Yesterday I visited the Trumpet Blossom Cafe, just next door to 30th Century Bicycle on Prentiss Street. They have a Facebook Page and Facebook Place, as well as their website.
Chef/owner Katy Meyer had been at The Red Avocado back when it was on Washington Street, so this new restaurant that just opened a week ago has been eagerly awaited by many people in Iowa City. The Red Avocado would be a hard act to follow, but I had my hopes up.
Recently I started going to the Washington Street Wellness Center in an effort to take my health program to the next level. I consider myself fairly healthy. I exercise and eat mostly natural nutritious foods, but it turns out I’d been eating the wrong kinds of foods for what my body’s needs are. Too much dairy and carbs were the main problems.
The doctor wrote out a prescription, but instead of being for medications it was for fresh veggies, gluten-free grains like quinoa, spouts, dried fruit, rosemary, vinegar, and a list of other foods I should eat, and some to avoid. I soon discovered that shopping for all these ingredients, and trying to make something delicious out of them can be time consuming and expensive.
So, when I walked into the Trumpet Blossom Cafe yesterday, I couldn’t help but be amazed that the first item on the menu was a gluten-free quinoa salad practically identical to what my doctor had prescribed (see photo above). The salad had fresh veggies, quinoa, sprouts, dried fruit, spiced nuts, and an orange-rosemary vinaigrette.
Enthusiastically, I told the server and staff, “This is what my doctor prescribed for me.” The server, Matt, a little surprised, asked, “Who’s your doctor?” We chatted for a while about the power of nutrition and homeopathic approaches to wellness. In fact, their entire menu was, to my surprise, filled with food options that were right from the list of things my doctor had recommended for optimal wellness.
The salad was delicious and gave me the perfect energy boost for my busy evening ahead. It’s nice when food can taste great, and also be good for you.
I definitely plan on going back again soon and working my way down the menu. Katy recently posted to the Red Avocado Facebook page that Dave Burt’s veggie burgers will soon be on the menu. They were always a favorite of mine.
Many thanks to Katy and everyone else who put in the effort to create something special like this for all of us who live in Iowa City. ~ Greg Johnson
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Photos. The inside space is really nicely done. The photo below only shows the bar area and a few tables, but to the left and behind where this photo was taken are more tables and there’s also a fairly large stage for live music. The ability to sell alcohol is a great advantage in Iowa City where many people seek out specific brands of beer and wine, and want to try new labels they’ve not had before. Click here or the image to enlarge.
The outside patio seating is situated next to a stream with trees and other greenery. I’d expect, depending on the time of year, that there might also be some nice flowers there. Click here or the photo below to enlarge.
