Above: Dessert by Julie Bidwell
While some higher-end restaurants and gourmet markets tout their farm connections and relationships with local food purveyors, few fast-food places do. But at b.good, a quick, healthy eatery that opened on the Avenue earlier this year, the food sourcing is front and center, so much so that there’s a giant map on the wall showing customers exactly where the meats, fruits, veggies, dairy and more come from. The healthy food chain started in Boston by Jon Olinto and Anthony Ackil, friends since sixth grade who share a love of homemade food, aims to serve “real food” that’s accessible and seasonal.
Olinto says, “We change our menu based on local harvests,” which includes vegetables and fruits from Botticello Farms in Manchester, Connecticut, as well as eggs and milk from The Farmer’s Cow in Lebanon. This summer b.good started its own farm on one of the Harbor Islands near Boston, which supplies the Anaheim chile peppers for the new Green Chile Burger on the fall menu. Other autumn specials include a local cauliflower side with cheddar and panko, a roasted butternut squash salad and an apple milkshake.
Here at the Greenwich location, the farm theme is reflected in the décor with butcher block-topped tables, farm photography on the walls and mini herb gardens in glass cases near the front door. The chain is known for its burger and sandwich bar; you pick beef, turkey, veggie or chicken in burger or slider size and then add all sorts of toppings, sauces and pickles with an option for a gluten-free bun.
Much of the menu is health-conscious with kale-and-grain bowls, salads and lots of veggie sides. We liked the Spicy Avocado and Lime Bowl with sautéed veggies, queso fresco, lime and cilantro, with a nice kick from the chipotle puree and red pepper vinaigrette. The most popular salad also has a Tex-Mex flair, the Southwestern Chicken with avocado, corn and black beans. Kids’ meals come with a mini smoothie (kale crush, three greens, acai berry or strawberry banana) or milkshake.
All of the bowls, salads, craft sandwiches and sides (such as Roasted Broccoli & Parm and Roasted Brussels & Pear) can be ordered in portions for small or large groups, making lunch for the office or dinner for the family a no-brainer. Upload the b.good app to order ahead, get delivery and access special deals.
342 Greenwich Avenue, 203-489-3255; bgood.com/greenwich