emember when wheat grass shots were in? Every New Ager or health nut was swigging them back in the hopes for longevity and hipp-ness. Then came the organic and raw scene- nothing could be cooked at more than 115 degrees, pretty much necessitating a vegan cuisine. But a large group of people bought into this as more than a health phase, and took to consuming sustenance for which the word microwave was a foreign concept.

As an extension of this movement is Lifefood Gourmet, a family run business. Chef and Co-Owner Jeff Schott has brought his nutritionist and Lifefood training (it's somewhat of a cult in NY) down for Floridians to enjoy. But this is more than just a raw food restaurant; the owners want to make sure the customers "are receiving the real life force in the food on offer," by searching for balance in the ingredients, and preparing everything from scratch, right down to the last tortilla. It all may sound a little hokey, but if the food tastes good, and it's good for you – does it really matter?

Though finding balance in a dish, and understanding a plate's composition isn't necessarily unique to a health food restaurant, or any restaurant for that matter, the conscientiousness in preparation definitely is. Apart from preparing everything on sight, the restaurant uses no genetically modified ingredients, and everything is organic and sustainable (they don't use agave sweetener because of this).

There is no need to be wary of this version of health food because it tastes pretty good. Nachos and pizzas are made with fake cheeses, meats, and Alfredo sauce, and hide plenty of vegetable and seeds, and something called Irish moss. The Lasagna is a big hit here, with layers of macadamia pine nut Alfredo sauce, spinach, pumpkin pesto cheese, Irish moss mozzarella and tortilla instead of pasta leave you full, but feeling light. Desserts satisfy a sweet tooth, while alleviating some guilt for indulging. No matter what you eat, you will feel good in the presence of Lifefood Gourmet- the laid back atmosphere has brought sustainability to the furnishings as well. Go and be inspired.