November 24, 2007, Quincy, MA - Eatin' Healthy's ultimate goal is to be across from every McDonalds in America. Two years ago Eatin Healthy (www.eatinhealthy.com) opened its doors. Like a toddler learning to walk it fell a few times. "Opening day was a nightmare, trying to rush an opening after long construction delays was not the way to go. The line formed to the door and the kitchen crashed. We must have looked like a deer in headlights" says sole owner Erin Connors.
Thanksgiving Day was our 2 year anniversary and Connors has much to be thankful for. Many of those customers so eagerly waiting on opening day are surprisingly, the same ones that come in each day for delicious food that will fill them up, not slow them down. They love the fact that they can get something on the run that tastes great and is also good for them.
Gigantic crisp salads like our newest the "Really Grape" offers a surprise in every bite. Mixed greens, red grapes, toasted pecans, cheddar cheese, yellow peppers, tomatoes and homemade, reduced fat, raspberry vinaigrette complete this feast for the senses.
Warm Brown rice wraps like the Mango Chicken with fresh, spicy and sweet mango salsa, or the Mediterranean Chicken with homemade garlicky hummus and a black olive and feta dressing are definitely not what you would consider "diet" food.
Real food that is fresh, natural and delicious comes with a few challenges, like the fact that almost everything on the menu must be made from scratch replacing fat with flavor.
Eatin Healthy used the American Heart Associations guidelines when planning the menu. Lots of whole grains, a rainbow of fruits and veggies, healthy fats like canola, olive, and grape seed oils used in moderation, low fat dairy and lean meats. The challenge is coming up with items that are not bland and boring. "I don't want people to feel deprived or like they are being punished" states Connors.
Being a fulltime working mother of two has lead Connors to her latest expansion of Eatin' Healthy called "What's for Dinner?" "We started getting requests for dinner, a lightened Ziti Chicken and Broccoli for 4, and a Chicken Piccata for 6. After the Veggie lasagna for 6, I knew we had to give people what they wanted every night of the work week. I know what its like to be busy. I was working so much I didn't have time to make my own family dinner unless it was a grilled cheese with apple sauce."
Starting in January, just in time for the many New Years resolutions, you will be able to call by noon to reserve your dinner for the evening. There will be one dinner option each night. Dinners can be delivered or picked up after 4pm and they will be priced around 10.99. All dinners will be made using Eatin' Healthy's sensible approach to cooking.
What's for Dinner? Sample menu: MONDAY - Herb crusted Chicken with cranberry and pecan wild rice and maple glazed carrots. TUESDAY - Ziti, Chicken, and Broccoli in a lightened garlicky "cream" with a Caesar salad. WEDNESDAY - Stuffed Chicken, butternut squash risotto and green beans with orange butter and toasted almonds. THURSDAY- Apple roasted Pork with roasted red bliss potatoes and broccoli. FRIDAY - Roasted Veggie Lasagna with a red wine marinara and garden salad.
The eatery's web site, www.eatinhealthy.com, offers downloadable menus and gives a sense of Eatin' Healthy's bright, funky ambiance. Eatin' Healthy at 1253 Hancock St. in Quincy is open from 8a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 8a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 617-657-6001.
2022
