Grilla Bites

Grilla Bites specializes in local, organic and healthful products, as well as fair-trade coffees and teas, and in supporting and contributing to a sustainable local community. The restaurants lunch menu features a range of sandwiches ($8-$9), including curry tofu(from Chico), BST (soy bacon, spinach and tomato) and Thai tuna, all on bread from Chicos Tin Roof Bakery (also available as wraps, on whole-wheat tortillas). Among the Grilla burgers are Portobello, tempeh and veggie cheeseburgers ($8.50), and bison and wild salmon ($9). The huge salad bar ($7.95/lb.) includes all organic produce, dressings and toppings. Grilla Bites dinner menu, available Monday through Saturday, 5 to 8:30 p.m., also features organic and free-range entrees, including a bison rib-eye ($19.95) and vegan meatloaf ($8.95). All wines, too, are organic, including La Rocca chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon from Forest Ranch ($6/glass, $22/bottle). Grilla Bites downtown Chico location features the same lunch menu, with Zen dinners available Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items include veggie and brown rice bowls and wraps and various smoothies and organic raw juices. Our lunches were absolutely delicious, the staff pleasant and helpful, and the wholesome feel of the restaurant lifted our spirits considerably. When we got home, we finished our spring cleaning and then drove over to the Salvation Army to drop off all the clothes Id packed up. In fact, I felt so good that at the last minute I decided to keep one of the Speedos after all–Monsieur Tiger Stripe, of course. Im even thinking of buying a Bowflex and some of those cute little gray working-out shorts.