Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Top Ten Healthy Picnic Ideas From Area Restaurants


Top 10 Healthy Picnic Foods (Riverside/Avondale/Ortega)
                 What makes the perfect picnic? Think outside the basket and visit some of our neighborhood’s many great local eateries that offer excellent and healthy options for a perfect Springtime Lunch. Counting down our Top Ten Picks for your al fresco meals are: 10. Bold Bean Coffee Roasters will get you moving in the AM with their extensive and locally ground java. The staff is super knowledgeable about the process of coffee roasting- from the bean to your cup. 9. With healthy specials everyday it’s hard to discount Cool Moose’s original take on omelets and sandwiches. ‘The Nubble’ was one such special – an omelet made from shitake, kale, pancetta, and swiss cheese with a side of multigrain strawberry pancakes, rib eye eggs, and toast! Cool Moose is located on Park Street. 8. Grassroots Natural Market also on Park Street has an expansive array of fresh, organic local produce to cover the side items. If you’re more of an evening picnic-er you might want to include some the craft brews and wines they have to offer from places like Intuition and Bold City Brewing Companies. Grassroots also helps out the common man’s recipe problem by sharing simple but tasty recipes to stretch your culinary wisdom. 7. For the vegan palette, European Street Riverside located on Park Street has a spread of Shakti Life Kitchen products prepackaged and ready to add to your picnic. To go orders are an option and have you covered with anything from the Athena’s Gift which is a vegan sausage sandwich or a Tempe BBQ pita. Don’t forget to check out the vegan treats in the cooler, too. 6. The newest sweet shop in Riverside, Sweet Theory has tons of vegan and gluten free treats great for special dietary needs to round out your meal. 5. The Veggie Bin is a food and grocery store on McDuff catering to customers that are thinking globally by buying locally. Tons of fruits and vegetables are available to add to your perfect outdoor dining experience. Be sure to check out their Facebook page before you go for up to date hints and recipes. 4. For the pizza lover in all of us Carmines Pie House on Forbes Street will substitute dairy cheese for vegan cheese making your pie a little more healthful. 3. If you’re wondering what the perfect beverage is for an active person to enjoy on a picnic look no further than Smoothie King on Riverside Avenue. Dozens of choices make for a great pick- me –up. They’ll even add in energy boosters or fat burners to give you the extra push. 2. Tres Leches on Stockton Street offering baked goods and deceivingly healthful fare ranging from omelets to spinach artisan bread sandwiches- both available after 10am. The number 1 pick for the healthful picnic items goes to Riverside Arts Market. Where else can you shop from numerous local farms and sit outside to enjoy your perfect lunchtime gathering? Jacksonville’s outdoor arts and entertainment venue boasts dozens of booths specializing in fresh and organic food for the health- conscious buyer. 

San Marco/San Jose/ St. Nicholas
What makes the perfect picnic? Think outside the basket and visit some of our neighborhood’s many great local eateries that offer excellent and healthy options for a perfect Springtime Lunch. Counting down our Top Ten Picks for your al fresco meals are: 10. Pulp located on San Marco Blvd gets you fueled for the day with various smoothies and juices blending veggies and fruits alike for a delicious and healthy jump start. 9. Switch up the mundane cereal for an Acai Bowl from High Tide Burrito Co on Hendricks. Included in the bowls are options like bananas, granola, beets, honey and goji berries.
8. Maple Street Biscuit Company located in the heart of San Marco on the Blvd, specializes in gourmet biscuits and even has some vegetarian options like the Rural Oatmeal made with real oats and pure maple syrup. 7. San Marco’s own European Street offers the favorites to go for your perfect picnic- house favorite The Riviera is a Provolone, hummus, spring mix, cucumbers, banana peppers, onions, tomatoes and olive oil honey-wheat flour tortilla wrap. 6. Next on the list is Mediterranean restaurant, The Olive Tree on Hendricks Ave. Mediterranean food has long had a reputation as healthy fare and this place has it all, from dolmadas to hummus. They also deliver to the area. 5. Think you can’t get smarter options at a wing place? Think again! Hurricane Wings and Grill on Hendricks Ave has colorful salads and grilled fish for the more health conscious consumer. 4. Jimmy Johns on Hendricks Ave will get your food to you ‘freaky fast’ so you can enjoy the sunshine- they deliver a bevy of subs, with baked meats, guacamole and low calorie veggies. 3. Sushi is a notoriously clean dish and can be a great way to mix up an average picnic and is perfect for sharing with friends. Fuji Sushi on San Marco Blvd has lunch specials and is open every day of the week. 2. The San Marco Deli in Historic San Marco offers choices like wraps, salads, and sandwiches perfect for carting to the park. The number 1 picnic pick-me-up place is Green Erth Bistro located on Hendricks Ave. Dedicated to the vegetarian and vegan communities, the peaceful catering company boasts organic and fresh food fitting for a perfect springtime picnic.

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