The relatively robust commercial scene of downtown Clinton can make it difficult to imagine going much further than down the Hill for a meal. But if you’re in for a longer, fifteen-to twenty-minute drive, New Hartford is ripe with some really great restaurant options. Of these, the healthiest option is Core Life, which sits right across from Target, which makes it closer than either Chipotle or 5 Guys.
Core Life is fast food only in terms of its fast service. They don’t serve the usual greasy foods you find at other fast food chains. This is because Core Life sells almost exclusively salads and soups, known as broth bowls. The menu shows far fewer calories for each item in comparison to many other chain restaurants. But this doesn’t mean it all tastes like it’s healthy; the menu ranges from hearty steak bowls to lighter, lettuce-based options.
The setup inside the restaurant is like Subway or Chipotle — you give your order or say you want to create your own, then watch as it’s assembled from fresh ingredients in front of you. There are multiple people working behind the counter, so there is rarely any holdup or long line, and you’re asked several times throughout the process if certain components are okay. This is ideal for someone with allergies, who may need to ensure that a specific ingredient normally in the dish doesn’t make its way into theirs.
At the end of the assembly process, the person at the register will ask if you want a slice of bread or a drink with your meal. The drinks are a little pricey so I’ll often skip this, but when I do feel like splurging, there are some adventurous options. The cashier simply offers a cup which can be filled with any of Core Life’s distinct blended teas and lemonades. In the spirit of health and vegetables, my personal favorite is the beet lemonade.
The best part of Core Life is their commitment to allergen-free meals. All dishes are gluten-free since there are only rice noodle options, and most dishes can be made to exclude dairy or other common allergens. There is also always an abundant supply of tofu and egg, so vegans and vegetarians don’t have to worry about missing out on protein. Similarly, if something is unavailable due to seasonal or distributional availability, Core Life workers are sure to let customers know and are open to any substitutions of that ingredient.
The biggest downside to a meal here is the price, which is a little higher than most fast food competitors. That said, it’s still much cheaper than many other restaurants and the portions are big enough to almost always take home leftovers (or leave full.)
If you’ve never been, I would highly recommend trying out Core Life. It’s the perfect place for any random day you need to get off campus or when a family member comes to visit and wants to take you out for lunch. I would say it’s even great for a non-21st birthday that falls in the middle of the week. Regardless, Core Life is a great option for those conscious of both time and health.
