Don’t be suspicious of uncooked fare — embrace it!

Raw. There, I said it — but don’t be afraid. Both meat-eaters and vegetarians flock to Thrive for healthy, surprisingly hearty choices. Gluten and dairy-free, organic and raw (which means the temperature doesn’t exceed 118 degrees), one might wonder, “what do they serve?”

The Nourish Smoothie ($6-9) “provides your body with micro-magic and cellular efflourescence.” Ummm…dibs! Do they add fairy dust to the banana, berries and kale blend? Tastes like it. Someone should be yelling “Chug! Chug!” with this giant mug of iced drank, but there will be no regret. Except maybe a brain freeze…

Thrive asserts that the Buddha Bowl ($11) is “so yummy you might cry.” That’s one heavy claim. While I didn’t cry, a tear might have started to well. Similar to a traditional Korean bibimbap, you must mix to find all the gems. One of the only dishes that isn’t fully raw, hot ingredients meet cold in this bowl. With onion cashew cream, homemade kale chips, marinated mushrooms and crumbles of Bella Burger, there are so many things to love about this dish. Get it and start diggin’.

With its well-constructed layers and delicate blend of chocolate, espresso and vanilla, the tiramisu ($7.49) could be besties with the elegant dishes in any fancy restaurant. In true Thrive style, coconut brings some texture and ladylike sweetness. It’s OK, men. You can enjoy too. This dessert won’t squash your jugglies.

If learning something new is your 2012 Resolution, check out Owner Monika’s culinary and volunteer programs. Eating raw is blazing hot. Thrive lays down superlatives like crazy, but they definitely dish it out. One compostable cup of gravy is raised in the air while my other hand is givin’ mad snaps.

Thrive  |  1026 N.E. 65th St. (Suite #A102), Seattle  |  (206) 525-0666