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THE LIST.

THE LEADER.

June 2013 - Good For You

CITY WIDE

Page 2 • THE LIST • June 1, 2013 • @heightsleader

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Even down-home comfort food restaurants, like the Texas Cafeteria on Shepherd in the Heights, have healthy options, such as baked chicken, veggies and salads. (Photo submitted)

The challenge: Make eating out Good for You

by Elle Cavatore For The Leader

In Michelle Obama’s address to a million restaurateurs, she noted that the word “restaurant” actually comes from the French word for “restore.” “Some of the first true restaurants in this country emphasized their ability to make people healthier and to cure what ailed them,” she pointed out.

It’s quite evident that somewhere down the line, this philosophy got lost, and eating out can be the riskiest business because diners lose control of ingredients and food preparation.

Lynn Moore, a registered and licensed dietitian for Memorial Hermann Hospital, says that some of the concerns that health officials and nutritionists have about restaurant food is the amount of butter and salt added.

“Many restaurant foods are much higher in fat and sodium than they would be if prepared at home.”

New USDA statistics back this statement up with their recent assessment that eating out puts

two pounds on people every year.

The staggering rate of obesity in America and the ensuing health problems it causes has impacted the highest level of government leading to the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative to combat the problem. Many Americans are wisening up to the fact that they can’t, in fact, have their cake and eat it, too.

The growing trend for healthy food is spreading throughout the Western world. Just one look at Whole Foods’ profit shares – and the lines for fresh and prepared foods at their nearby Montrose outpost on Waugh Drive -- will tell you that the tides are turning.

The influx of farm to table restaurants is a tacit acknowledgment that people are –– pardon the pun –– hungering for information about where their food came from, in addition to promoting sustainable environmental practices.

A recent New York Times article

by Tara Parker-Pope acknowledges the health benefits of

See EATING, Page 8

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Page 3 • THE LIST • June 1, 2013 • @heightsleader

THE LIST. Andy’s Mexican Cafe 1115 E. 11th Street Hours: Open 24 hours

A Heights Tex-Mex classic, known for staying open 24 hours. A perfect place for a early morning meal after a night of partying, including a menudo that some place among the best in Houston, and a pristine caldo de pollo -- Mexican chicken soup.

BB’s Cafe Address: 2701 White Oak Hours: 11 AM to 12 AM, Sunday through Thursday 11 AM to 2 AM, Friday and Saturday Website: www.bbscafe.com Description: A Cajun restaurant ready to satisfy all cravings Louisiana, there are boiled and blackened seafood and fish and big salads for those who want a taste of the Big Easy without all the frying and heaviness.

Berryhill in the Heights Address: 702 E. 11th Street Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 11 PM, Friday 8 AM to 11 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 10 PM, Sunday Website: www.berryhillintheheights.com

Descriptions: This Baja-style Mexican food emporium made its name with tamales, and those include spinach and chicken varieties. Other healthy options abound here, from fish tacos to grilled corn on the cob, soups and salads.

BRC Gastropub Address: 519 Shepherd Hours: 11 AM to 2 AM Monday through Friday 10 AM to 2 AM, Saturday and Sunday Website: www.brcgastropub.com Description: Part of the New American style of cuisine that has risen in popularity in recent years, BRC Gastropub features a buffalo burger and chicken options for those who don’t want to overindulge.

Cavatore’s Address: 2120 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008 Phone:(713) 869-6622 www.cavatoresitalianrestaurant.com Classic Italian in a warm, homey setting with piano accompaniment. Lots of goodfor-you items to choose from, including a made-at-your-table Caesar salad, traditional soups, chicken, seafood & fish and veal dishes, pasta (with many veggie choices), eggplant, spinach in olive oil and garlic and more.

Mangia!

Cedar Creek Address: 1034 W. 20th Street Hours: 10 AM to 12 AM, Monday and Tuesday 10 AM to 1 AM, Wednesday 10 AM to 2 AM, Thursday and Friday 7 AM to 2 AM, Saturday 7 AM to 12 AM, Sunday Website: www.cedarcreekcafe.com

Description: Part of the Creek Group in the Greater Heights, Cedar Creek in Shady Acres has one of the most extensive patios in the area -- so you can feel healthy just being outdoors.

From breakfast, with its eggwhite choices, to lunch with large salads and a full array of non-beef burger options including veggie, poultry and ahi tuna, there are plenty of ways to eat healthy here, too.

Chatter’s Cafe & Bistro Address: 140 S. Heights Blvd.

Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 11 PM, Friday 10 AM to 11 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 9 PM, Sunday Website: www.chatterscafe. com Description: Chatter’s “new American cuisine” has healthy menu items, top to bottom.

Combining Mediterranean, Italian and Greek influences, Chatter’s offers a full array of appetizers, healthy burgers and wraps, pizzas, salads, buildyour-own pasta dishes and more for lunch, dinner and weekend

brunch.

Chick-fil-A 13240 Northwest Freeway (290@Hollister) 713-462-7693 Closed Sundays

Area restaurants are increasingly using locally-sourced ingredients. With the Gulf and lakes so close, it’s easy to find fresh fish and seafood on menus. DownHouse in the Heights showed off these fresh porgys from In Our Waters.

(Photo from DownHouse)

Long a revered outpost of healthy fast food, Chick-fil-A has recently bolstered its menu, just in time for summer, with three new salads -- a grilled market, Asian and COBB salads -- and a grilled chicken cool wrap with lots of veggies.

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$7.45

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6AM Breakfast with home made pan sausage and homemade biscuit

Celebrating 71 Years of Family Cooking Daily Menu Includes Farm Fresh Vegetable Mashed Potatoes Fresh Mustard Greens Candied Yams Fresh Okra & Tomatoes Black-eyed Peas Cornbread Dressing Country Fried Corn Baked Acorn Squash Buttered Squash Fried Zucchini Other Favorites Country Fried Chicken Chicken Fried Steak Fresh Ground Burgers Pan Fried Catfish Grilled Pork Chops Fried Shrimp

WEEKLY SPECIALS Monday Corned Beef Hamburger Steak Baked Spare Ribs Fried Flounder Baked Chicken Tuesday Chicken & Dressing Prime Roast Beef Baked Meatloaf Stuffed Bell Pepper Stuffed Crab Glazed Ham Wednesday Spaghetti & Meatballs Beef Stew Beef Tips & Noodles Chicken Tenders Cajun Baked Catfish Enchiladas Fresh Roast Pork Thursday Chicken & Dumplings Beef Short Ribs Prime Roast Beef Hickory Smoked Sausage Smothered Liver & Onions Salmon Croquettes

Friday Seafood Gumbo & Rice Smothered Steak Baked Ham w/Pineapple Oven Baked Chicken Pan Fried Catfish Homemade Salads English Pea Salad Fresh Pickled Beets Carrot & Raisin Salad Cucumber & Tomato Salad Macaroni Salad Homemade Desserts Rice Pudding Banana Pudding Bread Pudding Peach Cobbler Cherry Cobbler Dutch Apple Cobbler Pineapple Upside Down Cake

*Some daily items subject to change.

Call for complete daily menu. Thank You.

2526 Airline Drive • (713)861-3422 Hours: Monday - Friday, 6 am - 8 pm • Saturday, 6 am - 3 pm

www.trip l e a re s t a ur a nt . c om

Page 4 • THE LIST • June 1, 2013 • @heightsleader

Chipotle 207 Heights Blvd.

Website: www.chipotle.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday Part of the “Fresh Mex” trend in casual dining, the Chipotle chain offers a limited menu of made-to-order items including tacos, burritos and salads with a variety of steam table fillings and fresh produce, guacamole and cheese. A tortilla-less, taco or burrito-in-a-bowl option is offered.

Cottonwood Address: 3422 N. Shepherd Hours: 4 PM to 12 AM, Monday through Thursday 4 PM to 2 AM, Friday 12 PM to 2 AM, Saturday 12 PM to 12 AM, Sunday Website: www.cottonwoodhouston.com

Description: A craft beer mecca created by the owners of the popular Liberty Station, Cottonwood brings a massive collection of brews along with a menu comprised of comfort food with a modern twist. Among the healthier options on the menu: quail, fish tacos, veggie and turkey pan inis.

Crisp Address: 2220 Bevis Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM, Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 1 AM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM, Sunday

Web: www.crisphouston.com Description: Featuring an excellent selection of wine and beer, Crisp also has a full menu featuring pizzas and sandwiches.

of seafood, including summery ceviche.

Dairy Queen Address: 5425 Antoine

Website: www.dairyqueen.com Description: Any Texan who played a Little League game has crossed the threshold at a Dairy Queen, an Lone Star food institution for decades. In fact, if you’ve lived in Texas for more than two and you haven’t had a Blizzard, or steak finger basket or a Hunger Buster, then you should have you’re Texan bona fides taken. But surprise: even DQ has created some healthy choices.

Among them are chicken wraps and grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, smoothies and a children’s menu that includes a turkey wrap, applesauce and bananas and a side salad.

Dry Creek Cafe Address: 544 Yale Hours: 7 AM to 9 PM, Sunday through Thursday 7 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday Website: www.drycreekcafe. com

Description: From breakfast through supper, there are smart choices on this large menu: a choice of egg whites for breakfast tacos and construct-them-yourself omelettes, turkey sausage, and for later of the day, huge salads, grilled chicken and fish choices.

Description: Serving patrons in the Oak Forest for nearly 60 years, Doyle’s has become an icon for its Italian fare and thin-crust pizza. There are also chicken sandwiches, big salads -- including the ever popular Heartland Salad with tangy marinated chicken -- and homemade soups to choose from.

Mexican fare for locals looking for tasty dishes, especially late at night on the weekend.

Healthy preparation is key here: the chicken is slow roasted on a rotisseries, and fish and seafood are grilled.

El Tiempo Cantina 5602 Washington Ave.

Monday and Tuesday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday Created by the Laurenzo family, which for many years owned the popular Ninfa’s chain of

Web: www.eltiempocantina.com

Continued on Page 5

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.,

El Gran Malo Address: 2307 Ella Hours: 4 PM to 12 AM, Monday through Thursday 4 PM to 2 AM, Friday 11 AM to 2 AM, Saturday 11 AM to 12 AM, Sunday

Website: www.elgranmalo.com Description: This “gastrocantina” brings a modern spin on Mexican food and pairs dishes with speciality tequilas. A number of healthier items beckon, including tortilla soup, a giant JulioCesarChavez salad, fish tacos and ceviche.

El Rey Taqueria 3330 Ella and 910 Shepherd Website: www.elreytaqueria.com Hours: Ella location: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday El Rey combines Cuban and

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Cyclone Anaya’s 1710 Durham Website: www.cycloneanaya.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun.

Over

55 Years

serving our customers at the same location!

Come see our great bargains. Fresh vegetables and fruits all year round. All kinds of flowers, garden plants, tomatoes, peppers etc.

2 Blocks Inside North Loop

2520 Airline Dr.

610 Airline

Founded by a well-known professional wrestler from a bygone era, Cyclone Anaya’s has been serving Tex-Mex for more than 40 years but has moved with the times to offer charbroiled and grilled choices, along with soups, huge salads and plenty

Doyle’s Restuarant Address: 2136 W. 34 St. Hours: 10:30 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Saturday Website: www.doylesofhouston.com

Sylvester

45 Service St

Page 5 • THE LIST • June 1, 2013 • @heightsleader

restaurants and still controls the original, El Tiempo keeps the family culinary tradition alive but with updated twists. The menu features vegetarian choices and a wide range of grilled items.

Frida Mexican Kitchen 3452 Ella Blvd.

La Casa de Frida 4002 N. Main St. Website: www.lacasadefridahouston.com Hours: Ella location, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Sunday; N. Main location, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Sunday

This pair of Tex-Mex eateries pays tribute to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and promises to serve dishes like Kahlo painted, with “the finest colors and ingredients.” Try the famous mole enchiladas while you’re there.

Food is prepared fresh and, unlike traditional Mexican cooking, uses olive oil. Meatless options abound, as well as healthy “parilladas,” which feature heaps of grilled beef, chicken, carnitas and shrimp, as well as peppers and onions, served with handmade tortillas.

Hickory Hollow Address: 101 Heights Blvd.

Hours: Mon - Thurs 11-9 Friday, 11-9:30 Saturday, 11-9 Sunday, 11-8:30 Website: www.hickoryhollowrestaurant.com

Description: Billing itself as a “real Texas cafe,” Hickory Hollow features a variety of homestyle eats and designates menu items that are “lean on calories but big on Texas flavor.” The menu also includes veggie plate options and a smoked chicken soup.

Jackie’s Kitchen Address: 2210 Mangum Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Sunday Website: www.jackieskitchenhouston.com

Description: Opening its doors in 2010, Jackie’s Kitchen has quickly established itself as a family-friendly eatery specializing in comfort food. But you can find good-for-you choices in

The classic dishes have kept generations coming back to the Triple A, but its location - next to the Airline Produce Market - makes the fresh veggies a popular choice.(Photo submitted)

Spotlight: Triple AAA Serving up homestyle cooking since 1942, the Triple A restaurant has “Where Good People Meet To Eat” as its motto. And entering its large, packed dining room at breakfast, lunch and dinner is testimony to that popularity.

The family-owned eatery was founded by “Papa George Schmidt,” then taken off by a nephew, Harry Schmidt, then later Harry’s brother, Sonny. Carrying on the family tradition is Cecil Schmidt, and wife Janet, and their son Matthew.

The menu hasn’t changed much over the decades, and many of the employees have logged service years in the double digits, adding to the down-home feel.

Menu items such as much praised chicken and dumplings, chicken fried steak, meatloaf, beef short ribs, corned beef and cabbage and old fashioned breakfasts - plus daily specials with veggies starting at $7.45 - guarantee the loyal clientele.

Though the menu is packed with old-fashioned dishes that many health-conscious diners shun now, there are healthier options, too - especially the veggies, which can be eaten solo in a popular four-choice plate.

Part of the secret to Triple A’s success is its location. Perched on the edge of the Airline Produce Market, the menu features the freshest fruits, vegetables and eggs - something frequently mentioned in its rave reviews.

Statewide publications have spotlighted Triple A as “the homiest place in town...I like its fresh-from-the-chicken eggs at breakfast,” and its “vegetables so fresh off the truck that any seasoning besides salt is superfluous.”

Triple A Restaurant 2526 Airline Dr. 713-861-3422 www.triplearestaurant.com Triple A Restaurant on Facebook Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

Saturday, 6 a.m.-3 p.m.

Closed Sunday the vast menu. At breakfast and lunch, egg substitutes and turkey sausage are offered, and there are salads and a nice grilled tilapia on the dinner menu.

Java Java Address: 911 W. 11 St. Hours: 7:30 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 3 PM, Saturday and Sunday Website: www.javajavahouston.com

Description: Started in the former Heights Above Florist shop, Java Java has quickly become one of the city’s top coffeehouses and eateries. There’s a soup and salad bar, stuffed avocado, filled

pineapple, plus healthy sandwich and meatless burger choices for those watching their diets.

Kojak’s Cafe Address: 1912 W. 18th St. Hours: 7 AM to 9:30 PM, Monday through Friday

Descriptions: Mediterranean cuisine is frequently touted as one of the planet’s healthier diets, and Kojak’s is one of the few places in the Greater Heights to offer such items as falafel, hummus, baba ganoush and stuffed grape leaves. For breakfast, egg whites can be substituted for whole eggs, and breakfast taco choices include turkey. For lunch and dinner, there are plenty of

With lots of Mediterranean specialties, some traditional deli items such as reuben sandwiches thrown in, and surprise specials such as red beans & rice, pictured here, Kojak’s offers something for everyone.(Photo submitted)

Spotlight: Kojak’s Cafe The Mediterranean diet is considering one of the healthiest in the world, and Kojak’s Café offers an enticing array of regionally inspired dishes not readily found in the Greater Heights.

Located at 1912 W. 18th St. in the Timbergrove-Lazybrook area, the humble café serves breakfast, lunch – and now an expanded dinner period through 9:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. For a $2 a glass charge, you can bring your own wine to enjoy with dinner.

Breakfast choices include tacos, plates and muffin melts, with the choice of egg whites instead of whole eggs, and the options of yogurt with fresh fruit and steel cut oatmeal.

Lunch and dinner can start with several choices of appetizers – among them, a Mediterranean trio of hummus, baba ganoush and huhammara with housemade pita chips.

Signature salads are meal size, and sandwiches include falafel, gyros, chicken choices and more traditional deli fare, such as a pastrami reuben, grilled chicken club and Angus cheeseburger.

There are flatbread pizzas, pastas that can be served with chicken or shrimp, and dinner plates that include a gyro plate, fish tacos, chicken entrees, salmon and tilapia, and more traditional restaurant fare such as meatloaf, pork chops and a peppercorn crusted sirloin.

And for a surprise element, specials such as enchiladas and red beans and rice are thrown in. Those daily specials are posted on Kojak’s website at www.kojakscafe.com.

Customers frequently come to linger, and free WiFi makes it easier for those who need connectivity while they eat.

For those planning a meeting, party or other gathering, a private dining room is available.

No time to linger? Kojak’s thoughtfully features a deli and bakery cases, to pick up items to go, and there’s a small “market” session with products such as olive oils for your own

soups, salads, fish and pasta for those watching what they eat.

Kojak’s has just extended its hours, so you can enjoy supper through 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

La Fisheria Mexican Seafood Cocina 4705 Inker St. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Sat. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday Chef Aquiles Chavez, a TV star in Mexico, has drawn rave reviews with his Heights seafood restaurant that serves seafood with a twist. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but try the red snapper ceviche.

Little Bitty Burger Barn Address: 5503 Pinemont Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Friday 11 AM to 9 PM, Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM, Sunday Website: www.littlebittyburgerbarn.com

Description: With a bevy of accolades and kudos from Houston burger lovers, the Little Bitty Burger Barn has been pleasing customers for a long time.

The menu, which is constantly changing, features burgers for any type of palette, including a veggie burger and a black bean

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Page 6 • THE LIST • June 1, 2013 • @heightsleader

burger, as well as grilled chicken sandwiches and big salads.

Bill Canino oversees operations at his unique store in the Airline Produce Market from his perch at the front. (File Photo)

Lola Address: 1102 Yale Street Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Sunday Website: www.eatlola.com

Description: You’ll find lots that’s good for you on this modern diner’s menu. Part of the Ken Bridge Delicious Concepts group, breakfast can start your day with egg substitute dishes, hormone-free chicken and waffles, natural casing sausage, plus oatmeal loaded with fresh fruit.

For lunch and dinner, the signature sandwiches feature healthy options, there’s seafood, pasta, salads, spicy black bean and turkey burgers, veggie lasagna, and that hormone-free chicken appears in several incarnations.

Lupe Tortilla Mexican Restaurant 1511 Shepherd Web: www.lupetortilla.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday

This popular Tex-Mex chain originated here in Houston and has quickly expanded across the city. The custom Tex-Mex plates are a top option. Pick two of several foods to create your platter.

We recommend the puffy tacos be one of them.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt 519 W. 19th St. Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Web: www.menchies.com

This self-serve frozen yogurt parlor offers nonfat choices and fruit toppings.

Mission Burrito 1609 Durham Website:www.missionburritos.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday

Another of the “Fresh Mex” concepts to come to Houston in the last 20 years, Mission Burrito is a bit more Cal-Mex, with its made-to-order burritos. However, the tacos are tasty.

Mom’s Country Deli Address: 7818 Pinemont Hours: 6 AM to 3 PM Website: www.momscoun-

Spotlight: Canino Canino Produce – in business since 1958 -- anchors the front of the 17-acre Airline Produce Market at 2520 Airline Drive, in what appears to be a more conventional, enclosed store facing the street. But it isn’t conventional at all, cooled by giant fans and containing only fresh produce and a carefully chosen smattering of other regional foodstuffs. The only meat is a cooler of boudin from Louisiana.

At any given time, Canino stocks 170 fresh produce items.

More sophisticated tastes and Houston’s diverse palates require such variety, he said. Second-generation owner Bill Canino and brother-in-law Lawrence Pilkinton run their produce market, not from an isolated office, but from a desk at the front of the store, where customers feel comfortable approaching them.

Canino’s is a repository for local and regional products. There are tables stacked with bulk packages of nuts, the one case filled with fresh eggs and a few other specialty items requiring refrigeration, and rows of shelves almost the length of the store featuring jars of Texas- and regionally-produced honey, syrup, jams and jellies and salsas.

“These urban market folks didn’t invent these concepts,” Bill Canino with a touch of bemusement. “Those folks may have an acre or two. They grow what’s in season, and that ends real fast... people want this homegrown stuff – but there’s not enough to go around. That’s where we come in,” Canino said.

PLAYING THE MARKET

Airline Produce Market & Canino’s Produce 2520 Airline Drive Open 6 a.m.-8 p.m. daily *Cash only -- carry lots of ones. *Bring your own shopping bags for easy handling.

trydeli.com

Description: Mom’s Country Deli features old-fashioned meals just like, you guessed it, mom used to make, but there are new twists, too -- chicken pita, gyro and sub sandwiches, meal-size salads and giant baked potatoes, among them.

Mytiburger Address: 2211 W. 43rd Street Hours: 10:30 AM to 9 PM Monday through Sunday

Description: A paragon of old style road-style Texas hamburgers, Mytiburger has been serving up thin-patty vintage style burgers for nearly 50 years. Yes,

the standbys are still the burgers, fries and malts, but there’s a good-for-you buffalo burger and grilled chicken sandwiches, on the menu, too.

Onion Creek Cafe Address: 3106 White Oak Blvd.

Hours: 7 AM to 12 AM, Monday, Tuesday and Sunday 7:30 AM to 2 AM, Wednesday through Saturday Website: www.onioncreekcafe.com

Description: One of a quartet of restaurants owned and operated by the Creek Group, the Onion Creek Cafe is an institu-

Healthy brunch at Frida’s: spinach quesadillas and bountiful fresh fruit. (Photo submitted)

Spotlight: Frida’s Kitchen/ Casa de Frida If there’s a sizzling “parrillada” being whisked out of the kitchen when you walk into La Casa de Frida (4002 N. Main) or Frida Mexican Kitchen (3452 Ella), you won’t even want to see a menu.

So intoxicating are the sounds and the aroma of the sizzling meats, onions and peppers, you’ll merely point and say, “Give me one of those.”

The good news is that they’re grilled and heaped with proteins and veggies.

Indeed, there’s much to be said for the family-style parrilladas served up at these popular Heights and Oak Forest restaurants –– but you’d be missing out on a wide menu of Tex-Mex favorites with homestyle touches (enchiladas, tacos, gorditas, mole, to name a few) –– and even some Italian dishes at the North Main location.

That restaurant also boasts a weekend brunch and highly praised margaritas.

The warmed-up red and piquant green salsas are killer at both locations, guacamole is mixed to order at the table, and cilantroflecked arroz verde replaces the standard Mexican rice. The rice and perfectly seasoned charro beans are served in little pots with each order.

There are a number of vegetarian options, such as spinach quesadillas and eggplant.

Eschewing the traditional lard or other unhealthy options, the two Fridas use olive oil in their recipes.

Chef Linda Plascencia has been at her craft around the globe for more than two decades, and the restaurant – and she – take their inspiration from the culturally committed iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, whose countenance is everywhere. tion in the Heights known for its coffee, drinks and food. It takes pride in serving Texas milk, Texas pastured eggs and meat and chicken that’s vegetarian fed and hormone-free.

Pappa Geno’s Cheese and Steak Address: 1801 Ella Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Saturday Website: www.pappagenos. com

Description: While Pappa Geno’s is known to most for its Philly Cheesesteaks and fries, the eatery does make all of its signature sandwiches with grilled chicken, too.

Petrol Station Address: 985 Wakefield Hours: 5 PM to 12 AM, MOnday 2 PM to 12 AM, Tuesday through Friday 11 AM to 1 AM, Saturday 12 PM to 10 PM, Sunday

Description: A bar and coffeehouse known for its killer beer selection, Petrol Station also features a stellar menu with a strong reputation for its burgers. There’s a lamb burger as an option, along with fish tacos, large salads, hummus and a soup of the day, for those who wish healthier selections.

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Rainbow Lodge Address: 2011 Ella Hours: 11:30AM to 10:30 PM, Tuesday through Friday 6 PM to 10:30 PM, Sat. 10:30 AM to 9 PM, Sunday Website: www.rainbowlodge.com

Description: You won’t find the normal fare at Rainbow Lodge. Dotted with exotic meats such as elk, venison and buffalo, the seasonally adjusted menu features a variety of dishes for patrons for something off the beaten path. There are Burger Fridays with blends of the game meats, and Comfort Food Sundays, with discounted wine.

Ruggles Green 748 E 11th St Houston, TX 77008 Neighborhood: The Heights 713-714-8460

Web: www.rugglesgreen.com Houston’s first certified green restaurant practices a strong ethic of healthy eating, offering an abundance of gluten- and dairyfree and vegetarian options, with a special emphasis on its Kids Live Well choices for youngsters.

The menu is vast, with appetizer wraps, soups, salads, tacos, sandwiches and paninis, pastas and pizzas.

Shade in the Heights Address: 250 W. 19th Street Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM, Monday 11 AM to 10 PM, Tuesday through Thursday 11 AM to 10:30 PM, Friday 9 AM to 10:30 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM, Sunday Website: www.shadeandcanopy.com Description: A bastion of fine dining in the Heights, Shade features a upscale menu and renown brunches. The fish are pan seared, the salads and soups inventive, ingredients are locally sourced.

Smashburger Address: 174 Yale Street Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM Daily Website: www.smashburger. com Description: One of the new “fast gourmet” burger chains,

The crew at the Texas Cafeteria has long service to the restaurant and its customers.

(Photo submitted)

Spotlight: Texas Cafeteria The Texas Cafeteria was first known as the Texas Café when George and Polly Koumonduros opened it in 1965 on Shepherd Drive in the Heights, and today it’s serving new generations of the original patrons’ families.

The original Texas Café that was located closer to the street burned down in 1969. When the restaurant reopened in the early ’70s, it had the new name and increased parking – and today, the family is in the process of updating the eatery once again.Texas Cafeteria. They are in the process of updating and changing their property once again.

“Start your day with a fresh cooked breakfast or come and join us for lunch to try out home style cooked meals or home baked rolls and cornbread,” the café’s menu beckons. All of our fried items are hand breaded and everything is prepared fresh daily.” From the days when Miss Mary was the cook, running the kitchen like a master sergeant to today, they pride themselves with good meals at a good price – “home style food at fast food prices,” they’re fond of saying.

Breakfast includes that consists of eggs, huevos ranchero, omelets, port chops, pancakes and oatmeal and cereals, not to mention the memorable French toast, biscuits and gravy and hash browns.

There are daily lunch special consisting of meat, two vegetables, a salad and rolls for $4.75 up – and housemade desserts, if you have room after the generous portions.

The bountiful steam table also features seafood, special salads, and barbecue on certain days, hamburgers, chicken & dumplings and steaks.

Many groups take advantage of the large meeting-party room for special events, and the Texas Cafeteria’s catering business thrives from clients wanting good, comforting food with reliable service.

First-time visitors soon become friends, with a veteran staff of affable employees ready to serve.

From blue-collar workers to executives in suits and families with children –– everyone is welcome in the Koumonduros family dining room, just as they have been for nearly a half-century.

Texas Cafeteria 2400 N. Shepherd 713-862-5958 www.texascafeteria.com Texas Cafeteria on Facebook Smashburger also offers healthier options, including a spicy black bean veggie burger, grilled chicken sandwiches, meal-size salads, and sides include sweet potato fries and veggie frittes, an assortment of vegetables.

Spanish Flowers 4701 N. Main Website: www.spanish-flowers.com Hours: Open 24 Hours, Monday through Friday Closed, Saturday and Sunday Open literally all week, this Heights institution is the place to go when you’re starving in the

middle of the night. There are parilladas, the sizzling platters of grilled proteins and veggies, huge bowls of soup that are a meal in themselves, and a wide choice of well-prepared fish and seafoods, among the classic Tex-Mex choices. An extra treat: licuados, the Mexican fruit drink that can be made with milk or soy instead of ice cream.

Table 19 Address: 632 W. 19th Street Hours: 7 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday 7 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 3 PM, Sunday

Table 19 is a cozy little dining spot in the Heights, featuring homemade breakfasts, soups, salads, sandwiches and pies (including a killer chicken pot pie).

Tacos A Go-Go 2912 White Oak Dr. Web: www.tacosagogo.com Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday Good choices are plentiful on this menu, including fish tacos, veggie quesadillas, salads and black beans.

Tortas El Angel 1018 N. Shepherd Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday thru Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday Website: www.tortaselangel. com

Tortas are Mexican sandwiches and Tortas El Angel’s bolillos (French style rolls, crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside--a holdover from France’s occupation of Mexico) set these tortas apart, with fillings both traditional and vegetarian. There’s a full array of grilled proteins and vegetables and fish, including a whole tilapia, along with classic Tex-Mex dishes.

Triple A Restaurant Address: 2526 Airline Drive Hours: 6 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday 6 AM to 3 PM, Saturday Website: www.triplearestu-

arant.com

Billing itself as “Where Good People Meet to Eat,” the Triple A Restaurant recalls a 1940s diner, complete with waitresses that call you “sweetie” and classic comfort food dishes. With its location right next to the Airline Produce Market, you can bet the veggie choices are fresh and tasty.

Witchcraft Tavern & Provisions Co. Address: 1221 W. 11th St. Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM, Sunday through Thursday 11 AM to 1 AM, Friday and Saturday Website: www.witchcrafttavern.com

Description: Combining a selection of craft beers, quality wines and upscale dishes, the Witchcraft Tavern is a mecca for food and spirits and has a nice selection of healthy options.

Weekend brunch items include fruit and granola and a garden omelette, and for lunch and dinner, there are meal-sized salads, a veggie burger and portabello sandwich plus inventive flatbreads.

Yale Street Grill Address: 2100 Yale Street Hours: 7 AM to 4:30 PM

Located in a former pharmacy founded in the Heights in 1923, Yale Street Grill has made its reputation with old-fashioned food at old-fashioned prices. This place specializes in down-home, good comfort food, but you can find some healthy choices, such as a turkey burger, if you’re looking.

Zelko Bistro Address: 705 E. 11th St. Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM, Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 9 PM, Sunday

Description: Housed in a 1920s bungalow, Chef Jamie Zelko’s namesake eatery specializes in New American cuisine forged from the freshest ingredients. They raise many of their own herbs and greens, locally source other products for seasonal offerings -- and even nurture and use locally produced honey.

Page 8 • THE LIST • June 1, 2013 • @heightsleader

EATING, From P. 1 eating locally. “People who eat locally aren’t going to consume as much processed food, which typically contains lots of refined carbohydrates, sugar, fat and preservatives.”

Restaurants that want to keep up with this growing segment of society need to offer healthy choices – and Leader area eateries are stepping up with everything from healthier preparation to locally sourced ingredients.

Restaurateurs here who tap into the newfound locavore consumer speak of having the confidence of being able to visit farmers and producers to see first-hand how the food is grown.

A growing number of local restaurants have become more

forthcoming about what ingredients are in their food in an effort to show their solidarity with the growing number of people looking for healthy alternatives when dining.

Many chain restaurants like Applebee’s, TGI Friday’s and Zoe’s Kitchen are providing calorie counts and even fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Subway are offering low-fat options.

Therefore, a person doesn’t need to break the bank to get healthy food. You can opt for the whole wheat bread, pile on the veggies and choose the low-fat cheese.

Many of the nation’s most popular fast food chains – under fire for contributing to the epidemic of obesity among America’s youth – are offering vegetables, salads, unsweetened

fruit juices and other healthier options in children’s meals, too.

For those restaurants that have not crossed that threshold, Moore has some tips about how to make healthy choices when dining. One suggestion she has is to forgo appetizers and if it comes with free bread or tortilla chips, have it removed. “Just by leaving it in your presence, you will eat more.” The USDA recommends sticking to whole grains rather than complex carbohydrates because they turn into sugar. Items like tortilla chips are often also undoubtedly cooked with trans fats, another no-no.

Another recommendation she makes is to use substitution.

“Substitute side salads or brothbased soups for higher calorie

Zelko’s Bistro on 11th Street, co-owned by Dalia Zelko, seen here, and chef Jamie Zelko, is known for its fresh greens and herbs. (Photo from Zelko Bistro) sides such as French fries, rice, or macaroni and cheese. Try trading fruit instead of dessert, water instead of soda.” This will fill you up with nutrients, not fat.

Eating healthy is a choice that every consumer must make

whether surrounded by health food or not, but there are now more options and the growing number of restaurants offering healthy fare makes it all the easier to choose not just healthiness but also flavor.

PLACES You Must Try Golden Wok

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3450 Ella Blvd. • 713-957-1551 www.goldenwokhouston.com Sun-Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m. • Sat 4:30-10 p.m.

Variety of Oriental soups, along with a great selection of chef specialties made with beef, chicken, shrimp or tofu.

Papa Mo’s Deli

465-B T.C. Jester Blvd. • 713-802-0043 Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sunday https://www.facebook.com/PaPaMosDeli @PaPaMosDeli on Twitter New Yorkers, Mo and Joan Kofteci, bring the flavor of the Big Apple to the great state of Texas for breakfast and lunch, plus sandwich and salad trays for special occasions with at least 24-hour notice. Amazing sandwiches, with New York flavor and Texas sizes.

Stalla’s Greek Grill & Deli

10520 Northwest Freeway • 713-688-6238 (290@Mangum) www.stallas.net Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. • Sat 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Authentic Greek Favorites: Gyros, Greek salads, Dolmades, Hummus, Grilled Chicken.

Enjoy one of our many popular salads • Chicken • Shrimp • Heartland • Italian • Continental • Greek Island • Caesar

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tart your day with a fresh cooked breakfast or come and join us for lunch to try our home style cooked meals or home baked rolls & cornbread.

All of our fried items are hand breaded and everything is prepared fresh daily.

We thank you for your patronage.

Food Prepared Fresh Daily!

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• Eggs • Omletes • Pork Chops • Pancakes • Ribeye Steak • Daily In House Specials

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Plate Lunch Special Consist of Meat Entree, 2 vegetables and a salad • Baked Chicken • BBQ • Chopped Sirloin • Fried Fish • Fried Shrimp • Roast Beef • Chicken Dumplings • Turkey/Dressing • Stuffed Chicken Breast

Many More Items Available!

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2400 N. Shepherd • 713-862-5958 Fax:713-863-3757

www.TexasCafeteria.com 2136 W. 34th • 713-686-8271 www.doylesofhouston.com Open Mon-Sat til 10:30am - 8pm