From the Desk of Jim R: Dining Out, A to Z: Organika Kitchen Southport (Southport, CT) and Firehouse Deli (Fairfield, CT) (A Dining Review)

By James V. Ruocco

Almond Crunch Bowl:

banana, blueberries, almond milk, acai, mango, granola, strawberries, almonds, raw honey

Asian Vegetable Stir Fry:

assorted organic fresh vegetables, brown rice, sesame seeds, tamari soy sauce

Green Machine Smoothie:

banana, spinach, kale, coconut, hemp protein, almond butter, chia seeds

Kale Caesar Salad:

kale, romaine, parmesan cheese, grape tomatoes, toasted chickpea croutons, caesar salad dressing

Curry in a Hurry:

chickpeas, red peppers, carrots, onions, scallions, cauliflower, brown rice, cilantro, ginger, coconut milk, curry sauce

Crunch Up Smoothie:
banana, blueberries, mango, strawberries, granola, almonds, raw honey

Berry Hemp Acai Bowl:

banana, mango, acai, blueberries, strawberries, hemp protein, cacao, almonds, raw honey almond milk, flax seeds

No matter what the selection - and there are several - Organika Kitchen Southport's creative spot for food and drinks not only nods to current trends, but serves things up in a bright, agreeable manner that is the blueprint for its success. The food is healthy, simple, delicious and inspirational which accounts for its wide audience of customers and health food lovers, all of whom are never bored by the full-flavored choices that are good enough to get emotional over.

This is a fun place that takes its love of food and drink to new heights creating a fast-casual drive and buzz without gimmick or overkill. Everything on the menu is a welcome reprieve from those boring breakfast and lunches prepared hurriedly at home or those offered at other establishments that are anything but healthy. So let's indulge.

The Almond Crunch Bowl is artfully arranged and powerfully flavored with a crunchy-coated mix of particular strength and sprightly ingredients that heighten its taste. The Crunch Up Smoothie is wonderfully sweet and a real morning or afternoon delight that tastes good and makes you feel good all over. It also exhibits all the right flavors. The Asian Vegetable Stir Fry delivers a slight kick that is absolutely key to its enjoyment. The Green Machine Smoothie is something of an acquired taste that has its benefits. It is rich in fiber and high in antioxidants. It is tasty and fresh, for the most part. But it's not anything fancy or hypnotic. It is what it is and nothing more. You either like it or hate it.

First time there. Not to worry.
The staff - all smiles, of course - are only too happy to get you excited over everything they have to offer. Ask questions. Tell them what you prefer. Ask for recommendations. A meal? A smoothie? An afternoon pick-me-up or tangy refresher? They are quick to offer suggestions and give you a complete rundown on what ingredients are involved  once you make your final choice. Trust me, it works every time. You won't be disappointed. So much so, that once you finish eating or drinking, you might want to pop back up from your table and order something else for "take away."  I do it all the time, especially when it comes to the smoothies. It's perfect for the ride home or a visit to nearby Fairfield, Westport or Darien  while just driving around soaking up the sights.

Organika Kitchen Southport also offers several different cleansing options and juice/meal plans to remove toxins from your body that are consumed on a daily basis. Juices include everything from kale, cucumber, ginger and spinach to specially designed meals made with hummus, quinoa, romaine, arugula, tomatoes, celery and assorted veggies. All produce is 100% organic. And if kale and spinach are not to your liking, Organika offers other cleansing drinks made with bananas, blueberries, strawberries and coconut oil. You pick the plan and everything that goes along with.
The Breakfast Smoothie, made with fresh fruit, however, is a must. And so is the Mid-Morning Juice with its invigorating blend of beet, carrot, apple and ginger. They're refreshingly cool.  Simply wash them down and savor the moment.

Organika Kitchen Southport

3546 Post Rd., Southport, CT

(203) 955- 1500

Hours of Operation

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday

8 a.m-7 p.m.

Friday - Closed.

Whether you start your day with breakfast or lunch, Firehouse Deli - the best place for scrambled eggs and bacon, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and salads - offers earthy, delicious comfort food with portions that are both generous and overflowing. And yes, the space is busy with early birds, latecomers and people who like their food quick and ready and loaded with that important yum-factor that's often too hard to resist. If there's something you want but don't see, ask and maybe, they can whip you up something special and to your liking.

The hand-picked selection at Firehouse Deli is well-rounded and inviting.

For breakfast:

Sunshine Wrap: scrambled eggs, bacon, jack cheese, salsa, tortilla

Nick's Train: fried eggs, bacon, hash browns, VT cheddar, hard roll

Border Wrap: scrambled eggs, sausage, jalapeno jack cheese, salsa, avocado, tortilla

Gracie's French Toast: Vermont maple syrup, toast, bacon or breakfast sausage

California Omelet: eggs, avocado, bacon. tomato, jack cheese

Riviera Omelet: eggs, peppers, spinach, mushrooms, feta cheese

Alex's Breakfast Panini: scrambled eggs, peppers, sweet onions, sausage, chipotle mayo, VT cheddar, tortilla

Egg Sandwich: egg and cheese with ham, bacon or sausage

There's lots more to choose from including English muffins, croissants, homemade muffins and fresh baked bagels with cream cheese.

For lunch:

Arthur Ave. Sandwich: salami, pepperoni,ham, capicola, provolone, lettuce, tomato, olive oil, vinegar, hoagie roll

Dan-O Sandwich: roast beef, Swiss cheese, cole slaw, Russian dressing, whole wheat bread

Mother-In-Law Wrap: avocado, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, jack cheese, ranch dressing, tortilla

Salami on Rye Sandwich: salami, mustard, rye bread, pick on the side

French Hiker Panini: roasted turkey, apples, gruyere, honey mustard sauce, hard roll

Firehouse Black Angus Burger: hamburger, hot cherry peppers, jack cheese, avocado, chipotle mayo

Hummel  Hot Dogs: beef hot dogs with your choice of mustard, bacon, chili, cheese, Dijon mustard, sauerkraut, tomato salsa, avocado, pepper jack cheese, dill pickles

Lugano Croissant: honey maple ham, Swiss cheese, honey mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomato

Firehouse Deli Salads: tuna, seafood, Waldorf chicken curried chicken, egg, classic chicken

Susie Reuben: corned beef or pastrami, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, Swiss cheese, rye bread

The staff at Firehouse Deli are friendly, courteous and fast. They take your order upfront -  from the menu or specially prepared with modifications - confident that your experience will be well worth it and bring you back for a return visit whenever the urge strikes. I've been coming here for years and I've never once left disappointed about the food or the service. No matter how busy this place is, the customer always comes first. Nothing ever gets messed up from kitchen or table. No one is ever rushed out through the doors. And, if and when you finish your meal and you want something else, the Firehouse staff are more than happy to oblige.

One of the best choices for lunch, of course, is the salami on rye sandwich. It is prepared with thick, overflowing slices of salami, swathed in that all-important mustard, which is the context of this sandwich. Very strong-flavored and peppery, it is the perfect lunch option, as is the corned beef on rye sandwich that absorbs most of the juices and mustard for a unique taste of its own. Both of these sandwiches are so delicious and mouth-watering, I've often found myself 10 or 20 minutes later, getting off the Merritt Parkway for a return visit to purchase the same order, but as "take away."

Burgers are a must at the Firehouse Deli. And the Angus Burger - grade USA choice - packs a tasty wallop loaded with that savory beef flavor for someone in a burger-for-lunch mood. Perfectly grilled to your liking, it is incredibly tangy, flavorful and well worth the price. The Hummel Hot Dog, smothered with the topping or toppings of your choice, is also a great choice. One of the best hot dogs on the market, it contains that snap-style flavor that after one bite or two, sells the hot dog itself.

For those geared for the breakfast market, Firehouse Deli offers plenty of choices that happen to be good for you with portion sizes that provide great value for your money. Egg sandwiches and omelets are put together with great care and taste excellent. The bacon is crisp and savory. The French toast is a great breakfast choice. It has the right proportion from dairy to egg. The egg mixture has soaked up the bread perfectly. A healthy drizzle of maple syrup enhances the flavor. So much so, a second portion is not entirely out of the question.
And, last but not least are the homemade muffins and bagels. Let's just say that one is not enough. You might want to take one or two more with you to enjoy later in the day. That's how good they are.

Firehouse Deli

22 Reef Rd., Fairfield, CT

(203) 255-5527

Hours of Operation

Sunday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday

7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Friday - Closed,