Thank God It's Thursday

I'm always a fan of BYOB restaurants with really, really good food.  It's not a surprise then, that Kozy Kitchen is right up my alley.  Kozy takes pride in offering top quality food made from fresh, healthy ingredients.  Located off McKinney Avenue, just adjacent to Knox Street Pub, Kozy Kitchen may seem a bit hidden.  However, with menu item such as grass-fed beef and buffalo as well as wild caught Salmon, this place offers a lot more than your typical hole-in-the wall kitchen. The menu changes seasonally, providing  Weekend Specials such as Buffalo Chili or just-caught Chilean Sea Bass. Another bonus to their menu is that they offer a variety of gluten-free breads and desserts to accommodate those with food allergies to wheat.  So head over to Kozy this weekend and enjoy "a fine dining establishment with seasonal cuisine in a warm, neighborhood atmosphere" Also, don't forget to bring your favorite wine! 

Light Bites

•  Seafood Diablo
  Shrimp, scallops, bell peppers and onions sautéed in spicy marinara over homemade risotto.
• Kozy Salad with Salmon or Scallops
  Wild salmon or diver sea scallops over organic greens, green apples, cucumbers, berries and bleu cheese with kozy vinaigrette
• Chicken Marsala
  Grilled chicken breast with Kozy mash and market veggies served with Marsala wine sauce.
• Grass-Fed Burger Plate
  Beef or buffalo with Kozy mash and market veggies (bun optional) 

 

• Wild Salmon
  Pan seared with house risotto and grilled asparagus.
• Filet Mignon
  Center cut 8 oz. grass-fed filet with Kozy mash and market veggies.

Thank God It's Thursday

Did someone say Happy Hour? A scheduled time to hit the town for reduced price drinks AND Sushi? Well, don't mind if I do! This week, head downtown to Dallas Fish Market  & enjoy their great happy hour specials.  Voted Best Seafood Restaurant in Bon Appetit, Dallas Fish Market offers a hip, classy atmosphere with a menu full of gourmet entrees in addition to an extensive list sushi options.  In addition to dining, this restaurant has a great happy hour, offering $3 wells & domestics plus $5 house wine.  On Wednesdays, they even offer 4 free pieces of sushi with every drink!

Skinny Sips

• Lavender Lemon Drop Martini- Kettle One Citrone, Chambord, Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
• Pomegranate Champagne
• Champagne or Sparkling wine
• Any red or white wine

Healthy Bites
Bar Menu:

• Salmon Crudo- Avocado, green apple, jalapeno & cilantro
• Fish Market Shrimp Cocktail

Sushi Menu

• 16 piece Sashimi Platter- Salmon, Escolar, Himichi, Tuna
• California Roll- Crab, cucumber, avocado
• Sunshine Roll- Spicy Salmon, avocado, topped with Salmon & lemon
• Dallas Roll- Spicy Tuna, Himichi, crab meat, avocado,wrapped in  cucumber, no rice

Dinner Menu:

• Market Salad- Mixed greens, caramelized onions, spiced walnuts, pear tomatoes, Gorgonzola, white balsamic
• *Order dressing on the side & omit either the Gorgonzola OR the walnuts
• Pan Roasted Striped Bass- Steamed muscles, seared shrimp, saffron braised fennel and onion, shallot rings

• Pan Seared Wild Salmon- Braised bok choy, green curry nage, and red curry foam
• "Au Poivre" Ahi Tuna- Israeli cous cous, zucchini, squash, carrots, basil and tomato vinaigrette
• 8 oz. Grass Fed Australian Beef Tenderloin

Thank God It's Thursday

Thank God for patio weather in February! What a perfect time to enjoy happy hour with friends to kick start the weekend. Voted Best Patio Bar with a View, BarBarlment is the perfect place to enjoy a few beverages with while taking in the sites of the Dallas skyline.  The BarBelmont patio is just off the lobby of the historic Belmont Hotel, a 1940s motor court designed by legendary architect Charles Dilbeck that has been renovated into a glam destination for visitors and locals alike. Owing to the Oak Cliff location, the crowd is eclectic and cool. 

Split a Grilled Salmon Appetizer with friends for a healthy Happy Hour snack.

Skinny Sips

• Leaf & Pepper Martini- Infused Pepper Vodka, Crushed Pink Peppercorn, Pickled Sweet Garden Peppers & Celery Bitters
• The Ice Pick-Sweet Tea Vodka, Stoli Citrus, Paula’s Texas Lemoncello, Mint & Lemon Juice
• Ladies & Gentlemen Bacardi Red Rum, Champagne, Honey Peach Preserve & Orange Twist

After enjoying a drink & taking in the site, head over to Smoke for handmade, homegrown local eats.  Chef Tim Beyres was voted Best DFW Chef in 2010 and is constantly coming up with orignal unique dishes for the seasonal menus.  Here are a few options to try that are on the lighter side, as well as my recommendations on how to order them to save on some calories:


Healthy Bites

• Pickled Rock Shrimp Ceviche with Rio Star Grapefruit, Cilantro & Agave-
• *Order all sauces on the side
• *Add a side salad w/vinegerette dressing on the side
• Cast Iron Seared Sea Scallops with Brussels Sprouts, Our Pancetta, Lemon and White Beans
• *Skip the pancetta & add a side salad
• Whole Roasted Fish with Asparagus, Sausage & Preserved Lemon Anchovy Butter
• *Skip the sausage
• *Ask for the fish to be grilled & to have the sauce on the side

Headed there for Brunch? Try these items for a healthy morning:

• The Omelet with Salad & The Things Inside:
• Order with: Goat Cheese, Tomato, Mushroom, Asparagus, & Spinach
• Farm Eggs Cooked Your Way
• *Skip meat and add Feta cheese instead
• *Order with a side of wheat toast
• *Order fresh fruit as your side

Thank God It's Thursday

Well you've almost made it through another week at work and are ready to hit up Happy Hour with co-workers and friends.  Here's a tip on where to find something healthy to eat while you're out.

 
If you live in the Dallas area, you're probably familiar with Katy Trail Ice House.  Voted Best Bar Patio by D Magazine, this is an excellent place to be outside and enjoy the oddly warm January Texas weather.  Enjoy a light beer at Katy Trail before you head next door to Company Cafe for a healthy bite.



Company Cafe is new in the Dallas area providing a fresh innovative concept that offers natural, fresh fare of great-tasting comfort food with a healthy, organic twist. Healthier menu items include for grass-fed beef, bison, and wild salmon and this restaurant also serves a variety of  gluten-free cake and french toast. Finally, Company cafe is a leader in supporting local eating by ordering majority of its meat,  dairy, produce and gluten-free goodies directly from local Texas vendors.

Skinny Sips
Split a bottle of wine with friends for only 120 calories per glass! A crisp white pairs well with seafood while red wine offers added antioxidants. Either way, wine is a great choice to compliment your meal!

Healthy Bites

U-10 SCALLOPS

Diver sea scallops with tomato citrus glaze
*Add a seasonal house salad to make it a meal

SEASONAL SALAD WITH GRILLED CHICKEN

Organic greens, cucumbers, pickled onions, blueberries, dried cranberries, goat cheese and homemade candied pecans with house vinaigrette

COMPANY SMOKED SALMON

Salmon smoked served with sautéed broccolini & cauliflower mash

ATLANTIC RED FISH

Pan-seared red fish with herb risotto and sautéed broccolini sided with herbed white wine sauce
*ask for sauces to be on the side
*ask to sub sauteed veggies or black beans  for the risotto

Thank God It's Thursday

While it may be a short week, it's likely one of the hardest weeks back at work after the long weekend.  If you're not still nursing a hangover, you might be ready to get out and enjoy a drink with dinner.  Here's a great place to check out tonight or this weekend.

Bolsa in Oak Cliff offers a menu that changes daily, built around fresh locally grown ingredients.  Located in the Bishop Arts district, this restaurant is a great place to escape from the city for an intimate dining experience with friends or your significant other. They pride themselves on using the best naturally raised and organic ingredients they can find that are sourced from local growers, ranchers and fishermen throughout Texas whenever possible.   Bolsa offers unique cocktails each night and half price bottles of wine of Wednesdays.  Here are a few drink and dinner options that are on the lighter side.



Skinny Sips

• Southern Belle- Grey Goose Vodka, Honey, Lime, Apricot Liquer, Angostura, Champagne
• Mad Hatter - Seasonal Berries, Tito's Vodka, Citrus, St. Germain, Champagne
• Killin' Thyme - Hendrick's Gin, Thyme, Cucumber, Lime, Peach Bitters, Soda

Light Bites
Start with a Mixed Greens salad w/dressing on the side and pair with either

• Ike's Special Flatbread- mozzarella, red onion tomato, basil, & balsamic vinaigrette
• *Order without prosciutto
• Lemon Sole- turnips, swiss chard & golden beet purée

Thank God It's Thursday

Thank God it's Thursday and thank God my blog is back just in time to help you make healthy choices when you're out this weekend. 

In spirit of the cooler weather, heading out to a toasty place like Coals Vines can be very appealing.  Coal Vines is famous for their brick oven pizzas, but they also have a menu filled with healthy options in addition to their great happy hour specials. Here are a few things you can order that are both the delicious and nutritious:


 Start with a salad with dressing on the side:

• Romaine Hearts Salad
• Mesculine Greens

Choose an entree or split a this healthy version of a Coal Vines pizza

• Lemon Sole Piccata- Lemon white wine, capers & sauteed spinach
• Whole Wheat Pasta of the day- *order with marinara sauce & steer clear of cream sauces*
• Marinara Pizza- Goat cheese, plum tomatoes, roasted & fresh garlic
• Add any veggies you want!

Wine Pairings

• If you order the sole, go with a white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
• If you're having pizza or pasta with marinara sauce, choose a red wine

• Nutrition Tip: If you're drinking red, choose Pinot Noir- the grape it comes from it has the highest amount of antioxidants!

Cheers to the Weekend!

Thank God It's Thursday

Welcome to the (almost) weekend! I honestly think new places are popping up in Dallas each week, which is very convenient for me in writing this portion of my blog. 

This week I am heading over to Private/Social. Located in the heart of Uptown,  Private/Social prides itself on upscale dining, claiming to be
 "where the casual and upscale effortlessly mingle..."



The menu lends to a unique concept with two distinct themes:
Social: An intimate dining experience with a full dinner menu
Private: A casual and stylish lounge area featuring shared-plates


Here's the skinny on what to order in both situations along with cocktails to help take the edge off...

Light Bites
Start with a salad (order dressing on the side), Then choose one of the two entrees below:

• Tom Spicer’s Greens- Glazed Walnuts, Blue Cheese, Oranges, Balsamic
• Seared Scallops- Parsnip, Snow Peas, Chanterelle, Pomegranate
• Pan Seared Salmon- Roasted Kabocha Squash, Brussels Sprouts

If dining out with friends, here are a few things you can order to share that are on the healthier side. You can also order a salad with these appetizers to fill you up.

• Trio Dip- Fire Roasted Eggplant, Hummus, Bean and Sage
• Mamma Myint Thai Salad Rolls- Chicken, Kaffir, Orange, Lettuce, Fresh Herbs

Skinny Sips

Private Social has a cocktail menu that is sure to be full unique drinks you may be unfamiliar with. Here are a few suggestions to keep them calorie friendly

• Perfect Start- Cocchi Americano, Club Soda, Orange Peel
• Skinny Bubbles- Fruit Lab Jasmine Liqueur, Champagne, Baked Apple Bitters
• Vesper - Ultimat Vodka, Deaths Door Gin, Cocchi Americano

*Fun Side Note: The Chef at Private Social, Tiffany Derry, was on Top Chef!

Thank God It's Thursday

Thank God it's Thursday and one day away from the weekend! After working hard all week, you're probably ready  for a dinner that doesn't involve planning (or in my case, a microwave). You're probably also ready for a beer, cocktail, or a glass of wine- and hey, why not? You deserve it.  If you're looking for a lively social outting, West Village has plenty to offer in terms food, drinks, and entertainment.

One favorite of mine is Lemon Bar, appropriately located on Lemon avenue. 

The dinner menu is limited at Lemon Bar, but just next door is a great bristro restaurant and wine bar called Cru. Here are my suggestions for a healthy happy hour and dinner:

Lemon Bar: Skinny Sips

• Any light beer (Bud Light, Miller Light, Coors Light, Micholob Ultra) ~ 100 calories
• Red wine (Pinor Noir, Merlot, Cabernet) ~ 120 calories
• White wine (Chardonnay, Pinot Gringo, Savignon Blanc) ~120 calories

Cru':
Light Bites
Add a house salad with dressing on the side to any of these entrees to make it a more filling meals with the added nutrition from extra vegetables

• Seared Ahi Tuna baby romaine, roasted peppers, beefsteak tomatoes, honey balsamic vinaigrette
• *Order balsamic dressing on the side
• Pan Roasted Chicken Piccata  lemon caper sauce, fingerlings, spicy broccolini
• Pan Roasted Halibut  lemon-arugula risotto, stewed tomatoes
• *Ask to sub steamed veggies for risotto

Thank God It's Thursday

This Thursday, why not burn off some extra calories during your happy hour outing?  How? Head over to Sambuca for dinner, drinks, and dancing! This fun downtown spot has live music on Thursday nights and is the perfect place to enjoy fancy cocktails and healthy entrees.  Here are a few suggestions to keep you in check when you're out & about this weekend:


Skinny Sips
In addition to the first two martinis listed, Sambuca offers a few lower calorie beverages

• Sambuca Sling-Back - Grey Goose Vodka, St-Germain & champagne
• Lavender Martini - SKYY Infusions Citrus Vodka & hint of lavender
• Sinless Strawberry Mojito - Bacardi Limón Rum, strawberry purée & mint  (~113 calories)

Light Bites
Order any of these appetizers with a house salad & make it a meal- just remember to ask for all sauces on the side!

Seabass Skewers- skewered ponzu-glazed seabass & grilled asparagus

Seared Tuna -seared tuna sushi with Asian plum sauce

Acapulco Shrimp Cocktail - with tomato sauce, fresh lime, cilantro & jalapeños

Both of these seafood entrees are healthy choices. By trading starchy sides  like rice, pasta, and potatoes for non-starchy vegetables, you'll save calories and boost the nutritional value of your dinner.

• Citrus Salmon- roasted salmon topped with orange slices & served with zucchini, squash & red pepper
• Miso Sea Bass- atop jasmine rice, sautéed apples & baby bok choy
• *ask to sub veggies for jasmine rice

Sambuca has Happy Hour from 4:30-7:00 with the following specials:

• House Champagne $5, House Martinis $4, Wine by Glass $4.50
• Domestic Beer $2.50, Imported Beer $3.25, Well Drinks $3

Thank God It's Thursday

One day away from the weekend & my favorite night for happy hour- it's Thursday! Happy hour is a great time to get together with friends for drinks and food for a good price. Here are some tips on how to do it healthfully as well!

Tonight I'm headed north to Kona Grill at Northpark for cocktails and sushi.  Sushi can be a really healhty or a really not so healthy option, depending on what you order. So, here's the skinny on what to order next time you venture out to have sushi and saki.

Sushi Smarts

• Avoid anything "tempora" which means it's deep fried & high in saturated fat
• Look for rolls that do not contain mayo, aioli, or wasabi cream sauces, or order them without
• Ask your waiter if rolls can be prepared with brown rice
• A safe choice is always sashimi- which is raw fish without the rice
• You can add a cup of Miso soup and a house salad to make it a meal, just remember to get dressing on the side!

Healthy Bites
One great thing about Kona Grill's happy hour is their "skinny" appetizers menu.  These are great lower calorie options to split with friends or enjoy as your own entree. Other healthy dinner options on the menu include:

• Sushi Sampler- shrimp, tuna, salmon sushi and a california roll, served with a house salad
• Simply Grilled Fish- *ask for double vegetables or brown rice instead of white rice
• Tuna Roll- add a house salad w/dressing on the side*
• Rainbow Roll- enjoy with a cup of Miso Soup

Skinny Sips

• Swiss Kiss- light rum, kiwi, pineapple, and splenda simple syrup
• Sukini Marg- silver tequila, lime, oraange, & splenda simple syurp
• Slim Citrus Flip- skyy vodka, sugar free triple sec, Sauvignon Blanc,  fresh lemon & limes 

For more great low calorie options, check out the menu on their website

Kona Grill Skinny Drinks & Appetizers