Chef Brooke’s Natural Café Organic, Fresh, Creative & Healthy
// Written by: Adam Douglas // Design & Layout by: Chelsea Coolsaet //
of us. As consumers, we are constantly bombarded by new information concerning nutrition. There seems to be a new diet plan emerging on almost a weekly basis, and we seldom know which one to follow. The idea of “healthy living” has become so pervasive in our society that it extends far beyond nutritional value and well into the realms of ethics and sustainability. As a result, society has created a myriad of dietary practices in attempts to address the emphatic needs of individual consumers, including the currently popular veganism, gluten-free eating, and organic farming. Chef Brooke Wagenheim, owner of Chef Brooke’s Natural Café in Fort Myers, accommodates each by offering a diverse, healthy menu to guests. The menu is not limited to one specific dietary practice, but instead it offers a wide variety of organic and healthy food options. Chef Brooke is proud to serve both vegans and omnivores from the same kitchen. All ingredients are 100% organic, and she is very conscious of guests with food allergies. Chef Brooke’s Natural Café has successfully dissolved many public misconceptions associated with the “healthy eating” movement by creating such a diverse and accommodating collection of menu items. The eatery’s non-judgmental approach to healthy eating allows customers to stay in control and to be fully informed of their options.
The extensive menu rivals any that I have ever seen. From organic “Superfood Smoothies” and fresh “raw” juices to macrobiotic meals and vegan burritos, Chef Brooke’s Natural Café serves something for everyone. The clear and concise food descriptions with careful designations of vegan and gluten-free options remove any mystery for guests with special dietary needs. Chef Brooke is also incredibly accommodating to the desires of her customers; ingredients can be omitted or substituted per request, and all regular menu items can be served as sandwiches, salads, or wraps. In addition to the main menu, Chef Brooke proudly displays an entire board of specials that change daily. During my visit, these included a wild salmon entrée, beef or fish tacos, chicken quesadillas, a vegan mushroom “meatloaf” platter, an open-faced tofu melt, and vegetarian lasagna. I tried the vegan meatloaf, and even though I am (admittedly) a carnivore, I honestly can say that it was delicious. Even the “raw” crackers, composed of dehydrated onions and an assortment of seeds, tasted incredible with homemade hummus and tabouleh spread.
10 | Pulse Magazine SWFL The concept of “healthy eating” has become rather confusing for most
The amazing organic smoothies and “raw” juices deserve a special mention. “Superfood Smoothies” are created using only frozen, organic fruits and fresh ingredients. Chef Brooke is proud to say that they don’t even use ice in their smoothies, and all ingredients are healthy, natural, and fresh. Supplements and raw ingredients such as ginseng, bee pollen, spirulina, hemp, and açai can be added to the “Superfood Smoothies.” The “raw” juices assortment is even more impressive. All of Chef Brooke’s organic, “raw” juices are made fresh to order – even the shots of wheatgrass. When guests take a seat at the juice bar, they can watch employees feed handfuls of fresh wheatgrass, kale, spinach, ginger, carrots, and even dandelion through the juicer. I suggest trying one of the proven combinations from the menu, such as the “Hippie Skippy” (wheat grass and pineapple juice) or the “Green Goddess” (kale, dandelion, chard, spinach, lemon, cucumber, celery, apple, and ginger).
In addition to fresh “raw” juices, smoothies, and organic meals, Chef Brooke also creates delicious desserts made from all-natural and organic ingredients. Offerings from the sweeter side change periodically, and they are consistently excellent. Organic coffee, tea, and an assortment of milks including dairy, soy, rice, hemp, almond, and coconut, can be enjoyed with these desserts. Customers often take desserts home to share with their friends and family; custom cakes and baked goods for special events and catering are made to order. Chef Brooke also offers cooking classes to share her insight, passion, and “healthy eating” wisdom with the public.
Whether you are a health-conscious eater or just plain curious about the world of healthy eating, I highly recommend a visit to Chef Brooke’s Natural Café for an incredibly diverse culinary experience. The truly one-of-a-kind menu has something tasty for everyone, and the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant and market has the feel of a bohemian coffee shop. For more information and to view the menu online, please visit
www.ChefBrookeOnline.com or call (239) 332-2433. See for yourself by stopping by 1850 Boyscout Drive, Unit A106 in Fort Myers. À votre santé!
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