There are any number of ways in which I’m perceived by people – too many, in fact, to list, herein.  I think it’s pretty safe to assume, though, that “healthy” is not one of the first thousand words that anyone would ever use to describe me.  To wit, there’s that old line about how you’re supposed to treat your body like a temple, but I’ve treated mine like an amusement park, and am considering a tattoo on my ass that reads “You must be at least THIS tall to get on this ride.”

But the other day, I was meeting my friend Lieuchi Fine, for lunch, and she suggested Daily Kitchen and Wellness Bar.  This wasn’t a big surprise, since she co-owns the restaurant (part of the Lev Restaurant Group) with her husband, Jeff.  What did come as a big surprise was how much I enjoyed my meal!

Usually, the mere concept of so-called “health food” results in my feeling some general queasiness (to really watch me squirm, take me to one of those raw cooking, vegan joints in LA or New York, and watch me panic while searching for something – anything – on the menu that I find edible).  Last December, after a day of shopping at Waikiki’s Ala Moana Center, my sister-in-law and I stopped by a juice bar, and we’re convinced I’m the first person in their history to order a beverage with more than 1,500 calories.  What can I say?  It’s a gift.

So, I get to Daily Kitchen (located next to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, on Town Center, between I-215 and Temple Beth Sholom, in the space previously occupied by Rachel’s Kitchen), and I was pleased to find a few things that intrigued my palate.

I ended-up ordering the Turkey Meatball Sandwich with a mixed green salad on the side; and from the Wellness Bar, I got a large Restore (a blend of fresh apple, beet, carrot, and lemon juices).

First of all, Wow!  The Turkey Meatballs were the opposite of what I’d feared.  Instead of being flavorless and mushy, they are firm and tasty; slightly crispy on the lightly-seasoned outside, and tender and juicy within.  The marinara sauce is zesty, and - like the cheese sprinkled on top - is used sparingly.  I didn’t even eat the toasted whole wheat baguette, but I’m sure it was lovely.

As for the juice-drink – I’ll admit, I went into it expecting to be disgusted.  I loathe beets.  Vegetables in general, actually; but beets in particular…  Well, color me flabbergasted, but it was delicious.  Actually, I enjoyed it so much, that Lieuchi (who – having been my roommate for more than a year, back at the turn of the millennium – is very familiar with my horrendous eating habits) thought I was faking it, for her benefit.

At the end of the day, I was more astonished than anyone about my enjoyment of the meal.  Having lost some 35 pounds since the beginning of the year, I’m guessing that regular visits to Daily Kitchen & Wellness Bar are going to play a pivotal role in my losing the next 35!

Daily Kitchen & Wellness Bar
Click HERE for info

Get into it!