Wild Oats Marketplace - Organic Food Market

by Jo
(Little Rock)

Wilds Oats Marketplace (formerly, Beans, Grains, and Things) in Little Rock is an excellent place to get fresh, nutritious, wholesome organic foods.

It is located at 10700 North Rodney Parham. My husband’s favorite is the rotisserie chicken. It tastes wonderful, with an excellent of blend of spices. The chicken is always juicy, not like the dried out stuff you get at some places.

I personally enjoy the sushi. They have an excellent selection and I was surprised to find that I like it better than our favorite sushi bar in Memphis. Imagine Little Rock having excellent sushi! You will sure find it here at Wild Oats Marketplace.

We always look forward to the chocolate cake for desert. It is so good that we usually purchase a few pieces to take home. It has to be baked fresh every day because it is always soft and creamy. They told us that they make their regular menu items fresh every day, so you are sure that you are getting the best here.

It is such a wonderful place to go if you are concerned about what you put into your body, like we are. It is always very clean, and the atmosphere is very relaxing. The service is fast and they are always so courteous.

I would recommend them to anyone. We have even taken out of town guest to dine there. I’m sure everyone would enjoy it, whether they are concerned about nutrition or not.

Wilds Oats Marketplace is just that good!

Willy Street Co-op - Organic Restaurant

by James
(Madison, Wisconsin)

The Willy Street Co-op, is an organic restaurant in the charming Willy Street neighborhood is famous for it's organic and vegetarian deli counter.

Phenomenal sandwiches are almost always my first purchase when stopping here for lunch, followed by a mouth-water salad bar, and rotating daily soups. The prices may raise your eyebrows a little, but the taste will keep them raised.

Not to mention the satisfaction of knowing your lunch came from sustainable farming from local producers. The co-op also has a nice, indoor, kid-friendly dining area with bulletins of local activities and the local free newspapers to peruse while you eat.

In the warmer months, the outdoor patio is a great place to waste an hour and listen to some local musicians. Located in the heart of the Williamson Street neighborhood, it's easily reachable by foot, bike, bus, or car, though the parking lot is notoriously hard to enter and exit.

I recommend a stroll down the bike bath to get there and home again. Enjoy your sustainable, organic, locally owned goodies!

Alfalfa Organic Restaurant

by Dave
(Lexington, Kentucky)

As a dedicated vegan and patron of the Slow Foods movement, Alfalfa is a restaurant I frequent in Lexington, Kentucky.

I was hesitant at first, given the almost over the top name, but after being directed there by yet another fellow graduate student, I took my lunch break to give it a try.

The restaurant's front was calm and inviting, almost like a renovated fifties diner gone green. Inside I was seated quickly, and a tall man with dreadlocks who fit right in with the overtly bohemian style took my order.

While I was a little disappointed to see meats on the menu, the promise of an all-organic, fresh lunch kept me where I was. I opted for the Indonesian Tofu Pita, which was not only tasty, but one of the most attractive and creative veggie dishes I have been able to find at a restaurant.

With organic food, veggie-friendly dishes, and creative chefs, the Alfalfa experience added up to be an enjoyable one. I am most definitely going back!

Whole Earth Deli and Bakery Cafe

by Lynn
(Ewing, NJ, Mercer County)

One of my favorite places to have lunch is the Whole Earth Deli and Bakery Cafe.

The cafe is located inside the Whole Earth Center where I often buy my organic groceries. I love the convenience of having lunch after shopping and before my ride home.

In addition to serving nutritious and tasty food, the staff members are always willing to discuss the ingredients in their recipes, and they manage to serve the food promptly no matter how busy they are.

On a recent visit, I had a whole-wheat quesadilla made with an organic tortilla and organic cheeses. It was delicious and cooked to just the right degree of crispness.

Along with the quesadilla, I also enjoyed a cup of steaming mixed vegetable soup and a cup of organic fair-grade coffee.

On another visit, I had a veggie burger served with a light mustard sauce. This was the best tasting burger I’ve ever had, not too hard, not mushy, just the right texture.

In addition to the good food and friendly staff, I also appreciate the fact that they buy locally when possible.

The Deli and Bakery Cafe is located in the Whole Earth Center, 360 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ.

www.wholeearthcenter.com

Local AND Organic!

by Carolyn
(Pittsboro, NC)

The Chatham Marketplace is a locally owned food cooperative in Pittsboro, North Carolina.

While you may not think of Pittsboro (or North Carolina, for that matter) for organic food, this little community about 15 miles south of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is making a name for itself.

The Marketplace has locally grown organic vegetables, as well as a wide variety of organically grown whole grains and manufactured products. The feature a local farmer every week, and farm locations are clearly labeled on all products, so the customer can be sure they are buy locally grown, certified organics.

As a locally owned cooperative, the Marketplace has been very involved in community outreach, hosting organic tastings and educational opportunities for schools and organizations.

In addition, they have both a cold and hot bar that serves a unique menu for lunch and dinner. The Cubano sandwich is to die for!

If you ever find yourself in Pittsboro, check out Chatham Marketplace. You will be more than glad you did!

Carolyn
Pittsboro, NC

Tayst Organic Restaurant of Nashville

by Ed
(Hendersonville, TN)

Tayst Organic Restaurant is great little spot in the Vanderbilt area of Nashville.

The atmosphere alone is worth it. I did not go there for the atmosphere, but was pleasantly surprised. I had heard how good the lamb was, so I had to try it. It was the most succulent, flavorful lamb I had ever had.

Rounded off with a green salad to start the meal, I couldn't have asked for anything better. I know when most people think of organic, most people think tasteless and expensive.

This place was far from that. You are not paying fast food prices for that quality of lamb, but it was well worth it. Tayst offers a variety of American and French favorites, but the organic is where it’s at. It is just one more thing I can do for my body while thoroughly enjoying the experience.

If you are ever in Nashville, do yourself a favor and check out Tayst. You will be in for a great dining experience, and will experience just how good an organic restaurant can be!

www.taystrestaurant.com

The Vegatarian Paradise in Brattleboro, VT

by Jaime
(Winchester, NH USA)

When I first moved to Winchester New Hampshire, I was Kind of upset that there were not any organic restaurants around.

As I was learning how to get around the area, I found that I was only minutes away from a city full of places that offer organic and whole foods.

Brattleboro Vermont is just over the border from Hinsdale, New Hampshire, which is only about 15 minutes from where I live. As soon as you cross over the bridge, there is a Vegan Caribbean restaurant called Vegetarian Paradise. It is on the corner of Canal and Main St.

They prepare their meals with whole foods, using only local and organic ingredients. I love the menu there; they have flavorful soups, salads, and side dishes. They also make fresh fruit and vegetable juices.

They have a good kids menu too. The prices are very inexpensive. The building that they are located in does not have very much curbside appeal, but if that bothers you, you can always order from their take out menu.

Right across the street from the restaurant, there is a Food Co-Op. I like to go to the Vegetarian Paradise before I go grocery shopping at the Whole Food Co-Op.

The reason for this is because when I am hungry I buy way too much!! Haha

Mellow Moods in Shepherdstown, WV

by Jessica Curtis
(Keedysville, Md)

Mellow Moods is a great organic, and local restaurant in Shepherdstown, WV. The restaurant recently moved to a bigger location, which was just a few storefronts down from the old location.

However the bigger space let them expand their menu. Mellow Moods was primarily a fresh juice and smoothie shop before, but now it has a great-expanded lunch and dinner menu.

Some of the prices on the sandwiches are a little pricey. Humus and veggies on a wrap shouldn’t be $6.00. The smoothies are truly to die for; they’re also pricey at four dollars, but totally worth it.

Momma’s Melody is my favorite smoothie. It’s a berry, orange, yogurt, agave nectar, and fresh mint smoothie. I actually crave that smoothie on a regular basis. Their black bean sandwiches are really good too.

Service is a little slow, but its well worth the wait.

Contact Information and Hours of Operation for Mellow Moods:

111 W. German St • Shepherdstown, WV 25443
(304) 876-0608
Monday-Friday 7:30am - 6:00pm
Saturday & Sunday 8:30am - 6:00pm

www.mellowmoodsjuicebar.com