Although Fuel Cafe is six years old, it’s been a work in progress since new owners took over one-and one-half years ago. The main part of the cafe was recently redecorated and an adjoining room is soon to open. And though there’s been several changes, the concept remains the same—this is a place where healthy and hearty food is served. The food is grilled or baked, never fried, and they do not use microwaves so everything is made to order.
With a menu of over 170 items and dozens of combinations of meats, vegetables, bread and more, be prepared to do a lot of reading to figure out what your meal will be.
The restaurant began primarily as a dining destination for body builders who came to “fuel up” on protein and carbs. Manager Ryan Riddle, once a body builder himself, described his former regimen of 50 grams of protein and 50 of carbs every two hours, a meal that is easy to get at Fuel. The menu is divided into sections such as Fuel Monsters, Power Platters, Low-Carb Power Platters and Power Pitas. Under Fuel Monsters we selected Kung Fu Cola, a combination of sautéed salmon with a walnut sauce, served over grilled fresh spinach and brown rice. Fuel Diesel combined a grilled bison burger, grilled chicken and a veggie burger with low fat mozzarella and teriyaki sauce. Lean bison finds its way into several dishes.
If all the 177 choices are not enough, patrons can also can create their own pizza, which is made with low fat mozzarella and low sodium tomato sauce. Breakfast, served from opening until 8 p.m., also offers endless possibilities. To the Create Your Own Breakfast egg white omelet you can add vegetables, meat such as turkey bacon or roast beef and cheese, and have it served in a wrap or with pita or a roll. There’s also a Cheaters Breakfast section featuring whole eggs and Cheaters Lunch offering bacon cheeseburgers and gyro platters.
Smoothies and fresh squeezed vegetable and fruit juices are available. And if you don’t find any combination to your liking, I’m sure that they’ll put together whatever you ask for.
Riddle is a recent graduate of the Long Island Culinary Academy and he’s excited about creating a dining experience for families and people who want to eat healthier. “So many people who think they can’t eat healthy should come and give it a try.” He’s sure you’ll find something to your liking, such as their new Only 8 frozen yogurt, a yogurt that is low in calories, safe for people who are lactose intolerant and calcium fortified.
Fuel Cafe is located at 196 West Old Country Road. For more information and to look at the menu, visit www.fuelyourbodycafe.com.
