Healthy Holiday Restaurants in the 901!

By: Ivy K. Arnold

Just like the “Freshman 15”, weight gain during this Covid frenzy is created from stressors and unhealthy food while staying home.  This “Quarantine 15” can definitely be avoided, with the help of uplifting self-care and trying out healthy food alternatives from local restaurants here in the 901.  As we approach the ultimate holiday season, these restaurants can assist you in putting a healthy twist on your annual table spread with mouth-watering, nutritious meals for the whole family!

1: Imagine Vegan

Since 2011, owner Kristie Jeffrey changed the Memphis dining scene by presenting Imagine Vegan Cafe.  In the heart of the Cooper-Young area, we find a restaurant that provides delicious food and desserts without causing harm to animals.  For those that aren’t vegan, this would be a great place to try as it’ll encourage you to see that vegan food is real food for real people.  Priding themselves in that their food is “Where comfort meets compassion”, their menu features ordinary descriptions without the ordinary ingredients as they use tasty vegan substitutes.  They refrain from animal products and by-products.  Imagine Vegan has been featured in PETA, Forbes, Edible Memphis, Vegan Crunk, Veg News, and Will Travel for Vegan Food.

2: City Silo Table + Pantry

Owners Rebekah and Scott Tashie stand by their mission of being about community, as well as believing that “there’s a happy medium between eating trendy, healthy food that doesn’t fill you up and heavy southern, nap-inducing meals”.  At City Silo Table + Pantry, it’s guaranteed that you can be served food that’s nutritious for your body, as well as good for the earth considering that this establishment is Earth-conscious.  City Silo supports local farmers and has a strict guideline on their disposal and usage of supplies to help out with recycling and composting programs.  On their menu, you can find a plethora of options from breakfast to dinner, with items such as maple tempeh, cauliwings, salads, portabella burger, hearty grain bowls, acai bowls, smoothies, fresh juices, elixirs, tonics, kombucha, and more!!

3: Bedrock Eats & Sweets

It all started with two words: “paleo diet”.  Owner and chef, Brandi Marter, stands by her mission of, “Care about yourself, care about your family and your friends. Try harder. Eating life-sustaining food is such an easy way to start. It’s so much more worth it than you know.”  At Bedrock Eats & Sweets, customers won’t find any of their dishes prepared with gluten, refined sugars, nor processed foods.  Their menu contains tasty, healthy items such as various waffle combos, breakfast tacos, macro bowls, salads, smoked meat plates, and tons more!

4: Cheffie’s Café

Let it be known, that at Cheffie’s Café, you’re the chef as you call the shots on your fresh creation.  With an overflowing variety of top-quality meats, fresh produce, delicious toppings, and more, you get to concoct your own salad and sandwich!  Their menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.  They also serve pomegranate green tea and can offer catering for the holidays if your family wants to try a healthy twist to the annual holiday spread.

5: INSPIRE Community Café

What better way is there to inspire others while inspiring yourself?  INSPIRE Community Café was established on the basis to not only create job opportunities with meaningful living wages but also to serve healthy and delicious food!  Might I also add that their food is not only good for the body, but for the soul as well. Ten percent of their net profits go towards nonprofit organizations with the initiatives of economic and racial justice. As for their menu, they serve everything from brunch to dinner, with several vegetable options, smoothies, coffee, and tea! Be sure to check out their website for any seasonal offerings!

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