{"id":181234,"date":"2025-09-25T17:22:10","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T17:22:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/181234\/"},"modified":"2025-09-25T17:22:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T17:22:10","slug":"staten-island-restaurant-says-it-makes-healthy-food-that-youll-think-is-unhealthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/181234\/","title":{"rendered":"Staten Island restaurant says it makes healthy food that \u2018you\u2019ll think is unhealthy\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 A young Staten Island couple is making waves in Eltingville with the launch of Bowl Me Up, a health-focused restaurant offering fresh, customizable bowls and clean eating options. Located at 3848 Richmond Ave., the eatery is the brainchild of Naser Kolar, a South Shore native, who opened the business earlier this year with his wife Ardiana to meet the community\u2019s growing appetite for healthy dining.<\/p>\n

\"BowlLocated at 3848 Richmond Ave., Bowl Me Up is the work of Naser and Ardiana Kolar, who opened the eatery to meet the borough’s growing appetite for wellness-driven dining.(Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve wanted to do this for a long time\u2014and I\u2019ve always envisioned doing it in Eltingville. I know the area, I know the people,\u201d said Naser, a Tottenville High School graduate. \u201cEver since COVID, everybody wants to stay healthy, be healthy\u2014and it\u2019s this lifestyle of feeling good and well-being that we\u2019re really appreciating in these times.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added, \u201cIt\u2019s fast food but healthy fast food.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"BowlThe Mexican bowl is the most popular selection, although this version includes all greens without the rice to eliminate the carbs. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)A Menu Built Around Wellness<\/p>\n

The restaurant specializes in customizable bowls made with fresh ingredients and health-conscious preparations. The most popular item is the Mexican bowl, which includes romaine lettuce, cilantro lime rice, chipotle chicken, jalape\u00f1os, onions, and corn. Customers are encouraged to personalize their bowls by adding or removing ingredients. Food is prepped fresh daily using locally sourced products whenever possible.<\/p>\n

\"BowlThe restaurant has done a brisk business catering office parties and meetings where healthy eating is a priority. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

For those following specific diets, Bowl Me Up offers keto-friendly options featuring avocado, greens, and no carbs. Instead of traditional French fries, the restaurant serves fried pita bread as a starchy alternative.<\/p>\n

The menu also includes protein cookies made with honey and maple syrup as natural sweeteners, combined with quinoa, oatmeal, and coconut flakes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so good you\u2019ll think it\u2019s unhealthy, but it\u2019s truly healthy \u2014 and really delicious,\u201d Naser said.<\/p>\n

\"BowlLocated just off of the Eltingville train stop, Bowl Me Up has a few seats for outdoor dining. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)A Family Legacy in Food<\/p>\n

Ardiana brings deep restaurant experience to the business through her family\u2019s legacy in the food industry.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince I was born, my dad was a restaurant owner,\u201d she said, referring to her father who operates pizzerias and Italian restaurants in New Jersey, including locations in Fairfield, Ledgewood, and Dover.<\/p>\n

The Garden State native said, \u201cI\u2019m born and raised in the restaurant business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"BowlNaser Kolar explored restaurant concepts from around the world that would work on Staten Island. He designed the spaces himself governed by his own dining preferences and the potential to expand in the Big Apple. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

Recipes have been in development for several years, guided by a team of professional chefs. What developed under their guidance is a menu featuring various rice options, carne asada, chicken, turkey meatballs, cheese selections, vegetables, and nutritious dressings.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Staten Island Roots, Big Dreams<\/p>\n

For customers aiming for a taste, Bowl Me Up operates weekdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The menu can be found on the company website \u2014 bowlmeup.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In addition to dine-in service, the restaurant offers delivery via DoorDash and Grubhub, and has its own mobile app featuring a rewards program.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpend a certain amount of money, you get money back,\u201d Naser explained. \u201cIt keeps you coming back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis business was proudly born and raised on Staten Island,\u201d said Naser. \u201cWe\u2019re young parents of three and hoping to do some really amazing things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Located in walkable Eltingville, with its variety of restaurants open for lunch and dinner, Bowl Me Up reflects the couple\u2019s commitment to healthy living and appreciation for their South Shore community.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhether you\u2019re plant-based, geared to a Mediterranean diet, or just looking for a fresh lunch,\u201d Naser said, \u201cwe\u2019re hoping our small business is making a big impact\u2014one bowl at a time.”<\/p>\n

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