By Margo Greenman
Whether your diet is restricted due to health related circumstances or your own personal accord, more-and-more people are turning to raw, organic, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free foods and the source for their sustenance. And, because Tacoma loves to keep its citizens happy and well fed, South Sound locals in search of these food sources don’t have to look very hard. Boasting everything from vegan cakes and organic veggies delivered straight to your door, Tacoma is thriving with healthy, and alternative food sources.
Find a map noting locations of these restaurants here.
A. AmeRAWcan Bistro
Specializing in 100 percent raw foods, AmeRAWcan Bistro provides its customers with cuisine reminiscent of an upscale dining experience. Featuring dishes like their Raw Enchiladas made with cashew tortillas stuffed with walnut taco “meat,” cabbage, sweet peppers and almond “cheese,” guests can order from a full menu of entrees, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, soups and more.
B. Marlene’s Natural Foods Market and Deli
Offering groceries, a deli and bakery, you can either pick up organic goods to create your own culinary masterpiece at home, our Marlene’s skilled staff will prepare a feast for you. Offering a menu featuring organic, gluten-free and vegan options, as well as a variety of sandwiches, soups, entrées and more, Marlene’s has everything you need to sate your hunger, no matter your diet.
C. Harbor Greens
Carnivores like eating healthy and humanely, too. For the conscious-minded carnivore, Harbor Greens (with locations in University Place and Gig Harbor) features meats from Niman Ranch. Niman Ranch is an ethically-minded farm based in California, committed to producing humanely-raised, vegetarian-fed meat that contains no hormones or antibiotics. Harbor Greens also features a variety of organically grown produce, too.
D. Quickie Too, A Vegan Cafe
A local favorite for vegan cuisine, Quickie Too features a menu of mouth watering sandwiches, wraps, burgers and more. The Seitan Sandwich is loaded with seitan steak, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions and potato salad (yes, potato salad on a sandwich), all wedged between a multi-grain bread and served along a side of beans and rice. Other favorites include their Mac & Yease – a vegan take on traditional mac and cheese, the Jamaican Spice Tofu Sub, and The Evil One – a wrap stuffed with seitan steak, coleslaw and more.
E. Terra Organics
What’s better than a hand picked selection of seasonal, organically grown produce? Hand picked, seasonal and organically grown produce delivered to right your door. Tacoma-based Terra Organics provides its customers with weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or custom deliveries of veggies, fruits or both, and other items such as coffee, grains and eggs. Step-by-step instructions makes it easy to order produce that you’ll enjoy. Small and large boxes are available to accommodate varying household sizes.
F. Tacoma Food Co-Op
Centrally located in Tacoma’s Sixth Avenue district, the Tacoma Food Co-Op is a favorite for locals looking for a one-stop-shop for healthy eating right in the heart of their community. You don’t have to be a member to enjoy perusing from a selection of fresh, local, organic, allergen-free, vegan, humanely raised, non-gmo, and affordable foods, but it’s because of its members that the co-op exists. Interested in joining? Find out you can become a member here.
G.Smooth & Juicey
Conveniently located near the Downtown Tacoma YMCA, energize yourself after an intensive workout with a smoothie made from mostly organic, locally sourced produce at Tacoma’s Smooth & Juicey. You can order a custom creation, or opt for one of Smooth and Juicey’s signature juice blends like their Red Hot, Pep-Up and Daybreak, or select from one of their many smoothies.
H. Corina Bakery
Finding desserts that are dairy, gluten free or both can be difficult, but at Tacoma’s favorited Corina Bakery, there are lots of options when it comes to vegan and gluten-free eating. For vegans, Corina Bakery offers a variety of breads, cakes, pies and more. For gluten free diets, there is an assortment of cakes, breakfast pastries and other tasty baked goods. Looking for both vegan and gluten free options? Corina bakery has a menu for that, too.
I. Marrow Kitchen & Bar
Upscale vegetarian cuisine is what you’ll find on the Arrow menu at Marrow Kitchen & Bar. Featuring a full-menu designed with meat-free eaters in mind, Marrow’s Arrow menu features a rotating selection of seasonally inspired foods. Vegetarians (and carnivores) can enjoy feasting on gourmet dishes like quinoa and mushroom wellington, lentil and tofu piccata, jalepeño potato doughnuts and more.
J. Maybe this one is a bit of a tease, but fast forward to 2015 and there will be another organic shopping destination for people living in the South Puget Sound. The city of University Place and Whole Foods Market recently announced that Whole Foods Market will be coming to University Place. The popular grocery destination is set to open in spring of 2015.
