For refreshing and energizing fall snacks, look no further than East Side lunch spot Wayland Fresh. Whether you’re craving a boost after a brisk jog on Blackstone Boulevard or indulging after yoga at India Point Park, this Wayland Square cafe has become the spot to recharge with healthy bowls and smoothies galore. “Our mission is to make you feel good about treating yourself,” says lead manager Josh D’Abate. “When you walk through the doors of Wayland Fresh, you know you’re nourishing your body with fresh locally sourced ingredients.”
Amid the welcoming atmosphere of woven basket lights and an earth-toned build out, a long counter with dozens of ingredients behind glass completes the organic theme. This delightful assortment of colors piques my interest when a friend and I visit – deep rouged raspberries, bright red bell peppers, golden diced mangos, and soft green avocados are just a few of the eye-catching ingredients that make up all variety of protein-packed breakfast wraps, seasonal salads, and fruit smoothie bowls.
D’Abate gives us the run-down of Wayland Fresh offerings, which aren’t limited to post-workout and small bites, with hearty Thanksgiving Wraps on the menu and enough add-ons to turn a salad into a dinner. Visiting on a warm morning, we opt for breakfast on the patio to take in the bustling street sights while tucking into a combo of sweet and savory options.
First up is a personal favorite, the Love Potion smoothie – a creamy blend of strawberries and bananas, peanut butter, vanilla protein, and sprinkled with chocolate chips. My friend sips a Peanut Butter Protein smoothie at D’Abate’s recommendation. It has the same perfect consistency as all Wayland smoothies, with sweetness from banana and honey. Both are definitely worth waking up early for.
Opting for a big breakfast, next we tried the Carne Asada Wrap. Assembled with grilled steak, avocado, shredded lettuce, black beans, corn, and wild farro, this satisfying entree is filling without being heavy. Making it easy to enjoy eating your greens, the Southwest Salad is crisp romaine tossed with roasted red peppers, grains, crunchy tortilla strips, and more, with a drizzle of house-made agave jalapeño vinaigrette to complete this healthy indulgence.
The real star of the menu at Wayland Fresh is their frozen bowls. Starting with either acai or pitaya – both vitamin- and
nutrient-rich bases – you can get creative crafting the ultimate blend of fruit, granola, and maybe a drizzle of honey. We decided to leave it to the experts and ordered the Triple B, an acai base featuring fresh, supple raspberries and blueberries, finished with granola, coconut, and a generous scoop of peanut butter. Trust me, you’ll feel like you’re eating dessert.
Though the fall menu wasn’t quite rolled out when we visited, the lure of a Pumpkin Spice Smoothie is worthy of a return trip. “People have been asking for it since August,” D’Abate says with a laugh. Salads and bowls focusing on autumn harvests are also hitting the menu soon to keep the bright, energizing eats coming even as chillier days approach.
Follow @bunsandbites on Instagram for more of Laura Afonso’s foodie best bets.
Wayland Fresh • 229 Waterman Street, Providence • 648-6677
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here