Pomegranate Martini

Where I come from, making healthy eating choices means switching to Bud Light and holding the chili on the chili cheese fries. But one Wednesday, I decide to give Ziggy's Healthy Grill (2202 West Alabama, 713-527-8588) a chance. And I'm pleasantly surprised by the menu of tasty-sounding burgers, sandwiches and -- best of all -- drink choices. I get the feeling that Ziggy's drinks can be consumed guilt-free, as if Heidi Klum walks in every Friday to down some Ziggyritas. The look of some of the female clientele supports this theory. And the crowd serves as a near-perfect summary of Houston's main characters: There's Disaffected Hipster Couple, Aging Oil Company Businessman, Sad Woman with Gucci Sunglasses, Token Cowboy Guy and Couple Speaking Primarily in Spanish. In fact, pretty much everyone's here except for Angry Homeless Guy with a Shank. As a lounge cover of Modern English's "Melt with You" plays, Gwen, an alluring blond with alluring tattoos and a constant, alluring smile, takes my order. After several sips of my specialty pomegranate martini, I decide this place kicks ass. Who knew health food could taste so damn good?

2 ounces Taaka vodka
1 1/2 ounces triple sec
1 1/2 ounces Pom (or 100 percent pomegranate juice)
1 lime wedge or pomegranate seeds (when in season)

Combine vodka, triple sec and Pom in a shaker. Shake vigorously -- but healthily -- garnish with lime or seeds, and serve in a chilled martini glass.