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Feel-Good Food – Deliciously Healthy Dining Spots in Connecticut

We’re excited to welcome a new CT Ambassador, Ari Laing of Well Seasoned, a blog dedicated to eating beautifully, while capturing the joy of discovering new ways to cook and elevating the dining experience through amazing photography. Here’s her take on some of Connecticut’s most inspiring fresh-and-local dining destinations. Article has been updated by the Connecticut Office of Tourism.

There’s a whole movement on eating fresh, local ingredients making waves across the states. But how do you make those ingredients stand out? I’ve set out to discover restaurants in Connecticut that not only highlight local vegetables, dairy, and proteins, but also provide healthier options across a variety of unique and inspiring dishes. Food that not only looks good, but makes you feel good too. Whether you’re a local resident looking to explore both familiar and hidden gems, or you’re simply passing through, be sure to check out these foodie finds for some creative and inspiring healthy dishes.

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Claire’s Corner Copia, New Haven

If you are driving anywhere near New Haven, you absolutely must make time to stop into Claire’s Corner Copia. It’s owned and run by the charming Claire LaPia, who makes all her patrons feel as warm and welcome as if they were family. She cooks like it, too.  An omelet at Claire’s is not just an omelet. It’s a combination of local, organic eggs (cracked to order!), fresh vegetables that have never seen the inside of a freezer, and a level of skill that take her omelet over the top. Claire repeatedly told me that Juana, one of her beloved chefs, makes the best omelet you’ve ever had. After a brief moment watching Juana make my breakfast, and then later upon taking my first bite, I’d have to agree. Freshness abounds, and it readily comes across in their food. I highly recommend rounding out your vegetable-forward breakfast with a slice of her famous Lithuanian coffee cake which was, in a word, heaven. 

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Good News Restaurant, Woodbury

Walking into Good News Restaurant in Woodbury is like stepping into Chef and owner Carole Peck’s home. There are multiple dining rooms, each one a little different tin terms of tables, paint, decor, etc. But the vibe throughout the restaurant is the same — this is Carole’s space, and she’s about to treat you to something delicious. All of the dishes at Good News Restaurant are made to highlight the freshness of the ingredients. A daily soup of farro with peas and parsley gremolata was the perfect first taste of spring, while a beet salad with avocado, peas, cucumbers, and horseradish chive cream offered the most lovely contrasting textures. Between the crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado and cheese, and fresh crisp micro greens, each bite was better than the last. The restaurant has a full bar, but if you’re looking to keep things light, ask for one of their signature mocktails — mine tasted of fresh watermelon! As always, no meal is complete without a little something sweet to round things out. Carole is making a vegan chocolate cake with raspberry sorbet that is a light, yet seemingly indulgent way to end the meal. 

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Flora, West Hartford

Truly living up to their slogan, "As vegan as you want to be," Flora is a full service restaurant and bar with an inspired plant based menu and juice bar providing a unique opportunity for food choices in a balanced healthy living diet. Omnivores are welcome to this vegan-focused dining experience with choices of 'viable fauna,' which include sustainably raised animal products. Sample savory appetizers such as buffalo cauliflower and artichoke crab cakes, try creative entrees and desserts like avocado chocolate pudding, and even order a fresh juice, smoothie or shake. On Sundays, be sure to try their brunch menu!

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The Stand Vegan Café, Fairfield

While The Stand used to be known for their juices alone, they are now a pioneer in Fairfield County boasting themselves as “the new vegan”. They offer a variety of breakfast options, from broccoli and tofu quiche (paired with a light arugula salad topped with fresh citrus), grain bowls, and of course, their famous juices and smoothies. Later in the day, cozy up at one of their tables in the warm, sunny dining space to enjoy a fan favorite: grilled tempeh reuben. Definitely save room for dessert! Chef Jenna McPartland is baking up a variety of vegan and gluten-free treats to satisfy any sweet tooth, including homemade chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, and muffins! 

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Right Path Organic Cafe, New London

This plant-based café believes that choosing to eat well and live well helps us all live in greater harmony – and they contribute to this mission by offering organic and locally sourced foods. All with mindful names such as “Wisdom,” “Chakra,” and “Breathe” enjoy fresh smoothies, grain bowls, soups, salads and more.

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Organika Plant Based Kitchen, Southport

From delicious breakfast staples like multigrain pancakes and bagel carrot lox with coconut cream cheese to lunchtime dishes such as jackfruit buffalo tacos and beyond burger melts, Organika offers fresh vegan dishes and twists on fan favorites. And don't miss their colorful, fruit-topped smoothie creations! It’s a great spot to grab a plant-based meal on the go.

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G Monkey, West Hartford

G Monkey is Connecticut first plant-based fast food restaurant! Bite into grilled cheese, bean burritos, chili cheese fries, quinoa tabouli salad, grilled tempeh Reubens and more — all plant-based and super organic. Plus don't miss sweet treats like protein shakes, raw cacao mousse, and carrot cake.

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