Get Yourself to Green House Market

Talk about a hidden gem.  Tucked away next to the AMC movie theatre in the middle of Northpark mall is the last place I would expect to find a welcoming, fresh and delicious sit-down restaurant.  Yet, here it is - tucked away in the midst of all of this - Greenhouse Market.  With menu options ranging from grilled sandwiches and bison burgers to freshly made original salad and side options, this establishment is a breath of fresh air in the middle of a shopping and fast food frenzy.  I can only imagine the respite it will provide once the Northpark holiday shopping kicks in.  With its clean, bright decor and its expansive windows, welcoming in warmth and sunlight, it really is a small oasis in the middle of shopping bags, bustling bodies, clanging cash registers, and long lines.  Bring yourself, bring your friends, bring your children - there will be something for everyone and you will leave refreshed, fueled to finish the day.

Menu Mentions:
Between the "Plates" that include options like Grilled Salmon with two Market Salads, the sandwiches that offer choices such as Brisket Grilled Cheese, Black Bean & Quinoa Burger, and Caprese Grilled Cheese, and the Market Salads which include an array of freshly made seasonal salads (spaghettis squash, roasted fall vegetables, baby kale, and quinoa & wild rice salad to name a few) it is hard to not already begin planning your next visit before you even sit down at your table.  I can say that their selections not only sound delicious, but they also ARE delicious.  This particular day I went with the "choice of 3 market salads".  I chose the Roasted Beets, the Spaghetti Squash and the Winter Chicken Salad.  Every item was a win.  The seasoned beets were accompanied by a queso fresco, which added just enough flavor to compliment and not overpower.  The winter chicken salad with its shallot dressing and hint of citrus was so flavorful and savory, it surprised both me and the friend I was dining with.  The spaghetti squash conjured up the same response with its subtle flavors of tomato, herbs and, I'm pretty sure, lemon.  I got the spaghetti squash out of curiosity - not expecting much - but the blend of flavors surprised me and stopped me mid bite, causing me to slow down and savor (of course, what I should have been doing anyway).  The good news here is that they also have a kids menu with simpler but still healthier options - so moms, dads, aunts, uncles - feel free to stop in and rest assured that everyone's needs can be met.  The menu changes with the seasons so make sure you visit regularly to experience all of the foods and flavors that Greenhouse Market has to offer.

Nutrition Notes:
Fiber... beets, spaghetti squash, frisee... helps keep you full, promote a healthy GI system and can help lower cholesterol.

Protein... chicken... aids in the growth, maintenance & repair of cells (including cells damaged due to sickness or injury from surgery or sports / exercise).

Lycopene... tomatoes... powerful antioxidant that helps prevent hardening of the arteries and may protect against certain cancers.

Vitamin C... beets, tomatoes... helps the body produce collagen and protects agains infection and cell damage (promotes healthy looking skin).  Aids in iron absorption when plant - based sources are consumed.

Iron... chicken, beets... important for red blood cells to be able to transport oxygen to all of our tissues (such as skin and muscles).

Natural Nitrates... beets... see "side note" below.

Betains... beets...  have anti-inflammatory effects on the body

Vitamin A... spaghetti squash... helps build a strong immune system, is critical to good vision, and is important for healthy functioning organs like the heart, lungs and kidneys.

Potassium... beets... helps manage blood pressure & proper nerve & muscle communication.  May reduce the risk of bone loss as we age.


Side Note:  The Beat on Beets
Did you know that cooked beets and beetroot juice have been found to have positive effects on endurance and performance in athletes, specifically endurance athletes like cyclists or long distance runners?

Studies have found this to be true largely due to the natural nitrates found in beetroot.

These natural nitrates are naturally found in leafy greens and vegetables like beetroot and are converted to nitrites and then nitric oxide in the body.  The nitric oxide is what gives beet products their potential benefits in exercisers and athletes.

Studies have found that beetroot & beetroot juice:

• Increase blood flow to working muscles and decrease blood pressure (acting as a vasodilator)
• Decrease the amount of oxygen needed during exercise
• Increase time until exhaustion
• Therefore, increasing exercise tolerance & endurance

My Conclusion (Based on a ranking of 1 to 5...1 = will not return; 5 = will return tomorrow)

Taste = 5

Nutrition = 5

Service = 5

Overall Ranting = 5

Don't Mess with Mi Co

Some might know it as a fixture of Highland Park Village, meeting friends and family here for weekly Sunday night dinners.  Some might only stop in for an occasional dinner when the Holiday lights are up, completely illuminating not only the small shopping village, but also the streets of Preston & Mockingbird for miles.  Whoever you are and wherever you like to dine, you have probably made at least a few trips to the Mi Cocina in Highland Park Village.  My visit here was inspired by a friend who came in town one night for a quick work conference.  She asked for solid Tex Mex and without much needed contemplation, I decided on Mi Cocina in Highland Park Village.  With its great food, great drinks and great atmosphere, this Mi Cocina is a fun & delicious Dallas staple that never disappoints.

Menu Mentions
My goal here is not to steer anyone away from the mouthwatering enchiladas, sunset fajitas or margaritas.  As the title of my post implies... "don't mess with Mi Co".  It's an establishment that needs no modifications.  This post is simply to show those of you who find yourselves dining out frequently, and wanting to make some healthier decisions, how to navigate the menu to meet your needs.  It would be simple to steer you straight to the salads (with the dressing on the side, per usual) but that's not what I'm here to do. Plus, sometimes that just is not what you want.
Before I dive in, some quick & easy tips to keep in mind (that I have put together from questions I get from clients) at Mexican restaurants are:

1. The chip bowl - grab a handful, break them up a bit and put them on your smaller plate OR ask your waiter for a side of corn tortillas for dipping and munching instead.
2. The sauces - salsa is your best bet.  For guacamole & queso - best to spoon some on your plate to be aware of how much you are eating.
3. The sides - if you can get charro beans or black bean, that would be better than refried, which can often have extra butter or lard added to them.
4. The main dish - opt for something with vegetables & protein.  Think more protein than sauce.  If it doesn't have many vegetables, ask your sever if they can add them - I bet they will accommodate.
5. The toppings - sour cream, cheese & guacamole / avocado add up.  Can you pick one?  Sliced avocado would be a good addition with its healthy monounsaturated fats & lutein.
6. The drinks - if you've gotta have a margarita / mambo taxi / etc., stick with one.  Or try a basic margarita without all the added syrup and sugar (agave nectar is in this category).  Ask for half the mix / sugar / agave and extra lime juice / mint / etc. (whatever is used to make your drink).
7. The approach - keep in mind that portions are big in restaurants.  Plan to split with a friend or have half today and the other half for lunch or dinner tomorrow.

This evening I decided on the Mama's Chicken con Hongas.  Grilled chicken with poblano peppers, onions, and big roasted mushrooms (not just the little slivers that generally get lost in the dish).  I like flour & corn tortillas and tonight I opted for corn.  For toppings I chose avocado / guacamole & salsa (my preference over cheese & sour cream).  Between the salsa & tortillas and my main dish, I ended the evening satisfied but not stuffed, with lunch ready for the next day.  Oh, and my friend loved her meal as well - great food, great atmosphere & great service.  A fun spur-of-the-moment dinner with a childhood friend. 

Nutrition Notes

Protein... chicken... aids in the growth, maintenance & repair of cells (including cells damaged due to sickness or injury from surgery or sports / exercise).

Vitamin D... mushrooms... fat - soluble vitamin (needs fat to be absorbed in the body).  Helps the body absorb calcium from food and supplements, aids in muscle movement, helps support a strong immune system, and along with calcium, helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.

Potassium... mushrooms & poblanos... helps manage blood pressure & proper nerve & muscle communication.  May reduce risk of bone loss as we age. 

Copper... mushrooms... works with iron to help the body form red blood cells.  Important for healthy functioning blood vessels, nerves, immune system, and bones.

Fiber... mushrooms, onions, poblano peppers... helps keep you full, promotes a healthy GI system and can help lower cholesterol.  

Vitamin C... onions & poblanos...  antioxidant that promotes healthy joints, skin, hair and a healthy immune system by helping the body build collagen and protecting against infection and cell damage.

Vitamin A... poblanos... helps build a strong immune system, is critical to good vision, and is important for healthy functioning organs like the heart, lungs and kidneys.

Side Note:  Mushrooms

To the outside observer this vegetable may not seem like much.  Kind of bland, kind of plain, kind of a weird texture, nothing to write home about, right?  Wrong.  A few interesting facts about mushrooms (and why I was thrilled to have such legit representation in my Mi Co dish) are:

• Mushrooms are actually one of the few food sources of vitamin D!  And exposing them to UV light before harvesting increases their vitamin D content.
• Mushrooms are also a good source of fiber, potassium and copper, and some varieties contain various B vitamins.
• Mushrooms are 90% water, which makes them nutrient dense without being calorie dense.
• Mushrooms take on a savory quality, called umami.
• When cooked (like grilling or sautéing) a mushroom's flavor is enhanced.
• Mushrooms tend to bring out the natural flavors of items they are paired / cooked with and so complement many dishes well. 
• White or Button mushrooms are a milder variety good in salads, sauces, and raw.
• Crimini mushrooms, aka, "baby bellas" are younger portable mushrooms

My Conclusion (Based on a ranking of 1 to 5... 1 = will not return; 5 = will return tomorrow)

Taste = 5 

Nutrition = 4 (could have been healthier, but this trip was all about making better choices)

Service = 4.8

Overall Ranking = 4.6