Denver's Delicious Journey to Clean Eating: Exploring Healthy Food Options in the Mile-High City
Oct 19, 2023
Denver, Colorado, is not just a city of breathtaking landscapes; it's also a haven for food enthusiasts. In this blog, we'll take you on a delightful tour of some of the most amazing and healthy places to eat in the Mile-High City.
Went to the west side for dinner for the bison and scallops, where the flavors are bursting and food feels like a warm hug Rootdown is a must-visit for several reasons, especially if you appreciate farm-to-table dining and a commitment to local and natural ingredients. Here’s why you should check it out:
Farm-to-Table Philosophy: Root Down is renowned for its strong commitment to the farm-to-table concept. They source a significant portion of their ingredients directly from local farms and purveyors. This ensures that the food is incredibly fresh, seasonal, and supports local agriculture.
Seasonal Menus: Root Down’s menu is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the changing seasons. This means that you’ll experience the flavors and ingredients that are at their peak during your visit, enhancing both the taste and sustainability of your meal.
Creative Cuisine: The chefs at Root Down are known for their innovative approach to cooking. They take these local (60%) and natural ingredients and transform them into delicious, creative dishes that are a true culinary delight. Expect inventive flavor combinations and beautiful presentations.
Sustainability: Root Down is dedicated to sustainability beyond just their ingredients. They’ve taken steps to make their restaurant more environmentally friendly, from their interior design to their waste reduction efforts, making dining here a greener experience.
Vibrant Atmosphere: The restaurant itself boasts a unique and vibrant atmosphere, with a converted gas station serving as its home. There are three different places to sit with 3 very different vibes. Al the waiter was fantastic!
Dietary Options: Whether you’re a meat lover or have specific dietary needs, you’ll find something delicious to enjoy.
In summary, Root Down in Denver, Colorado, offers a culinary journey that celebrates the flavors of the region, embraces sustainable practices, and creates a memorable dining experience that’s not only delicious but also environmentally conscious. It’s a true gem for those who appreciate the farm-to-table and local, natural aspects of dining.
An all plant-based spot that I would definitely recommend! Here are my favorite things to highlight:
The quinoa vegetable stir fry with local vegetables was delicious and felt so good! The sautéed Brussels sprouts with capers and house parmesan was my favorite dish of the evening!
Delicious Plant-Based Cuisine: Watercourse Foods was actually one of the first vegan restaurants in Denver! Known for its diverse and delicious menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Whether you’re a plant-based eater or simply looking to try something new, their offerings are flavorful and satisfying.
Local and Sustainable: Watercourse Foods emphasizes using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients when possible, supporting the community, and reducing the carbon footprint.
They provide filtered tap water.
They offer a vegan Mac n cheese that is also gluten-free! For someone who is gf and dairy-free this is a real treat!
Health-Conscious Choices: If you’re looking for healthier dining options, Watercourse Foods focuses on fresh, whole ingredients, making it a great choice for those seeking nutritious meals. I loved the quinoa stir fry with local vegetables.
They cook with non-GMO canola and coconut butter. Better than conventional oil y’all.
Variety: Their menu includes a wide variety of dishes, from classic breakfast favorites like pancakes and omelets to hearty sandwiches, salads, and creative entrées. There’s something for everyone.
Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, making it a great place for a relaxed meal or brunch with friends and family.
Ethical Dining: Choosing to dine at Watercourse Foods aligns with ethical and sustainable dining choices, which can be important to many people.
So, if you’re in Denver and looking for a vegetarian or vegan dining experience that offers tasty, health-conscious options, a visit to Watercourse Foods could be a great choice.
It’s burger time at 5280 Burger Bar in Denver who serve Colorado beef and bison.
5280 Burger Bar is a great choice for several reasons, particularly if you’re interested in natural, organic, and local ingredients. My burger was a custom with beef, avocado, pickles, avocado, onion, and a GF bun.
High-Quality Ingredients: 5280 Burger Bar is committed to using high-quality, natural, and organic ingredients in their dishes. This means you can expect fresher, tastier, and healthier options.
They make their own in-house ketchup, sweetened with agave instead of corn syrup or refined white sugar. It’s delicious!!!
Local Sourcing: The restaurant places a strong emphasis on sourcing ingredients locally. This not only supports local farmers and producers but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances.
Customization: At 5280 Burger Bar, you have the freedom to customize your burger, allowing you to choose from a variety of natural and organic toppings, condiments, and sides to create a meal that suits your taste and dietary preferences.
Sustainable Practices: Many of their practices are environmentally friendly. They often use sustainable packaging, which reduces waste, and aim to minimize food waste in their operations.
Transparency: The restaurant is likely to provide information about the origin of their ingredients, helping you make informed choices about what you eat.
Overall, 5280 Burger Bar offers a dining experience that not only delights your taste buds but also aligns with your values for natural, organic, and locally sourced food.
Ash'Kara is the place to go for Mediterranean food, the hummus was outstanding and the chef cooked gluten-free pita in the wood brick oven! The first time I’ve seen a gf pita offered at a restaurant. I had the local lamb which was great!
Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly: Ashkara caters to a variety of dietary preferences, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. Their menu includes a range of plant-based options that are delightful.
Chic and Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere with a touch of modern elegance. Whether you're on a romantic date night or a casual outing with friends, Ashkara provides a charming setting for your dining experience.
EDGE Restaurant & Bar is a premier American steakhouse influenced by cuisine and culture from around the world. Edge Steakhouse had a dream menu including sea bass, NZ lamb, scallops, tuna poke, and octopus. They also offer gluten-free bread with olive oil.
A few things to highlight:
Prime Cuts of Meat: Edge Steakhouse in Colorado is renowned for its top-quality, prime cuts of meat. Whether you're a fan of succulent steaks or tender chops, this restaurant excels in serving perfectly cooked, premium meats.
Artful Culinary Creations: The culinary team at Edge Steakhouse takes pride in their innovative and artful approach to cuisine. Expect dishes that not only taste exquisite but are also beautifully presented, making your dining experience a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Elegant and Upscale Ambiance: The restaurant offers an upscale and elegant ambiance, making it an ideal destination for special occasions or a memorable evening out. With its sophisticated decor and attentive service, Edge Steakhouse creates an atmosphere of refinement and luxury. The restaurant is located in the Four Seasons Hotel.
When in Denver Clean Juice is my go to for Juices & Smoothie bowls. Here's why you should check them out:
Health-Conscious Menu: Clean Juice is known for its commitment to using organic and all-natural ingredients in their menu items.
Fresh Juices and Smoothies: Clean Juice offers a variety of freshly pressed juices and delicious smoothies, providing a convenient way to increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables.
Clean Eating Options: The menu includes a range of clean, nutrient-dense options, such as acai bowls, salads, and healthy wraps, making it a great choice for those seeking wholesome and nourishing meals.
