When I first heard about this restaurant, I had a fun feeling I was going to love it. It’s actually on the first floor of a condo complex I lived in when I first moved to Arizona (I was renting). Living there was sort of like living in a hotel. The gym was outrageous, there was a concierge (who would feed Killer while I was out of town) and a dry cleaners. It could not have been more of a polar-opposite from living in Baltimore. Oh and I didn’t mention the building was state of the art for being eco-friendly by incorporating plants and a design that promoted air flow (my utility bills were minimal even at over 100 degrees for 6 months). But anyways.. onto the good stuff..
Restaurant Review: Nourish
Nourish‘s motto is “feed your body mind + soul”.. could that be more in line with my beliefs?! And I love the name too
They describe themself as “A casual restaurant, Nourish serves comfort food with a healthy twist. Choose from a variety of delicious choices that won’t make you feel guilty! Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options.” I love that they don’t tag themselves as one specific-type of restaurant beyond “healthy.” I love a good vegetarian restaurant, but Nourish offers something for everyone. I think places like this (and True Foods, where I’m going this weekend to celebrate my birthday, yay) have the best chance of opening people’s eyes to that fact that healthy, natural food can really be delicious!
On top of that, they create meal plans and have delivery/catering options for people and emphasize creating plans specific to each person’s nutritional needs.
I was a bad blogger and didn’t take a ton of pictures of the restaurant interior, but I will next time (which will be in about 3 weeks, post show, haha
). I met my old roommate for lunch, and we just got caught up in girl-talk.
Check out the board on the wall when you first walk in..
Isn’t that perfect!
The design of the restaurant really suits it too. It is open yet inviting, intimate but not claustrophobic. There is a small private dining room, along with seats at the bar and an outdoor patio (I totally envision enjoying a glass of wine out there in the coming months).
Of course I had checked out the menu in advance, and already knew what I was going to get, but I still played the game ‘what would I get if I could get anything and wasn’t on a competition diet’.. hmm hard to say, but they do have a healthy veggie Mac & Cheese made with Quinoa that I’ll definitely get when the weather cools down, and the chicken sandwich my friend got looked amazing.. and there were a couple pizza’s that I’m certain I must try.. and I have it on good authority (the owner) that the cinnamon rolls cannot be missed!
I went with the Ahi Tuna Salad (With avocado slices and snap peas over mixed greens in a spicy Asian vinaigrette)..
The tuna was sushi-grade and delicious. The greens weren’t your standard mix. I loved the extra goodies, and especially the Seaweed strips on top.
My friend got the Tuscan Chicken Salad (Sundried tomatoes, sweet balsamic vinaigrette, pesto mayo, and resting on a toasted bun) and raved about it (another bad blogger moment on my part.. but it looked phenomenal).
After the meal I got into a conversation with the owner about healthy dining, the “SAD” (standard American diet) way Americans eat, and food philosophies. I just meant to introduce myself to her and tell her how happy I am to have another healthy option in the Phoenix area, but we got on a roll, and it was just so refreshing! After living in Seattle & Berkeley, where the healthy and “alternative” ways of eating are more mainstream, accepted and available, I’ve been disappointed at the few places to go here in the Phoenix area. It is so great to have another place where I don’t have to worry about the junk that might be getting thrown on my plate. Yay! So if you’re in the Phoenix area, definitely swing by Nourish.. and give me a shout if you do ![]()
I'm so jealous of all your healthy restaurants! I wish New Mexico would catch on!
Seaweed strips?? How did they taste? I've only had seaweed once in elementary school and I thought it was nasty! Haha!
april, seaweed strips are dlish! That restaurants looks great, Alyson. Go, you, for going to a restaurant while so close to yer comp and still staying on track!!
O thats so cool! lots of healthful restaurants in LA too! I mean we are the yoga mecca! I'm obsessed with seaweed strips! they are also good for metabolism boosting!
that restaurant looks FABULOUS! there is a restaurant near me called Nourish too! it is healthy food as well, more middle eastern, meditteranean, but all healthy and its so good!!! There really needs to be more healthy restaurants all around the US. Too many mcdonalds etc! If I swing by pheonix, the FIRST place I am going is Nourish (with you of course!)
I wish there were healthy places like that here in Jacksonville, FL thats why I pack my cooler everyday. I'm such a clean eater too
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
There are only a few here in AZ, but slowly more are popping up.. they'll make they're way to Jacksonville!
Can't wait to try it!!
I love love love the new look!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That restaurant looks great too! YUM!
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
Thanks Jody! Come visit me in AZ and we'll go
Glad you enjoyed it as much as me. I was just in town and I was so excited to stumble upon Nourish. I come down a few times a year, and need NOURISHING place for me and my family to eat! I had a great conversation as well with the owner about eating standards, allergies, diet etc…and I will for sure be back!
how did i not know about this?! you knew about this and didnt tell me??! dang girl, would have LOVED IT! Anyway the bldg you lived in…reminds me of the place we stayed at in Scottsdale when we drove out from San Diego to look at houses..I was in love with where we stayed, not where I ended up buying a house.
Anyway, I wish I was with you and April this weekend!
I miss talking to you…I hope everything is ok
wow what a great restaurant! creating meal plans!? now that's pretty intense haha. in college my apartment was directly above a subway and every morning the smell of the fresh baked bread was AMAZING. talk about a genius place to put a subway right?
Have patronized your restaurant twice and will be coming back soon! Live in Peoria,AZ, but feel the trip is definitely worth it. Having Celiac disease, it has been difficult to find a restaurant that caters to my illness. THANK YOU for your restaurant and the absolutely DELICIOUS menu that has such a wide variety to choose from. While dining in your restaurant, I feel I can genuinely relax and enjoy myself without worrying about what is in my meal. Everyone should try your restaurant, even if they are not vegans or having allergies. The food is healthy and scrumptous!
Oh that salad looks awesome!! Seaweed strips, good for the gut!