Posts Tagged ‘gluten free’

Origin Natural Food: A Natural Spin on Food and Coffee

Often times I’ve thought to myself, I wish there was a coffee shop where I could sit down, get something healthy to eat and do my work. Well, my prayers have been answered now that Origin Natural Food is open on McKinney Avenue.

As soon as I walked in, I knew I was going to feel at home with the friendly people, the inviting atmosphere, the black and white photos of Dallas landmarks adorning the walls and even better the refrigerators full of healthy food options. Yes you heard me…healthy food! Finally, somewhere to eat healthy and drink coffee– two of my favorite things in the world!! (and even better their coffee is from Oakcliff Coffee Roasters) The idea behind Origin Natural Food is really something special, with their goal being to promote a healthy lifestyle, by eating REAL food.  Forget about all those nasty preservatives and fake food imitations because their food, prepared by their Chef Jeff Smith, is gluten free, dairy free, preservative free, grass-fed and free range.  They only use coconut oil and olive oil, all sauces are made of pureed vegetables and fruits. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner to take away or to eat in, as you sip on a warm cup of coffee.

Each item on the menu is original, from the No Pasta, Pasta made of zucchini noodles, an heirloom tomato reduction and vegetable medley to the Pumpkin Crusted Salmon. For breakfast, pick up an Origin Breakfast– a grilled portobello with, bacon wrapped asparagus, sliced Tomato and a poached egg with hollandaise.  Or get my favorite, Jess’ Special.  Just think to yourself…egg whites, cinnamon, nutmeg, almond butter and banana all blended together into an amazing breakfast concoction like you have never tasted before.  You can taste the delicious banana and almond butter with every bite and you would never even believe that you are eating egg whites.  It may sound a bit strange but it is unbelievably good. I had to grab one as  I sat there and heard how much everyone else in the room was raving about it.

Looking to pick up a salad? They also offer an assortment of salads like a Kale salad with apples, dried cranberries, pecans and a sugar free lemon vinaigrette dressing that tastes like lemonade. YUM! I mean lets be real, we all know what makes a salad good—the dressing—and this one is out of this world! If this isn’t enough to make you want to try Origin Natural Food, I don’t know what is– just get yourself on over and enjoy. I did.

 

Often times I’ve thought to myself, I wish there was a coffee shop where I could sit down, get something healthy to eat and do my work. Well, my prayers have been answered now that Origin Natural Food is open on McKinney Avenue. As soon as I walked in, I knew I was going to…

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Pure deLite: Absolutely DELITE-full

Lately, I’ve noticed the health food trend kicking into high gear- eat kale, drink carrot juice, snack on some celery sticks. Well, what about all of us people who don’t want to do that? I mean its winter and time to store up to keep warm, right? Right! But what about those of us who want to indulge, but don’t exactly want to pack on all those extra calories. Here is the answer—Pure deLite cupcakes, and they are DELITE-full.


Walk into this cute little bakery in Carrolton off of E. Hebron Parkway, and get ready to dig into one of the most delicious cupcakes of your life—filled with some of the most creative and unusual toppings and fillings. Like the Family Dinner- a sweet potato cake filled with cranberry relish, vanilla buttercream frosting and crumble topping. Sound interesting? Just wait they have over 140 flavors to choose from that you need to see for yourself.


Oh and did I mention? Each little piece of cupcake delite has half the calories, half the sugar and half the fat of your traditional cupcake and they offer gluten and dairy free options. Could something so sweet get any sweeter? Yes it can. Here is why. The icing. These cupcakes are topped and some filled with the most delicious icing I’ve ever tasted. It was like biting into a cloud of whipped fluff, not too thick, not too runny, but just right. Each bite perfectly sweetened leaving you begging for more and eliminating that sugar induced coma you often get with some cupcakes. Pure deLite left me in awe and it will definitely be one of my top picks when I need some cupcake lovin’ in the future.

Lately, I’ve noticed the health food trend kicking into high gear- eat kale, drink carrot juice, snack on some celery sticks. Well, what about all of us people who don’t want to do that? I mean its winter and time to store up to keep warm, right? Right! But what about those of us who…

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Interview with Chef Curtis Stone

Recently, I was lucky enough to interview Chef Curtis Stone at the Dallas Market Center. Chef Stone, chef and host of Bravo’s Around the World in 80 Plates, also has his own line of kitchen products and after hearing about them I was sold! During his 2006 series, Take Home Chef, Curtis was inspired to make a line of kitchen products that gives people confidence in the kitchen. Chef Stone gives people confidence in the kitchen by supplying them with practical tools that make the cooking process a little simpler. For example, baking pans have silicone in them so the pans are easier to empty and bowls have handles and measurements on them to eliminate that multiple bowl mess.

A few things about Chef Stone that you would never believe:

His cooking motto is to cook as mother nature intended and he does so by growing his own fresh produce. Curtis also served as a doorman at a hotel (goes to show your life can change in a blink of an eye.)

After my meeting with Chef Stone, I was able to walk around the Gourmet Market and must say I had the time of my life. It was a heaven of salsa, jelly and desert samples. Everywhere I turned there was something delicious. I walked around for over an hour sampling pre-made pie fillings, healthy prepackaged soup fixings (with no perservatives), gluten free brownies and even learned about some nifty gadgets like a jalapeno griller. There were so many amazing things and while at the Market they are only available for resellers, people like you and me can get this great stuff online. :)

So heres a list. Go and check them out! Lauren’s Gourmet Gluten Free Brownies, Cooke Tavern Gourmet Soups, Country Living Pie in a Jar and the Jalapeno Griller.


Recently, I was lucky enough to interview Chef Curtis Stone at the Dallas Market Center. Chef Stone, chef and host of Bravo’s Around the World in 80 Plates, also has his own line of kitchen products and after hearing about them I was sold! During his 2006 series, Take Home Chef, Curtis was inspired to…

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Company Cafe

This brand new spot has become a hit among many, especially the fans of the Katy Trail. The Company Cafe located off of the Katy Trail next door to the Ice House, is the perfect place for lunch outside on a nice day or for a great dinner any day of the week. The menu has an array of options to choose from whether you be a meat eater or a fish lover, everything you choose will be melt in your mouth delicious. Just think, 12-hour braised short ribs in BBQ sauce, on a bed of spinach and sweet potato mash. Yes I know…doesn’t it sound AMAZING!?! This cute little cafe is also known for their fresh food, and their tomato and mozzarella salad is proof, the tomatoes perfect ripe and the mozzarella fresh and perfectly fluffy. So if you are looking for something fresh and natural, Company Cafe will satisfy.

 
Company Cafe on Urbanspoon

This brand new spot has become a hit among many, especially the fans of the Katy Trail. The Company Cafe located off of the Katy Trail next door to the Ice House, is the perfect place for lunch outside on a nice day or for a great dinner any day of the week. The menu…

Read More
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