Well, it’s that time of year again! Great food, new memories, and the “Holiday 15.” If you’ve ever struggled wondering what the best food choices are, worry no more. There are a lot of great local options that can make delicious alternatives to the greasy, carb-filled offerings we’ve all grown accustomed to.
Whether you’re looking for a pre-holiday meal, or a complete swap at the table, here’s my list of favorite spots for Boulder residents seeking more health-conscious catering options:
Fresh Thymes Eatery
Recipient of the 2014 Boulder People’s Choice Award for best new restaurant, Fresh Thymes Eatery has become a local favorite that’s good for both your taste buds and your nutrition. Popular for their fresh approach to food, customers can expect to receive a meal that’s largely locally grown and organic. From phenomenal hand tossed salads to homemade pizza and a variety of other options including dishes like “Dragon Tacos” and their grilled chicken and avocado sandwich, the menu has a range of fantastic items to choose from. Catering features foods like braised red chili pork with jalapeno relish, accompanied with anything from house-smoked honey rosemary almonds to chickpea flatbread with rosemary oil. Don’t forget to try their new Harvest and Ambrosia Boards, perfect for fall. Another huge benefit of eating at Fresh Thymes is that everything is prepared allergen-free. Customers who stop by for dinner on Monday nights through December will receive 10% off of their order if they mention they are a Jennifer Egbert real estate client. If you’re looking for a great spot for well-priced, quality eats, your search very well may end here.
Blooming Beets Kitchen
With a unique take on the dining experience, Blooming Beets Kitchen has received a lot of praise for their exciting gluten-free and paleo offerings. Aiming to create a dining experience where anyone with dietary restrictions could sit down and choose from a majority of the menu items, founder Iva Paleckova has incorporated healthy eating into every available dish. Nutritious options are abundant everywhere you look, and with the majority of ingredients (both meat and produce) being sourced locally from around Colorado, you know that quality is at the forefront of their business model. Entrées like the grass-fed brisket with cauliflower-carrot puree will leave your guests begging for more this holiday season. The best part? Their entire menu is available for catering, as long as customers call ahead with an order. Prepare for the paleo party to trump all paleo parties.
Cured
Still looking for the wonderful carbs and flavors that characterize this time of year, but don’t want to waste your time on empty calories? Cured may be the perfect combination of indulgence and better living. With artisan offerings like loaded cheese and charcuterie platters paired with freshly caught fish, homemade pasta, and more, this is the perfect option for someone who cares about what goes into her/his body. Depending on the size and needs of your get together, the store provides multiple menus ranging from platter offerings to a more robust “Fall Harvest Roast,” which is absolutely delectable. Founders Will and Coral Frischkorn aim to re-establish the connection we’ve lost with our food through combining bold flavors with a mom-and-pop feel to their establishment. You’ll enjoy their customized approach to handling every order, focusing on giving each individual customer the exact experience they’re looking for.
Zeal
Still looking for the perfect opportunity to reset your body before, during, or after the holiday season? Zeal and its fantastic juice cleanse is exactly what the doctor ordered when it comes to recharging your immune system and metabolism. Zeal’s many juice options contain anything from beets to celery and ginger. Following a mantra of “creating a space at the crossroads of vibrant living and sustainable health,” Zeal is a proud partner of the Conscious Cleanse Program, a nationwide movement that believes you’re only as good as what you put into your body. If you’re looking to cater something more substantial, Zeal also has a fantastic seasonal menu, which is available in its entirety for catering. This place is ideal for anyone looking to celebrate the festivities without the unflattering bloating and over-eating that usually go hand in hand with the occasion.
From juicing for Thanksgiving to eating a primal meal on a December evening, Boulderites are lucky to have so many great catering options perfect for the healthy eater. Step outside the box from your typical turkey, glazed ham, or mashed potatoes, and start tasting what the surrounding community has to offer – you’ll love the complex new flavors, and just might be pleasantly surprised by how you feel afterwards.