Living Well: Planet Palate refreshes

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

By Teresa Griswold

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Like spring flowers that bloom after winter’s dormancy, Planet Palate has reopened its doors with a refreshing burst of vitality and newness following an autumn rest.

Its owner, Amy Young, not only provides all-organic food in a restorative setting, she’s recently expanded the restaurant to foster more wellness through a series of health and nutrition classes hosted by the restaurant.
“Planet Palate is a wellness center that happens to take the form of a restaurant,” she said.

The restaurant’s wellness focus is a natural extension for Young. Energetic, committed, and delightful, she grew up raising organic cows, chickens, and honeybees, and growing vegetables in an organic setting, a big hobby for her dad that became a passion for her. She studied botany and biology in college and went on to design display flower gardens before opening Planet Palate more than a year ago, encompassing her interest in whole foods, nutrition and eating well.

In October, she was honored when Paul Pitchford, author of  Healing with Whole Foods, dined at her restaurant, while he was in town for the Teton Wellness Festival.

“His book was definitely something that played a part in the opening of Planet Palate,” she said. The nutritional information in his book made sense to Young, inspiring her to create her own healthy recipes before opening Planet Palate. Young said she would have never opened a restaurant except one that was organic. Someday, she’ll grow her own organic ingredients to use in the dishes as well.
Starting in March, the restaurant will host a line up of wellness classes and educational dinners that will inform participants about the nutritive value and health benefits of eating well.

The day I sat with Young for breakfast at Planet Palate, the late-morning sun illuminated and warmed the room, magnified by the expansive, east-facing windows in the Glenwood Street storefront. My jasmine tea was hot and fragrant while my eggs, quinoa and cooked kale were delicate and satisfying.

I not only felt right about what I was putting into my body, I felt at home in the comfortable setting surrounded by brightly colored walls, interesting patrons and a display case full of wholesome baked goods. And there wasn’t that restaurant-rushed “feel” that made me think I needed to dine and dash. Instead, I felt welcome and knew I could linger and mingle – a great way to start the day or spend a leisurely afternoon or evening.

Though vegans and vegetarians will delight in the many choices offered on Planet Palette’s menu, carnivores will be satisfied with choices like grass-fed, Wyoming, all-natural bison burgers, chicken entrees and fish tacos. Young says she is more of  “fresh-aterian” and her made-from-scratch dishes support that concept. Her recipes include many of the A-listers of healthy ingredients like agave nector, arame (a sea vegetable high in vitamins and minerals), buckwheat, and fermented or living/raw foods. The healthy food tastes so good, you’ll feel more spoiled than deprived.

Both breakfast and lunch are served Monday through Saturday and Thursday through Saturday, there’s dinner too, which includes Indian specialties plus the entire daytime menu. Thursday nights are open-mic night, starting at 10 p.m.
Their new Lotus Lounge is a cozy, renovated space adjacent to the restaurant where Jamba Juice once served up smoothies. Now Planet Palate offers specialty cocktails, beer and wine. The space is also perfect for hosting a private business lunch or meeting or a small celebration.

The first of the monthly educational dinners will be taught by Robert Tozzi of East Wind Wellness on March 11 and will feature an Asian theme. Reservations are required for the special dinner. The inaugural wellness class is slated to discuss whole foods and nutrition, including food preparation and cooking instruction along with recipes.

As Young told me, “food is either your medicine or your poison.”
I say at Planet Palate, the food is reviving and the setting, enlivening.
For reservations and information call Planet Palate at 734-0882. PJH
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Living Well: Planet Palate refreshes | Planet JH News Article: Living Well

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