Fresh: Daily Greens
Try to name a restaurant serving food that is high quality, fresh and uses sustainably sourced ingredients. Can’t think of one? You’re not alone, and while there are a few restaurants adhering to these ethics, there definitely aren’t many. However, this is starting to change.
Daily Greens is The Intersection’s latest upmarket addition, joining the likes of Scanlan Theodore, Mecca Cosmetica, Zimmerman and Orchard St. The bar for this eatery is set uncompromisingly high, but with the combination of flavour and philosophy, we think it might just have worked.
Fresh off the boat from LA, Daily Greens brings with it a fierce philosophy of Grow, Harvest, Serve – built on foundations of fresh food, zero waste and traceable ingredients. After the success of four Finn Poke stores, founder Jem Jacinto noticed the growing demand for conscious consumption, and set out to create a dining concept that celebrated that.
The fresh menu has been carefully crafted by Executive Chef, Charles Olalia, who trained at Thomas Keller’s legendary French Laundry and went on to lead teams at top Los Angeles kitchens and has since opened two of his own venues, Ricebar and Ma’am Sir. Olalia brings the perfect star-power to this culinary endeavour, meaning each dish tastes as good as it looks, and has the health-star rating to prove it.
Daily Greens has you covered literally from sunrise to sunset, with the menu comprising of brunch staples (think tartines, wraps, and the fan-favourite avo toast served with a side of nori seaweed and sesame seeds on sourdough), plant-based soups, warm veggie bowls and fresh salads. The bowls are where Daily Greens truly shines, with a range of 12 delicious warm and cold salads to choose from. The bowls pay homage to different cultures and cuisines, and there’s a huge selection of gluten free, nut free, vegan and dairy-free options available. The Miso Salmon has already cemented itself as a fan favourite and includes organic black and brown Rice, rocket, sesame green beans, red onions, cucumber, and a mouth-wateringly delicious miso-caramel dressing. Other highlights include the Greek Goddess bowl which features chopped romaine, almonds, green apple, fennel, locally-sourced feta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber and a green goddess dressing. While some of these salads are light on the dressing, they definitely don’t skimp on flavour, and you leave each meal feeling full but not heavy. You also have the option to build your own bowl– where you can select a base, filling, protein, dressing and crunch. The ability to tailor your meal is highly appealing to diet-specific patrons, and means you never have to worry about editing pre-existing menu options.
There is also a delectable range of drinks on offer, including tea, kombucha, specialty coffees (turmeric, beetroot and matcha lattes), and the popular cold-pressed juices – the pineapple and mint goes down a treat. For boozier endeavours, there are also five beers on offer –Yenda Lager, Feral Hophog, two Stone & Wood ales and Rose Cider.
Daily Greens launches in Sydney at the perfect time; as we become increasingly attuned to the affect that our diet has on our long-term health and wellbeing, plant-based eating is becoming the new normal, with no signs of stopping. While meat is available and included on the menu, all ingredients are locally and ethically sourced, with an explanation of each ingredient’s origin provided in store for the customer.
As it turns out, Jacinto has got the recipe right for selling people on greens and ethical consumption, and there truly is something for everyone. The secret? Never compromising on flavour. We think this might be just what Aussies need to get around veggies once and for all.
@dailygreensau
