This is definitely one of my favourite restaurants in Toronto and I am extremely excited that I have the opportunity to review it for you today. Before we get started, let’s brush up on what a superfood actually is, so we can understand the magic behind this incredible place.
What is a superfood?
A superfood is:
- a whole food (organically grown if possible)
- a raw food (retaining life forces, enzymes, and synergistic effects of plant components)
- easily digestible
- exceptionally nutritious, containing proportionally higher quantities of nutrients and other beneficial food attributes
- a food rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids
- an excellent dietary source of antioxidants and phytochemicals that strengthen the body and immune system
- a food that assists in the prevention and elimination of disease and premature aging
- a food that promotes healthy elimination and presence of beneficial intestinal flora
- an excellent, permanent dietary/supplemental addition to daily intake
(Superfood Eateries, 2012)
This definition, can be found on the Superfood Eateries website (superfoodeateries.com) and sums up the foundation of each uniquely, individually crafted item on the menu.
I have dined at many raw, vegan food emporiums in the City of Toronto, but not one is as promising, inspiring and delicious as Superfood Eateries. My experience exceeded my expectations and my taste buds. Since its opening Superfood has given a new meaning to the concept of take-out food – move over McDonalds – you’ve got serious competition.
Superfood Eateries opened its doors April 22, 2013 – Earth Day – which is very fitting for the type of grassroots restaurant it is. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto – 268 Adelaide St. West – it caters to the local condo dwellers and businesses in the area. Customers range from, long standing vegans, to educated, health conscious foodies, to newbies waiting to try something new. Whatever your palette, the menu has something to offer everyone. Everything is hand crafted, raw, vegan, non GMO and gourmet. Menu offerings range from an assortment of freshly pressed organic juices and smoothies, mains and salads, breakfast, snacks and delectable desserts.
Meet the Owners
Amy De Wolfe and Luciano Losiggio, the dynamic duo, brought together by fate. Amy, a graphic designer and inspiring self-trained vegan chef, created the majority of the dishes on the menu with her children at home. “I love to come up with creative dishes that taste so good you wouldn’t even miss the cooked version.”
To read more about Amy visit: Amy De Wolfe
Luciano, who used to be a competitive athlete, adopted a vegan diet to increase his level of physical activity. Consequently, it blossomed into a way of life and his passion. He became a Certified Raw Nutritionist, and followed his dream of opening up Superfood Eateries. Luciano is an advocate of human performance and draws his inspiration by helping others reach their potential and goals.
To read more about Luciano visit: Luciano Losiggio
Their combined vision, talents and enthusiasm created Superfood Eateries. Their mission is to expand their eateries across Toronto, and educate people that you can still eat healthy and delicious foods while on the go.
The Menu
To cater to the downtown lifestyle, Superfood offers a grab and go menu concept. Fresh, daily specials can be found in the grab + go fridge – easy, quick and accessible for the time pressed customer. If you have more time to linger, there are a few tables for you to sit in and eat.
Organically grown food, plant-based food, and living food are the 3 dietary pillars upon which Superfood Eateries and their signature menu are founded. The menu offers an extensive selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner choices. All packaging is eco-friendly, reusable and recyclable.
Grab & Go
Daily specials are neatly displayed in the grab + go fridge.
Smooth Operator
Juices and smoothies come in two sizes: 250 and 500 mL glass bottles for optimal freshness. There is an assortment of fruit and vegetable options. All juices are organic, vegan, hand-made, cold-pressed, and unpasteurized. Cold-pressed juices can be stored for up to 3 days without nutrient loss. Patrons are encouraged to return glass bottles.
In need of a little antioxidant boost, I started off with the 250 mL Flu Shot | antioxidant berry smoothie and it was absolutely delicious! This smaller smoothie left lots of room for some more delicious raw, vegan goodness!
Salads
Next I cleansed my palate with the MVP | abundant health superfood salad.
Mixed greens, romaine, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sunflower sprouts, radish, carrots, beet, avocado, broccoli, hemp seeds, topped with the classified Superfood secret citrus dressing – one word – mind blowing.
And for the main… yes, it gets even better!
Mains
I can’t believe it’s not a real taco!
Let me begin by saying that I have never, ever tasted something so incredible. The thought, creativity and genius put in this recipe are next to none. The Up in Smoke | immune guarding tacos with superfood salad is out of this world. I will never eat a regular taco again.
To keep with the Mexican theme I nibbled on the raw version of nachos and dip – dehydrated corn chips called Mighty Mouth | high fiber nacho chips, accompanied by a cashew, red pepper dip (the “cheese”). All I can say is crazy delicious and I can’t believe it’s not real cheese! Trust me when I say this, you will never want to eat the processed version of nachos and dip again.
How Sweet It Is
And for the icing on the cake, a big warm hug!
I finished journey with the Warm Hug | heartening ‘pumpkin’ pie. If you closed your eyes, you would never guess that you were eating a raw, vegan dessert. It tastes exactly like a homemade pumpkin pie but with none of the guilt.
My experience at Superfood Eateries was outstanding. The place and everything in it – people and food – buzzes with high octane energy. You know that each and every product is created from only the best, with only the best intentions at heart – to serve foods that heal, satisfy and inspire. I left Superfood Eateries feeling inspired and satiated. Inspired to follow my dreams and intrigued about strictly following a plant-based diet.
You can follow Superfood Eateries on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
This review was written by the sweet and fabulous holistic nutritionist-to-be, Laura Iamundo. We at The Naked Label can’t get enough of Laura’s bright energy, love of holistic nutrition and constant dedication to helping everyone change the way they eat and see themselves.
Have you been to Superfood Eateries? Share your thoughts about your experience & tell us about your favorites in the comment section below! If you know of anyone else who enjoys eating healthily with locally sourced ingredients, or could benefit from hearing more about Superfood Eateries, please share this review with them on the facebook & twitter links below so they can discover this gem also! We’re loving you for it!
