GOOD EATS GURU: PRIDE FUEL

 Can’t live on fab alone.

When it comes to Pride Week, we all know where to go for the best throw downs—the Jamaica Plain block party, countless nights at clubs all over the city, and post-march porch blowouts. But what about when we get hungry the mornings after our celebratory charades? Here’s a quick guide to gay-friendly dining in the greater Boston area.

DIESEL CAFE | DAVIS SQUARE

Certainly the bedrock of intersecting cultures and progressive eating, Diesel Cafe in Davis Square is a hotspot for local queers. On any given day, you may be left wondering about the persuasions of your order-taker, sandwich-maker, and coffee-brewer. As for the food, they source locally as often as possible, compost, and

recently won an award for the Green Business of the Year

from the Somerville Chamber of Commerce. And those are just a few of the many reasons to stop by this rainbow-run establishment. [And don't forget to stop by their sister shoppe Bloc 11 in Union Square! --Ed.]
[257 Elm St., Somerville. @Diesel_Cafe. diesel-cafe.com]

LOCAL 149 | SOUTH BOSTON

You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but Local is another operation (see: Diesel Cafe)

quietly directed by a talented female duo.

A significant portion of Boston’s LGBT community rolls through Local to partake in the amazing menu that changes seasonally and features such delights as a-la-carte meat and cheese plates, couscous dressed salmon, and house-made drinks with fresh juices and hand-infused liquors. Hit Local up for a pre-pride party snack during the week or morning-after brunch during the weekend.
[149 P St., Boston. @Local_149. local149.com]

Z RANT | CENTRAL SQUARE

Zuzu has become infamous within the local scene for it’s weekly queer dance night on Tuesdays. Recently, a crafty queer chef put it on the foodie map with Z Rant, a new restaurant celebrated as

“a decadent alternative to the everyday brunch and sandwich bar.”

With benedicts to die for, a cinnamon french toast casserole (can that even be real!?), and sandwiches with names like Porkage in a Pear Tree, Z Rant cannot be missed. And, if you go for brunch this weekend, you might even find Boston’s premier resident lesbian DJ, Leah Mcfly, who won DJ of the Year at the 2011 Boston Music Awards.
[474 Mass Ave., Cambridge. @zuzubar. zrant.com]

As we celebrate Pride this year, let’s remember that our culture runs deep into the roots of Boston, beyond colorful fashion tastes and wildly fun night lives and into the realms of basic necessity. Not that glitter isn’t necessary, but, you know, don’t forget to eat.