Healthy & Delicious: Tommy’s Restaurant

I was excited to try since their website states that they offer a variety of nutritious menu items that accommodate health-conscious eaters.  Tommy’s also provides vegetarian, vegan, macrobiotic and gluten-free dishes.

Before my main meal, “F” brought me the 12 ounce “Power Smoothy,” a blend of apple juice, bananas, blueberries, bee pollen, spirulina, and crushed ice. Since this smoothie was primarily made with fruit, I was not too worried about the fat or caloric content. More importantly, this smoothie contained many essential nutrients like potassium, fiber, and, vitamin C, and folate. (Please visit www.eatright.org or www.choosemyplate.gov for more information about the health benefits of these specific nutrients.) 

Although bee pollen and spirulina contain vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients (carbs, fat, and protein), there is no consensus in medical community on health benefits of either of the two ingredients. I liked that this smoothie was mixed with ice rather than yogurt, especially since I was waiting on another course.  However, if this smoothie were my only meal, I would have ordered it mixed with low fat or fat-free yogurt.  Eating yogurt is a good way to incorporate dairy into the diet and since it contains protein, it helps me stay fuller longer. 

This next part is difficult.  Anything named after my late grandma- Ruth can’t be that bad.  However, I was a little disappointed with the “Ruth.” The Ruth is a spinach pie with veggies, mushrooms, barbeque sauce, and cheese. There was so much cheese on the spinach pie that I could not see nor taste the veggies and mushrooms. It tasted more like a cheese calzone than a spinach pie.

I am sad to report that for the first time, Tommy’s did not meet my “Healthy & Delicious” expectations. If I were to order the “Ruth” in the future, this is how I would order it to make it “Healthy & Delicious.” First, I would order the “Ruth” with wheat instead of white dough. Then I would add extra spinach, veggies, and mushrooms.  Lastly, I would request the Ruth be made with light cheese (I don’t mean low fat/fat-free).

If I was up for trying something new, I might order the vegetarian or vegan Ruth.  However, just because a food is “Vegetarian” or “Vegan” does not necessarily mean it is healthier or better for you. Thus, I would still order the Ruth with the alterations I mentioned above. 

Note: Not all smoothies are created equally. Be mindful of the ingredients and serving sizes, some smoothies can be highly caloric.

*Menu items with the word “pie” should be a red flag.  Ask your server how the dish is prepared; this will help you stay on the “Healthy & Delicious” track.