Gourmet & Healthy in Richmond

Fueled by a regimen consisting of healthy eating, cleanses, yoga, and meditation, Food Body M.E.’s staff strive to educate others on positive, holistic living. Chefs demonstrate expert methods, pass on nutrition factoids, and create easily replicated five-course meals during small-group cooking classes. To help bodies detoxify without the use of chemicals or additives, nutrition gurus point the way toward all-natural juice cleanses. Meanwhile, instructors in community yoga classes encourage students of all skill levels to hone their focus and improve their chances at surviving the Twister portion of the state bar exam.

Deep in the heart of the Amazon jungle hides the hidden gem of Brazil: the açaí berry. Globetrotter and wellness enthusiast Roy came across açaí bowls during his travels there, and upon his return home, he and wife Tara immediately set out to gather the best recipes to emulate the dish. They were motivated by a desire to spread the health benefits of the super food, which include weight loss, boosted energy, and finally learning how to pronounce "açaí." Their journey led them to found Vitality Bowls, where they churn out a menu of bowls and smoothies, each oriented around the açaí berry. Cooks complement the starring ingredient with fruits, veggies, and nourishing seeds such as flax and guarana, all organic and locally sourced whenever possible. Additionally, Vitality Bowls' treats are free of frozen yogurt, ice, preservatives, trans fats, and added sugar.

The jars of hand-packed, loose-leaf teas lining the shelves of Mr. Trombly's Tea blossom with the fruits of countless orchards and wildflower fields. Mangos mingle with pineapple, orange, tangerine, and strawberries to create citrusy sips, and chamomile, peppermint, and marigold blossoms charm upset stomachs from the herbal section. Alongside black-, green-, and white-tea varieties, the steeping emporium also vends a roster of oolong teas imported from Asia. In the interest of rich and uncorrupted brews, the staff never mixes artificial flavors in with the plants. They also give customers control over their Tea of the Month Club deliveries—members can mix and match their own preferred bags for delivery, unlike with other tea of the month clubs, which only send out shredded calendar pages.

Since 1955, the family behind Save More Meat Market has been filling their display cases with quality cuts of USDA Choice meat, now sourced from the local Harris Ranch. They stock everything from meatloaf to short ribs and shrimp meat, all of which stand to be transformed into hearty dinners in the comforts of home. Handy animal diagrams hang behind the counter, informing patrons where certain cuts of meat are found on the animal, such as chuck beef—located near the cow's neck—and rib meat—located on the cow's hind legs.