So Fresh

“We are yoga-lovin’, health-food eating foodies with a background in high-end gourmet fare. This restaurant is what we’ve always wanted.” ~ freshhamptons.com

Need I say more? That’s pretty much One Healthy Hamptons’ heaven on earth. To tell you the truth, I was kind of embarrassed that I hadn’t yet been to Fresh. It seemed like I was the only one in town. People who know me or know of One Healthy Hamptons would immediately ask “have you been to Fresh?” Well, yes, folks, now I have officially been to Fresh! And, I will officially be going back again soon!

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The menu is extensive, to say the least. Pages and pages, which is fun to explore and not that overwhelming. You are first introduced to the full smoothie and juice bar and then walked through small plates, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. There is something, if not lots, for everyone. Fresh’s motto is that they serve every type of eater; vegan, those with food allergies, dietary restrictions, preferences, picky, and non, all-out carnivores, and everyone in between. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple cup of soup or a full four-course meal, Fresh has it.

Fresh is one restaurant a bride-to-be can frequent! I don’t know about you, but when choosing a restaurant, I look for a few key aspects. Most important is clearly the food. The food’s gotta be good, or what’s the point of leaving the house? “Good” to me is a combination of high-quality taste and satisfaction knowing you’re nourishing your body. Obviously, I like to know I’m eating somewhat healthy. I like when a meal feels light, not heavy. I like lots of greens. I like being able to attribute flavor to herbs, spices, or lemon, for example, rather than cream or butter. But, what’s the BEST? FRESH. When you can literally taste the crisp freshness in your meal, that’s the best. Knowing that the freshness is local and healthy? That’s the BEST.

photo 4The restaurant is rustic and cozy, with a low-key vibe. Since we went for lunch on a weekday, it was light out, pretty empty, and felt more casual. The space definitely shows potential for a dinner date, night out, or even bar scene. I love the option to sit at a table or bench seating, can’t go wrong. Lastly, the staff was very nice and welcoming, knowledgeable, and friendly.

One Healthy Breakdown: if you’re a One Healthy Hamptons reader, you’d be silly not to try Fresh!

All in One at Dockside

One of the many (many, many) reasons I consider myself lucky to live in Sag Harbor is the quick trip to Dockside Bar & Grille, an all-American favorite (appropriately located in the American Legion building on 26 Bay Street.) Dockside has great food and service, and a low-key, no pressure feel that’s a nice escape from the Hamptons ‘scene.’ Dockside welcomes anyone and everyone, it’s family and kid-friendly, and has a great all-in-one kind of flare. Looking for fresh seafood? Beer and wings? Organic mesclun? Long Island duck? a good old burger? Dockside’s the place to go for all of the above and more, including and a full bar.

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The few times that I’ve been to Dockside, I’ve sat outside, which brings a fun summer ambiance to the meal. The front patio seating is super popular, as it provides a great view of the boats in the harbor as well as everything going on on Bay Street. If the weather’s nice and you want to dine outside, get there a bit early and have a drink (you’re not alone and may have a short wait.)

Dockside’s menu truly has something for everyone, even those healthy folks following the Wellness Challenge. I wouldn’t label Dockside a healthy restaurant necessarily because the menu is packed with comfort food, but the variety definitely offers options to those seeking something light…as well as not so much.

I went for the Spicy Lulu Salad (a favorite creation – one we’ve tried to recreate at home many times) with a side of the shaved brussel sprouts, which are some of the best sprouts I’ve had. The Lulu Salad is a satisfying, well-balanced meal in itself, with chicken, brown rice, and veggies all in one. The brussel sprouts made quite the impression on me last year, I was so sad when I saw that they had taken them off of the ‘sides’ menu, but luckily they met my special request! I think I could live off of these babies.

My accompaniment (Nick and his mom) both opted for the fish tacos (following a cup of chowder and a steamed artichoke, both of which were also well-received.) I have to say that the steamed artichoke caught my eye and is definitely on my list for my next trip to Dockside. And I’m pretty sure that will be very, very soon.

In addition to the great food and atmosphere, I have to reiterate the warm and friendly service. Start to finish at Dockside, the hostess, servers, and bartender, everyone is kind and helpful. It’s hard not to get a good family vibe when eating at Dockside. All in all, if you’re looking for a fun meal, whatever that may be to you, Dockside has you covered.

One Healthy Breakdown: Dockside is Hamptons one-of-a-kind all in one!