Veg Out and Go Green: Summer’s Foodie-Fab Trend

Nuray Taylor
7.24 Eblast
7.24 Eblast

Summer in H-Town is always a good time to veg out — and this year, it’s easier than ever, with the addition of delicious new vegetable-centric dishes, menus and restaurants all across town.


Salad-bowl-serving national chain Sweetgreen celebrated the grand-opening of its first Houston restaurant in Rice Village yesterday, spotlighting its relationship with local farmers and two only-in-Houston menu items: the garlic-chili shrimp salad, and a warm “superfood” bowl. The light and bright space is a stone’s throw from Mendocino Farms’ new outpost, a similarly fast-casual farm-to-table chain that opens soon.

Meanwhile, at UB Preserv, chef Nick Wong recently released a new menu featuring vegetarian-friendly takes on guest favorites, alongside new veggie-centric items. Try the duck-egg curry with basil, or the seasonal summer squash with yogurt, papadam, almonds and chickpeas.

And chef Stephanie Hoban, chef-owner of Heights hot spot and vegan restaurant Verdine, recently announced she is shuttering her longtime food truck, Ripe Cuisine, in order to focus on expanding offerings at the brick-and-mortar. Catch Ripe in its final days at the Urban Harvest Farmer’s Market this weekend.

AT TOP: "The Best Part of Rice" at UB Preserv

Dispatches
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less

THE WEATHER IS changing, and soon, so will the time! Make the most of that extra hour of sun at Montrose’s Okto. This Mediterranean hotspot, located in Montrose Collective and part of Sof Hospitality — a group nominated for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Award in the competitive Outstanding Restaurateur category — is rolling out a new happy hour to enjoy on their urban-chic patio.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

THERE'S A MOMENT just before dusk when everything turns to gold—the light softens, the world slows, and indulgence feels not just necessary, but deserved. Welcome to Golden Hour at The Marigold Club, where opulence meets effortless charm and your midweek unwind turns into an exquisite ritual.

Keep Reading Show less