I’m baffled. How could I work so close to Daily’s and not even be aware of its existence?

Meeting my friend Amanda for lunch today, she suggested Daily’s in response to my request for some place with healthy-ish options. Little did I know that absolutely everything at Daily’s is not only nutritious, but meticulously calorie-counted. Literally. The nutritional content of everything on Daily’s extensive menu is thoroughly outlined right for you, all the way down to the sodium and fiber content.

Honestly, that’s way more information than my cursory dietary concerns requires. I mean, I like to eat healthy most days but, like most food bloggers, I always seek delicious taste over saving a few extra calories or fat grams.

Still, it’s refreshing to walk into a restaurant and not feel like I’m choosing between the lessers of multiple evils for my waistline. Created by a cardiac surgeon, Daily’s offers a wealth of breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices, all with under 10 grams of fat and nothing above 500 calories. Whoa!

As a more seasoned Daily’s patron, Amanda pointed out many of the dishes she’s tried there before. She mentioned that sometimes the food can be slightly bland and she’s had to use some of the spices offered on the table to spruce things up a bit. But overall, she seems to have liked everything that she’s tried there.

I ordered a cup of 3-Bean and Corn Chili and a lunch-sized Chinatown Chicken Salad along with a Mango Iced Tea (unsweetened). It took about 10 minutes to get our food. The portions are moderate which I’m sure is a key in keeping the calorie counts in check. This is no Claim Jumper, people!

On the menu, the chili was said to have “a little heat” but even to my wimpy taste buds, it wasn’t too spicy. The salad was satisfying and definitely NOT soaked in dressing. Usually, I get my dressings on the side so as to control the lettuce to dressing ratio. If anything, the salad could use a bit more dressing, in my opinion.

Since I work so close to Daily’s, I think I’d give it another chance some day when I don’t feel like braving the Whole Foods jungle for a healthy and quick lunch on the way home. But I can’t say the Renaissance Towne Centre parking lot is much better. I think I’d like to try some of their smoothies, desserts, and pizza next time.

Don’t you just love how I would like to go to a healthy-conscious restaurant and order the cookies and sundaes?!?

Daily’s Restaurant
8915 Towne Centre Drive
San Diego, CA 92122
858.453.1112

P.S. Don’t forget to stop by the Daily’s web site before you go and print out their $2 coupons to get a little more value for your buck!