NEWS
10/18/12 7:00pm
By Allie Schaich
Tucked behind the main restaurants and shops in Rice Village, and somewhat hidden behind construction, is a little-known eatery gem: Local Foods. Local Foods receives its produce from farms and ranches located in close proximity to Houston. The freshness of the food is reflected in the deliciousness of the meals, and the sandwiches, priced closer to Kahn's Deli than to Jimmy John's, are well worth the price. One of the first elements I noticed and liked about Local Foods was the coffee-shop-like atmosphere of the mix-matched tables, chairs and wall decor. With a better interior design than the stereotypical hipster coffee joint, the distinct layout of Local Foods certainly gives it an enticing and enjoyable atmosphere. The exposed brick on the walls and the huge farm-style bags of vegetables and grains on a shelf help to establish the homegrown, small-town feel of Local Foods.Although its menu is not large, Local Foods offers a variety of sandwiches and salads, such as the capered tuna sandwich, truffled egg salad sandwich and spicy Szechuan tofu salad. It also offers a wide range of sides and soups, including the homemade potato chips, Tuscan kale, and posole soup (green chili, chicken and cilantro). Whether you want something hot or cold, rich or light, crunchy or smooth, Local Foods has a tempting option. The meals range in price from $10 to $12, but most of them come in a hearty portion and with a generous helping of a side. I ordered the crunchy chicken sandwich, which included nut-crusted chicken breast, provolone cheese, buttermilk ranch dressing and a pretzel bun. With it, I ordered a cup of the market vegetable soup, made with matzo balls and Parmesan cheese. The sandwich had a flavor I had not tasted before. The nut crust gave the chicken a slightly sweet taste, which contrasted with the saltiness of the pretzel bun. The ranch dressing complemented the grilled provolone cheese, which created a creamy texture in contrast with the crunchiness of the chicken. Every component of the sandwich was fresh, but the soup fell flat with its overly salted flavor.I had never encountered a meal like this before: picky eaters, beware! However, the fresh food should not be overlooked, and the close proximity to Rice makes Local Foods a great off-campus dining option for Saturday nights.
