Five spots with good take-home eats for binge-watching the new ‘House of Cards’ season

Netflix releases the third season of its hit series House of Cards Friday, and naturally you'll want to binge-watch the whole thing over the weekend. Of course you can't do that without the appropriate provisions. So here are a few grub suggestions before you fire up the tube:

In homage to President Underwood's Southern roots, Pecan Lodge owner and pitmeister Justin Fourton suggests starting with his fried chicken, collard greens and mac-and-cheese. For later, "bring home several pounds of brisket to make sliders," he says. And as the night slides toward dawn: "Mix the brisket with some eggs for breakfast tacos." If you're still standing.

"No. 1 is always Freakin' Awesome," says Festive Kitchen owner Sandy Korem. The crunchy, spicy-hot, sweet mix of almonds, peanuts, tortilla chips, cereal bits and dried food is a must munchie.Then segue to heat-and-eat chicken spaghetti. "That's the No. 1 comfort food," says Korem. "And then one of the salads because they're feeling guilty.... If they need something sweet, there's always cookie dough. Or brownies." Pick up some  carrot souffle. Your eyes are going to need it.

"I'd suggest a meat-and-cheese tray," says Jimmy's Food Store co-owner Mike DiCarlo. "Then maybe lasagna or pizza." They're frozen so all you do is pop them in the oven. And for liquid refreshment, "That Stammeri wine is really good," he says. The Sicilian with lots of reds and whites to choose from is also just $7.99 which, DiCarlo says, makes it very good indeed.

Better than take-out Chinese, stop by Banh Shop near SMU for a little Vietnamese-inspired noshing. Start with a Vietnamese noodle salad, drunken noodles or the bahn mi sandwich of your choice, then stash some some summer rolls in the fridge for a ninth-episode stretch. Don't forget the Vietnamese iced coffee.

One of the easiest binge-watching nibbles is a mezze platter. You know: hummus, babaghanouj, tabbouleh, pita. I'm fond of humble little Foods From Galilee. But Afrah Mediterranean Restaurant and Pastries in Richardson never disappoints. Binge-watching strategy: Eat the hot items first (like Galilee's kibbe), take your time with the rest. Or, build your own at grocer like Central Market or Whole Foods Market. Grandma's Hummus from Austin rocks it.

Kim Pierce, Special Contributor