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Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Flatbread from Crushed Red
In my first seven months as a resident of St. Louis, I did a deep dive into the local dining scene to see what I was going to have to work with, coming from five years in San Diego with its exploding dining scene. Being a dual-hat fitness and nutrition professional, athlete, and DIY foodie who also loves to dine out, I had a mission to find restaurants in my new city that were delicious, authentic, healthy, and original. I ruled out chain venues, because I wanted to capture St. Louis flavor. Note that I’m not vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten-free, or aligned with any particular diet plan; I ascribe to a blend of different dietary principles that sustain both my health and the environment, and I suggest the same for the clients and athletes I work with. Here are, so far, my top nine:
Lona’s Lil Eats, Fox Park: A true blend of Chinese and Thai cuisines with options for traditional, vegetarian, and vegan diets makes this place a jackpot for groups with diverse dietary needs. Lona’s makes outstanding wraps and seasonal noodle bowls. You can build your own or pick from their signature creations. Their list of home brewed tea is long and diverse, though I go with oolong every time. I find their website and their menu to be extremely informative about the history and culinary differences of Chinese and Thai cuisines and what that makes them healthier, based on the sources of ingredients and preparation methods that many American tongues may never have experienced. My suggestions: fresh spring rolls, spicy eggplant, grilled steak wrap, shrimp noodle bowl.
Crushed Red, Kirkwood, Clayton, Creve Coeur: I had a mainstay salad spot in San Diego, and I stopped in multiple times a week. Crushed Red has taken that spot for me here. With 10 chopped salads, there’s something for every palate and dietary need. Not good enough? Build your own, using any of the four greens bases, 20 toppings, six cheeses, and eight proteins, plus seven crunchy add-ons and 10 scratch made dressings. They also offer 11 different flatbread pizzas (which are not inherently unhealthy, by the way) but for portion control, maybe leave that for a day when you can share. Salads come in three sizes, and don’t forget the eight scratch-made soups. My suggestions: Welcome Back Cobber and chicken noodle soup.
Wicked Greenz, Clayton: If a wicked-good wrap is what you crave, and you don’t want to sink 1000+ calories into it, this is your go-to place. I’ve tried a new wrap every time I’ve gone, and each tasted better than the last. You can add or subtract ingredients from any of their 11 signature wraps/bowls, and you can add any of nine protein options. Keep in mind that you can have your menu selection “bowled or rolled.” They also offer some amazing soups—the tomato’s pure awesome. My suggestions: Avocabbo wrap, Harvest wrap, tomato soup, hummus with veggies.
Billy G’s, Kirkwood: This one may surprise you. Here’s the little secret you need to know about: the menu inside the menu that’s called Macro Bowls. It’s meant for folks like me who want a portioned, clean, whole-food based meal balanced with protein, carbs, and healthy fats that still tastes darn good. You pick your protein and portion: 4, 6, or 8 ounces of chicken, sirloin steak, or salmon. You choose your grain: quinoa or brown, white, or jasmine rice. You choose your vegetable: Brussels sprouts and asparagus or broccoli and carrots. The menu even lists nutrition facts based on what you pick and pair. As simple as it sounds, it truly is a delicious meal. My suggestions: sirloin steak or salmon with broccoli and carrots over jasmine rice.
Fred and Ricky’s, Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights: Though I’m not vegan or vegetarian, I like to have a few good places I can suggest to friends or clients who are. Fred and Ricky’s nails it. Their Plantasanga, black bean burger, and rustic lentil soup are on point even for the true carnivore that I am. So, yes, those are also my suggestions for rookies. The menu changes monthly, so look for new items, but rest assured: They keep the classics available year-round. They can ship to you after you order online, or you can pick up in store.
Fit Flavors, Creve Coeur, Brentwood, Chesterfield: I met the owners, Jill and Todd, their chef, and their registered nutritionist before I ever tried their food. Jill was personal trainer, like me, who turned to culinary school to cook for her clients and get better results! It worked so well, the couple started Fit-Flavors to cater to fitness minded, athletic people who value nutrition and convenience but still want quality and flavor. I’ve tried at least 10 entrees and snacks from these guys, and not one would I pass up. The Creve Coeur location also has a smoothie bar. You can order online and have items shipped to you or pick them up in store. My suggestions: salted dark chocolate raw bar, smoked turkey pasta salad, breakfast burrito, mixed-berry protein pancakes, and steak fajita bowl. As for smoothies, just tell them what you like, and they can whip up something that blows your mind and not your calorie budget.
Vicia, Central West End: Rated the second-best new restaurant of 2017 by USA Today and nominated as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for best new restaurants of 2018, Vicia had my attention the first month I moved into the Grove, just a short walk away. When I learned of its vegetable-forward menu, locally sourced fish and produce, and artisan breads, I felt compelled to try the place. Even as the Midwestern meat and potatoes guy I am, I was impressed. This place showcases vegetables in ways that the eye, palate, and body can appreciate. My suggestions: freshly milled turkey wheat bread, twice-grilled sweet potatoes, Berkshire pork, mixed-grain wheat berries.
Garbanzo, Clayton: This place speaks to the long-held fame of the Mediterranean diet as a top tier dietary powerhouse by showcasing the cuisine true to this region. The perk is that you can eat it right here in St Louis. The venue prides itself on finding the crucial balance between flavor and nutrition and offering food that is created using basic ingredients responsibly sourced straight from nature. You can tailor your order as an entrée plate, burrito, pita pocket, flatbread wraps, or even a low-carb salad. Pick one of seven proteins, including falafel and Portobello, then add any of the 12 veggies, which include delicious daily house-made seasonal hummus, tabbouleh salad, and my favorite, baba ganoush. Sauce it up with one of seven house-made sauces, including tzatziki, tahini, and my go-to, cilantro sauce. I have grabbed wraps or pita pockets as a healthy take-out lunch, and no two are ever the same, given the endless combos you can make.
Union Loafers, Tower Grove: This is my most recent find; I knew of it for months, and I should have come sooner! Union Loafers does the best baked breads and pretzels I’ve had so far, bar none. I don’t eat much bread myself, unless it’s artisanal sourdough, real deal baked bread. These guys have that and more. Better yet, they use their breads in all their lunch sandwiches, so this is fast becoming my go-to spot for a hearty, filling, nutritious pre- or post-workout meal. Their soups and salads are not to be overlooked, either. My suggestions: chicken and rice soup, Little Gem salad, turkey and Swiss, pretzel and mustard.
Finally, two places I’m aboutto try: Seedz Cafe in Demun and Symbowl in Kirkwood, Chesterfield, and St. Charles. Let me know your favorites through feedback@stlmag.com.
