Sam Fox is at it again–this time, with the opening of Flower Child. Flower Child recently opened at the northeast corner of 44th Street and Camelback in Arcadia. The 3,300-sq.-ft. restaurant dishes up health-focused eats in a gorgeous space filled with greenery, quirky art and a casual vibe that is sure to please families, ladies who lunch, nearby professionals–nearly anyone. Flower Child is a fast-casual eatery; you order at the counter (to dine-in or to-go) and you find a table in the large dining area or the long patio.
For a light lunch or dinner, locals have been heading to Flower Child in flocks (apparent by the line out the door at lunch time). The menu consists of five main categories: starters, salads, veggie and grain plates, wraps and hot pots (there are kids’ sections as well as a family dinner to-go section). The avocado hummus is a crowd-pleasing kick-off to the meal. The pumpkin seeds and radishes give a little crunch to the creamy hummus. Another lighter eat, the quinoa salad is jam-packed with goodness: asparagus, broccoli, snap peas, sweet corn, pistachios, manchego and chia seed vinaigrette. For a little more protein, you can boost the salad with steak, chicken, salmon or tofu, though we recommend skipping the rubbery tofu.
Looking to go hearty? The mix ‘n match vegetable and grain plates let you customize your meal by choosing up to three of 16 options. The gluten-free mac and cheese is creamy and comforting–not quite like Grandma would make, but close. The red chili-glazed sweet potatoes are addicting, thanks to the right combo of sweet and spicy. For another something sweet, the sweet corn and quinoa, made with Greek yogurt, will please just about anyone–a little creamy, a little crunchy. It would be a great way to get your kiddos to each Greek yogurt and quinoa, too. The Madras curry chicken hot pot is flavorful and one of the menu’s more hearty items. It is a warming bowl of organic potatoes, heirloom carrots, garam masala and coconut. Though we were told this would feed two, the portion per person would be a bit small if this is all you’re ordering.
For dessert, the counter at Flower Child is scattered with tempting treats (many of which are gluten-free). To quench your thirst, don’t expect sugary sodas; Flower Child doesn’t have any. Instead, the selection of lemonades and iced teas is impressive and ever-changing. www.foxrc.com.
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A Taste of Flower Child
