Western New Yorkers Invited to Indulge at First Healthy Options Restaurant Week

The inaugural event set for March 27 through April 1 will showcase delicious and nutritious options for families at restaurants across Western New York

BUFFALO, N.Y. (March 22, 2023) – More than 20 local restaurants are participating in the first-ever Healthy Options Restaurant Week, presented by the Independent Health Foundation, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and the Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals.

Healthy Options Restaurant Week will run from March 27 through April 1 and will close out National Nutrition Month, offering Western New Yorkers an opportunity to see how the restaurant experience can, in fact, be a healthy one through easily identifiable nutritious menu offerings.

“The goal with Healthy Options Restaurant Week is to create an enjoyable night out for families who want to try new local restaurants while maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” said Carrie Meyer, Executive Director of the Independent Health Foundation. “It’s going to be a great opportunity to try a healthy spin on your favorite appetizers, entrees, and desserts, and we hope it will show people there’s no need to sacrifice flavor and fun when dining out.”

The menu items include dishes like zucchini alfredo, chicken souvlaki, and pesto grilled cheese, and have been analyzed by a registered dietitian from the Independent Health Foundation to meet Healthy Options standards for calories, fat, saturated fat and sodium.

“Research continues to show evidence of the impact of food and diet on health outcomes,” said Beth Machnica, Director of Health & Well-Being for the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. “Working with partners, like the Independent Health Foundation and Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals creates access to nutritious food at a variety of places in our communities – including local restaurants.”

“Local restaurants positively impact our economy and provide spaces for us to develop community,” said Mark

Overall, president of the Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals. “Healthy Options Restaurant Week provides diners a great opportunity to support restaurants committed to providing delicious and healthy meals while learning more about how to stay healthy themselves.”

In addition to offering Healthy Options menu items at participating restaurant locations, each restaurant will be offering samples at a free community event on March 30 at 6 p.m. at the Northland Workforce Training Center at 683 Northland Avenue in Buffalo. The event will feature samples, recipes and live food demonstrations along with health screenings and education.

“This event really highlights what Healthy Options is all about,” says Machnica. “It empowers individuals and families to take control of their health in a fun, community-centric way. Our hope is that people leave with more information to make food choices to positively impact their overall health and well-being.”

Participants can also help increase the availability of healthy food throughout the community by donating to the Healthy Options at Home Program, which provides families in need with access to fresh food. Donations can be made at each participating restaurant or online.

For more information on Healthy Options Restaurant Week, visit healthyoptionsbuffalo.com/restaurantweek. Participating restaurants include (menu items subject to change):

Brothers Restaurant and Bar: Lemmon Pepper Salmon with Broccoli, Rice and Cabbage

Carine’s Caribbean Cuisine (available in the Broadway Market): Pink Tropical Smoothie; Chicken Bites with Kale Rice

CEOKitchen (Delivery Only): Southwest Quinoa Salad with Smoked Chili Cumin Dressing; Stuffed Sweet Potato with Ground Turkey, Kale and Apple Chutney

The Cheesy Chick: Tomato Soup, Pesto Grilled Cheese (Vegan option available)

Chiavetta’s Barbeque: Tomato Pepper and Onion Salad; Half BBQ Grilled Chicken

Chubby’s Pit Stop (Delivery Only): Chubby’s Cowboy Caviar; Zucchini Alfredo; Avocado and Lime Cheesecake

Fresh Catch Poke: All Signature Bowls

Gallo Coal Fire Kitchen: Roasted Stuff Tomato; il Ortaggio Pasta; Poached Pear with Honey

Golden Hour Treats: Green O’Clock Smoothie; Berry Berry Yum Smoothie

Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant: Caprese Salad; Penne Broccoli with Grilled Chicken

The Juice Lounge: Ginger and Wellness Shots; Orange Pineapple Ginger

Juicey Quartz: Hodge Podge Salad; Vegan Chili

Manna @ Northland: Vegetarian Jambalaya

Mister Pizza Elmwood: Vegan Pizza; Veggie Delight Pizza

PhatCatz: Cajun Shrimp Bites; Pan-seared Cajun Shrimp over Garden Salad

Radah Baked Goods: Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie

Steaksters: BBQ Chopped Salad

Sto Lat Bar: Lettuce Wrap; Salmon Power Bowl

Sunshine Vegan Eats: Kale Salad; Veggie Stir Fry

The Terrace at Delaware Park: Beet and Chevre Salad; Buddha Bowl

Tom’s Restaurant – Home of the Souvlaki: Pita with Tzatziki; Open Chicken Souvlaki

Venus: Hummus with Pita; Greek Salad with Chicken