A Morning Oasis

"Never judge a book by its cover" - The phrase I now associate with Oasis Cafe.  This out-of-the-way dining establishment was certainly far off my radar when my friend suggested it as our breakfast spot a couple of weeks ago.  She mentioned that it got great reviews and so I, always being up for trying something new, eagerly agreed to the suggestion.  When first pulling into the parking lot, I thought, "Mmmmm, ok friend, I'm trusting you on this".  The writing on the windows and uninviting exterior were not quite what I was expecting; Although, now thinking back I don't really know that I had any expectations at all.  However, as I walked inside I immediately saw that this place was full of "regulars", which, to me, is always a good sign.  I was quickly greeted by a friendly waitress and taken to a booth to wait for my friend.  As I waited for my friend to arrive, I sipped a strong but smooth cup of coffee and perused the menu, which to my surprise (and delight) was full of variety and had it's own section designated to healthier options.  I'm so glad we decided to give this place a try.  It provided me and my friend with a sweet time filled with a satisfying breakfast, laughter and rich conversation before setting off to a busy day of work.

Menu Mentions:
I will say that everything on the menu looked delicious.  I pretty much already new it would, though, as I blatantly stared at other patron's plates on my way to being seated.  The Oasis Cafe offers quite the selection, including, but not limited to, omelets & biscuits, French toast, breakfast tacos, migas, fresh fruit & yogurt, and different egg dishes.  On weekday mornings I always try to make sure I get some good protein in at breakfast so I looked more at the egg dishes.  I landed on the "One Egg Breakfast", which got me a scrambled egg, two slices of whole wheat toast, sliced tomatoes, and maybe the best side of fruit I've ever gotten at a restaurant, much less a diner.  In fact, that may have been what sealed the deal on my decision.  The waitress informed me that they give you "the good stuff" in their fruit cups and as she handed me the bowl, brimming with freshly sliced peaches, nectarines, apples and pineapple I saw she was true to her word.  Seriously impressed here.  My friend got a biscuit instead of toast so that we could both try it, and for all of you biscuit lovers out there, that was a win as well.  So, at this little hole - in - the - wall diner tucked off of Greenville I had a fresh and satisfying breakfast that fueled the long workday that lay ahead me.


Nutrition Notes:

Protein... eggs, toast... aids in the growth, maintenance and repair of cells (including cells damaged due to sickness or injury from surgery or sports / exercise).  You will get a little protein in the toast (think between 2 and 4 grams per slice) if it is whole grain toast.  1 whole egg is equivalent to 1 oz. of a "meat equivalent", containing about 7 grams of protein.

Vitamin D... eggs... fat - soluble vitamin (needs fat to be absorbed in the body).  Helps the body absorb calcium from food and supplements, aids in muscle movement, helps support a strong immune system, and, with calcium, helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.  It's good to incorporate the whole egg now and again (as opposed to only the egg white) if eating without any additional dietary fat so that the fat - soluble vitamin D, lutein and zeaxanthin can be well absorbed.

Lutein & zeaxanthin... eggs & nectarines... carotenoids (and a group of precursors to vitamin A) that can help slow the progression of macular degeneration, promoting eye health.

Lycopene... tomatoes & watermelon... another carotenoid (precursor to vitamin A) that helps prevent the hardening of the arteries and certain cancers.  Also helps prevent wrinkles of the skin by strengthening the elasticity of skin tissues, keeping the skin tight.

Fiber... fruit, tomatoes, whole - wheat toast... helps keep you full, promotes a healthy GI system and can help lower cholesterol.

Vitamin C... tomato, watermelon, pineapple, peaches, nectarines... antioxidant that promotes healthy joints, skin, hair and a healthy immune system by helping the body build collagen and protecting against infection and cell damage.


Beta Carotene... cantaloupe, peaches... another carotenoid (along with lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin) and precursor to vitamin A that helps build a strong immune system, is critical to good vision, and is important for healthy functioning organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys.


Side Note:  Potassium
This post's "Side Note" stems from last post's focus on bananas combined with a conversation I had with a coworker last week in which she asked me for suggestions of foods high in potassium, other than bananas.  

By now, we know that we need potassium in our diets for:
- muscle contraction
- regulation of fluid and mineral balance throughout the body's cells
- maintaining ideal blood pressure levels (as potassium blunts or counteracts the effects of sodium)
- healthy and strong bones as we get older

Over the years bananas seem to have been labeled the "potassium superstar".  However, if you are not a banana lover or cannot eat bananas, don't worry - you have other options!  Other foods that have a high potassium content (some may even have more potassium than a banana) include:
- Cantaloupe
- Nectarines and oranges
- Potatoes (white and sweet potatoes)
- Greens like spinach, kale, collards and chard
- Tomatoes
- Avocados
- Dried apricots
- Winter squash like acorn and butternut
- Beans
- Pumpkin

Branch out, mix it up, and fill your meals with these colorful, flavorful fruits and veggies for an extra punch of potassium!



My Conclusions (Based on a ranking of 1 to 5... 1 = will not return; 5 = will return tomorrow)

Taste = 4.8
Nutrition = 4.8 - due to wide variety and their menu & designated healthy options
Service = 4.8

Overall Ranking = 4.8