Update: being a pescatarian hasn't killed me yet and I'm somewhat shocked.

In fact, I'm considering continuing this lifestyle past the lent season. Excluding meat (for the exception of seafood) has made me feel better, lighter, and cleared my skin. Honestly, it hasn't been nearly as hard as I expected it to be. However, the red meat-loving texan in me is still strong, and with rodeo season kicking off today, I feel the urge to limit my pescatarian journey to a weekday lifestyle. 

That being said, my new eating habits have made me branch out to new restaurants in the city. I've driven down Almeda more times than I can count (I used to work on the street at a local radio station) and I've noticed the influx of new restaurant spaces. Located on the corner of Almeda and Wheeler Avenue, a small raw and vegan eatery has been holding down the space for a few years and I've wanted to try it out. I took a half-day off work for business and ended up in the area so I stopped in for a late lunch.

Green Seed Vegan + Elixir Bar offers Houstonians filling meals made with fresh ingredients and fresh pressed raw juices and clean smoothies to enjoy. They also offer desserts like vegan brownies to satisfy any plant lover's sweet tooth.

My meal:

The menu has a lot of options, but the dirty burque stood out to me. This was a flavorful combination of a buckwheat patty, green chiles, avocado, cilantro, tomatoes, onions, mustard and mayo. Im also avoiding bread so I got my sandwich in a collard wrap instead of on a bun. The $1 up charge was worth having the option. Surprisingly, the buckwheat patty was a delicious meat substitute. The collards had an "earthy" taste that took some getting used to but it wasn't too overpowering. With the upgrade, and a side of DELICIOUS sweet potato fries, my meal totaled out at $10. Not bad.

After reading the yelp reviews, I knew I couldn't stop by without enjoying one of their raw juices. I ordered two flavors; Pina Verde for myself and Green Zing to give Brandon later to try. Pina Verde is an AMAZING blend of mint, pineapple, wheatgrass and apple juices. Im no stranger to wheatgrass so I expected it to be the standout flavor in the blend but it was actually the refreshing mint that made this some of the best juice I've ever had in my life. Within two sips, I already made the decision to buy another bottle. 

When I left, I dropped off the green zing juice with brandon. The ginger added a "spicy" kick to the juice that neither of us really like but I'm sure other people would enjoy. Their fresh pressed "innerg" juices run $6, which is a little steep for me to incorporate into my daily health habits, but I definitely will be back to buy a bulk order of pina verde.

The little details you care about:

The service:

I think the staff could tell I'd never been there before, and they were extremely accommodating. They answered all of my questions with ease, brought out my food in a timely manner, although the late lunch/early dinner crowd was filling the place.

The building:

The building is low-lit and small, but the design and bright pops of green add to the buildings "cute factor"

Parking:

Okay, parking isn't the best. I found a spot with ease, but it was also 3:30pm on a Wednesday. I assume the Saturday crowd is a lot busier. The lot is small so parking is limited to about 10 spots, but the quality of the food is worth the "hassle" of finding a spot. 

                                                Overall:

I'll be back here to try their veggie burger (voted best in Houston by the Houston Press) even if I decide to start eating more red meat than a caveman again. And next time, I'll bring friends and family. Trust me, if you or someone you know doubt that vegan food can be good AND filling, take a trip to 3rd ward for some green seed vegan and turn them into believers. 

Warning: There is 96.7% chance you will run into a hipster with a vintage camera wearing an old band shirt eating here during your lunch or dinner. But that shouldn't stop you from visiting :)

Visit their website at www.greenseedvegan.com and stop by the restaurant located at 4320 Almeda Rd from 11am-8pm Monday-Saturday to grab some grub!

Young Professionals groups are great; most of them are subject/field focused and you get to meet like minded people. As a black woman going to these events, I always cringed at me often being the only black person or person of color at these events. I was also disappointed to see if there were other black people or people of color there, that i was almost always the only woman.

I sought out to create spaces for black people; in particular black women, to foster healthy and supportive relationships with each other. I want to create a nation-wide (and ambitiously thinking) world-wide online network of black women just supporting each other.

Locally, I wanted us to meet, network, eat good, and support local/black business. Two business ventures have spawned from this idea. One of which I launched today.

#Carefreeblackgirls

The concept of the #carefreeblackgirl isn't new. In fact, there are several articles about, twitter waves created and tumblr pages dedicated to the carefree black girl. So putting my twist on the concept, I came up with the #CFBG first meet up in Houston called #MelaninandMimosas

25 of Houston's black women will meet and socialize, and network and have really cool food and drinks while supporting a black owned business on March 28th. The meet up will be casually held at Kaffine Coffee in the museum district. RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melanin-and-mimosas-brunch-meetup-tickets-15832496423

If you have any questions about the event, email me at carefreeblkgirls@gmail.com.

Hope to see you there!

I have to start this off by saying: I am not catholic. I am about as southern Baptist as you can get; or at least I was raised that way (my views have become much more liberal over the years). However, I think lent is a great way to practice discipline and increase your connection with God.(because it takes PRAYER on top of prayer to get through 40 days without some of your favorite pleasures)

This year for my modified lent season, I’ve decided to go 40 days STRAIGHT without red meat and chicken. That’s right; the meat in my diet is limited to fish and shellfish. I know for a fact that I cannot go without meat; my doctor requires I have adequate protein sources and I grew up on a southern-style meat and potatoes diet. 

To make things worse, I’ve decided to cut out bread and grains as well. Carbs are a no-no for me. They trigger my body to act a complete fool-so cutting them out as much as possible, as hard as that is, seems like a necessary evil. 

My day one diary went a little something like this:

Breakfast-Egg whites and cheese on a low carb English muffin

Lunch-Ancho Chile Salmon with grilled asparagus and roasted tomatoes

Snack-Pepper jack cheese (yummmmm)

Dinner- Garlic Butter Shrimp with garlic roasted asparagus and a glass of red wine (pictured above)

I even survived a trip to H-E-B starving without falling victim to the awesome snack aisle and bakery.

I feel that being pescatarian is against the rules as a Texan; I mean there's no BBQ on this earth like a good Texas brisket. So while adopting this lifestyle might lead to minor lifestyle changes, I don't think its something I can do for my remaining days on earth. 

So what are you "giving up" for the lent season? Is it a jump start to giving it up for good for you?

Today is Friday the 13th and like most millennials (including myself) you're probably a procrastinator. So, in the daily struggle of just getting to Friday at 5pm, you've forgot that tomorrow is valentine's day.

I get it. It happens to us all. 

In the nation's fourth (arguably third-yes, I'm looking at you Chicago) largest city, there's no shortage of places to grab some grub under romantic candlelight but we all want to avoid the cliche spots like olive garden and the long lines at Grand Lux or the Cheesecake factory. And even though its payday Friday for most of us, that doesn't mean we want to spend $250 bucks on valentine's day dinner. Here are some of my favorite spots in the bayou city to celebrate your love (even at the last minute and for less than $100+bucks a person).

Museum District

Photo source: Sophia S.; Yelp

Davis St at Hermann Park

There are so many great options in the museum district and its hard to pick just one. Recent tenant Davis St tops the list in the area for food, flavor and value. Starting at $85 per couple, diners can enjoy dinner and receive complimentary brunch. That’s the best deal I’ve seen in Houston.

The Heights

Avoid the heights if you can. Why? Because the area will be filled with houstonians flocking to its over-hyped and often overpriced restaurants. Long waits will be the norm in this area but IF you insist...

Photo Source: Arielle W.; Yelp

Bradley's Fine Diner

I've only been once but my food was amazing. The most appreciate dish amongst the masses is the pot roast which is served with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted baby carrots. Expect to pay about $30-$35 per diner before the tip. Im a fan of design and the restaurant is beautiful. The lighting fixtures, the exposed industrial look, all romantic with a hint of masculinity.

Pearland

Photo Source: Maria T., Yelp

Grazia Italian Kitchen

Grazia is new and from its yelp reviews seems to be a Godsend for the area. I love Pearland; but its in need of a better restaurant presence. Littered with chain restaurants and bars, its not the best place to find fine dining. But at the tail-end of last year, Grazia's Italian Kitchen opened in the southern suburb and created a roar.

A notable local favorite is the Parmesan Breaded Eggplant, Fried, Topped with Marinara, Mozzarella, Served over Spaghetti with Marinara. 

For those of you who aren't big Italian fans (like myself), they even have some items from the grill that are sure to please, including the "Estrada", USDA Choice Boneless Beef Short Ribs, Slow Braised with red wine, garlic, onions, carrots, mushrooms, celery and served with garlic mashed potatoes. Sounds like a foodgasm.

Also make sure to stop by the bar for their pineapple infused vodka.

No reservations are required for Saturday and all entrees are under $30 per diner. 

Bay Area

Photo source: Evett T., Yelp

Nobi Public House

Bay Area locals-Step away from Cullens. No disrespect to the fine dining location; the atmosphere and food is GREAT. But everyone will be there trying to impress their significant other and $99 steak dinners for 2 (add $40-$50 bucks if you wanna drink) is so 2002. Unique menus are hot right now, and that means Asian Fusion and Craft beers-and you don't have to venture into the city to find it.

Its not your typical valentine's day location, but 20-somethings can appreciate Nobi Public House's selection of beers and wine and their blend of american favorites with Vietnamese flair. Grab their pork fries or nobi tacos for a treat and match them with st. arnold's beer. The best part about Nobi? You can have a feast there for under $25 a person.

Galveston

Photo source: Judi S, Yelp

Olympia Grill at Pier 21

Galveston's no stranger to good food. Houstonians and Islanders alike crowd the local restaurants for good food and even better drinks. Offering greek fare with a flair, Olympia grill is my obvious choice for Valentine's Day. the Pier 21 location has a valentine's day menu that includes oysters fresh out of Galveston Bay, a Mardi Gras Daiquiri to celebrate the season of celebration on the island this weekend, and a Baked Haddock topped with a white wine lemon butter.

I would recommend their $31 delightful duet, a 4ox filet served with garlic shrimp and plated with their parmesan potatoes and roasted vegetables. you won't get a better deal for a similar dish anywhere on the island and their parmesan potatoes are so good you could eat a whole plate of them as an entree and be satisfied.

They also have full glasses of wine for under $40 available for pairings with your entree.

Note: This is for the Pier 21 location of Olympia grill only, not the Seawall location.

Honorable Mention

Photo source: Briana L; Yelp

Pluckers....yes, the chicken spot.

If super-romantic and pricey meals aren't your thing or if you don't even care about valentine's day but love great deals, check out pluckers for their dine-in 20th anniversary dinner on Saturday at their Shepherd location. The menu includes some of their items at their original price when they opened in Austin in 1995. Catch deals like  ten pieces of chicken or burgers for $5 , cheese fries for $4 and $3 fried pickles.