Now that it’s officially spring, celebrate the season at a new restaurant.Awaken your senses and palates and head to these top 5 spots:(Note: menu items and prices subject to change)
Springtime brings a craving for lighter fare and greens, but that doesn’t have to mean a lettuce-based salad. The two salads ($9 ea.) on the menu at The Grow-Up proves that you don’t have to gnaw on the typical salad fixin’s like a bunny to get your salad fix: - Broccoli Salad (baby spinach, broccoli, red onion, cilantro, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, roasted cashews, shredded toasted coconut, with yellow curry dressing) - Zucchini Noodle Salad (vegan bean ball, raw zucchini noodles, roasted almond slivers, green onion, sesame seeds, cilantro, baby spinach, with almond butter dressing)
After a winter full of meat and potatoes, switch over to lighter but still satisfying fish and seafood. All those omega-3s are a very good thing. And at Smoked & Cracked - an often overlooked seafood spot - the choice is yours. The best Lobster Boil in the city (MP) is a fun way to bring in the new season. There’s also fresh oysters, mussels, lobster rolls, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail ($15), Smoked Rainbow Trout ($18.95) on greens, and a daily Fish Fry ($20).
If you love grilled cheese sandwiches, here’s your chance to celebrate – the whole month of April is dedicated to them, so head to Royale’s Lunchonette for their Grilled Cheese ($7.50) with Balderson cheddar and caramelized onions on Prairie Boy Flax Sourdough.
If you’re a noodle lover, don’t panic - Pho Huong has got you covered. There’s everything from pad Thai’s ($8.95-$9.95) to heavier fare of Beef Stew with Egg Noodle ($8) and a host of udon noodle dishes ($8.95-$11.95). But if you’re like me and looking for something lighter come spring, the vermicelli dishes are the way to go whether you get a plate or bowl of soup. The fresh factor here is what sets them apart from the rest. I highly recommend B21 – Beef Lemongrass with Vermicelli ($8).
Sotto Sotto's new location still offers all the classics you love. The wide-ranging menu includes enticing options including: - Sardine alla Griglia ($17.95) grilled fresh sardines with balsamic & Sotto seafood grill dressing) - Pappardelle dei Castelli ($25.95) flat & long egg pasta in a wine sauce made with a mix of forest mushrooms) - Piccata di Vitello al Limone ($26.95) veal scaloppine with herbs cooked in a fresh lemon sauce) - Abbacchio della Taverna ($48.95) grilled rack of lamb with herbs & garlic in a red wine reduction).