Hollywood, Florida, and Disney World's Hollywood Studios offer a surprising array of healthy food choices. This article explores various dining establishments and menu options that cater to health-conscious individuals, ensuring that both locals and tourists can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals.
Restaurants with Healthy Options
Ocean Grill & Bar
Located in Fort Lauderdale, Ocean Grill & Bar provides a fusion of Mediterranean and Latin cuisines. They offer a varied menu with options like house shrimp cocktail, lobster, and salmon glazed with orange and rosemary. Ancient recipes such as Lamb Makluba, falafel, and handmade baklava are also available. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are plentiful, making it a versatile choice for various dietary needs. The ambiance includes live music on weekends, a full bar, and a comfortable patio.
REUNION KTCHN BAR
REUNION KTCHN BAR offers a blend of culinary excellence and a vibrant atmosphere. With delectable dishes crafted with precision, it's an excellent choice for both dining and relaxed evenings. The restaurant also features a chic lounge area suitable for happy hours, late-night gatherings, and special events. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, it provides a wide range of dining options.
Motek Aventura
Motek Aventura brings the flavors of Tel Aviv to Aventura, offering a family-friendly dining experience inspired by Israeli, Lebanese, Moroccan, and Yemeni cuisines. The menu includes favorites like Shakshuka, Jerusalem Grilled Cheese, and cold mezzes. This lively Mediterranean escape is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, with meals made with care. A reviewer noted that the entire menu is free of seed oils, featuring fresh and delicious dishes.
Point Royal
Situated at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, Point Royal Restaurant features American dishes emphasizing fresh, vibrant flavors. They offer signature breakfast options with freshly squeezed juices, along with exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and a relaxed South Florida dining experience.
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The Green Pointe
Nestled in a quiet marina in Aventura's Mystic Pointe, The Green Pointe offers fresh seasonal cuisine with global influences. Standout menu items include Truffle Mushroom cream soup, Greek Salad, Roasted Cauliflower, Mushroom Pizza, Grilled Octopus, Branzino, and Beef Tenderloin. They also offer handcrafted cocktails and a great wine selection, all enjoyed with beautiful waterfront views.
Makoto
Makoto Okuwa’s eponymous eatery in Bal Harbour Shops offers Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant, re-envisioned by designer India Mahdavi, features bright colors, cozy banquettes, and outdoor dining. Makoto reshapes Edomae-style sushi for a contemporary audience, making it ideal for romantic dates or special occasions.
Sixty Vines
Sixty Vines provides a fresh, seasonal menu designed for sharing and pairing, with 60 wines on tap. It’s a celebration of good food and great company, perfect for leisurely lunches, weekend brunches, or dinners with friends in a laid-back wine country atmosphere.
Casa D’Angelo
Casa D’Angelo in Fort Lauderdale offers timeless Italian tradition with modern fine dining. As Chef Angelo Elia’s original flagship restaurant, it has set the standard for authentic Italian cuisine in South Florida for over 25 years. The menu features handcrafted pastas, fresh seafood, and seasonal specials, complemented by an award-winning wine list.
Healthy Eating at Disney World's Hollywood Studios
It’s entirely possible to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying the culinary offerings at Walt Disney World, particularly in Hollywood Studios. Here’s how:
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General Strategies
- Look for Plant-Rich Options: Prioritize dishes that include plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Choose Lean Proteins: Opt for lean meats or plant-based proteins.
- Control Portion Sizes: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating.
- Low-Fat Cooking Methods: Select items prepared via grilling, roasting, steaming, baking, broiling, or poaching.
- Mindful Modifications: Don’t hesitate to ask for modifications to make a dish healthier.
Specific Menu Recommendations
- Hollywood Brown Derby:
- Our Famous Cobb Salad: This can be a balanced option with finely chopped greens, turkey breast, bacon, egg, tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, avocado, and chives, although it’s important to be mindful of the dressing.
- Sustainable Verlasso Salmon: Marinated salmon over a bed of vegetables can be a nutritious and delicious choice.
- Hollywood & Vine:
- Mediterranean Salad: Opt for grilled chicken breast on a bed of fresh mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, red onions, pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese in a Mediterranean vinaigrette.
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant:
- Chicken Club (Modified): Order the marinated grilled chicken breast on a Kaiser roll with provolone cheese, omitting the bacon to reduce fat content.
- ABC Commissary:
- Teriyaki Vegetable Bowl: Stir-fried vegetables in a house-made teriyaki sauce over brown rice, topped with crushed cashews, provide a plant-rich meal.
- Smashed Avocado Toast and Egg: A great breakfast choice that includes seasonal dressed greens.
- Plant-Based Chilaquiles and Eggs: A filling and nutritious plant-based breakfast option.
- Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich with Arugula-Farro Salad: A balanced combination of protein and vegetables.
- Shrimp Tacos: A lighter meal option featuring sautéed shrimp, cabbage slaw, and mango salsa with black beans.
- Backlot Express:
- Galaxy’s Edge Special- Two Suns of Tatooine Hummus: A tasty and relatively healthy snack.
- Woody’s Lunch Box:
- Smoked Turkey Sandwich: A reasonable choice for lunch. Consider ordering the kid's portion for a smaller serving with sides like carrots, apples, or yogurt.
- PizzeRizzo:
- Margherita Flatbread (Modified Portion): Share a portion with a friend and accompany it with a salad.
- Sunshine Seasons:
- Oven-roasted Turkey Sandwich: Served on a fresh-baked multigrain croissant with lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro-avocado aïoli.
Healthy Modifications and Substitutions
- Swap Crispy for Grilled: Request grilled chicken instead of crispy chicken in salads and sandwiches.
- Dressings and Sauces on the Side: Control the amount of dressing or sauce by asking for it on the side.
- Side Swaps: Replace fries and chips with apple slices, mandarins, or vegetables.
Beverage Choices
- Water: Opt for complimentary ice water to avoid extra calories from sugary drinks.
- Low-Fat/Non-Dairy Milk: Choose these options over sugary beverages.
- 100% Fruit Juice: A better alternative to soda, but consume in moderation due to natural sugars.
Buffet Strategies
- Portion Control: Be mindful of how much you take.
- Vegetable Focus: Load up on fresh salads and vegetable dishes.
- Lean Proteins: Choose roasted meats, chicken, and fish.
Additional Tips for Healthy Eating
- Check for Produce Carts: Look for carts that offer fresh fruit, vegetables, and dips.
- Read Reviews: See what other diners are saying about healthy options at various restaurants.
- Don't Be Afraid to Ask: Many kitchens are willing to make healthy substitutions upon request.
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