Get Outta Town:
Amanda's, Berkeley
By Bill Knutson

Guilty pleasure #1: fast food burgers. I’m not going to deny it; periodically I need to ignore what my brain is saying, and indulge myself with a Jumbo Jack or a Whopper. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t help myself. A while back I started saying to myself, “What we need is a fast-food joint that uses organic, grass-fed beef, and sustainable produce so I can eat fast food without the guilt.”

So, a couple of weeks back, I was strolling down Shattuck Avenue looking for a bite to eat and I pass by a sign that reads, Feel Good Fresh Food. As I was about to dismiss it as just another Berkeley health food store, I stole a glance inside and noticed people eating burgers. I immediately stopped to check out the menu and realized my prayers had been answered.

Amanda’s Feel Good Fresh Food restaurant is the brainchild of founder Amanda West, who has been discussing the need for a restaurant that serves quick, delicious, healthful foods on her blog (http://blog.feelgoodfastfood.org) for the past two years. Her menu was planned with the help of nutritionist Diane Hester, focusing on a balance of fat, protein and carbohydrates. Every item on the menu is 470 calories or less.

Amanda’s Original Burger ($3.75) is prepared and presented similar to a fast-food joint, yet has a much better flavor and texture. And while I am not opposed to a veggie burger, I have yet to find one that reminds me of a burger; however, Amanda’s has succeeded in satisfying me by creating a house-made, flavorful patty of mushrooms and walnuts ($3.75) that doesn’t try to imitate a burger. Yes, you can have fries with that, but to stay healthful, they are baked, not fried. You get a choice of regular ($1.50) or sweet potato ($1.75). Also available is a selection of salads ($2.75 to $6.95), and for dessert, fresh raw organic apple fries with a honey yogurt dipping sauce ($1.50).

Supersizing is not allowed!

Amanda’s: 2122 Shattuck Ave. (at University), Berkeley, daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m.,
510-548-2122, www.amandas.com
–B. Knutson