemade corn bread (fantastic).

Build an even heartier bowl by adding in extras like fresh tomatoes or chopped jalapenos.