4. Avocado
Of the many foods that have their origin in Mexico--vanilla, chocolate, pineapple, corn, peanuts, tomatoes, agave and chili, to name a few--avocado stands out as a true super fruit. People who are replacing carbs in their diet with good fats, like coconut oil, olive oil nuts, and butter, have found avocado with its high fiber protein and low fructose an optimal choice. Best known in the US as a Super Bowl staple, guacamole is thought to be a specialty dish. Avocado, however is a daily ingredient that we use on a variety of classic south-of-the-border inspired favorites.
Veggie Z-Man not only sports a vegan patty, it also has vegan sausage with caramelized onions, manchego cheese and avocado making it a high protein vegetarian powerhouse. Jumped up with spicy chili aioli on a toasted whole-wheat bun (it can be ordered on gluten-free bread as well) makes this an extravaganza for the buds.
Brettsky, named after the customer who special ordered it on a whim, combines eggs, vegan sausage, tomato, caramelized onion, cilantro, pesto and, of course, avocado all on toasty organic whole wheat bread (available on gluten-free bread, as on all our sandwiches).
5. Chia Seed
Chia seeds were a favorite of the ancient Aztecs and Mayans when they needed sustained marathon endurance to chase down pumas. This high protein, low cal seed is a filling source of gluten-free fiber, omega 3 and antioxidants. High in zinc potassium, calcium, niacin, thiamine, magnesium and B-12, chia is great for regulating the acid-alkaline balance in the body’s ecosystem. Diseases thrive in high acidic environments and cannot live in alkaline climes, so awareness of ph status is essential to creating one’s own healthy body.
Zapped with Vietnamese cinnamon and tones of walnut, Super Smoothie is a satisfying blend of coconut water, blueberry, banana and the perfect vehicle for introducing the colossal seed into the diet.
For a greater boost to overall health, the Super Duper was designed to elevate the immune system with anti-inflammatory raw ginger and turmeric. Along with chia seeds, blueberries, banana blended in coconut water, this popular smoothie special promises to become a staple
on the permanent menu.
6. Kale
Kale is a nutrient-dense cruciferous vegetable related to the cabbage family. In recent years it has become synonymous with super food. There is a very good reason for this designation, kale ranks highest on the nutrients per calorie scale. Vitamins A, B6, C, K, manganese, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, all in abundance, make it an ideal culinary choice for weight loss, anti-depression and clear skin.
Besides the House Chicken Salad and Gluten-Free Lasagna, Sriracha Chef Tofu is a tantalizing way to get your daily kale quotient. Boasting an array of super foods, such as hemp seeds, broccoli, spinach and chilis topped with an organic tomato-corn-chipotle salsa, this meal is sure to speed you along your path with clarity and energy.
Lalo’s Tacos, a Oaxacan specialty our kitchen staff made back home on the farm, features organic egg whites, spinach, kale, serranos, onions and tomatoes, crested with a crown of manchego cheese on organic tortillas.
7. Ginger
Ginger is like a highly trained team of special forces that go into the body and remove hostile bacteria, parasites, fungus, inflammation and viruses. Rich in antioxidants, ginger promotes broncho-dilation, pain relief, fat digestion, circulation, memory recollection and lush intestinal flora generation. The accumulative effects of ginger on the system cause people to make positive changes in their food consumption, reducing incidences of illness caused by obesity.
Salmon China Bowl is a perfect way to get a healthy dose of ginger. The combo of Atlantic salmon, spicy black beans, garlic, broccoli and bean sprouts over organic brown jasmine rice comes with a salad glazed with fat-free ginger vinaigrette. It makes a perfect dinner to enjoy in our candlelit cafe during the evening.
Ginger Tiger is a sandwich made with a ginger-chili marinade tofu steak, avocado, tomato, and caramelized onions on a toasted organic wheat bun (available gluten-free) slathered with Sriracha kaffer lime vegenaise. (Read on)