Welcome summer! Days are longer with more spontaneity and less of a desire to spend time in the kitchen. Plus with less structured schedules our best intentions for heathy meals might fall by the wayside. With a little planning there are many options for fast meals that aren’t fast food.
Pure Raw Juice
6809 York Road
www.purerawjuice.com
Pure Raw just up the street in Stoneleigh has hit a home run with their smoothie bowls. The generous portion size makes them a cooling summer option for breakfast or lunch. They have the “Traditional” with a base of acai and banana topped with fruit, granola and coconut if you are new to the smoothie bowl experience. If you’re more adventurous and prefer a less sweet option my favorite is the “Omega Blast” with a base of avocado, spinach and banana with berries, pumpkin & chia seeds and granola. Also on the menu are smoothies, juices, and more bowl choices.
Harmony Bakery
3446 Chestnut Avenue
www.harmonybakery.net
Harmony just celebrated its 3rd birthday and is a favorite in the Baltimore gluten free and vegetarian communities (and you’ll adore their food even if you’re not)! Their tarts and flat breads are perfect to carry out and serve with a simple salad for an easy summer dinner or enjoy a Caesar kale salad and treat yourself to a brownie, blondie, or cookie after. My favorites are the mocha biscotti and the paleo sunshine muffins. There are always daily specials and new creations, so be sure to follow them on Instagram for regular updates.
Hilo
R House
301 W. 29th Street
If you are a sushi fan you will be more then pleased with Hilo located in Remington’s R House food hall. They have recreated the traditional rolls into sushi burritos & bowls and are open for lunch and dinner. The bowls are fine to carry out, but the burritos would be best eaten on premises as the nori wrapper starts to “melt” from the food’s moisture. Ingredients are fresh and combinations are flavorful with a balance of sweet, savory and umami in every bite.
Roggenart
5722 Falls Road
www.roggenart.com
The folks at Roggenart are passionate about bread and each loaf is a masterpiece. Rye flour is imported from Austria and is blended in varying percentages with other flours like oat to create their various selections. The staff is lovely and will take the time to explain the unique nature of each loaf. Along with breads they serve soups, salads, sandwiches, and quiche. It’s the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon coffee. There is easy street parking in front of the café and ample seating on the second floor as well as the first. (And we all need a little balance so sneak a peek at the authentic European pastries in the front case!)
Plantbar
Belvedere Square & Harbor Point
www.plant-bar.com
Plantbar has the best fresh pressed juices in town, but did you know they have a case for easy carryout with salads and plant based meals? For me, Plantbar is an excuse to take a break and walk to Belvedere Square for a fresh juice (try just celery to rehydrate and refresh). And if you’re game for an early summer cleanse they have packages for juice, soup, and raw food plans as a reset to start the season!
Clark Burger
Belvedere Square & Fells Point
www.clark-burger.com
www.bmoresaucy.com
And when you want a burger Clark is the place! Their outdoor seating is the perfect antidote to a busy summer day. They serve beef, turkey, and veggie burgers on both regular and gluten free buns. My favorite is the Veggie Burger with fresh guacamole and pickled onions and Scott’s is the Clark Burger with cheddar and smoked bacon. You can order through Grubhub but our experience is best when enjoyed on premise.