Norwalk's culinary scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants popping up regularly. However, it's important to remember the establishments that have stood the test of time. The Lime, a restaurant serving organic vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for over three decades, is one such place. This review revisits The Lime, a Fairfield County mainstay, highlighting its enduring appeal and commitment to fresh, flavorful food.
A Welcoming Atmosphere
The Lime offers a welcoming atmosphere for families and individuals alike. During a recent lunch visit with energetic children, the staff, though seemingly busy, made an effort to provide friendly service. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is evident from the moment you walk in, with a sign indicating that all fryer oil is converted into renewable energy. This eco-conscious approach extends to the menu, which features organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Fresh and Flavorful Fare
The Lime's menu is packed with fresh and flavorful options, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian palates. The restaurant excels at lunch staples like salads and wraps, offering a variety of creative and satisfying combinations.
Appetizing Starters
The meal began with the Hummus, a creamy and rich blend with a strong tahini flavor. Served with veggie sticks, it proved to be a delightful and healthy start. For a kid-friendly option, the Nachos were a hit, featuring well-seasoned black beans and a spicy mango salsa for those seeking a bit of heat.
Refreshing Beverages
The Lime offers a range of refreshing beverages, including fresh fruit juices and organic alternatives to traditional sodas. Steaz, a blend of tea and carbonated fruit juice, proved to be a surprisingly satisfying substitute for diet coke, with the raspberry flavor being particularly noteworthy. Freshly squeezed carrot and mango/orange juices were also a hit.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Satisfying Salads
The salads at The Lime are a highlight, featuring fresh ingredients and flavorful dressings. The Malibu Chicken Salad combines crunchy garden greens with grilled chicken breast, roasted red peppers, avocado, and artichoke hearts, all tossed in a tangy honey-dijon dressing. The classic Chicken Salad, with chunky chicken cubes, mayo, apples, raisins, and walnuts, was a hit with the children, and the restaurant happily accommodated a request for a half portion with a creamy house dressing.
Delightful Wraps
The wraps at The Lime are equally impressive, offering a variety of fillings and flavors. The Turkey Cran Roll-Up features oven-baked turkey, avocado, cheddar cheese, creamy cranberry dressing, and garden greens, creating a sweet and savory combination. All wraps are served with a brown rice salad, adding a complementary texture to the cold and crunchy vegetables.
Vegetarian Options
Vegetarians will find plenty to choose from on the sandwich menu. The Veggie-Nut Burger, made from bulgher-wheat, carrots, zucchini, sesame, and sunflower seeds, is a long-standing favorite. It is served with creamy house dressing and the option of avocado, cheese, or tofu. Another popular vegetarian option is the Falafel Pita, featuring a spicy Middle Eastern chickpea patty with onions and tahini dressing.
Dinner Delights
While the lunch menu is impressive, The Lime's dinner offerings expand dramatically. From Mondays through Saturdays (5-10 PM) and Sundays (4:30-9:30 PM), the menu includes dishes like NY Strip with herb-crumb and gorgonzola topping, Chicken Marsala, Vegetable Tofu Stir Fry, Cajun Sweet-Fire Steak, and Tuna Wasabi.
A Commitment to Sustainability
The Lime's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its menu. The restaurant actively seeks to minimize its environmental impact, as evidenced by its use of fryer oil for renewable energy and its support for eco-conscious practices.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Oak + Almond: A Sister Restaurant with Hearth-Inspired Cuisine
In addition to The Lime, Norwalk also boasts another notable restaurant: Oak + Almond. This establishment embraces a philosophy centered around handcrafted food created with well-sourced seasonal ingredients, with a focus on hearth and flame. Oak and almond woods fuel the wood-burning oven and stove, imparting an earthy quality to many of the menu items. The cuisine is inspired by the traditions and techniques of yesteryear, offering a unique and flavorful dining experience.
Read also: Mobile Dining Revolution
tags: #healthy #food #restaurants #Norwalk