Healthy & Delicious: Flour [Rustic Italian Kitchen]

This week Healthy & Delicious visits Flour [Rustic Italian Kitchen]My husband and I went to Flour [Rustic Italian Kitchen] located in Moreland Hills, OH.  I got into the “Italian” mood with a glass of Pinot Noir, Torresella, Sicily 2008.  This was a smooth mid-bodied red that complimented my first “Healthy & Delicious” course: the melon insalata.  The melon insalata was a mixture of watermelon, arugula, jalapeno peppers, ricotta cheese, and drizzled with lime vinaigrette (so unexpected)!  I loved that my waiter, “M,” brought me a salad that was part fruit, vegetable, and dairy.  While I am not a huge fan of cheese (it is a concentrated source of fat, sodium, and calories), Ricotta is typically lower in these nutrients and calories.  This definitely hit my “Healthy & Delicious” mark!  The salad was so light and refreshing that I could not help but eat the entire (reasonably portioned) dish. 

Now I know I said that I am not a big fan of cheese, and that I like to be surprised with something “Healthy & Delicious,” but I was absolutely craving something with pesto.  Given I was in the pesto mood, I ordered the Caprese ravioli.  The best part of this menu is that you can order half portions of pasta.  Three very generous pieces of pesto ricotta filled ravioli with heirloom tomatoes and tomato water were presented.  Although I prefer whole grain pasta (more fiber, and other key nutrients), this ravioli dish would not have been as delicious with whole grain.  So, to make my dinner as “Healthy & Delicious” as possible, I passed on the breadbasket, which I did not miss after eating the Caprese ravioli. 

Contrary to the restaurant’s “rustic” claim, the menu is eclectic with unusual “Healthy & Delicious” combinations.  I look forward to my next “Healthy & Delicious” meal at Flour [Rustic Italian Kitchen].