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Restaurant promotes healthy lifestyle

Troy's serves fresh food, but not high prices to its guests.

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By Teri Horsley, Staff Writer 7:51 PM Thursday, January 20, 2011

WEST CHESTER TWP. — There are crates stacked with glass and plastic bottles, and boxes filled with cardboard, all ready to be recycled. Cloth versus paper towels are used, and the toilet paper in the bathroom has no paper core.

The paper that’s used has already been recycled, and the dish soap is a low suds variety that is better for the environment. As you walk through, you may think you’re at a recycling exhibition, but in reality you’re inside Troy’s Café and Catering in West Chester Twp.

“When we first opened in March 2009, our staff took ownership of our recycling efforts, suggesting and looking for ways for us to become more environmentally friendly. Now, we hope other restaurants will follow suit and do their part,” said Troy Meyers, owner of the restaurant.

Meyers said his parents, also his partners, make about three trips per week to a local recycling center, dropping off nearly 100 pounds of material. He said future plans include making all carry out boxes and cups recyclable, which will raise his overall budget by 15 percent.

“We haven’t incurred any additional expense as of yet, but making all cups and boxes recyclable will cost more. However, we want to feel good about what we’re doing for the environment so that’s OK,” he said. Meyers said the additional cost will not be reflected in his prices.

The recycling efforts at Troy’s tie into his overall concept of fresh food and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Other changes made since his opening are the inclusion of specialty menus, such as the current Healthy Alternative for those looking to lose a few pounds this year.

Featuring items like Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna Salad and Stir Fry Chicken and Brown Rice, the menu will be available until the end of January. Future specials will include a menu for Lent with Fish and Chips and Blackened Mahi Mahi being served every day.

Regular menu items that have been added include Spring Rolls stuffed with chorizo, cheese and chicken, and Artichoke and Spinach Fritters that are served with a zesty ranch sauce. A Cajun Blue Cheese and a Wild Mushroom and Swiss have been added to the burger menu, and the comfort food entrees now feature Mediterranean Pasta served with kalamata olives, artichokes, spinach and a red sauce. Meyers said he’s also paying more attention to creating dishes for those who eat vegetarian and gluten free.

Troy’s Café & Catering features a full wine list and micro-brewery beer selections from area venues. Monday nights offer customers the chance to try three new wines (two reds and a white), with each week featuring a different region or winery.

Reservations are not needed to participate, and a variety of food and appetizers are included in the price.

Contact this writer at tlhrsly@cinci.rr.com

How to go

What: Troy’s Café and Catering

When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Monday night wine tastings take place from 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: 4877 Smith Road, West Chester Twp.

Cost: Wine tastings are $12 per person. Lounge fare, including the new spring rolls and artichoke and spinach fritters, are $5. Burgers average $7.50, and Comfort Foods like pasta and salmon are $8 and $9. A kids menu offers grilled cheese and chicken tenders for $4.

More info: (513) 860-3206 or www.troyscafeand catering.com (Full menu is available online)

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