Darlene Rosen bustles around the small kitchen inside her Junius Heights home. An enchilada frittata simmers on the stove, filling the air with the smell of roasted Hatch chilies, onions and chicken sausage. This is where Rosen feels most at home. “Since I love it, time disappears,” she says. About two years ago, Rosen turned her passion into an online catering business, Honey Girl Kitchen, preparing meals using organic ingredients and hormone-free meats. From orders for individuals to those topping 75, Rosen does it all in her own kitchen. The business grew out of her neighborhood playgroup. Other moms loved Rosen’s food so much they started asking her to cook for birthday parties, baptisms and other family events. Most of the recipes Rosen uses came from her mother. “I never tasted Hamburger Helper until I was out of the house,” Rosen says. “She never cooked out of a box.” Along with regular menu choices, Rosen features a different item each month — wild mushroom shepherd’s pie for January. In 2012 Rosen plans to start operating out of a food truck downtown, offering home-cooked meals during lunchtime. For now, she’s savoring her time in the kitchen.
Honey Girl Kitchen
214.532.3510
honeygirlkitchen.com
Three more spots for guilt-free eating
1 Garden Café
You know exactly where your food is coming from at this Old East Dallas establishment that uses fresh herbs and vegetables straight from its backyard garden.
Junius & Henderson
214.887.8330
gardencafe.net
2 Kalachandji’s
For years, this Indian restaurant has been helping vegetarians stay on the wagon, going that extra mile to use only the freshest, healthiest ingredients that align with the Ayurvedic art of cooking for the body, mind and spirit.
Gurley & Graham
214.821.1048
kalachandjis.com
3 Local
For an upscale twist on healthy eating, this Deep Ellum restaurant does just what its name suggests — it uses local ingredients and in-season products.
Elm & Walton
214.752.7500
localdallas.com
