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

Julie Kent, Lauren Anderson, Stanton Welch

AN ELEGANT DINNER on the Wortham stage for dance patrons followed the opening night performance of the Houston Ballet over the weekend, a glittering first foray into what’s shaping up to be a typically busy fall social season.

Keep Reading Show less

HEAR YE, HEAR ye! The Texas Renaissance Festival has announced its plans for its 50th anniversary season, which opens on Oct. 12 and is preceded by a series of exciting events of magic and merriment.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment