E.A.T. Marketplace: Diet Inclusive

A local artisan farm-to-table eatery located just outside Old Town Temecula, E.A.T. Marketplace is an all-diet-supportive establishment with fresh coffee, pastries, and locally inspired cuisines. Nutritional and carefully crafted menu items are curated to encourage locals to visit, no matter what their dietary preferences or restrictions are.

For someone like myself, or my bestie who invited me to brunch, we have differing restrictions based on our goals and allergic reactions. It’s quite a scavenger hunt for me to find a trustworthy breakfast or brunch spot that can support an anaphylactic egg allergy—understandable, as it is the most delicious breakfast item—that also offers delectable meals with natural ingredients. Whole, nutrient-dense foods are what my body yearns for, and egg supplements just aren’t cutting it.

At E.A.T. Marketplace, I was pleasantly surprised by the options for anything gluten-free, vegan, paleo, keto, and carnivore. Speaking of, my bestie is strictly carnivore, with the same search for whole and nutritional meals that support her immune system—not destroy it. The menu before us offered delicious and appealing dishes that divulged real ingredients and allergen/restriction information, so that we could trust what we put on our fork. The menu had offerings of inclusivity and flavor-forward dishes.

The host was helpful and informational, giving us a quick tour and rundown of how to order and where to get coffee, and was knowledgeable about their Mother’s Day brunch. They were the first introduction to the establishment, and I was already gaining a good opinion. Once at our table, we were quick to make our decisions on what to eat, and we headed to the counter. The cashier was lovely and communicative, quickly getting our order through but taking the time to make conversation. Next stop was the coffee counter—another helpful staff member described their ‘Bulletproof’ coffee, perfect for my carnivorous friend who was intrigued by the ingredients. I got a hot caramel latte, paired with a perfect milk-leaf on top, and my first sip was enough to declare it my new favorite coffee.

The blend of subtle yet rich coffee, with the perfect amount of steamed milk, made every sip a smooth journey of yumminess to my taste buds. The cup was small, so I savored every drink. The balance of coffee bean with no bitterness, perfectly sweetened caramel syrup, and whole milk really made for a delicious start to the morning. While this is my go-to drink, their menu had offerings for any flavor preference, or caffeine addiction- matcha, espresso, tea, drip coffee, chai, you name it!

An order of avocado toast awaited me at the table. Sourdough toast, mashed avocado, radish, and sprouts, perfectly plated and ready to be eaten. This dish was everything avocado toast should be—smashed avocado to the point of guacamole, fresh sprouts, tasty radish, tomatoes—and is usually my go-to at any breakfast spot. If the scale of perfect toast went from soggy, too soft, to perfection, too crunchy, too burnt—then this toast was just below perfection. It may be my taste and preferences for toasting, but the bread wasn’t able to withhold the avocado smash on top. The flavors paired excellently and the freshness was tastable in every bite.

My brunch companion ordered the gluten-free almond butter pancakes and either couldn’t finish the stack of large pancakes, or needed to resist the urge to eat more because of how delicious they were. Her words were “I was already full, but I couldn’t stop eating them!” so I think it’s the latter!

To really end the day well, I ordered a vegan ding-dong to take home and enjoy a delicious, chocolatey dessert once I had room! The chocolate cake was moist and rich, paired with a cream filling and delicious icing that spelled ‘eat.’ I considered calling to order one dozen, but worried I might eat them back-to-back. Their pastry counter stacked donuts, desserts, cookies, brownies, and other amazing desserts—all of them displaying their dietary inclusions. With their keto, gluten-free, and vegan options, anyone is able to try something yummy and walk out smiling.

I dream about the caramel latte and have been attempting any excuse to get to that part of town, but someday soon I will be back to try something else and determine if it really will become my favorite coffee spot!

Check out their website and menu at https://eatmarketplace.com/.