Looking to mix up the cold pizz and beer diet you've been subsisting on? The recently opened I Am the Center Bistro offers students culinary options that harmonize with a healthier, more natural lifestyle, all within walking distance of the Tempe campus. Located in The Orchid House, a brick building just west of Mill Avenue, it's a calming, spa-like space with soft background music, candles and nature photos.
After taking a seat in the dining room or at the community table just inside the door, a server will arrive with a shot of one of five Karmic Coladas offered at the Center. Karmic Coladas are smoothies blended with soy, coconut and organic fruit. Unlike the denser, icier drinks at many juice bars, this smoothie is light and frothy, and the freshness of every ingredient can be tasted in each sip. Unfortunately, while they may be more natural, at $6 each, they're also more expensive.
In addition to Karmic Coladas, the Center offers fresh juices, teas, coffees and organic beer and wine. Everything on the menu is simple with all organic ingredients, and slightly steeper prices are a result of this quality.
Entrées consist of Big Picture Salads and Sandwich Satisfactions. Each salad is well-portioned with fresh ingredients like ripe avocado, whole macadamia nuts and tart grapefruit in the citrus spinach salad, which is topped with flavorful vinaigrettes made with ingredients like mango, tamarind or basil. But be warned: They're liberally applied. Free-range chicken, wild salmon or firm tofu can be added for an additional charge.
Vegetarians will rejoice in the wild mushroom sandwich, one of the best on the menu. Grilled, savory mushrooms, dill, garlic, pesto and vegan (you'd never guess) cream cheese make for a powerful combination of flavors meaty enough to satisfy even carnivores. It's best on an Ezekiel sprouted grain bun.
Sandwiches are served with choice of miso soup, fruit or greens. The miso is disappointing. Served in a broth that is too concentrated, it exhibits nothing of the light, well-seasoned soup served in good Japanese restaurants. The fruit, on the other hand, is a plentiful mix of fresh seasonal offerings like plump berries and juicy melon.
While the food at I Am the Center Bistro may be more expensive than other spots, its fare is also less processed and more natural. The Center challenges diners to think about what they're putting in their bodies and to lead a healthier, more organic lifestyle. It's tasty, it's healthy, and it's definitely worth saving up to try.
