Having eaten out every night for dinner and many lunches the last month and a half, I started to crave a healthy clean meal. I have had enough sodium and fat to last a lifetime. I heard about a new place in the heart of South Beach, called Dirt at 232 5th St. (between Washington and Collins). It bills itself as a new “fine food” served fast, dining experience. They serve high-quality, nutritious food quickly and affordably.
I was quite impressed with the whole concept. The place is outfitted with wooden tables, marble countertops and metal accents.
This place is a haven for the vegan, gluten-free or health conscious person. By the way, they have three separate menus for these three categories. The restaurant features a juice bar, build-your-own salads (there is a beautifully displayed vegetable market) and other plant-based options. For instance, you could order a customisable quinoa bowl with greens, and you can top it with proteins if you desire. They have grass-fed beef, free-range chicken or sustainable fish. I enjoyed a bowl of toasted quinoa with spinach, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, grilled zucchini, puréed squash and cashews, and I topped it with chicken. It had a lovely shallot vinaigrette. You can also create your own sandwiches with Zak the Baker bread or make a wrap. If you are gluten-free the wrap can be a vegetable leaf. You can wash this down with a custom smoothie, or cold-pressed juice or they make their own private label coffee and teas. No plastic bottles are used here, drinks are in glass bottles or jars to avoid chemicals. I had a soda made with fresh squeezed watermelon, raspberry and rose water.
Dirt also serves homemade granola, protein bars, cookies and cakes, both gluten-free or regular. This is all a back to basic approach to how we eat and enjoy food.
I found everything to be fresh and great tasting. Clean eating and good taste can co-exist.
On the menu they show a breakdown of the nutritional value, which may be helpful to some.
They are open 7 days a week serving breakfast (think oatmeal and egg and fruit dishes), lunch and dinner. Their hours are 8am- 9pm.
I found Dirt to be remarkable, with dishes cooked to order in a clean, organic, modern environment. The quality was quite good for a quick wholesome meal. There is talk of other locations coming to Brickell and Ft. Lauderdale. I only wish they would open one near me.
Recommend.
Happy dining,
Shanea