‘Watts for Dinner’: Summer Day Market & Café brings the good stuff to Marco Island

Health conscious? Tired of traveling to Whole Foods, Lucky’s or Fresh Market all the time for your smart foods? If you have an adverse reaction to crossing the bridge or despise the traffic that resides on the other side, do I have news for you.  

Summer Day Market & Café. And it’s been here all this time. Right in front of our faces. It’s a place I would normally see on my way for some Mexican food at Margaritas. Then I’d forget about it. The place looked kind of small and when I was on my way for tacos, I did not want to be reminded of healthier options.

What a surprise when I stepped inside. There’s an area for healthy shakes, sandwiches, soups; grocery shelfs filled with healthy items to take home and cook; and a Zen den for dining, that also has some meditation-oriented Knick knacks. In other words, Summer Day Café has it all.

We ordered a couple of smoothies for then and there; and a couple of sandwiches and a wrap to share later.

I ordered the “Cherry” smoothie, which also features bananas, strawberries, pineapple and tart cherry juice.  My friend and partner in dine had the “Be Healthy” which has banana, raspberry, pineapple and almond milk.

The drinks come in 16 or 20 oz; we got the latter. Neither was as thick as you typically get at an average smoothie joint. The flavor was intense and delicious, and it gave us both a boost for an afternoon of shopping.

After that adventure, we were ready to open our three food treats.

We ordered the California on whole grain. The sandwich features sliced turkey, avocado, sprouts, tomato, cucumber, onion and organic goddess dressing. Yum!

We also got a turkey on rye; sliced turkey, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions, sprouts and Vegenaise.

The third was the tuna salad in the chipotle wrap. It features albacore tuna mixed with Vegenaise, carrots, onions and celery; served with lettuce, tomato, red onions and sprouts.

All the ingredients were fresh and delicious. The best by far was the tuna. The chipotle warp added a subtle spiciness to the dish. I was concerned about the Vegenaise; but it really allowed the vegetables to shine.  

The California with the avocado outshined the turkey on rye; but both sandwiches were a delight and it was fun to share each one.

Summer Day Café is great food that’s good for you. Whether you’re looking for a snack, meal or healthy ingredients for your own kitchen, you’ll find them here.

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This newspaper pays for all meals related to dining reviews. We do not solicit or accept free food.

If you go

Summer Day Market & Café

Town Center Mall, 1069 N Collier Blvd., Marco Island

239-394-8361

www.summerdaymarket.com