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Billboard charting recording artist Tanya Nolan’s love for Texas Gulf Coast cuisine runs deep. Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, the entertainer has called Houston home for the last 25-plus years.
Though her music career may take the star to a multitude of places, this Galvastonian keeps the bar high when it comes to comparing her hometown’s food scene to those of other cities she’s visited.
“I guess it’s about the water,” says Nolan, saying this is especially important when it comes to seafood. “One of my favorites are wild-caught sea bass and catfish. I’m from Galveston so I’m saying wild-caught because it’s right out of the ocean. There’s a difference between wild-caught and farm-raised [fish] for me.”
Texas Gulf Coast Cuisine Food Memories
The singer/songwriter honed her palate thanks to a family that celebrated the holidays big time and a mother who created special food memories.
“My mother used to cook for me and my two sisters. She would use ground beef, add cut-up potatoes and onions and season it to her liking. We called it ‘hash’ and it’s one of my favorite meals,” recalls the “Honey” singer fondly.
“Another favorite meal my mother makes is gumbo. She makes hers with red roux (she adds tomato paste). It’s so delicious!”
Nolan credits “Maw,” her grandmother Ruby Jones, for teaching and passing on the family recipes—which the singer’s mother, in turn, shared with her. “I do enjoy cooking. I do a lot of cooking in the oven, not necessarily on top of the stove. I love to bake,” says the celebrity who admits she often freestyles it when it comes to recipe measurements. “I can throw down with bone-in roasts. I do a lot of chicken and fish.”
Shifting to a Healthier Menu
As for a dish that makes an anticipated appearance at every family gathering table, the “Let’s Celebrate” star reveals it’s her mother’s cornbread dressing. “I made it for my family the first time last year and it came out great!”
The special twist Nolan added to the recipe, “I like my cornbread kinda sweet. That’s the secret. Since I’m diabetic, I don’t put regular sugar. I use agave because it doesn’t spike the blood sugar.”
Agave sweetener was also the key to helping Nolan lose over 100 pounds. “I drink lots of fluids—water and juices—and it was the juices which were making me gain the weight. It’s the sugars,” says the Galveston native, who admits the extra weight snuck up on her. “I was sizable pretty much the majority of my adult life…I got so busy, and I’m glad my doctor gave me that scare when my A1C [blood glucose level] was a little bit too high.”
She set off on the road to a healthier lifestyle by switching to agave nectar to sweeten her juice drinks, particularly her lemonade. “You want [to mix] plain lemon juice with water and use agave to sweeten it to taste…When I started doing that, I dropped the weight—that’s how much I drank fluids,” affirms Nolan, who also added walking and kickboxing to her fitness routine. “It took about eight months to drop that much weight,” she shares.
Tanya Nolan’s Restaurant Picks
Today, Nolan maintains her weight by making healthy choices in her diet. “I love all kinds of greens and fresh, seeded fruits and vegetables,” she says, listing the foods that don’t raise her blood sugar.
But that doesn’t mean the entertainer avoids her beloved Texas Gulf Coast favorites. When asked how she navigates the rich culinary scene in Galveston and Houston, the music star and entrepreneur hones in on places that not only celebrate the rich flavors of the area but also offer a unique culinary experience. Here, Nolan shares three favorite restaurant picks.
1 Allen’s Kitchen and Grill in Galveston is a soul food restaurant known for its comforting Southern cuisine, says Nolan. “I recommend it for Cuisine Noir readers because it captures the essence of home-cooked meals with a touch of Southern hospitality,” points out the singer.“From tender fried chicken to savory collard greens and fluffy cornbread, Allen’s serves up classic soul food dishes that warm the heart and satisfy the soul. It’s a place where every bite feels like a hug, and I’m sure readers will appreciate the delicious comfort food and welcoming atmosphere.”
2. Saltgrass Steak House in Houston and Galveston is a Texas favorite renowned for its mouthwatering steaks and Texan hospitality observes the singer. “I recommend it because it offers an unforgettable dining experience centered around perfectly grilled cuts of meat and hearty sides. Whether you’re in Houston or Galveston, Saltgrass promises a true taste of Texas with its flavorful steaks, loaded baked potatoes and signature bread,” she shares. “It’s the perfect spot to indulge in a classic steakhouse meal while soaking in the warm ambiance and friendly service.”
3. The Turkey Hut in Houston offers Creole-inspired cuisine with a twist describes Nolan. “I recommend it because it’s a refreshing take on traditional Creole dishes, incorporating turkey as a flavorful and health-conscious alternative,” says the star.
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From spicy jambalaya to creamy gumbo and zesty po’boys, Nolan shares The Turkey Hut serves up bold flavors that showcase the diversity of Creole cooking. “It’s a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of New Orleans right here in Houston.”
With its rich food culture, it’s no wonder Nolan has a passion for the tastes and flavors in her native Galveston and current hometown of Houston.
Follow Tanya Nolan on social media for updates and glimpses into her world. For more information about her music, including her newest single, “Honey,” visit her official website.
