Lo Cal Cafe

it's always a better day for me when I can have breakfast or lunch here. Yummy, healthy food that's affordable and locally-owned...what more could you ask for? The menu is fairly short and sweet: wraps, sandwiches/paninis, salads, make-your-own-bowls, pizzas, and various breakfast items. Every day there is a special of the day and a side of the day, and it's always something really different and clever. Most lunch items run about $6-$7, and breakfasts on Sundays are 2-for-1! In addition, they serve Only 8 frozen yogurt -- you will NOT believe that a "small" serving, which is pretty good-sized, is only 32 calories -- and they have a meal plan where one can purchase five entrees for $35 weekly. If you miss the ordering cut-off (or you're a poor grad student), you can purchase five leftover entrees for $25 later. The desserts are delicious, too, but I'm pretty crazy about the Only 8 so that's usually what I end up getting.

I only have two minor complaints: a) they're not open later for dinners, and b) they only serve egg whites and not the whole egg. (Yes, the food philosophy is low-cal AND low-fat, but I still trust all the nutritional information that I've read that states that the highest concentration of nutrition, including protein and lecithin, is in the yolk. So I'm a yolk eater. There you have it and Bob's your uncle.) Like I said, though, these are very minor complaints. It's my favorite breakfast and lunch place in Edwardsville!

Do yourself and your health a favor and stop in sometime. The owners, Evonne and Don, are usually there, and they're very nice and helpful. I think Evonne also does nutritional counseling and personal training as well, if you need help in that arena. The servers are sweethearts, too. The decor is cute and inspirational and the entire restaurant and restrooms are always very clean. Check it out!