pie ! For starters , owner Rob Gerhart , a NOLAraised foodie-turned-chef who himself loves to indulge on occasion , recognizes that the “ everything in moderation ” lifestyle philosophy is the healthiest way to live . Over the past 24 years as chef / owner , Rob has continued to tweak the menu to reflect his customers ’ dining and dietary changes including the addition of vegan cheese , whole wheat and cauliflower pizza crusts . Pie purists , don ’ t fret — you can still enjoy superb pizzas from classic puperoni to Greek , but for those who desire lighter alternatives , LPK will not disappoint . Salad fans will have a hard time choosing from the tasteful options , including goat cheese and pecan over mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette ; shrimp and sun-dried tomato Caesar ; or fresh mozzarella and tomatoes topped with red onions and fresh basil . Taste-bud tempting pita wraps ( wheat is also available ) stuffed with a variety of goodies like black beans , shredded carrots , cilantro , tomatoes , mozzarella , red onions and fresh spinach , and grilled chicken with mixed greens , tomatoes , parmesan and Dijon mustard dressing are doggone delish . Dig into the succulent roasted salmon filet brushed with pesto , or the bad-to-the-bone , rosemarymarinated Tuscan pork chops , served with veggies and panne pasta marinara . There ’ s ample outdoor seating , so you can bring Fido along for a bowl of fresh water and free dog treats . To say that Rob is an animal enthusiast is an understatement ! “ My entire life , I ’ ve never not had a pet ,” says the papa of rescue pups 11-year-old Burt and six-year-old Gideon . “ I
6 actually cook food from the restaurant for them — they ’ re spoiled rotten , but so worth the effort !” Not only does Rob regularly support animal welfare organizations , but he also plays surrogate dad to a neighborhood peacock , Mr . P , who mysteriously appeared after Hurricane Katrina . Rob recently helped to nurse Mr . P back to health after being found with an injury , even taking him into his home for a couple of nights . That ’ s what we call one fly guy !
Life Unleashed
MEALS FROM THE HEART CAFÉ mealsfromtheheartcafe . com
In 2009 , Chef / Owner Marilyn Doucette introduced healthy cuisine to the historic French Market when she opened Meals from the Heart Café . “ There was not a restaurant easily found in the French Quarter that offered vegan and gluten-free options for locals and tourists ,” she explains . So the New Orleans native and Tulane graduate , who has been passionate about healthy cooking for 35 years , set out to change that by crafting healthy alternatives that would appeal to every palate and dietary need — virtually every dish is available vegan and gluten-free . Today , some of her top-selling dishes include classic okra gumbo teeming with shrimp and chicken , and traditional New Orleans-style crab cakes dished up several ways , including a breakfast option with poached eggs and English muffin , or as tacos , topped with avocado , tomatoes and green onions . If you ’ re craving a savory bowl of greens , Chef Doucette has that covered as well ,