Healthier Dining Options in Jupiter, Tequesta
STORY BY JAN NORRIS
Resolving to live a healthier lifestyle is a time-honored tradition as each new year begins. Making better choices at the table tops most lists.
It’s tough. While no one diet fits all, most of us know the basics - limiting unnatural, processed foods and balance in all others.
But too many options abound to lure us off the paths of righteous eating. The food landscape is beset with sirens of sinful pleasures — the donut shops, pizzerias, and steakhouses popping up on every corner.
But in among them are havens of reprieve. Some restaurants with a dedicated menu aimed at healthier foods; others dishes that are choices among many.
Few vegan restaurants exists, but Tequesta boasts one with a full menu as well as a bar with a happy hour.
Photo by Makaela Skinner Studios
MOOD Vegan in Tequesta features restaurant staples, but they are all made from plants. Meat substitutes include cauliflower for wings, housemade nut cheeses on a cheese board, jackfruit in the barbecue, and shiitake mushroom “bacon” for the BLT.
MOOD is a bistro with mainstream diners in mind. Familiar foods, nachos, wings, burgers, and barbecue pepper the menu — yet all are made from plants. Meat substitutes include cauliflower for wings, housemade nut cheeses on a cheese board, jackfruit in the barbecue, and shiitake mushroom “bacon” for the BLT. The parmesan is actually made of pumpkin seeds.
Several cuisines are represented. The dinner menu includes an alternative bahn mi, a Reuben sandwich, an Indian curry and an Asian no-sushi roll.
Gluten-free and nut-free items are available as well.
Specials are listed during Happy Hour. Cocktails include fresh organic cane simple syrup, fruit juices and coconut cream. Alcohol from common brands, plus organic wines, is served.
Open for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday, and lunch Saturday, with happy hour 4-6 p.m.
MOOD, 235 S. U.S. 1, Tequesta.
(561) 766-2317; moodvegan.com.
NiMo is a young restaurant in Jupiter, a Coastal Mediterranean brought to concept by Chef Niven Patel (known for Ghee in Miami), and his business partner, Mohamed “Mo” Alkassar.
Not a plant-based restaurant, it has several dishes that elevate the meatless meal and offers choices for pescatarians and carnivores as well – something for everyone.
The crispy eggplant with burrata and a pomodoro sauce is an example. A meal for some; appetizer for others. Veggie pizzas, the mezzeh platter and penne ala vodka are other choices for those going meatless.
Open for dinner daily; brunch on Sunday, 11 a.m. - 2p.m. Happy hour daily, 4-6 p.m.]157 N. U.S. 1, Tequesta.
(561) 730-5112; nimoeats.com.
Courtesy Kai-Kai Farm
Kai-Kai Farm grows vegetables with organic practices. You can buy vegetables and dairy products at their farm stand and indoor greenmarket on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Top area restaurants get their produce here, so you know it’s good.
There’s “no BS” on the Kai-Kai Farm, as farmer Diane Cordeau says. Vegetables sold there are grown in sight, and with organic practices. Organic certification is difficult to obtain in Florida, thus nomenclature. “It’s organic, but we can’t call it certified,” she said.
If you’re not sure about quality, consider that top restaurants in the area buy their produce from Cordeau, who makes box deliveries to her customers on Mondays.
The public can buy myriad vegetables, dairy products and more at their farm stand and indoor green market on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Farm tours are by appointment.
Also here are special “dinners on the farm,” open to the public. They’re put on by top chefs using the farm products. Their website lists these and more.
About the drive: The address is Indiantown, but the farm is closer to Stuart.
Kai-Kai Farm, 8006 S.W. Kanner Highway, Indiantown (772) 597-1717.
Juice bars abound, but 3Natives, the home of the fresh juice bar and acai bowls made with all organic and rainforest-friendly acai, is native to Tequesta.
Started as a juice bar by local Anthony Bambino, the little cafe that inspired many copycats now has outlets in five states.
The food is the same: Acai bowls star. Made with acai, granola, fresh fruits, nut butters and seeds, they can be boosted with a protein powder. Smoothies are made with nut butters, protein powders and all fresh fruits.
Large bowl salads, wraps, melts and breakfast toasts round out the menu. Also available are bottled juice shots.
3Natives, 6671 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter; 4601 Military Trail, Jupiter. 3Natives.com.
Go straight to the source for raw milk, other fresh dairy products, meats, and lessons in quality dairy farming at Jupiter Creamery.
Instead of the owner’s self profiles, the cows have their photos and breeds listed on their website.
The small farm practices sustainable farming, with the animals fed grain free diets, and shares educational farm tours - a great place for kids to see where food really comes from.
Open to the public Wednesdays; products are limited. Check the website for information about workshops and volunteer opportunities.
Jupiter Creamery, 18591 131st Trail N., Jupiter.
(561) 719-3024; nourishingfoodforthought.org.
