3 Easy Diet Swaps

Dieting doesn't mean cutting out your favorite foods — just switch them for healthier, low-calorie versions. Check out these tips:

Dip
Don't fear dips anymore. Switch out high calorie dips with Greek yogurt-based dips. It has way less calories and more protein. Trying dipping veggies!

Popcorn
Craving something salty? Instead of reaching for that bag of chips, pop some popcorn. You'll get the same satisfying salty flavor for less calories, just watch your toppings!

Pizza
You can still have pizza while dieting! Instead of ordering a deep dish pizza with all the toppings go for a flatbread pizza with veggies. Or even better, make your own pizza. For a snack size use an English muffin with a little bit of tomato sauce and low-fat mozzarella cheese.

Melange Creperie: Parisian Bliss in Montrose

Melange Creperie is a Parisian-style crepe truck parked smack-dab in the heart of the Montrose neighborhood. It’s won over a bevy of fans who think their crepes are tres magnifique! They feature a rotating weekly menu of sweet and savory options, plus classic crepes that are always available, such as ham, egg & cheese, and banana & Nutella. Don’t like what you see? Come up with your own crepe combo filling. Order a crepe filled with either a ‘mélange a deux’ – two fillings, or ‘mélange a trios’ – three fillings. Sweet and savory crepe fillings means you can have one for dessert or one for lunch – or both. They’re served in a cone, so they’re perfect for taking away.

Open Monday through Sunday.

Melange Creperie
403 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(832) 724-9464
http://www.yelp.com/biz/melange-creperie-houston

The Hobby Center: The Place for Performance

The Hobby Center for Performing Arts is the center of Houston theatre. Located downtown, the Center is fairly new, opened in 2002 and quickly became the place to go for travelling Broadway shows. The architecture, which includes large windows overlooking the Houston skyline, Everything from classic shows like “Man of La Mancha” to newer productions like “Book of Mormon” make their way to the 2,600-seat Sarofim Hall, a great venue for musical productions. There’s also Zikha Hall, which serves as a showcase for local performers. The 500-seat hall plays hosts to the Psophonia Dance Company, the Maggini String Orchestra, and other local groups. Check out all of the upcoming productions and performances on the online calendar. Other than evening performances, The Hobby Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Hobby Center
800 Bagby
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 315-2525
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hobby-center-for-performing-arts-houston

Just Dinner: Casual & Classy

From small beginnings, Just Dinner has grown into a great local BYOB dining experience. Located in the Mogan House in the neighborhood of Montrose, Just Dinner is just that – a delicious dinner option. While this is a casual restaurant, the décor is decidedly upscale, but also quiet and comfortable. Get an appetizer like country pate or warm brie to share, and move on to tasty American and Italian entrée options that will satisfy any diner. Everything made is fresh because all of the ingredients are either harvested in the restaurant’s garden, or bought that day. What a great way to have a tasty rendezvous with somebody special! Just Dinner is open Tuesday through Saturday for – what else – just dinner! Reservations are accepted.

Just Dinner
1915 Dunlavy St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 807-0077
http://www.yelp.com/biz/just-dinner-houston-2

Luigi’s Pizzeria: A Slice of Naples in Houston

Luigi’s Pizzeria is known as one of the best places to get thin crust pizza in Houston. Some would say the best place; it’s certainly a contender. Many people call Luigi’s pizza New York style because of its thin crust, but the rustic oblong pies belong to the Neopolitan tradition more than anything. A popular choice at Luigi’s is the Caprese pizza, appropriately Italian in its simplicity. Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are all you need to complement the chewy crust. The Supreme, with pepperoni, sausage, and veggies is also a favorite. The star here is the pizza but Luigi’s also offers a wide range of salads, sandwiches, pasta, and calzones. Be sure to end your meal with a refreshing gelato in a rotating variety of flavors.

Luigi’s Pizzeria
3700 Almeda Road
Houston TX 77004
(281) 793-3333

The Menil Collection: A Houston Crown Jewel

The Menil Collection is a must for Houston residents and visitors. It contains the collection of John and Dominique de Menil, who began collecting art in the 1940s, eventually amassing a vast treasure trove of paintings, sculpture, photographs, tribal decorative objects, and drawings. The collection encompasses everything from 20th century modern art, to antiquities, to tribal art pieces from around the world. The museum seeks to create a contemplative setting in which to view art, so there are no formal tours or tour guides in the museum. Open 11a.m. until 7p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free.

The Menil Collection
1515 Sul Ross Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 525-9400
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-menil-collection-houston

Happy 4th of July!

On this 4th of July, we hope you take time to relax and celebrate America's freedom with close friends and loved ones. Happy Independence Day, USA!

Houston Center for Photography: Snap

Houston Center for Photography is a must for anyone interested in viewing the world through the lens of an artist’s camera. Their exhibitions have included the work of renowned photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as emerging photographers. A changing array of exhibits is featured at the museum, which is just a hop-skip from the Menil Collection, a must for any lover of art. Past exhibitions included PictureThis!, featuring works from a collaboration with Texas Children’s Cancer Center in which HCP instructors work with young patients and their families, allowing them a photographic perspective on their surroundings. Upcoming shows include the 31st Annual Juried Membership Exhibition.

Open Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free.

Houston Center for Photography
1441 West Alabama Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-4755
http://www.yelp.com/biz/houston-center-for-photography-houston

Station Museum of Contemporary Art: Around the Art World

The Station Museum of Contemporary Art is a small venue showcasing local, national and international artists, with a particular focus on the cultural diversity of Houston's varied neighborhoods. Past international exhibitions have included artists from Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, South Africa, Congo, Czech Republic, Austria, Palestine, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, and Russia. Solo exhibitions by Texas artists showcased the work of Mel Chin, James Drake, Dick Wray, Jesse Lott and George Smith. The museum also hosts film screenings, concerts, lectures, and fundraisers for social causes. Open Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free.

Station Museum of Contemporary Art
1502 Alabama
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 529-6900
http://www.yelp.com/biz/station-museum-of-contemporary-art-houston

The Pass: Visit the Chef’s Table

The Pass seeks to create an experience where patrons feel they’re dining at the chef’s own table. Expertly attentive service, impeccable food and a casually elegant atmosphere have earned them kudos from happy diners. Pass through the secret entrance and prepare to be wowed by a chef’s tasting menu with 5 to 8 courses, with or without wine or cocktail pairings. You can call ahead or go online to find out the changing menu, or be surprised by the marathon of delectable delights presented to you. Courses might include Ham & Eggs, which is egg custard served in a can of caviar, layered with capers, salt, spices, & black caviar. By all accounts it’s a little bit of heaven in your mouth. Dinner is by reservation only.

Not far from Reserve at Garden Oaks, it's open Tuesday through Saturday.

The Pass
807 Taft Street
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 628-9020
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-pass-houston

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