Snap Kitchen Westlake
I recently had the chance to sample Snap Kitchen’s summer menu, which will be available through September. During my first exposure to this healthy food shop, I was pleased by the neat lines and colorful aesthetic of the Westlake store I visited.
Snap Kitchen’s image and model seems to be serving them well. Although the first store opened in Austin in 2010, the company has managed to spread through Houston and the DFW area in significant numbers since then. As of a couple of weeks ago, the store has become national with a location in Chicago, adding to Austin’s nationwide reputation for having a health-conscious attitude.
Healthy Food with Fresh and Diverse Ingredients
As a first time Snap Kitchen consumer, the summer menu did not disappoint. Not particularly accustomed to the microwave-convenient aspect of their meals, I was interested to see the in-house microwaves and bar stools set up for quick lunch breaks. Packaged in microwave-ready and easily reusable containers, the food is extremely easy to take out if you don’t have time to eat in.
Kale and Watermelon Snack from Snap Kitchen
I started with the Kale and Watermelon Snack, a small salad to satisfy your palette. The kale is offset by fresh watermelon and the entire dish is topped off with feta cheese. Oddly enough, it’s the basil that effectively ties all of these tastes together.
Grilled Kale “Hoppin’ John” entree, featuring pumpkin seeds, hummus and sweet potato
Next, I tried the ingredient-packed Grilled Kale “Hoppin’ John” dish. Not only is this dish vegan, gluten free and “sodium conscious,” but it’s also delicious. Savory flavors are layered and contrasted, with sweet potato adding a sweet touch to the brown rice, black bean and kale mixture. Hummus and pumpkin seeds create a complex dish layered in fresh, almost entirely homemade ingredients.
One thing I was struck by while reading the ingredients to the grilled kale dish was the complete recognition of absolutely everything that went into making the meal. It’s nice to know what you’re eating for a change, without having to worry about the complicated names of chemicals you nervously skip over.
Unstress with Cold Press
The pink Watermelon Juice is 100% cold pressed fruit, and the Almon-ccino is cold brew coffee with homemade almond milk
Most of Snap Kitchen juices are made through cold press juicing. This process takes more produce and results in more nutrients in the product.
With 100% juice, the Watermelon Juice tastes nothing like the artificial flavor named after it. Before you shake it, the dense pink juice creates pretty swirls at the bottom of the container. But shake it you must, to enjoy a healthy and refreshing beverage that’s only 110 calories, all natural and unpasteurized.
I also tried the Almon-ccino, which is cold brew coffee with homemade almond milk. Although it’s not tied to the summer menu, its cool temperature and high caffeine content make it worthy of a mention.
Your Summer Solution to Heat and Sweets
On the porch of Snap Kitchen Westlake
With seven locations around Austin alone, it’s convenient to pop in and try some of the new menu items from Snap Kitchen. You’ll find a home-cooked meal you don’t have to cook yourself, and a healthy alternative to the convenience of fast food.
In addition to the items I mentioned, there are paleo diet approved Banana Pancakes, the gluten free and carb conscious Asian Beef Noodle Bowl and a vegan and paleo Tomato Gazpacho. Find out more by exploring a store yourself, or by checking out Snap Kitchen’s website.
@erinmayyyy wants to know:
Where is your favorite place to find healthy fast food in Austin?
Disclosure: I sampled Snap Kitchen’s summer menu as part of a complimentary press tasting. All opinions are my own.
