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Dive Into Bayou City Dining
Willie G’s Seafood & Steak is known for fresh seafood specialties and recognized nationally as a top upscale seafood restaurant. The Houston location’s new contemporary upgraded décor and remodeled bar area are infused with elegant, modern touches that accompany some new and innovative dishes. Guests can relax and dine al fresco on the new patio, and Willie G’s provides three elegant private rooms for special events. The Post Oak Room seats parties of up to 100 guests while the more intimate Wine Room seats up to 34 and the Board Room seats 16. Willie G’s banquet staff will customize a menu for anything from presentations to holiday gatherings to bridal showers.

With quite the selection of dining opportunities, come check out the Galleria area and leave satisfied.

meatless marvels

In today’s diverse society, there always will be someone who does not eat meat or animal products for ethical or dietary reasons. These days that doesn’t mean relegating them to a simple salad or cold vegetable plate. Houston abounds in quality vegetarian-friendly restaurants that offer delicious, meat-free alternatives that will wow anyone around, even meat eaters.

Although not an exclusively vegetarian restaurant, the Brasil Café near the Museum District offers excellent selections for vegetarians or vegans. Certainly, Brasil Café offers burgers and sandwiches perfect for the carnivores, but vegetarians can get their fill from a delicious array of entrée salads and pastas, pizzas and sandwiches, such as the goat cheese and walnut sandwich on freshly baked ciabatta bread or a house-made black bean burger sure to satisfy and delight.

Field of Greens is a newer vegetarian restaurant quickly gaining popularity among Houston vegans. Affordable and hearty portions are prepared lovingly by a vegan chef who goes above and beyond to create and serve superior dishes and even special orders. From delicious stuffed pitas to an assortment of eggplant dishes better than you’ve ever tasted, even the side salads are amazing. Notably, even non-vegetarians still love this restaurant because of the menu’s terrific variety and the nice relaxing atmosphere.

The Hobbit Café certainly has a thematic nod to these characters of J.R.R. Tolkein who live close to the earth and everyday things. That being said, many of its dishes use fresh, natural, vegetarian-friendly ingredients in incredibly tasty ways. From platters of beans, rice and tortillas for do-it-yourself tacos and vegetable enchiladas to delectable black-bean and soy burgers or a sizzling platter of Portobello fajitas, there’s something here to tempt the taste buds of those opting not to eat meat. However, because the Hobbits are known for their love of eating, meat eaters have a great selection here as well.

The culture of the subcontinent is known for its expertise at putting together vegetarian dishes packed with delicious flavor, and such is the case with Madras Pavilion. Diners come to feast on this Indian restaurant’s purely vegetarian buffet that features various spiced chickpea, spinach and potato dishes as well as made-to-order dosai, a crispy crepe-like dish made from lentil or rice flour. All are delicious, satisfying and completely vegetarian.

Quan Yin in Bellaire is the place to go if you’re craving your favorite meat-based dishes without the meat. Everything made here is completely free of meat, seafood, egg and dairy. Quan Yin instead uses soy-based products that expertly recreate traditional meat dishes like barbecue “pork” and “shrimp” spring rolls. Quan Yin’s dishes taste like chicken and chew like beef, but it’s all soy products and wheat gluten, which makes it perfect for vegans while satisfying those who are not.

With selections like Honey-Fried Goat Cheese Salad with almonds and mangos, Veggie-Nut Hemp Burgers, Wood-Fired Quinoa Mac & Cheese and the signature Pink Velvet Cake, the menu at Ruggles Green will fill and satisfy any hunger. Houston’s first four-star certified Green Restaurant, Ruggles Green adheres to the strict guidelines of the Green Restaurant Association to provide healthy, organic, all-natural foods and wines that taste great. A fast casual restaurant, it’s great for those on the go who want something healthy. With two restaurants and two new ones coming soon, you are sure to find a location convenient for your needs in Houston.

If you need to find something satisfying for vegetarians in your group or want the whole group to venture out and try something a little new and healthy, consider heading to one of these great vegetarian hotspots in the Houston area.

dinning with the chef
An often-overlooked private dining option for small groups is something referred to as the Chef’s Table. This intimate, VIP setting provides an elegant meal—often innovative and different from the standard menu—at a table for no more than 16 right in the kitchen. Plus, often the executive chef does the serving and guests can interact with kitchen staff and see the magic behind the scenes. Houston boasts several high-end restaurants that feature this experience that is perfect for groups of executives or for entertaining important clients.

   
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