Imagine a restaurant 100 percent committed to your health and wellness, with a chef who uses fresh, organic produce and organic ingredients as much as possible, stays away from the salt shaker and keeps fat and calorie content in check.
Imagine a restaurant where vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items get top billing and center-of-the-plate treatment.
You’re not dreaming. This is reality at Speedy Greens, a restaurant, store and healing arts/education center in Cicero. It's owned and operated by Cathleen Kelly, a certified holistic health nurse.
The restaurant and store occupy the first floor of an old house on Route 11. Upstairs, Kelly offers Reiki, reflexology, stress management and nutritional-wellness consultations. The restaurant, open since 2007, is an outgrowth of Kelly’s primary work. If you’re trying to eat more healthily, Speedy Greens is your Rx.
THE VIBE: Warm and bright, friendly and intimate, with about five tables, total. Kelly cooks in a small kitchen, assisted by her daughter, who also waits tables.
LIQUID ASSETS: Kelly’s fresh carrot juice made a splash as last year’s Taste of Syracuse. You’ll find that juice on the menu, along with vegetable juice, organic lemonade, tea (regular, herbal, ginger), coffee and hot cocoa.
THE MENU: Offerings include greens and feta quiche, vegetable lasagna, veggie pad Thai, a black bean burger, butternut squash ravioli tossed with olive oil and parsley and vegetables and brown rice with ginger-garlic sauce. You’ll also find soups, salads and wraps.
WHAT’S A CARNIVORE GOING TO FIND? The closest thing to meat on the menu is Kelly’s “famous” Tongol tuna burger, baked with celery, cheddar and green olives.
LUNCH: I started with a bowl of carrot and parsnip bisque, which was thin, light and refreshing, and to my taste buds, in need of a little salt and pepper.
A tortilla pizza ($8.49) was thin, crispy and delicious: a tomato-basil "wrap" topped with fresh tomato sauce, spinach leaves and a sprinkling of mozzarella cheese.
DESSERT: Sweet treats include Kelly’s signature Un-Cheesecake, made with tofu. Healthy cookies and muffins are also available. I opted for a cup of organic coffee ($1.89) for the road and look forward to stopping back for a carrot muffin.
THE DAMAGES: Just under $20, including tax and tip.
THE DETAILS: Speedy Greens is at 8169 Brewerton Road (Route 11), Cicero. The restaurant is open six days a week (closed Mondays) and serves brunch on Sundays. Information: 315-752-0333.
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