Laguna Beach local and pro skateboarder Nyjah Huston won an Olympic qualifier at the World Street Skateboarding event in Rome on July 3. She has returned to Orange County and is training for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The 13-time X Games gold medalist is busy these days.
On August 24, he launched The Nyjah Bowl with Urban Plates to promote the restaurant group’s healthy eating campaign called “Fuel Your Best”.
Houston, who has lived in Orange County for more than 12 years, approached Urban Plates last year with the idea of collaborating.
“I don’t do deals like this for the money,” says Houston. “I do it because the brand suits me and it’s something that really matters to me. I want to encourage more people to eat healthy and educate themselves about a healthier lifestyle.”
He discovered Urban Plates after a skate session in San Diego. Houston remembers her mother preparing nutritious homemade food during her childhood. With her platform as an athlete, Houston can now share her way of eating with her fans.
“I first discovered (Urban Plates) around the SD area. I skate there often,” she says. “I was looking for something to eat and it seemed like a solid, healthy option after a long hard day of skating. Ever since I first went there, I fell in love, to be honest.” He began to frequent the Aliso Viejo location and thought the restaurant could help him encourage others to eat healthier.
“Being healthy is a huge part of my lifestyle and something that means a lot to me,” says Houston. “That’s why I don’t eat fast food. It means a lot to me to eat good quality food. I know how much better it will be for my body in the long run.”
Working with Urban Plates chef and culinary director Joe Noonan, Houston developed The Nyjah Bowl. A combination of grilled chicken glazed with Gochujang red chili sauce, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted red peppers and onions. The bowl is garnished with charred broccoli florets and wakame (seaweed). The dairy- and grain-free dish is served with cauliflower fried rice and garnished with microgreens.
Houston suggested cauliflower fried rice instead of the typical cereal. He also helped shape the flavors in the bowl.
“Asian food is my favorite food,” he says. “So, I wanted to bring some of those flavors that are personal to me.” As an athlete, the Houston diet is part of her success.
“For someone like me who is active every day, whether I’m skating, hiking, or working out, it’s important to fuel my body with the right things and eat a well-balanced diet,” he says. “Nowadays, I eat almost everything, but I avoid red meat and eggs and only have a small amount of dairy. I like good quality fish, grilled salmon, grilled chicken, and turkey. I eat a ton of rice, vegetables, chicken, fish, and pasta.”
The Nyjah Bowl is available at all five Urban Plates Orange County locations in Irvine, Aliso Viejo, Tustin, Irvine and Brea. For more information, visit urbanplates.com.
