I am proud to announce that during my pregnancy, I ate well. Fruits, veggies, lean meats, water and the occasional burger and Dr. Pepper was my diet. I’ve added a few missed items back into my postpartum diet, but otherwise, as a nursing mother, I’ve continued my healthy eating.
I’ve also continued my hunt for healthy options I can grab on the go for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I’m so glad I stumbled upon The Garden Table. I was actually looking for juice bars and saw The Garden Table sold food too. So, I headed to the Broad Ripple eatery for lunch.
Like the name suggests, The Garden Table serves seasonally influenced and locally sourced food and cold pressed juice. They offer simple dishes, made from natural ingredients, grown and harvested by local farmers.
I walked into the eatery and immediately liked the décor – simple and elegant with a chic farmhouse feel to it. Their menu was etched in chalk along portions of the wall.
Since my stomach was beginning to rumble, I figured I’d divert my attention to the afternoon plates. I knew I didn’t want a salad, but with options like the Southwest (black beans, corn, bell pepper, tomato, onion, avocado and cilantro lime dressing) I knew I’d return to try one of the six salads.
A sandwich sounded perfect for that afternoon! The Mediterranean Veggie (romaine, cucumber, tomato, onion, black olive, balsamic, goat cheese served open face) had me until I read it had goat cheese. I’m not a fan of goat cheese, but those who like a tart, sharp taste may enjoy it.
I decided to go with the BMT (basil, tomato jam, melted fresh mozzarella with balsamic served open face). I added bacon to my meal. My sammie came with a side and I chose the house greens.
I couldn’t go to a juicery and not order their in-house made, cold-pressed juice. The Garden Gate (beet, carrot, apple, celery, lemon, turmeric, ginger and black pepper) was perfect for a juicer newbie like me, but they had sold out of the pre-made, 16-ounce pre-bottled concoction. I decided on the Lush Love (watermelon, ruby red grapefruit, coconut water, lime and basil).
I must say, when the server gave me my total, I had to pause. My lunch was about $20. I decided I’d try it anyhow and note what I liked and didn’t like.
When I prepared to dig in, I noticed the open-face sandwich was just the right size and each bite was very tasty. This is certainly a grown up sandwich!
It took me a while to get used to the taste of the super-fresh juice. This is the real deal – 100 percent pure ingredients. Despite this, my Lush Love was very refreshing.
My conclusion: I’d return to The Garden Table. I believe the juice is perfect for those who are sticking to their eating-healthy resolutions. Each juice blend has specific health benefits. I also predict their juice will be even more popular in the summer.
I’d also return to The Garden Table to test one of their salads and their plethora of breakfast items. The Sweet Toast (almond butter and bananas on toast topped with apple butter and drizzled with maple syrup for $7) sounds heavenly and the Chorizo Hash Bowl (sweet potato brussel sprout hash with onion, chorizo and topped with a poached egg for $11) should keep you full all morning.
If you don’t mind paying the price for good-for-you, honest food, dine at The Garden Table.
