Looking to kick up the nutrition in the new year without sacrificing flavor? Several local eateries make it easier than ever to eat a little healthier with the slew of beautiful, bountiful, ultra-hearty bowls on their menus.
The Sweet Potato & Veggie Hash Bowl ($17.95) at SugarJam The Southern Kitchen (SJSouthernKitchen.com) is a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions because it is naturally vegan yet full of protein, thanks to the generous portion of plant-based sausage in every bowl. The sausage patties are complemented by seasoned, diced organic potatoes, red peppers, onions, and spinach. Similarly perfect for vegetarians and vegans is the Athena Quinoa Bowl ($16) at Picazzo's Healthy Italian Kitchen (Picazzos.com). Named in tribute to the Greek goddess of wisdom, this heart-healthy meal starts with quinoa, a nutrient-dense ancient grain, which is mixed with chopped zucchini, kale, roasted yellow tomatoes, chopped cucumber, Kalamata olives, and red onions. The colorful bowl is then topped with creamy hummus, crumbled feta, tzatziki, and microgreens before getting a final drizzle of turmeric-tahini dressing. And d’Lite Healthy On The Go (DliteHealthyOnTheGo.com) also has an ultra-flavorful option in its d’Veggie Bowl ($12.49 and up). Vibrant and colorful quinoa and broccoli florets, known for their folate and vitamins A and C, serve as the base of the dish. It is topped with hearty mushroom bisque, feta, tomato, and a drizzle of spicy chipotle aioli and served with a side of toasted bagel chips for dipping and scooping. You also can customize the bowl with various modifications, including adding basmati rice, coconut lentils, and more.
Those looking for a meatier take are also in luck, especially at Postino WineCafé (PostinoWineCafe.com), because each location Valleywide just launched an all-new offering in the P.R.E.A.M. Bowl ($17.50). Short for “protein rules everything around me,” the dish is a celebration of warm heritage grains, seasoned broccoli, and avocado slices paired with your choice of grilled chicken or steak skewers. A dollop of tomato-based romesco sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan-Reggiano add a kick to every bite. Collins Brothers Public House (CollinsBrothersAZ.com) also has a hit on its hands with the Salmon Almond-Chili Crudo Bowl ($18). Sushi-grade salmon, packed with omega-3 fatty acids and potassium, is the star of the show, but thanks in great part to the depth of flavor provided by savory chili almond sauce, pickled red onions, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and chili-garlic rice. The Zen Poke Bowl ($16) at 32 Shea (32Shea.com) is similarly a stunner. Loaded with essential vitamins like K and B12, sustainably sourced ahi tuna is paired with rice, avocado, marinated cucumbers, jalapeños, and orange slices. The bowl is completed with a drizzle of Sriracha mayo, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a soy glaze that ties all the flavors together with a hint of umami.
Finally, True Food Market (TheTrueFoodMarket.com) has an entire menu of bowls. These Chop’d Bowls ($10.95 and up) start with your choice of a bed of grains, greens, or a combination of both. There is then the choice of four primary flavor combinations—Kale Caesar, Mediterranean Couscous, Curry Chicken, or Southwest—their accompanying vegetables, beans, nuts, and dressings, and a choice of proteins, including grilled chicken, gluten-free air-fried chicken tenders, and organic grilled tofu. The gluten-free Southwest Bowl is especially delicious thanks to the fiber-rich black beans, corn, cilantro, red bell peppers, immunity-boosting pumpkin seeds, and creamy cilantro lime vinaigrette, as is the Caesar, which is loaded with kale, proved to lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes, protect against heart disease, and aid in digestion.