As I’ve gotten older (and hopefully wiser), I have become more aware of the produce I purchase and the restaurants I patronize. Freshly prepared and preservative-free food is not only better for you, but it’s better for the environment and very often supports our local farmers. Although we all strive towards good health, it is oftentimes difficult to find a tasty AND healthy meal when we head out to a restaurant.

Since 2011, a special restaurant in Overland Park has been serving fresh, organic, and locally-grown food. Unforked is a Sheridan’s (think custard) concept located just off 119th and Metcalf in Overland Park. You may have driven by and noticed its distinctive construction and design, which only gets cooler on the inside. The menu is vast and prepared daily by hand. I like to research restaurants before I go to them and luckily, Unforked’s website is filled with facts and videos on how they prepare their food. How many of us can say that we know exactly how our food is prepared when we’re outside of our home? Or where the ingredients even come from?

Just this week, I opted for two of the three summer specials: the 24/7 Taco, described as “creamy, addicting chipotle-spiked napa slaw topped with sweet n’ tangy sesame BBQ beef shortribs and fresh cilantro” and the Honey Mango Lassi, “A delightful blend of sweet mango, yogurt, Shatto milk and a touch of local honey.” Both are extremely flavorful…and affordable! Other favorites dishes include the Chicken Crunch Taco, the Hail to the Kale salad (super healthy and delicious!) and of course, the custard. Any custard.

Some fun UNForked facts if you are not yet convinced:

• All of the used ingredients are hormone-free and steroid-free.
• The custard is made with five pure ingredients: milk, cream, egg, sugar and vanilla.
• The smoothies are made with 100% fruit and the burgers are made without fillers.
• The eggs are freshly gathered by hand from straw-filled nests.
• The fruits are supplier-checked for 100% pesticide free pure goodness.
• The honey, beer, tortillas, chips, meat, bread and eggs all come from Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

If you are what you eat, then check out UNForked this summer! If you have any other restaurant suggestions for where to find local, organic and tasty food in Overland Park, please share them on our Facebook wall. To our health!

~Liron