Bites Nearby: Grassroots Natural Market & Kitchen

Overview: Perhaps it's not your typical sit-down restaurant, but Grassroots Natural Market and Kitchen serves up some of the healthiest and most delicious food in the area. Located in between and , and just steps away from market in South Pasadena, it is truly a hidden gem that rivals even the likes of Whole Foods when it comes to serving up fresh, flavorful, organic meals.

Upon stepping into Grassroots Natural Market and Kitchen, one cannot help but immediately feel as though they’ve done their bodies a great favor – even before choosing from the large selection of vitamins and supplements that seem to constitute much of the establishment. Many would agree, however, that in recent years it is the kitchen that is Grassroots’ biggest attraction. Served cafeteria style, guests can choose from a large array of fresh menu items, prepared right in front of them. Sit inside and inhale the soothing smells of Nag Champa incense and lavender bath products, or enjoy the fresh air alongside your healthy meal.

Beverages: With options such as coffee ($1.75-$2.00), hot tea ($1.75-$2.00) and smoothies ($5.50-$6.50), Grassroots has a beverage to quench just about anyone’s thirst. My beverage of choice happens to be any combination of the fresh-squeezed vegetable juices. Choose your size (12 oz., 16 oz., 20 oz., 1 Qt.) and your veggies, and enjoy the health benefits of freshly juiced organic kale and beets or carrots, apples, and a touch of fresh ginger ($4.50-$9.99).

Breakfast: Served all day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Grassroots' breakfast will surely not disappoint. Choose a hardy breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, brown rice, beans, cilantro, onion, cheese, salsa, and sour cream; you'll leave feeling full and satisfied ($8.95). Or go more “south of the border” and order the Cuban Breakfast Plate; three scrambled eggs, black beans, brown rice, plantains, sour cream, avocado and salsa served with whole wheat, gluten free or corn tortillas ($9.95).

Lunch: If you’re planning on having lunch at Grassroots, be sure and get there early as the line tends to grow each minute past noon. If you’re a die-hard, like me, then nothing will stand between you and that rice and bean burrito – black beans, brown rice, fresh salsa, avocado, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, jalapeños and black olives, all wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla ($7.95).

If it’s salad that calls your name, then you’re in the right place. Choose from any one of Grassroots’ many salad options or simply build your own. The Tossed Taco Salad ($9.95) is a customer favorite – choose your protein (grilled or stewed chicken, ground soy, tempeh, carnitas or tofu) and then select from an assortment of veggies.  Tossed in a homemade vinaigrette or tahini dressing and topped with crunchy tortilla chips, this salad is delicious - and huge!

In addition to burritos, tacos ($4.95-$6.95) and salads, Grassroots’ hot menu items are of high culinary caliber – especially when taking into consideration the small size of the kitchen. With a menu that changes daily, customers can also choose from hot staples such as the Cuban Plate ($8.95), the Vegan Plate ($7.95) or the Grassroots Plate ($10.95). Each has a different variation of rice, beans, veggies and other goodies like plantains and protein.

If lighter fare is what you’re after, Grassroots’ pre-made pasta or grain side salads are satisfying and low-maintenance; simply choose your salad, container size and go. Better yet, summer is around the corner and that means Grassroots’ delicious gazpacho will be back ($3.50-$9.95). Chock full of fresh veggies in a cold tomato broth, this soup has quickly become one of my favorite things about warmer weather.

Pastries:  Aside from their famous homemade Apple Walnut Muffins ($3.25 - which now also comes gluten-free), Grassroots’ pastries are mostly made in-house and are all delicious. Try a pumpkin muffin ($3.25) when they’re in season, a gluten-free rice cake ($3.25), or one of their delicious homemade bread puddings (gluten-free and regular, $4.50).

Service:  Although food is served cafeteria-style, the staff is definitely not your typical cafeteria-style staff (think: grumpy old ladies who wear hair nets and serve up indecipherable mush). Friendly, helpful and very efficient, Grassroots' kitchen staff are a large part of what makes each dining experience so pleasurable. Their ability to work quickly means each customer gets through the long line in record time; Grassroots is a great stop for lunch even if you've got to get back to the office in a hurry.

Address: 1119 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena, 91030
Phone Number: (626) 799-0156
Owners: Meir & Marla Puni
Cost: $