The world is jumping on the healthy band wagon, and Vancouver is leading the charge in the growing organic food trend. Suddenly, what we're putting into our bodies has gone up on the list of major life priorities to where it should have been all along. With no shortage of local organic markets in Vancouver, preparing healthy grub is easy. But what about options for those of us who happen to be culinarily challenged? Luckily for Mount Pleasant residents, there's a plethora of spots that are organic, delicious, and just a hop, skip and a jump away. Here are a few organic gems you should definitley put on your hit list. 

Organic Livin' with Nuba

Photo: www.nuba.ca/nuba-cafe-in-mount-pleasant

Located just off Main at 146 3rd Ave East, this funky Lebanese cafe offers exotic options for the health-conscious foodie. Nuba Cafe excels at gluten-free and vegan-friendly dishes, and uses only the best of organic ingredients. They also whip up fresh-squeezed juices, killer coffee, and Middle Eastern specialties to take home with you. This Georgia Straight Reader's Choice Award winner is also a strong supporter of using locally grown and seasonal ingredients in their health-conscious menu items. Try the lamb hushwie, a dish featuring sautéed lamb with pine nuts, spices, peppers, and onions with avocado and hummus. And if you leave without trying the Najib's special (deep fried cauliflower) we'll never speak to you again. 

 

 Campagnolo: A Conde Nast Favourite

Photo: www.campagnoloroma.com

If you're cruising Downtown from Mount Pleasant, Campagnolo is THE place to stop for no-fuss Italian. This accomplished team uses both organic and seasonal ingredients to create seriously drool-worthy traditional and modern Italian. Campagnolo was named one of the hottest new places to eat in Condé Nast Traveller, and no one argues with Condé Nast! The roasted beet salad with hazelnuts and honey is a perfect lunch, while dinner features comfort dishes like slow roasted beef shank with kale and salsa verde. And if you have yet to experience Campagnolo's Roman style pizza - you haven't lived. 

 

It's a Palate Party at Eight 1/2 Restaurant Lounge

Photo: www.eightandahalf.ca

Eight 1/2 Restaurant Lounge's tag line sums them up perfectly: "What goes in your body should be simple, fresh, and local."

Not only does this just-off Main favourite offer fresh ingredients that come from the Lower Mainland and Pacific Rim, they also implement clean methods to cook their food, which means they don't use any deep fryers, cooking gases, or microwaves. Try the wild mushroom risotto with pine nuts and white truffle oil, or add a free range BC salmon for a protein boost. Even a good selection of their beer is organic. So if you think organic equals dull, pop into Eight 1/2 Restaurant - because they'll show you a party on every plate.

Bottom line:  Organic foods are all kinds of good – ethically, nutritionally, and gastronomically. Eat them in Mount Pleasant. Your body and your taste buds will thank-you for it.

*Please don't sue us if we've used your pic.  We're not trying to sell anything. Pinky swear.