Thursday, March 14, 2013

Manna Grocery & Deli

There is no better place in Tuscaloosa to get food with fresh ingredients, healthy options, vegetarian options, and all natural products than Manna Grocery & Deli.  I often tell people I had lunch at Manna and get the response, "I didn't know they served food". Yes, the deli in the back is open for lunch Mon-Sat and has really delicious food. The grocery part of the store is open all day and offers vitamins, snack foods, cleaning products, frozen foods, and much more.

The deli has daily specials that range from a sandwich, salad, or "burger" to salmon or crab cakes. The Monday crab cake special is delicious and I hear the salmon is really great too. I am not a salmon fan so I haven't tried it. I went for lunch twice in the matter of a couple weeks and I had the special both days. One day it was a turkey burger and one day it was a black bean burger, but some of my favorites on the menu are the portabella mushroom panini, any of the hummus plates, and the veggie and goat cheese pizza. You can see the menu online.
On the first trip, I had the black bean burger with guacamole spread.  This burger had a Mexican flair to it. It was very flavorful. I love anything with guacamole and this was no different. You also get a side and as you can see below, I went with the fruit cup. Your other options are a side salad, chips, or one of the soups of the day.
I had never tried the dessert at Manna, but seeing as I was eating for two this day, I decide to try one of the daily specials. I had the blueberry and goat cheese pound cake. And, wow, it was delicious. It came with homemade whip cream on top and a blueberry sauce. You could tell the goat cheese was there, but not in the way you would in a salad. It was a subtle flavor that just kicked the pound cake up a notch. It was certainly enough to share, but I didn't. I ate the whole thing!!
If you are looking for a great lunch spot, Manna Deli is a perfect place. The healthy, flavorful options will make you feel good about any of your choices.