ciccio restaurant group’s fresh kitchen [review]

Duh.

Why hasn’t someone done this sooner?

For a self-righteous, militantly-fit community like South Tampa, you wonder sometimes about the business opportunities people jump on (juice bars), and the ones they seem to look right past.

I have always, since I have cared about my diet, wondered why there isn’t much healthy ‘fast food.’ Fitlife and others have nibbled away at the market for such a thing, but none have perfected the combination of BYO (build your own), body-consious, and delicious.

That is, until Fresh Kitchen.

Fresh Kitchen meat selection

I don’t want to oversell it here…but it is UHmazing. I don’t consider myself a foodie and prefer rather to spend my money on clothing, but this is a menu I can evangelize.

At a minimum, it is cheap. Not dirt cheap, but enough to leave you feeling like you got a hearty meal for the price. It is comparable, +/- 10% of Chipotle and the like, for a selection of meats, veggies, and carbs that is far superior.

The first time I tried FK, I had the Pokey bowl, which is all chia, warm sashimi tuna, avocado, and sticky rice goodness. The next time I had the BBQ chicken bowl, which comes with some amazing spiced sweet potato mash.

Fresh Kitchen veggies, like kale, broccolini, and mushrooms

This weekend, thanks to my friends at Never Have I Ever Tampa, I sampled an array of the FK snacks and bottled drinks. Best liquid: pumpkin spice cold-brew coffee. Awesome, super light, just a hint of basics’ favorite flavoring.

And the best edible: I loved the zucchini brownie. SO MOIST. And like, so low-sugar, right?

Taste-testing with fellow bloggers, hosted by Never Have I Ever Tampa. Thanks!!

I closed with an FK fit bowl, which is simple grilled chicken, brown rice, quinoa, and broccolini. Topped with avocado-caesar dressing. Again, not a single nit to pick.

Though I get a kick out of how bro-tastic the clientele at FK is, I cannot dispute its appeal. Efficient, well-trained staff. Delicious offerings, big portions. Easy price point.

Bottled drinks include cold-pressed juices and coffee-type bevs

Best of all, the Ciccio Restaurant Group, FK’s owners, have transformed a prime, underutilized Hyde Park corner into a bustling spot. Urban planners, rejoice. As a former Dekle Avenue resident, I just wish it’d all come sooner.

If you haven’t been to Fresh Kitchen, make it your next takeout-night stop. You’ll love it, and won’t feel guilty for indulging.