Out to Eat: Raw Tacos from Red Pepper Deli

I swear, you guys… the taco “meat” (made from walnuts) smelled exactly like the real deal. The taste was pretty on point, too. Seasoning is universal, I guess. These tacos were served on a romaine leaf with diced tomatoes, onions, and sprouts on top. I also tried a CocoCabana smoothie, made with Thai young coconuts.

My dining companion Rachel tried the raw burrito. She said she was pretty impressed with the raw cheese (I think it’s made from cashews). Check out her take on the experience here.

I don’t feel the need to eat raw all the time, but I love eating it when I can. I always feel so refreshed after eating a raw meal! Plus, I love how it forces chefs to get creative.

Out to Eat: Red Pepper Deli

I’ve been to this quaint little “deli” a few times now. I put deli in quotes because, unlike most delis, this one doesn’t serve meat (or cheese). It’s a vegan, mostly raw place. Their food is so creative! Every time I go, I’m continuously impressed with what they come up with.

Out to Eat: Middle Eastern Feast

I mentioned in a recent post that Middle Eastern food is a fantastic compromise for people who love to eat whole, healthy foods and people who… couldn’t care less. Last night I went out to a local Middle Eastern restaurant called Jerusalem Garden with two of my friends who definitely do care, but I was reminded of how great that food is for all types of eaters.

I ordered a lovely fattoush salad topped with grilled chicken and fried pita (it tastes like pita chips). The fried pita, while not the healthiest thing in the world, made the salad feel more indulgent even though there were only a few pieces on the whole plate. This meal cost $7.49 (before tax and tip), highlighting the fact that Middle Eastern food is not only healthy, but also quite affordable.

What’s your favorite healthy Middle Eastern dish?

Out to Eat: Happy Hour!

Last night, a few of us had a slightly classier happy hour (that’s Lin-Chi in the midst of an elaborate story). We went to a local French/Italian bistro that has $2.75 baskets of mussels and deals on martinis and wine during happy hour.

If you want to enjoy happy hour but avoid greasy bar food, scope out nicer restaurants in your area to see if they offer any sort of deal. It’s a good way to try out food you wouldn’t otherwise want to splurge on AND keep health in check. Other happy hour appetizer options (20% off) at the place we went to were:

• Grilled portabella mushroom marinated in red wine with shallots, garlic, sage and rosemary.
• Mushroom caps filled with a stuffing of minced mushrooms, sautéed spinach, shallots and garlic; with basil and toasted pine nuts; topped with Parmesan and baked.
• Sautéed shrimp served in a ginger-lemon sauce, with cracked black pepper, on spinach leaves.
• Smoked salmon slices with asparagus and avacado, sprinkled with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh basil.
• Tomato slices with fresh mozzarella and pesto.

Much healthier happy hour fare!

Out to Eat: Zingerman’s Roadhouse

I took my foodie dad to Zingerman’s Roadhouse for a (very) belated Father’s Day dinner. Zingerman’s Roadhouse has been ranked among the top 10 BBQ restaurants in the country, but all of the food is good. From their website:

James Beard-nominated Chef Alex Young and the Roadhouse crew serve a menu and weekly specials, with a passion for Really Good American Food, using seasonal, heirloom produce from Cornman Farms—our very own farm, supplying Roadhouse tables with hours-old vegetables.

All of their food is selected so carefully, I can really food good about ordering anything on the menu (including meat). That’s why I went for the Ancho Beef Chili, (“Hand-cut Niman Ranch beef with black beans in ancho chile broth”) which is literally the best chili I’ve ever had. I also ordered one of my favorite salads, the Arugula and Red Oak Salad (“Arugula and red oak leaf with with Cornman Farms roasted beets, red onion, California Zinfandel vinaigrette and fresh goat cheese from Zingerman’s Creamery. Tossed with red wine vinaigrette”). That goat cheese is so amazing. It puts any you can buy at a normal grocery store to shame.

My dad had the BBQ sampler plate with ribs, brisket, and pulled pork (I’ve had it before, it’s incredible). I love Zing’s Roadhouse and recommend it even over the famous eponymous deli. Both restaurants, however, have the best ingredients from the best sources that make the high prices worth it. If you’re ever in town, don’t miss ‘em (and take me with you!).

I ordered a goat cheese and grilled veggie wrap on a whole wheat pita.

Rachel ordered a spicy eggplant curry dish. It came with a yogurt-beet sauce that was BRIGHT pink. She said it was good, but not as spicy as she expected.

After the movie, Rachel (pictured) and I couldn’t imagine eating meat, so we headed to the nearest vegetarian restaurant and sat outside. After scrutinizing the menu, we ordered yam fries as an appetizer. Their dipping sauce is so good!

ETA: Yes, it’s Seva!

Shanna asks:

What’s your take on Chipotle? Specifically, a vegetarian burrito bowl is kind of my go-to for quick, on-the-run meal. I order half the rice, twice the beans, and have them load on fajita veggies, fresh salsa, guac, a little cheese and lettuce.  I end up eating this about 2 or 3x a week (I LOVE it) and I’ve always considered it a pretty healthy alternative to fast food, but am I just deluding myself?

Chipotle is one of those chains that sort of masquerades as healthy by marketing itself as natural and organic. Don’t get me wrong, I love that they’re striving for “food with integrity,” but in terms of health, I’m not sure that means a whole lot.

If you’re going to eat Chipotle, a vegetarian burrito bowl is probably the best you can do (hold the sour cream and cheese if possible). WITH guac, sour cream, and cheese, the whole thing will run you about 900 calories (per the Daily Plate). I’m guessing you can shave 300-400 calories by cutting the sour cream, some cheese, and some rice, but it’s still not a low-calorie dish by any means. Beans are great, but they’re pretty calorie dense and I’m sure Chipotle isn’t using oil sparingly.Plus, the rest of the bowl doesn’t offer much nutrition (romaine lettuce isn’t exactly a nutritional champion).

Bottom line: A Chipotle veggie burrito bowl isn’t the worst thing you could eat, especially for fast food, but it’s still a higher calorie meal without a ton of nutritional value. I know, I know, my Chipotle-loving readers are going to be mad at me for this. Just watch the portion carefully (don’t eat the whole thing if you can help it) and don’t fool yourself into thinking it’s health food.