I’m craving and looking forward to healthy meals lately. In the past, I’d opt for a burger over a “bowl”, but that slab of fatty beef in between a sugar spiking bun isn’t as appealing. Hence, when a friend wanted to go to Impact Kitchen for lunch, I was excited. Excited for kale? Who have I become?!

Yet, it was the zesty Mexican power bowl ($15.50) that drew me in. Yes, it contained kale (not massaged so my least favourite way of eating the fibrous green), but also roasted sweet potatoes, red peppers, rice, and a nutty tostada crumble. It’s healthy but filling.

Filling indeed as I had to get the rest to go, which once augmented with more salad mix was enough for a second lunch. The bowl also desperately needed more sauce. Despite containing black bean mole, avocado, salsa, cashew sour cream, and a cilantro jalapeno dressing, the kale was still tasteless and dry. Impact Kitchen seriously needs massage and “marinate” the greens beforehand.  

The added falafels (additional $5.99) were dense and baked – lacking a crispy crust that makes these snacks delicious. As a falafel they blow but as a savoury snack ball they’re not horrible. Thankfully, our server asked if I wanted hot sauce on the side, that mild chili garlic sauce saved the day. Even then, I could only manage having one falafel at the restaurant and couldn’t get through the others until I had a creamy dipping sauce the following lunch.  

Impact Kitchen’s display case of baked goods drew us in and were surprisingly delicious for being gluten free. While I could have done without the sea salt on the chocolate sea salt cookie ($4.50), this was easy enough to dust off. Soft and chewy with a deep cacao taste, the cookie is the closest thing to a “sinful” dessert you’ll find here.

The almond protein brownie ($4.99) tasted “healthy” and the texture a bit crumblier than a traditional brownie… likely on account of the whey protein powder. If you can withstand temptation, save some for the next day, as it became tastier as the flavours intensified.

Their matcha latte ($5.99) was beautifully presented, incorporating a rich green tea flavour and a creamy matcha dusted foam. It was one of the better versions of the drink I’ve ever had.

So, if you’re still on the fried food for lunch bandwagon, perhaps you dip your toe into healthy eating with breakfast - Impact Kitchen has an extensive menu offering - or even go for an afternoon drink. Your body will thank you later. 

RH Courtyard is probably one of the lesser-known restaurants at Yorkdale Mall. Yet, it’s a beauty. A man-made garden patio tucked into Restoration Hardware so that a trip to the toilet will have you distracted with furniture envy.

Crème fraiche was added into the RH scramble ($22), but it’s still a simple dish of scrambled eggs with chives. I’m glad our waitress warned us the eggs are cooked to a soft runniness - I increased the doneness to “medium well” and they arrived creamy and tender without any of the gross liquid yolk.

If only the menu stated the scramble comes with grilled sourdough we would have foregone the artisanal prosciutto ($25). While there was nothing wrong with the board, it was also not exciting. A bit boring in presentation, it incorporated slices of prosciutto, chunks of parmigiano Reggiano, and “seasonal fruit” that was really a bunch of grapes. At least the baguette was warm and crispy, even though there weren’t any spreads, not even a plate of olive oil for dipping.

While the price of the side green salad ($10) was a bit steep, the citrus vinaigrette really helped cut through the heaviness of the meat, cheese, and eggs. Plus, it ended up being a great complement to finish the generous half avocado that accompanies the eggs.

You’re able to customize the matcha latte ($7) to be hot or cold. The cooler version was refreshing for the spring and had a lovely deep green tea flavour.

Do yourself a favour and skip the chains when you’re at Yorkdale. Dine at a place that doesn’t feel like you’re in a mall; more like you’re in the gardens of an aristocrat’s mansion.