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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

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Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Al Torres

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

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Leadership in Action: For Bianca Bucaram, ‘Strong Network and Family’ Are Essential

Sofia van der Dys

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music

Get to Know Bianca:

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music, is a dynamic force in the public relations industry. She is known for her tenacity, empathy, and bilingual communication skills. As a local publicist with national reach, she blends local insights with broader impact, telling compelling stories that foster business growth and create opportunities.

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