Bodegas Tacos in Museum District and Bowl Cafe in Montrose

Recently I found out that I am allergic to gluten and dairy. This has completely changed my way of eating, thinking and living! I grew up eating rice for dinner with absolutely everything, I remember eating spaghetti and rice lol. I have tried to get off rice for years now but sometimes its difficult, I find it nearly impossible to eat beans without rice! I love options and these days restaurants are so accommodating to adding and taking out ingredients to better serve their clientele. I love places where you get to pick and choose all of the ingredients – like Bodega’s Tacos, Bowl Café, The Counter, Genghis Grill, Which Wich and Brown Bag Deli among others. These places cater to customization and picky eaters alike. Sometimes there are so many options its difficult to choose! Sometimes you choose a bad combination (unfortunately you only have yourself to blame!) Ha ha, but you can always go back and try again. Many restaurants have even added “build your own ____” – pasta like Pronto on Montrose where I made a bad combination of pasta choice ingredients but I went back and tried again. Or, “build your own ____” – pizza, sandwich etc. I will start with Bodega’s Tacos a hidden little gem if you aren’t in the Medical/Museum district often. It’s right of Binz and if you go during the week you will have to pay for parking and there is only on street parking, but believe me its totally worth it. I am not a big fan of Chipotle or Freebirds, I don’t feel like they have enough options and it just doesn’t taste that fresh or yummy to me. Bodega’s has it all and its absolutely delicious. Options and combinations are limitless, pricing is very fair, ambivalence depends on what day of the week you go and time. It’s a fun place with a fully stocked bar, patio area and wonderful food and generous portions. Typically I get the “bowl” and ask for nachos on the side so I can dip or scoop them. If you get everything on top of the nachos then it gets soggy! I am a slow eater because I chew my food thoroughly to ensure good digestion and absorption of nutrients, so I think ahead. Plus, when I am trying to be on my best behavior I ask ahead for a to go box and pack half in so I can munch freely on half and not feel guilty and be super excited for tomorrow’s lunch. I usually get the spicy ground sirloin and tons of veggies. If I know I am eating half now then I don’t get lettuce (so I can reheat without soggy lettuce). There are tons of salsas to choose from, and you can get mild, medium or spicy. My favorite salsas are: tomatillo and bacon-avocado ranch, depending on my mood and sometimes when I am really bad I get both! Visit www.BodegasTacoShop.com for more details and to view their menu, they also offer combinations so there are plenty of options. Bowl Café is a quaint little spot in Montrose right off Richmond, perfect for a quick lunch. Their menu is an entire page long with tons of delicious options. Get a salad, sandwich, soup, burger or pizza or get a combo of the first three. All of their soups are amazing so I have to get soup each time I go. Salads options are amazing, especially if you are like me and you like tons of fruit, veggies, texture and crunch in your salads. My favorite sandwiches are: smoked salmon and pulled pork. Both packed with tons of flavor and awesome taste. Everything here is fresh and soups made daily, you can taste the quality of the ingredients in every bite. The owner Ralph is a doll and always happy and eager to help his clients. For more details on Bowl Café visit them online at www.bowlcafe.com . Your Foodie & Realtor, Jenny Vargas jenny@myplaceinhouston.com 281.948.2951

Timbergrove

Timbergrove doesn't only offer beautiful homes Inner Loop but it offers a small array of delicious eateries close by. Kojak's and Pappa Geno's are my favorite Timbergrove eateries. Both mom and pop shops with a generous warmth.

Pappa Geno's is located at 1801 Ella Blvd, Ste C 77008 next to one of Houson's privately owned gas stations and in front of Food Town (across the street from 18th's street HEB). Look for the orange and white striped sign and building. I may be partial since my favorite sandwich is a Philly Cheesteak (I was born in NJ) but this is by far one of the best I have ever had EVER. Now, I have been to Philly and tried the 2 famous joints but to me....1) I don't like Cheez whiz on a Philly 2) I thought they didn't have much flavor 3) I like mayo on my Philly! I know, I know, but Pappa Geno's makes it however you like and has several ways they make their Philly so it's totally up to you! The secret they say is in the bread - which they get delivered from New York! This sandwich is huge, filled with tender, juicy, peppery meat, melted cheese (I always get it with provolone) and onions. Again, I am a fry lover so you really have to wow me with your fries for me to continue to come back. Their fries aren't the best BUT its a strange combination that really works for me. Fries topped with brown gravy! Somehow it works and tastes delicious. Come to Pappa Geno's with an appetite!

To see what the Houston Press had to say about Pappa Geno's, read this....http://www.houstonpress.com/2010-11-04/restaurants/come-to-pappa/

Kojak's is located at 1912 West 18th Street between Ella and Seaspray in a small shopping center. Their menu changes to reflect chef's specials so every time I come I am pleasantly surprised at how great it is and their variety. Their soups and sandwiches are tasty. The environment is clean and friendly and lends to a perfect little cafe in a great neighborhood. Free wifi and BYOB at dinner time. Come pick up a magazine and relax in this classic Timbergrove staple. Visit http://www.kojakscafe.com/ for more information.

Your foodie,
Jenny Vargas
Realtor, CNE
281.948.2951
Jenny@MyPlaceinHouston.com