Feel Good Foods Brings Delicious Gluten-Free Meals to Stores Nationwide + More
I’ve never been the type of person to concern myself much with what food is gluten free and what food isn’t. Instead, I’ve always found interest in the things that taste like something I would enjoy eating again. Whether it’s a salad or a burger, if it tastes good then I want it. Knowing that, I also haven’t spent too much time walking the aisles of my local grocery store. Since I eat out so often I bring home leftovers the way parents bring home their children: daily. Recently, I had the opportunity to meld the things I don’t focus on often: gluten-free food and grocery stores. Would I take it as a sign from the universe to switch up my routine? Sure. And if the food ended up being delicious, I would welcome it with open arms.
Spoiler alert: I welcomed it with open arms.
Not too long ago I was at an event in Downtown Los Angeles with a few friends to preview the product line by Feel Good Foods. Founded by Vanessa Phillips the company began as she cokked her gluten-free recipes and delivered them by bike through neighborhoods around her home in Brooklyn. After expanding beyond her apartment and growing a team of like-minded individuals, Vanessa was able to take the idea that was birthed in her home and place it in stores throughout the country.
While in the open space studio just outside of the Arts District, the event’s attendees were able to sample items from Vanessa’s line. In between bites of her taquitos, potstickers, and snack bites you could see the reaction of the attendees as we remembered that her items were gluten-free. “I’m not missing the gluten”, I thought as I grabbed another snack bite. “I think I’m ok without it”, I muttered in between bites of the posticker. Should I have slowed down a bit once I got her bites in my hand after photographing the space? That would have been a good idea, but I didn’t. It was only to take photographs of Vanessa being interviewed by Eater LA’s editor, Farley Elliott (below, left) where I gave my mouth a break. To hear more of her story, her business journey, and aspirations was exciting. It’s not every day where I’m so easily impressed by a gluten-free item and get to hear the story behind.
Alongside sampling Feel Good Foods, the night led to a three course dinner by Chef Royce Burke (above, right) of Secret Lasagna and Yarrow. From across the room and over a counter, Chef Royce plated and had dish after dish taken to the hands of guests conversing at the beautifully decorated dining table. Served family style, we all grabbed helpings of the Stonefruit and Snow Pea Salad, Grilled Local Fish with Yum Makeua, Yao Eggplant Salad, and had our own Cherry Clafoutis. While each plate and bowl was vibrant and gorgeous in their respective presentations, some dishes tasted stronger than others and one was merely cold, literally. I enjoyed the eggplant salad, but the local fish came to the table cold. A simple ask for a new one and we were able to taste it as it should have been. Although some were a bit averse to the new fish with the memory of the last, I gave it a shot and thought I was average. A hit and miss with a few dishes, we were able to find favorites from the chef.
As the night ended, I was glad that I had the chance to discover a new product that I may not have tried otherwise. To sample Feel Good Foods, learn the backstory, and to find local stores selling the brand was a great way for me to discover something I’m sure I’ll obsess over. With Feel Good Foods and a few nice plates from Chef Royce, I can say that my night with good friends in an open concept loft in Downtown LA was a night well spent.
For a list of locations where you can buy Feel Good Foods, click here.
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Address: 220 36th St. New York, New York 11232
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