Written by Claire McArthur
Soba noodle stir fry with tempeh (stir fry sauce, shiitake mushrooms, sautéed onion, kale, bean sprouts, cashews, sesame seeds, scallions)
from The Station in Truckee. Photo courtesy of Grace Burnes at The Station
Chances are, your January was filled with sweeping declarations to live a healthier life — start exercising, cook more nutritious meals, consume less meat, or eat more veggies. For some, the idea of healthy eating is synonymous with deprivation, dieting, and skipping meals out. Not so!
Across Reno-Tahoe, eateries are embracing cuisines that can accommodate a wide variety of nutritional choices. Eating out does not have to be the entire-stick-of-butter restaurant meal written about by the late Anthony Bourdain. It can be flavorful yet nutritious, high quality but affordable.
Treat yourself — without derailing your wellness goals — with a trip to one of these Reno-Tahoe eateries for a colorful, nutritious meal.
Pola Poke Bowls | Reno
Pola’s Hawaiian poke bowls are chock full of omega 3-rich fresh fish and vibrant vegetables, making it an easy, healthy meal to grab on the go.
Photo courtesy of Pola Poke
Tucked in the Plum Tree Plaza, Pola Poke Bowls serves up delicious Hawaiian seafood bowls chock full of vegetables, fruits, and grains. You can build your own bowl or choose from a selection of favorites, all with incredibly fresh tuna, salmon, real crab, octopus, and more. From cucumbers and edamame to pineapple and beets, fill your bowl with vibrant, nutritious toppings to reach your recommended five a day.
594 W. Plumb Lane Suite A, Reno • 775-683-9901 • Polapokebowl.com
Sprouts Natural Foods Café | South Lake Tahoe
Sprouts Natural Foods Café is the health food hub on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore. Since 1990, the café has served up veggie-forward sandwiches, salads, soups, burritos, and bowls made with fresh ingredients, lean meats, and protein alternatives such as tempeh and tofu. Its huge selection of juices and smoothies should not be missed either.
3123 Harrison Ave., South Lake Tahoe • 530-541-6969 • Sproutscafetahoe.com
L.A. Bakery Cafe & Eatery | Carson City
At L.A. Bakery, choose from a selection of delectable baked goods, including vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and zero-trans-fat treats. For a heartier meal with Mediterranean influence, opt for panini, falafel pita, lettuce-wrapped grass-fed burger or a Buddhist plate brimming with veggies drizzled in a lemon olive oil dressing.
1280 N. Curry St., Carson City. • 775-885-2253 • Labakerycafe.com
Great Full Gardens | Reno and Sparks
Whether you want your tacos stuffed with wild Alaskan cod or jackfruit, or your grain bowl topped with organic chicken or tofu, at Great Full Gardens you can be sure that every dish is made from real, whole ingredients and full of colorful veggies. The restaurant’s healthy take on everything from benedicts to burgers never disappoints, and the vibrant atmosphere makes it a great place to enjoy a meal.
Several locations across Reno and Sparks • Greatfullgardens.com
Uncommon Kitchen | Tahoe City
Dubbed “Tahoe’s Ethnic Deli,” Uncommon Kitchen in Tahoe City serves sushi (with numerous vegan options), Vietnamese spring rolls, and unique sandwiches served up on freshly baked baguettes or gluten-free bread. Try unique nori maki rolls made with organic rice, including combinations such as ahi tuna, mango, basil, and toasted macadamia nuts. A rotating selection of hot dishes — falafel and pad thai, for example — also are available.
505 W North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City • 530-583-3663 • Uncommonkitchen.org
The Station | Truckee
Brickletown chicken (grilled chicken thigh, provolone, peppers, onion, olives, capers, pickled cabbage, and almond dressing) at The Station. Photo courtesy of Grace Burnes at The Station
From slow-cooked cheesesteak sandwiches with cashew “cheese” sauce to the Istan-bowl (crispy falafel, farro, cilantro-jalapeño slaw, harissa feta, and cucumber salad), The Station in Truckee doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutritional value. The diverse menu has food for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike with a focus on using quality protein and ample veggies.
10130 West River St., Truckee • 530-563-5285 • Truckeestation.com
Claire McArthur is a freelance writer who is all about living a healthy-ish life. You can reach her at clairecudahy@gmail.com.
