Fuel

I'm not one to count calories, but I do try to put healthy foods into my body at most meals, so can appreciate the health conscious, everything-under-500 calories menu at Fuel.

Now, be careful with those calorie counts printed on the menu. Those numbers don't include bread or tortillas if you opt to get an item as a sandwich or wrap. And, of course, a bit more oil here or a bigger piece of chicken there than the original recipe calls for, and those numbers mean nothing.

And, muscle jocks, note that protein grams are printed on the menu, as well.

I also appreciate that many of Fuel's menu items are vegetarian or have an option of adding tofu, but am miffed that subbing tofu for chicken is the more expensive option. Tofu is dirt cheap.

Fuel, the East Passyunk casual eatery owned by radio host, DJ and trained chef, Rocco Cima, is decked out in minimalist black and bright red and green. Add the too loud pop dance music that's constantly rocking and music videos playing, and you might thing you're at a Christmas rave. The music is pumped onto the street, as well, making the uncomfortable slatted metal bistro chairs the least of your al fresco dining pains.Smoothies are part of Fuel's juice and coffee bar menu, and the Fruit Fuzzion with strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, and bananas was solid.Fuel's menu and table-top display calls attention to their many "award winning" items. We suspect Fuel was handing out the awards themselves, but decided to take the bait on the "award winning" sweet pea wonton dip.
The vibrant green, chunky green pea dip topped with sun dried tomatoes is evenly tempered, not too garlicky or salty, but certainly not bland. The grilled wonton chip are delicately thin, keeping carbs and calories low. The Thai tofu wrap had a pleasantly light and tangy peanut sauce, fresh cucumbers and carrots, and a surprise crunch from noodles. If basil had been included, as the menu suggested, the wrap would have been better. The uncooked and unseasoned tofu was a huge disappointment, though.

Tofu aside, the Thai wrap was pleasant, but not outstanding. Marinated tofu either grilled or baked would have added much flavor and a more pleasing texture without adding too many extra calories. Something Fuel might want to consider.

The accompanying side salad was simply mixed greens dressed with a maybe too vinegary balsamic vinaigrette.The Fuel Stacker was ordered as a pannini, probably doubling the calorie count printed on the menu, even though the bread is a low fat loaf specially baked for Fuel at neighboring Nino's Bakery. Grilled portabello, zucchini, eggplant, squash, tomato, melted Mozzarella and pesto make for a sizable, if standard vegetarian sandwich.

Fuel is not a destination dining spot by any means, but makes for a decent, everything-under-$10, casual lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch (egg white omelette, any one?) stop when cruising the Avenue...as long as you can stomach the pumping jams. Skip the bread if you're truly calorie conscious.

Fuel
1917 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19148
215-468-FUEL
Mon-Sat: 11am-10pm
Sun: 11am-9pm