Remember yesterday when I said I was going to eat out at restaurants less? Well, I already failed. How do you resist a place that sound and looks as good as Luna’s Living Kitchen? I’ve had tons of people asking if I’ve gone there yet and when Emilee and I drove past it last night…we had to stop.
It was a win/lose situation. Win because it was healthy and delicious, lose because it was still dining out. I promise I’ll try harder next time 🙂
One of the things I love most about eating at Charlotte restaurants is that they take pride in where their food comes from. They support local farms and push produce that is in season. Luna’s Living Kitchen has a wonderful philosophy and I love what they’re about.
If you walk into Luna’s Living Kitchen as a person who believes every meal is completed with meat, your mind will be completely changed by the end of the meal. Their meals are mostly plant based, organic, and raw. Everything they make is fresh and full of nutrients.
“We believe in food that is prepared without refined sugars, preservatives, eggs, dairy or animal products, to deliver the very best to you.” LLK
When I’m at a restaurants, you can expect me to order water or coffee. Most of the time it’s both. I wanted to try something different and local. I asked our waitress, who was probably one of the best waitresses I’ve ever had, (I think her name was Alyssa) what to order. She told me that the Kombucha was her favorite. Of course, as a midwesterner, I had to ask! “WHAT IS KOMBUCHA?” It’s an organic non-alcholhic fermented beverage that’s high in B-vitamins, probiotics, and amino acids. It’s great for the immune system, digestive system and overall health. ”–Lenny Boy Brewing Co
The waitress told me her favorite flavor was the ginger + beet, so I gave it a try. I’m a huge ginger lover and so I instantly fell in love with the ginger power. I was excited when she said they sold it at whole foods and that Lenny Boy is a local brewery that I can pick some up at.
It took us about 20 minutes to order. Everything looked great, but it was one of those days where we couldn’t decide. I’ve come to the realization that Emilee and I are the worst decision makers. Luckily, as I mentioned before, we had the best waitress. She was familiar and educated on everything on the menu.
She told me her favorite salad was the Arugula Salad. It came with sliced pears, candied pecans, avocado, creamy cashew basil cheese, spreads, carrots, arugula, pumpkin seeds and tossed in a light honey mustard dressing. I told myself I’d eat half and take the rest home for later. That didn’t happen. I had to eat the whole thing. It was to die for! It just goes to show that you can get your protein and enjoy fresh produce without meat sometimes.
Emilee had the classic quinoa veggie burger wrapped in collard greens with a side of broccoli salad. I had a bite and loved that as well!
I ordered the Fire and Brimstone veggie burger wrapped in collard leaves with broccoli salad on the side to go. While we waited for that, we ordered a mocha latte with almond milk. I think we’ll go back today for a cup of coffee.
So with all of that being said, if you’re ever in Charlotte…GO TO LUNA’S KITCHEN!
Such a great local and healthy experience! It’s inspired me to start cooking with more seasonal and healthy foods.
Natasha @ Under The Sticks says
HOLY MOLY. That looks so gosh darn great!!! We have a restaurant here in Orange County called Boldo Bol…it uses fresh/local produce, which is awesome!
shannon says
HI! I live in Charlotte and this looks delish! What is in the middle?
Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy says
Gah, I love my meat but they sure make raw food look REALLY good! I wonder if they have any low carb versions…
Visiting Luna’s is now on my bucket list.
Dana says
That looks like the salad of my dreams!
Hannah A says
I have been reading your blog for ages now and absolutely love it! you seem like such a fantastic girl! just wanted to tell you how much i love the blog!! keep posting :)) -Hannah
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out says
I LOVE kombucha! We have a local brand- from Asheville! “Buchi”, you should check it out!
Robin says
I agree with Hannah, I just started reading your blog and I look forward to it everyday. It is so motivating and just makes me feel good. I love seeing everything are doing in Charlotte as I lived there as a child. I would love to come back and visit it has grown so much as a city. Keep up the good work Taralynn you inspire me!
Roseann says
This place looks amazeballs! I too love eating out, so how great you can stay healthy at the same time!
Shelley says
I wish we had more of these types of places where I live. I have been doing terrible with eating out lately (2 out of 3 meals for the past few days) and it would be nice to at least have a healthy option!
Lu says
“It just goes to show that you can get your protein and enjoy fresh produce without meat sometimes.” Shockingly, you can do this all of the time.
Cindy says
I’m really surprised you’ve never heard of kombucha. There’s a whole case of drinks with it in Whole Foods. Yogi also makes a tea bag with it.