By Veronica Gomez, UC Davis Nutrition Peer Counselor
This year, 2023, I am determined to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. When deciding on my New Year’s Resolution, I pondered any obstacles I would face in achieving my goal. And of course, take-out and dine-in with friends seemed like a barrier, but I found a solution!
I have compiled a list of my favorite restaurants in downtown Davis that allow me, and all Aggies, to get a tasty meal filled with veggies. I did sneak in a few fruits and legumes throughout this list.
- Posh Bagel
Posh Bagel is a quaint breakfast/lunch restaurant that’s perfect for a simple grab n’ go with some friends.Posh Bagel offers their own spin on the iconic salmon lox bagel: “slice lox and cream cheese sandwich”. Depending on what region you purchase a salmon lox bagel from, it varies in its ingredients. From my experience, the bagel only comes with cream cheese, smoked salmon, onions, and capers. Don’t get me wrong, I love a simple bagel, but Posh Bagels’ variation steps it up to a whole new level by including lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts, pickles, and pepperoncini. In case you’re not fond of smoked salmon, any of their lunch sandwiches can also be ordered with these ingredients. Each bite is guaranteed to have a refreshing crunch and they are very generous with the serving of sprouts. - See this helpful summary on sprouts if they are new to you: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-the-health-benefits-and-risks-of-eating-sprouts/
- Woodstock Pizza & Blaze Pizza
Many big chain pizza places are limited with veggie options. Luckily, Davis has two popular locations with very diverse options.
Woodstock pizza is a lively pizzeria which hosts trivia nights and more. Although their veggie toppings aren’t that different from your standard vegetarian pizza, they offer salads that you can have with your pizza!
Options for salad bases include fresh field greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, and spring mix. Salad toppings are exciting with options such as carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, olive, tomatoes, pineapple, and tomatoes.
If you prefer your veggies on the pizza, Blaze Pizza allows you to Build-Your-Own-Pizza. With this option, you can order a whole pizza with up to 7 toppings. Some unique options available are: roasted broccoli, basil, artichokes, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and spinach. - Chipotle
Chipotle offers burritos and bowls that are protein and veggie packed. At Chipotle, you can always ask for extra if you really want to meet your health goals like me!
Veggie options offered at chipotle: black and pinto beans, roasted chili corn salsa, fresh tomato salsa, fajita veggies, romaine lettuce, and guacamole. - Tasty Kitchen
Last, but certainly not least: Tasty Kitchen. This is a Chinese Restaurant on F street. I am most excited about eating here with friends as I am a huge fan of Chinese food and they have the best menu for incorporating eating vegetables into your social life.
When you dine-in, you’ll be served on large plates that make it easy to share so you can be sure to sneak some veggies on to everyone’s plate too!
Tasty Kitchen offers vegetables not yet mentioned: green beans, mixed mushrooms, bailan (Chinese broccoli), and bok choy.
This is a direct link to their veggie menu:
https://www.tastykitchendavis.com/chicken-vegetable
Do you have a favorite place in Davis to enjoy vegetable-rich cuisine? Let us know in the comments!
Healthy Aggies at UC Davis 