Whoever said you had to sacrifice taste to eat healthy (read: no cal, no sugar, no salt … no fun) could learn a thing or two from Randy Gier and Laurie Curtis, founders of the newly opened “fast casual” restaurant Cedars Woodfire Grill in Plano.
According to Curtis, the mission is to “eat well, live well, feel good,” and, being a parent herself, she understands that people of all ages won’t necessarily get that from a diet of chicken nuggets alone. That’s why she and Gier have shunned freezers, fryers and microwaves, and all meat and produce come in fresh daily.
Skeptical? You can see it for yourself, when your tender, juicy, hormone-free chicken gets grilled before your eyes in the open kitchen. And with so many fresh, local ingredients used, there’s hardly anything on the menu to feel guilty about. Start the whole table off with a “Share-able,” such as grilled vegetable bruschetta: grilled sourdough topped with grilled marinated veggies, Parmesan and a sweet balsamic glaze. For your meal, try a summer harvest salad: fresh mangoes, strawberries, almonds, carrots, onions and Parmesan tossed with lemon poppy seed dressing. For heartier appetites, items such as chili and the steakhouse chop salad will certainly satisfy.
Still have questions about what you’re putting in your tummy? They’ve got you covered. To find out the calorie, fat, carbohydrate and protein content of any dish, simply text in the item code (listed on the menu) and you’ll instantly receive nutritional details. And if you’ve got dietary restrictions, check out the menu listing diabetic-friendly, low-sodium, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Curtis and Gier entered into this venture with family in mind. The kids menu, developed from items hand-picked by kids in a focus group (with input from moms, natch), is displayed on a photo board, so kids can point to what they want. “It’s amazing what kids will eat,” shares Curtis, noting that, in addition to favorites like pizzadillas and noodle bowls, some kids actually like salad when given the option. When you enter the restaurant, a friendly waiter will serve you a bowl of fresh pita chips (for snacking while you wait) and a tabletop activity board.
A final word? The Cedars philosophy involves balance and choice, not deprivation. That said, be sure to indulge in a s’mores fondue before you leave. The whole family will enjoy dipping graham crackers and strawberries into a decadent blend of three chocolates and roasted marshmallows. There’s no reason to feel guilty, even if you choose the cookies over the fruit …
