Address Book: Quick and Healthy Food

Just because you’ve had a full day of working or vacationing and you’re gnawing on your thumb with hunger, doesn’t necessarily mean you need to resort to junk food for sustenance. There are plenty of quick stops in the Vieux where you can eat well or grab a savoury, fresh, healthy meal for the trip back home or to your hotel. We’re here to tell you that you’ve got quick and healthy options!

Aloha Espresso Bar – 15, de la Commune Street West

At this Hawaiian restaurant, you will find succulent poké bowls and their acclaimed Acai and Pitaya bowls, as well as a huge selection of smoothies (we can’t stop thinking about the bold and beautiful Pink Panther!). And as its name suggests, coffee lovers won’t be disappointed! Aloha Espresso Bar offers lattes and iced espresso drinks, which you can customize with the syrup of your choice: caramel, coconut, maple, macadamia, hazelnut, pumpkin, and vanilla. You can also pick from several different milk options like organic 3.8%, 1%, organic soy, macadamia, oat, organic almond, and coconut. And if you’re feeling adventurous or have something to celebrate, you can add a touch of vodka or kahlua to your coffee! Here, eating healthy and good taste go hand in hand!

Chez Mère-Grand – 800, Berri Street

Their Chef Sandwiches, Grandma’s Salads, and to-go Picnic Baskets are all homemade with fresh and local ingredients.The warm atmosphere and gourmet dishes make this niche little place well worth the visit! Fans of chocolatines (or pain au chocolat, we’re not here to open that argument back up) are well-met – Barbara and Romain have everything necessary for busy, yet demanding taste buds. You can also turn to their delicacies shelf to buy some of their house jellies and packaged items to take with you to eat later!

Please note that Chez Mère-Grand is closed on Sundays during the summer.

Mandy’s – 425, Saint-Nicolas Street

Mandy’s salad-based meals have become their specialty over the years, so if you want to pack some vitamins and greens into your diet, this is the perfect place to do it! Whether you go for one of their signature salads, like the Habibi, the perfectly named Summer Salad, or one of their “grain bowls”, like the Protein Bomb or the Hippie, your body will thank you for the healthy, revitalizing sustenance. For the more adventurous eaters out there, you can also create your own salad if you wish!

We also want to remind you that you can pick up a copy of their recipe book, and explore some of your favourite Mandy’s recipes from the comfort of your own home.

© Photo Credit 1: Mandy's; 2: Geneviève Giguère

Fou d’ici, 1407 Saint-Jacques Street

Fou d’ici is a gourmet market specializing in the Quebecois terroir. Among their array of delicacies, pantry goods, fresh products, and homemade dishes, you will find everything you could ask for under one roof! Your mind will waver between their salmon or tuna poké, their healthy cauliflower or arugula bowl, and their salmon-quinoa entrée salad… The choice will be difficult, but rest assured: it’s impossible to go wrong here!

N.B.: We regularly update this list. If your business sells quick and healthy meals, and is not yet mentioned here, please write to us so that we may include it! info@sdcvieuxmontreal.com