Eating Out, hmmm. I have mixed emotions when it comes to eating out, just ask my husband. It can take us (me) a good 30 minutes to figure out where to eat. I struggle with eating out at establishments where I don’t know where their food comes from. Sometimes I wonder if it’s even food they are serving. I know this can be seen as controlling, obsessive, anal and difficult, but when you’ve had cancer, everything about food and environment is mucho importanto! Don’t get me wrong, I do love a great meal outside of the Waltz kitchen and there are some great options in Houston and other parts of the country.
I have compiled a list of my favorites. I am still searching for names to add to my list, so if you have a recommendation, let me know!
Candle 79- New York, NY- I will always remember the amazing meal and drinks I had on my 40th birthday with Brett and golden friends at Candle 79. This place screamed clean food, vegetarian, passion, anticancer and nourishment- words I love. With all of the incredible places to eat in NY, this one was a perfect choice. Thank you Kris Carr (Crazy Sexy Cancer) for the recommendation! www.candle79.com
Cool Mint Cafe- San Marcos, TX- This cafe is located in a cute bungalow across the street from the Delta Zeta house (my sorority!). Everytime we are in bobcat country, our alma matter, we eat at Cool Mint Cafe. The menu is filled with vegetarian and gluten free options. Seriously, where was this place when I lived at the DZ house? I hope the DZ gals realize how much healthier this cafe is than Grin's, Mana's, Cafe on the Square or Fuschak's BBQ :). Cool Mint's philosophy "prepare foods that kindle good health and serve with celebration." www.coolmintcafe.com
I have compiled a list of my favorites. I am still searching for names to add to my list, so if you have a recommendation, let me know!
Amy’s Favorites in Houston
Adair Kitchen- Started by a brother and sister from Houston, this place has quickly become a favorite. Adair Kitchen is centrally located near the Galleria and is the perfect spot to meet friends and family. The shrimp and goat cheese salad is yum, yum. This beauty is filled with shrimp, spinach, roasted bell pepper, goat cheese, purple onion and pumpkin seeds. Pass on the dressing, squeeze some lemon and you won't be dissatisfied. If you are in need of a little detox, grab one of the juices. My favorites are the Kalelujah (kale, spinach, celery, apple, pear, lemon and ginger) and the Think Pink (beet, pineapple, strawberry, grapefruit, ginger and lime). Add some ice to your juice and you have a refreshing drink or meal loaded with antioxidants. www.adairkitchen.com - 5161 San Felipe
A Moveable Feast- A vegetarian, gluten-free friendly café attached to a health food/ vitamin store. They have a fridge to purchase meals to go, great if you need to deliver a healthy meal to someone. Every time I eat at A Moveable Feast I am happy. The folks over there cook so clean- no trans fat, no MSG, no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial anything. This is another place where I give the kids meals an A++. www.amoveablefeast.com - 9341 Katy Freeway
Canopy- A sister restaurant of Shade in the Heights, Canopy is a great place to get delicious fresh food with great wine. Canopy has a seasonal menu that features salads, soups, sandwiches, seafood and vegetarian dishes. They have the BEST crab remoulade and heirloom tomato salad! And the minestrone soup is incredible. www.canopyhouston.com - 3939 Montrose Blvd.
Chipotle- A salad at Chipotle is a great meal to have on the run. I recommend the salad bowl with black beans, pico, green bell peppers with onions, guacamole (which consists of whole, ripe avocados, onion, lime, cilantro, jalapenos and sea salt) and salsa. Pass on the dressing and squeeze some lemon and you have a yummy salad. When you get some time, read the website, it’s pretty amazing. The owner is passionate about clean food- all ingredients are listed including recommendations for wheat free eating and those with other food allergies. He has partnered with farmers around the country to provide the best quality food. www.chipolte.com
Fadi’s- My in laws introduced me to Fadi’s when we were searching for a catering company for my end of cancer treatment soiree. I was hooked from the start! Fadi’s (also in Dallas) offers a Mediterranean menu full of delicious salads, vegetables and beans. Seasonings are primarily with olive oil, lemon and garlic. Dairy and meat is minimal. If you enjoy eating vegetarian, this is a great choice! www.fadiscuisine.com
Georgia's Market- The original Georgia's opened on the west side of Houston many years ago. Coincidentally we moved to the west side several years ago. I was spoiled being able to sample yummy, clean food so close to my house. Sadly, the location closed. Another short lived location downtown has been greatly missed. I used to hang out at Downtown Georgia's while my daughter was in ballet class. Most recently, Georgia's opened a small grocer with local produce, oils and to-go foods on I-10 in the memorial area. It is so nice to be close to Georgia's again. - 9201 Katy Freeway
Harvest Organic Grille- The menu is Wow and Wow! They have juices, they have raw, they have gluten free, they have dairy free and of course they have organic. You could spend a morning reading through their website learning about their concept. www.harvestgrille.com
Local Foods - Kale is all the rage lately, popping up in menus all over Texas. The kale salad at Local Foods will not disappoint. Eat it as a side or the main course, it is delicious! Everything I have had a LF is fresh and tasty. It is a casual place with a good vibe. Sit at the round table with great friends and you will experience a lovely longevity luncheon. The second location is now open on Kirby, it has an awesome outdoor patio to enjoy some vitamin D while you are eating some great food. www.houstonlocalfoods.com
Rawfully Organic - I used to think Rawfully Organic was a hidden secret in Houston, but not anymore. I have been purchasing shares from this produce co-op for several years and I have witnessed this organization flourish. My pick up location has moved several times to accommodate the growth. Just imagine rows and rows of fresh, organic produce lined up. It is a beautiful site! What I love about my shares is that I never know what I am going to get. I simply go to the website, purchase half of a share for $48.50 and arrive for pick up anytime between 4:00-8:00 the day of delivery. The boxes are always spilling over with seasonal food that provides for many meals. Christina, the founder has many pick up times and location throughout the Houston area. www.rawfullyorganic.com
Ruggles Green- Ahhh, Ruggles Green. I love this restaurant for many reasons. I love what it stands for and the dedication to take responsibility on the kind of food served to its patrons. Ruggles Green is the first certified organic restaurant in Houston. Not only organic, it respects the environment through recycling and conservation. The Ruggles family was gracious to us in 2010 hosting the Waltz Warrior fundraiser at the former Ruggles Grill on Westheimer. The menu is food allergy friendly, hands down the best gluten free pizza I have had- try the veggie pizza. Oh Lord, it is good! www.rugglesgreen.com - my favorite one, 801 Town and Country Blvd.
Sparrow ( formerly known as T’afia) - I have never experienced a restaurant like Sparrow before. Chef Monica Pope has created a gathering place devoted to regional eating. Her menu which changes daily uses local and fresh ingredients. She offers cooking classes, an online cookbook and on Saturday mornings she turns her restaurant and parking lot into a farmers market. Every Friday she offers a 3 course lunch menu for $22. Her restaurant is fun and delicious; it’s a great place to meet family and friends. www.sparrowhouston.com
Whole Foods- If you are running errands and need a quick bite to eat, Whole Foods is the place to eat. Options include a hot bar, a salad bar, a raw bar, a soup bar, sandwiches/wraps/ pizza and on and on. You can eat in peace knowing that your meal from Whole Foods was prepared with food they sell in the grocery store. The food is fresh and yummy and they have a sitting area to enjoy your meal. If you are ever in Austin, schedule a trip to the flagship Whole Foods. You will spend hours walking around trying to decide what to eat and drink. And, you will get sidetracked by the selections of make-up, beer & wine, skin care, clothing, books and plants. This Austin store even has around the clock traffic security for their enormous parking lot! www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Zoe’s Kitchen- I chose Zoe’s because of its kids menu. Nothing irritates me more than a kids menu filled with chicken nuggets, cheese pizza, hamburgers and Kraft macaroni and cheese. Ugh! It is our responsibility as parents (and grandparents) to feed our kids with nutrition. (hint, hint, wink, wink ;)) At Zoe’s, kids are offered fruit and grilled chicken tenders. A chicken salad sandwich is also on the kids menu, sa-weet! I like Zoe’s philosophy that is stated on its website. Zoe’s promotes eating in moderation with fresh ingredients like fruits & vegetables, cheeses and olive oils. There are minimal red meat options on the menu which I think is great! www.zoeskitchen.com
A Moveable Feast- A vegetarian, gluten-free friendly café attached to a health food/ vitamin store. They have a fridge to purchase meals to go, great if you need to deliver a healthy meal to someone. Every time I eat at A Moveable Feast I am happy. The folks over there cook so clean- no trans fat, no MSG, no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial anything. This is another place where I give the kids meals an A++. www.amoveablefeast.com - 9341 Katy Freeway
Canopy- A sister restaurant of Shade in the Heights, Canopy is a great place to get delicious fresh food with great wine. Canopy has a seasonal menu that features salads, soups, sandwiches, seafood and vegetarian dishes. They have the BEST crab remoulade and heirloom tomato salad! And the minestrone soup is incredible. www.canopyhouston.com - 3939 Montrose Blvd.
Chipotle- A salad at Chipotle is a great meal to have on the run. I recommend the salad bowl with black beans, pico, green bell peppers with onions, guacamole (which consists of whole, ripe avocados, onion, lime, cilantro, jalapenos and sea salt) and salsa. Pass on the dressing and squeeze some lemon and you have a yummy salad. When you get some time, read the website, it’s pretty amazing. The owner is passionate about clean food- all ingredients are listed including recommendations for wheat free eating and those with other food allergies. He has partnered with farmers around the country to provide the best quality food. www.chipolte.com
Fadi’s- My in laws introduced me to Fadi’s when we were searching for a catering company for my end of cancer treatment soiree. I was hooked from the start! Fadi’s (also in Dallas) offers a Mediterranean menu full of delicious salads, vegetables and beans. Seasonings are primarily with olive oil, lemon and garlic. Dairy and meat is minimal. If you enjoy eating vegetarian, this is a great choice! www.fadiscuisine.com
Georgia's Market- The original Georgia's opened on the west side of Houston many years ago. Coincidentally we moved to the west side several years ago. I was spoiled being able to sample yummy, clean food so close to my house. Sadly, the location closed. Another short lived location downtown has been greatly missed. I used to hang out at Downtown Georgia's while my daughter was in ballet class. Most recently, Georgia's opened a small grocer with local produce, oils and to-go foods on I-10 in the memorial area. It is so nice to be close to Georgia's again. - 9201 Katy Freeway
Harvest Organic Grille- The menu is Wow and Wow! They have juices, they have raw, they have gluten free, they have dairy free and of course they have organic. You could spend a morning reading through their website learning about their concept. www.harvestgrille.com
Local Foods - Kale is all the rage lately, popping up in menus all over Texas. The kale salad at Local Foods will not disappoint. Eat it as a side or the main course, it is delicious! Everything I have had a LF is fresh and tasty. It is a casual place with a good vibe. Sit at the round table with great friends and you will experience a lovely longevity luncheon. The second location is now open on Kirby, it has an awesome outdoor patio to enjoy some vitamin D while you are eating some great food. www.houstonlocalfoods.com
Rawfully Organic - I used to think Rawfully Organic was a hidden secret in Houston, but not anymore. I have been purchasing shares from this produce co-op for several years and I have witnessed this organization flourish. My pick up location has moved several times to accommodate the growth. Just imagine rows and rows of fresh, organic produce lined up. It is a beautiful site! What I love about my shares is that I never know what I am going to get. I simply go to the website, purchase half of a share for $48.50 and arrive for pick up anytime between 4:00-8:00 the day of delivery. The boxes are always spilling over with seasonal food that provides for many meals. Christina, the founder has many pick up times and location throughout the Houston area. www.rawfullyorganic.com
Ruggles Green- Ahhh, Ruggles Green. I love this restaurant for many reasons. I love what it stands for and the dedication to take responsibility on the kind of food served to its patrons. Ruggles Green is the first certified organic restaurant in Houston. Not only organic, it respects the environment through recycling and conservation. The Ruggles family was gracious to us in 2010 hosting the Waltz Warrior fundraiser at the former Ruggles Grill on Westheimer. The menu is food allergy friendly, hands down the best gluten free pizza I have had- try the veggie pizza. Oh Lord, it is good! www.rugglesgreen.com - my favorite one, 801 Town and Country Blvd.
Sparrow ( formerly known as T’afia) - I have never experienced a restaurant like Sparrow before. Chef Monica Pope has created a gathering place devoted to regional eating. Her menu which changes daily uses local and fresh ingredients. She offers cooking classes, an online cookbook and on Saturday mornings she turns her restaurant and parking lot into a farmers market. Every Friday she offers a 3 course lunch menu for $22. Her restaurant is fun and delicious; it’s a great place to meet family and friends. www.sparrowhouston.com
Whole Foods- If you are running errands and need a quick bite to eat, Whole Foods is the place to eat. Options include a hot bar, a salad bar, a raw bar, a soup bar, sandwiches/wraps/ pizza and on and on. You can eat in peace knowing that your meal from Whole Foods was prepared with food they sell in the grocery store. The food is fresh and yummy and they have a sitting area to enjoy your meal. If you are ever in Austin, schedule a trip to the flagship Whole Foods. You will spend hours walking around trying to decide what to eat and drink. And, you will get sidetracked by the selections of make-up, beer & wine, skin care, clothing, books and plants. This Austin store even has around the clock traffic security for their enormous parking lot! www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Zoe’s Kitchen- I chose Zoe’s because of its kids menu. Nothing irritates me more than a kids menu filled with chicken nuggets, cheese pizza, hamburgers and Kraft macaroni and cheese. Ugh! It is our responsibility as parents (and grandparents) to feed our kids with nutrition. (hint, hint, wink, wink ;)) At Zoe’s, kids are offered fruit and grilled chicken tenders. A chicken salad sandwich is also on the kids menu, sa-weet! I like Zoe’s philosophy that is stated on its website. Zoe’s promotes eating in moderation with fresh ingredients like fruits & vegetables, cheeses and olive oils. There are minimal red meat options on the menu which I think is great! www.zoeskitchen.com
Amy's Favorites in San Antonio
Green Vegetarian Cuisine- We started eating at Green at its orginal location on N. Flores. That location has since closed and two new restaurants have opened. On a recent trip my family ate at the trendy, eclectic location on E. Grayson. I ordered the Green Bowl, a fabulous medley of spinach, whole beans, quinoa, tomatoes and guacamole. A whopping 30 grams of protein! Way to go San Antonio! This place is a must visit. www.greensanantonio.com
The Cove, SOL food- sustainable, organic, local- Don't let the name scare you. This joint is delicious, cheap and a perfect spot for a large group with kids and pets. Interesting as it sounds, The Cove is attached to a laundromat and a carwash. Indoor/ outdoor seating, live music and a backyard full of activities for kids- a playground, basketball and ping-pong. Did I mention it has a full bar with over 50 Texas beers!? And a grand garden in the back! If you love meat, the grass-fed burgers are for you. If you love greens, the organic salads are for you. If you love seafood, try the shrimp, cilantro coleslaw tacos. Vegan? No problem. The Waltz family loves this place! www.thecove.us - 606 W. Cypress
Madhatters Tea House and Cafe- Madhatters isn't one of my favorites because it's organic, vegetarian or local. It's a favorite because it is a perfectly eclectic, quaint spot for longevity with family and friends. The space is filled with art from local artists, and decorations giving tribute to the Alice and Wonderland family. The tea selection is impressive- green, black, rooibos and oolong. At our last visit, I ordered the daily madhatter scram- 6 egg whites scrambled with pico de gallo, spinach and mushrooms with a side of fresh salsa. I had the jasmine green tea which was delightful. www.madhatterstea.com - 320 Beauregard (in the beautiful King William district)
The Cove, SOL food- sustainable, organic, local- Don't let the name scare you. This joint is delicious, cheap and a perfect spot for a large group with kids and pets. Interesting as it sounds, The Cove is attached to a laundromat and a carwash. Indoor/ outdoor seating, live music and a backyard full of activities for kids- a playground, basketball and ping-pong. Did I mention it has a full bar with over 50 Texas beers!? And a grand garden in the back! If you love meat, the grass-fed burgers are for you. If you love greens, the organic salads are for you. If you love seafood, try the shrimp, cilantro coleslaw tacos. Vegan? No problem. The Waltz family loves this place! www.thecove.us - 606 W. Cypress
Madhatters Tea House and Cafe- Madhatters isn't one of my favorites because it's organic, vegetarian or local. It's a favorite because it is a perfectly eclectic, quaint spot for longevity with family and friends. The space is filled with art from local artists, and decorations giving tribute to the Alice and Wonderland family. The tea selection is impressive- green, black, rooibos and oolong. At our last visit, I ordered the daily madhatter scram- 6 egg whites scrambled with pico de gallo, spinach and mushrooms with a side of fresh salsa. I had the jasmine green tea which was delightful. www.madhatterstea.com - 320 Beauregard (in the beautiful King William district)
Amy's Favorites in other parts of the U.S.
Candle 79- New York, NY- I will always remember the amazing meal and drinks I had on my 40th birthday with Brett and golden friends at Candle 79. This place screamed clean food, vegetarian, passion, anticancer and nourishment- words I love. With all of the incredible places to eat in NY, this one was a perfect choice. Thank you Kris Carr (Crazy Sexy Cancer) for the recommendation! www.candle79.com
Cool Mint Cafe- San Marcos, TX- This cafe is located in a cute bungalow across the street from the Delta Zeta house (my sorority!). Everytime we are in bobcat country, our alma matter, we eat at Cool Mint Cafe. The menu is filled with vegetarian and gluten free options. Seriously, where was this place when I lived at the DZ house? I hope the DZ gals realize how much healthier this cafe is than Grin's, Mana's, Cafe on the Square or Fuschak's BBQ :). Cool Mint's philosophy "prepare foods that kindle good health and serve with celebration." www.coolmintcafe.com
True Food Kitchen- locations in Arizona, California, Colorado and now TEXAS!This restaurant is hands down Great! I visited the location in Newport Beach and I won't even begin to go into the adult menu- it was ALL good. What I was most surprised and delighted in was the kids menu. If only we could all live in communities where healthy food is a norm on restaurant menus. What would your child order?? Veggie sticks & dips, hummus & dill ranch, almond butter/ strawberry & banana sandwich, grain-nut bread & carrot sticks, chicken teriyaki bowl, pea/ broccoli/ carrot & brown rice, mozzarella & organic tomato pizza, grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, apples & grapes, turkey sloppy joe, all natural turkey & provolone. - makes a mommy happy! www.foxrc.com/restaurants/true-food-kitchen.com
Indian Gardens- Sedona, Arizona- Oh, I have found the place for funky ladies lunch! Sit outside in the back patio for lunch and order an amazing organic, fresh, clean salad or sandwich. Walk into this place and you see it's sort of a grocery store, wine cellar, organic cafe, coffee house, road stop, all rolled into one place. Order the Veg-Out sandwich filled with hummus, Avocado, Cheddar Cheese, Shredded Carrots, Cucumber, Local Organic Sprouts, Organic Spring Mix, Tomato, Onion, on 9 Grain Wheat. Add 50 cents for gluten free. You won't be disappointed. They get bonus points because the gal at the counter was so helpful, even took the time to write down some recommendations for me on Sedona. www.indiangardens.com
Le Pain Quotidien- locations in several states in the northeast- While staying in New York, I stumbled upon this cozy, delightful cafe. I loved it so much that my first 3 meals in NYC were from Le Pain! My first meal was a warm vermont goat cheese salad- goat cheese baked on five-grain bread (yes I ate the bread!) with frisee, arugula, bosc pear and mixed nuts. It was heavenly to say the least. To drink I had iced green tea and wine made with organic grapes. My next meal was breakfast and I had green tea, a bowl of berries and a soft boiled egg- Oh, it was the perfect way to start my day. My next meal, yes from Le Pain (by the way, Le Pain Quotidien means the daily bread) was my favorite. An organic quinoa salad- arugula, frisee, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced avocado, quinoa, pecans, fresh squeezed lime and a drop of basil vinaigrette. I could eat this salad every day. Will someone pleeeeeeze open a Le Pain in west Houston..... not a bad idea ;) www.lepainquotidien.com
Picazzo's Organic Italian Kitchen- Sedona, Arizona- Organic and italian, what more can I say. This place was a hit with my entire family while vacationing in Sedona. We went back several times :). www.picazzos.com
Portage Bay Cafe- Seattle, WA- Having a husband who works for Microsoft, I have had the priviledge of visiting Seattle alongside of him. I enjoy walking in the city, breathing in the fresh air. The food is simple mouthwatering, particularly the seafood. I stumbled upon the Portage Bay Cafe one morning and experienced a colorful, organic breakfast that was set up like no other I had seen before. There in the center of the restaurant was a large breakfast bar filled with seasonal, fresh food. Toppings, as they were called are available to add to any item ordered off the menu. It was beautiful and they are no-nonsense with their mission to eat like you give a damn! www.portagebaycafe.com
Indian Gardens- Sedona, Arizona- Oh, I have found the place for funky ladies lunch! Sit outside in the back patio for lunch and order an amazing organic, fresh, clean salad or sandwich. Walk into this place and you see it's sort of a grocery store, wine cellar, organic cafe, coffee house, road stop, all rolled into one place. Order the Veg-Out sandwich filled with hummus, Avocado, Cheddar Cheese, Shredded Carrots, Cucumber, Local Organic Sprouts, Organic Spring Mix, Tomato, Onion, on 9 Grain Wheat. Add 50 cents for gluten free. You won't be disappointed. They get bonus points because the gal at the counter was so helpful, even took the time to write down some recommendations for me on Sedona. www.indiangardens.com
Le Pain Quotidien- locations in several states in the northeast- While staying in New York, I stumbled upon this cozy, delightful cafe. I loved it so much that my first 3 meals in NYC were from Le Pain! My first meal was a warm vermont goat cheese salad- goat cheese baked on five-grain bread (yes I ate the bread!) with frisee, arugula, bosc pear and mixed nuts. It was heavenly to say the least. To drink I had iced green tea and wine made with organic grapes. My next meal was breakfast and I had green tea, a bowl of berries and a soft boiled egg- Oh, it was the perfect way to start my day. My next meal, yes from Le Pain (by the way, Le Pain Quotidien means the daily bread) was my favorite. An organic quinoa salad- arugula, frisee, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced avocado, quinoa, pecans, fresh squeezed lime and a drop of basil vinaigrette. I could eat this salad every day. Will someone pleeeeeeze open a Le Pain in west Houston..... not a bad idea ;) www.lepainquotidien.com
Picazzo's Organic Italian Kitchen- Sedona, Arizona- Organic and italian, what more can I say. This place was a hit with my entire family while vacationing in Sedona. We went back several times :). www.picazzos.com
Portage Bay Cafe- Seattle, WA- Having a husband who works for Microsoft, I have had the priviledge of visiting Seattle alongside of him. I enjoy walking in the city, breathing in the fresh air. The food is simple mouthwatering, particularly the seafood. I stumbled upon the Portage Bay Cafe one morning and experienced a colorful, organic breakfast that was set up like no other I had seen before. There in the center of the restaurant was a large breakfast bar filled with seasonal, fresh food. Toppings, as they were called are available to add to any item ordered off the menu. It was beautiful and they are no-nonsense with their mission to eat like you give a damn! www.portagebaycafe.com
