If you’re about to fall off the diet wagon you jumped on when making your New Year’s resolution, get your balance back with one of these low-calorie, healthy destinations.
BYBLOS CAFÉ 2832 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-805-7977, bybloscafe.com. Owners Roger and Ziad Estephan crossed the ocean to obtain engineering degrees (which they did), and later established Byblos Café, featuring authentic Lebanese cuisine. Be mesmerized by a belly dancer as you’re filling your belly with selections like Dolma (vegetarian grape leaves), several types of kabobs, lamb or curry. If you’re feeling adventurous, bust a move and join the belly dancer. Shows are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
CAFE HEY 1540 N. Franklin Ave., Tampa, 813-221-5150, cafehey.com. A CL Best of the Bay award winner, this must-visit spot boasts specialty coffee and teas, breakfast, interesting sandwiches like Turkey in the Grass and Ric Ross, and dessert. With several ongoing special events to choose from, such as Croon Saloon, Open Mic Night, Study Hall Sundays and art shows, Café Hey is here to stay!
EVOS 609 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-514-4713; 2774 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-969-EVOS, 157 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, 813-226-EVOS; 2631 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-571-EVOS, evos.com. If you’re craving burger, fries and a shake with a healthy twist, Evos is the perfect destination. The fries are actually “airbaked,” not fried, and the milkshakes are made with organic milk and sugar.
FITLIFE FOODS 1902-B S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-644-6868; 14407 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-644-6868, eatfitlifefoods.com. Those who enjoy having a refrigerator stocked with healthy meals and strive for a healthy lifestyle, will love Fitlife Foods. All meals and snacks contain a balance of high fiber, low-glycemic carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fat. Choose from enticing meals such as Feta-Stuffed Chicken, Pork Tenderloin, or find the “hidden” vegetable in the Mac n’ Cheese.
FRESH GO WILD MARKET AND GRILL 600 34th St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-328-WILD, fresh-go.com. Take a walk on the wild side but still be healthy. Enjoy an Incredi-Burger, made with beef sans growth hormones, antibiotics and MSG. Vegetarians can enjoy a Black Bean Fiesta Burger. Or, bring home a Pulled Bar-B-Q Pork or Roasted Chicken Dinner for the whole family to enjoy. Sandwiches, paninis, wraps, soups and salads are also available. Fresh Go is geared toward eaters on the go, but dine-in, take-out, drive-thru and catering are offered as well.
PITA PIT 500 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-254-7482; 2309 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-910-1669, pitapitusa.com. The name may imply that it’s a dive, but SoHo night owls would beg to differ. Thanks to Pita Pit, they have a healthy alternative in the late-night hours. Pita Pit created their own unique light Lebanese-style pitas, in contrast to high-carbohydrate breads and buns. These pitas are stuffed with the healthy ingredients, exotic toppings and zesty signature sauces or your choice.
PIZZA FUSION 9556 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, 813-792-1516; 777 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, 813-463-1600, pizzafusion.com. This fresh pizza spot’s motto is to “save the earth one pizza at a time,” and they’re doing just that, in both traditional and unique ways. Pizza Fusion utilizes spudware utensils that are made 100 percent from potatoes and biodegrade in 50 days, and encourage patrons to be “green” by offering discounts when they bring back their pizza boxes for recycling. Pizza Fusion even delivers their pizza in hybrid vehicles.
RESTAURANT BT 2507 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-258-1916, restaurantbt.com. Visit this Asian-inspired destination for “authentic, healthy and fresh” cuisine. Daily specials are offered, including Colorado farm-raised rack of lamb and Yellowtail snapper. Vegetarians can enjoy Good Karma Tofu or “Bun” Noodle Salad Bowl. Sip wine from their wine list with lunch or dinner, or try a martini or sake made with organic ingredients.
ROLLIN’ OATS 2842 Martin Luther King St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-821-6825; 1021 N. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-873-7428, rollinoats.com. This natural, organic, whole foods deli and market boasts “quality, affordable organics.” Vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan meal options are available. Boar’s Head deli meats and cheeses are featured. Grab a meal or two from the Grab and Go selections in the deli case, a la carte. Continue your healthy eating by enrolling in a monthly cooking class of season-appropriate theme, and sample the finished products.
SEASONS 52 204 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-286-1152, seasons52.com. Take a load off after a day of shopping with complimentary valet service, and enjoy the sophisticated-casual vibe and healthy cuisine of Seasons 52. This fresh grill and wine bar offers alternative menus, including gluten-free, lactose-free, low sodium, vegetarian/vegan, and even garlic-free, for those with dietary restrictions. Pair seasonally inspired menu items with a glass of wine from the award-winning international wine list.
VIITALS SPECIALTY BAKERY AND LIFESTYLE CAFE 1155 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-443-4567, viitals.com. If you’re looking for healthy baked goods, espressos or smoothies made with only organic ingredients, Viitals is for you. This spot is popular with the vegetarians and vegans. Everything is made from scratch onsite. Trans fats, chemical preservatives, flavors, colors and MSG are nowhere to be found in this bakery, and they use only all-natural sweeteners. Bring a friend for Smoothie Sundays, and buy one smoothie, get one half off.
VILLAGE HEALTH MARKET DELI 3225 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-831-6065, villagehealthmarket.com. Independently owned and operated organic health food store with award-winning café and deli. This deli features Boar’s Head meats and cheeses and boasts over 65 items, including 20 vegan dishes, over 20 ready-to-eat hot items, 30 sandwich combinations, salad bar, hot soups and olive bar.
WHOLE FOODS MARKET 1548 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com. Visit the deli for made-to-order sandwiches and deli salads, made from organic or locally-grown ingredients. Artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives and trans-fats are nowhere to be found at Whole Foods. Gourmet grab-and-go meals are also available. Pick up some gourmet grocery items, including organics and seafood, on your way out.
This article appears in Jan 19-25, 2012.