As 2019 rapidly approaches and we prepare to make our annual New Year’s resolutions, many people (including me) vow to eat a healthier diet and exercise more often. But with our hectic lifestyles, it’s sometimes difficult to stay the course.
Fear not! Lots of new places that offer healthy, fast and casual menu options have recently opened, and more are set to open soon around town.
One of the biggest fast-casual dining trends these days is poke. While poke has long been a main dish in Hawaii, the trend has exploded onto the mainland food scene in recent years. If you’re looking to get your poke on, Poke Bowl opened a new location on Light Street in Federal Hill. There are also Poke Bowls in Cockeysville, Lutherville, Bel Air and downtown on North Calvert Street, with a sixth spot slated to open in Owings Mills. Check out the sushi burritos!
MOM’s Organic Market opened a new concept — MOM’s Bake Shop, next to the market at Yorkridge Shopping Center in Timonium. Menu offerings include organic vegetarian and vegan sandwiches, raw juices, muffins and house-made organic breads.
A casual bar and restaurant, L’Eau de Vie Organic Brasserie recently opened in the Caroline Street space formerly occupied by the Inn at the Black Olive. Healthy selections include paninis, sandwiches, salads, plates and smoothies.
A pair of restaurants recently opened in the Crestridge Center in Cockeysville. Pat’s Select Pizza|Grill is a family-friendly, fast-casual restaurant specializing in brick-oven pizza and signature flatbreads. Keep it healthy with the roasted veggie flatbread, kale and quinoa salad or broccoli and quinoa mix. Meanwhile, Asian Garden features Chinese, Japanese and Thai food, as well as a full line of sushi.
Looking for a little variety? Check out Clarksville’s’ new food hall — The Common Kitchen. The marketplace features 11 culinary artisans, including Namaste Foodie (Indian street food), Koshary by Misteka (Egyptian food), Smokin’ on the Bayou (BBQ), and Trifecto (coffee and juice bar).
GDL Italian by Giada, Chef Giada De Laurentiis’ restaurant at Horseshoe Casino, introduced a weekend brunch menu. Healthier menu items include kale Caesar salad and seasonal frittatas.
Coming Soon!
Former NFL player Anthony Walters and his wife, Kait, are slated to open the first Clean Juice franchise location in Maryland, at McHenry Row downtown (just off of Key Highway in the space formerly occupied by Ruby 8 Sushi). The concept specializes in açaí bowls, smoothies and juices using 100 percent organic produce. Look for a January opening date.
Lyfe Café, a healthy food restaurant (think veggie plates, juices, and salads), is slated to open early next year at The Shops at Kenilworth. Breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings will incorporate ingredients that promote physical and mental wellness.
Cool Stuff!
Four Seasons Hotel in Harbor East has transformed its fifth floor Harbor Terrace into a temporary rooftop skating rink. Guests can enjoy spiced apple cider, fire-roasted chestnuts and cocoa. And if you’re looking to have a bite before or after, check out the Hawaiian fusion cuisine at Roy’s Restaurant.
Harmony Bakery in Hampden is a dedicated gluten-free restaurant that offers salads, sandwiches and the best gluten-free bagels anywhere! Their desserts are to-die-for, and they’re organic and gluten-free.
I’m a regular at Encantada in the American Visionary Art Museum. The cauliflower steak and roast chicken are my go-to dishes. They have plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free selections.
Randi Rom is president of RJ Rom & Associates. She is a freelance columnist and writer who represents some of the region’s top restaurants and food-related events. Contact her at randirom@comcast.net.
Dara Bunjon talks with journalist, historian and chef Ramin Ganeshram, author of "The General's Cook," a novel about Chef Hercules Posey's time at George Washington's Mt. Vernon.
This year, Eddie's -- owned and operated by the Cohen family for nearly eight decades -- is offering three Pesach dinner packages, each with a different main course.
With her documentary, local journalist Rona Kobell explores the environmental and social conditions of the Eastern Shore's Deal Island.
You won't miss the flour in these kosher-for-Passover chocolate brownies and from local foodie Elite Jakob.