Posts Tagged ‘lunch’

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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Cafe Brazil

Recently, I sampled Cafe Brazil‘s fall menu and was pleasantly surprised, as my taste buds were flooded with the taste of pumpkin pancakes and cheesecake, holiday brew coffee and the blend of savory & spicy, in their Cranberry-Jalapeno Chutney Pork Chop.  Yeah! You heard me a pork chop! It was great! The sauce was sweet and spicy, the pork was perfectly cooked and the fried sweet potatoes on the side were perfectly cooked and the perfect item to dip in the leftover sauce.

                              

These famous fall favorites at Cafe Brazil are famous for a reason and eating is believing when you step into one of their many locations around Dallas. Now I had never been to Cafe Brazil before, but obviously had heard rantings and ravings about their cinnamon-pumpkin pancakes so my expectations were high. Well, these babies were definitely worth the compliments, they were fluffy, full of cinnamon and pumpkin flavor (but not too full) and covered with the most delicious cinnamon-butter.  One of their other seasonal items featured is the Chai Oatmeal, it tasted like a blend between a chai tea latte and oatmeal. If you like those two items, there is no doubt you will like this oatmeal. It is a step away from your traditional oatmeal and is more than unique. Feeling like a little sweet fall flavor in your life? You DO NOT wan’t to miss their Pumpkin Cheesecake. It is creamy, pumpkiny and on top of some a brownie walnut crust.  The chocolate and the pumpkin together makes for a combination that will leave you begging for more.

                          

Cafe Brazil on Urbanspoon

*All items reviewed were given to me for free. This does not change my opinion of the dishes. If  I didn’t like them then I would not have written about them*

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Recently, I sampled Cafe Brazil‘s fall menu and was pleasantly surprised, as my taste buds were flooded with the taste of pumpkin pancakes and cheesecake, holiday brew coffee and the blend of savory & spicy, in their Cranberry-Jalapeno Chutney Pork Chop.  Yeah! You heard me a pork chop! It was great! The sauce was sweet and spicy,…

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Del Frisco’s Grille

Recently, I’ve found myself at Del Frisco’s Grille off of McKinney Avenue for brunch almost weekly. It is the perfect place for a big group and has something for every person’s food personality.  One thing I must note for Del Frisco’s Grille is that they get an A+ for presentation. Each item is beautifully placed on the plate like a piece of culinary artwork. And the presentation is just a teaser for the flavorful dishes offered.

There are a few things that I would recommend, if you decide to venture over to Del Frisco’s.

1. The Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. On two thick pieces of perfectly toasted bread, the masses of cheddar and gruyere melt in your mouth and are perfectly accented by the warm roasted tomato soup.

2. The Grille Benedict. Two poached eggs with thin-sliced ham on top of two flaky and buttery scallion-white cheddar biscuits. Oh yah! And did I mention they are covered with chipotle hollandaise? Yeah, you heard me. Chipotle + Hollandaise= delicious.

 

3. For you sweet brunch lovers out there, try the banana & mascarpone-stuffed french toast topped with Grand Marnier syrup and BACON. Syrupy, sweet and savory, and delicious. Who doesn’t love bananas and bacon? That would be un-american.

  

4. Nutella Bread Pudding. It was moist, chocolately, warm and delicious. It was so good we contemplated picking it up to-go for dinner on Sunday. A must try.

Del Frisco's Grille on Urbanspoon
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Recently, I’ve found myself at Del Frisco’s Grille off of McKinney Avenue for brunch almost weekly. It is the perfect place for a big group and has something for every person’s food personality.  One thing I must note for Del Frisco’s Grille is that they get an A+ for presentation. Each item is beautifully placed on…

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The Gem- A Dallas Health Food Lovers Dream

The Gem on Inwood inside Duo might as well actually be called “The Gym.” It is that healthy.  Sit down for a light lunch, choose from one of their freshly pressed juices or smoothies, and if you dare try their 3-day cleanse.  Everything served is fresh, vegetarian, and delicious.

Looking for a juice? Try their popular, Green Glow made of kale, apple, ginger, lemon, and cucumber. You will feel your skin and body glowing as soon as the delicious drink touches your lips. My favorite is the Princess Cut. The juice made with carrots, apples, and ginger is sweet, satisfying, with the hint of ginger adding the perfect kick.

Craving something spicy? Try the Clarity Lemonade made with lemon, maple syrup and cayenne. It is super spicy and the most unusual and refreshing drink i’ve ever tried.

What about lunch, you ask? I have one word for you. Hummus. Who doesn’t love hummus? Well, hummus lovers beware because this hummus is creamy, homemade and filled with cilantro. The cilantro adds a bit of spice, but not so much that it is overpowering. Their are no oils, so everything used is natural and healthy. Do you like kale? Then you have to get the Kale salad with apples and pistachios.  Still hungry?  Get their soup of the day. The lentil soup is spicy and super filling. The Gem may be a health food restaurant, but trust me you won’t leave hungry.

7721 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75209 Open 8 am- 2pm Monday-Friday

  

The Gem on Inwood inside Duo might as well actually be called “The Gym.” It is that healthy.  Sit down for a light lunch, choose from one of their freshly pressed juices or smoothies, and if you dare try their 3-day cleanse.  Everything served is fresh, vegetarian, and delicious. Looking for a juice? Try their…

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Oddfellows Makes The Bishop Arts District Complete

Yay for Booze! Mimosa

Bishop Arts District would not be complete without Oddfellows and its cozy, comforting atmosphere.  Walking into Oddfellow’s i’m reminded of a perfect family breakfast spot you would see in a movie.  The country style decor is calming and beautiful with white wooden paneling, old antique bicycles hanging from the wall and old fashioned style mirrors with the coffee menu painted on them above the bar. Oddfellow’s has been my go to place for breakfast for a long time and every time I arrive I feel at ease and am excited to sit back and relax.

Now, i’m going to list a few rules of the road when dining at Oddfellow’s:

Red Velvet Pancake

1. Order one of their cup’s of coffee. The roast is bold and has a hint of a maple taste. Drink it slow and enjoy.

2. Eat a Red Velvet Pancake with cream cheese fluffy deliciousness on top. It is chocolatey, fluffy and perfect for absorbing just the right amount of syrup, which is balanced out by the cream cheese icing. If you are a lover of sweets at breakfast, this is your dish. If not, get it as a side and at least have a bite. You won’t be sorry.

3. Share the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese voted The Best Mac and Cheese in Dallas by the Dallas Observer in 2011.  Buffalo Chicken Strips on top of Mac and Cheese? Need I say more? I think not.

Texas Honey Granola + Yogurt + Fresh Fruit

4. Try the Texas Honey Granola + Yogurt + Fresh Fruit. I can honestly say this may be the best granola in Dallas, and I’ve had a lot of granola. It is full of oats that seem to be marinated in honey, and then slow cooked so it they are crispy but gooey at the same time. Bottom line: Oddfellow’s Texas Honey Granola is was amazing and I wish I could have it everyday.

Bishop Arts District would not be complete without Oddfellows and its cozy, comforting atmosphere.  Walking into Oddfellow’s i’m reminded of a perfect family breakfast spot you would see in a movie.  The country style decor is calming and beautiful with white wooden paneling, old antique bicycles hanging from the wall and old fashioned style mirrors with the coffee…

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