Clean eating

Evolve Paleo Chef offers natural eating for the health-conscious

Upon hearing of Tulsa’s newest clean-eating restaurant, Evolve Paleo Chef, I couldn’t help but shake my head at what I imagined would be another over-priced, unimpressive (and inevitably boring) trendy diet restaurant serving ready-to-zap meals out of airtight containers. After sampling a salad, two entrees, and eight juices (all dairy, gluten, and refined sugar-free) from Evolve, I am happy—and stunned—to admit I was wrong.

It bears mentioning that the Paleo diet has become somewhat of a four-letter word recently. The Paleolithic Period-inspired lifestyle is often associated with over-eager, egg-guzzling cross-fitters, and is known for its intense, hard to sustain parameters: no gluten, dairy, alcohol, added sugar or processed foods, and lots and lots of veggies and fruits, eggs, fish and meat. But for folks looking to take on an eating plan comprised primarily of natural, unprocessed foods, the Paleo diet is a solid bet.

Most people go Paleo in an attempt to become leaner, lose weight, and decrease inflammation. More do so at the recommendation of a doctor to combat things like Diabetes, Celiac, Fibromyalgia, and autoimmune disease. Still, preparing food without the additives we’ve become so used to (grains, butter, milk, sugar, oils, etc.) is a real challenge for many. Evolve co-owner Jason Fechter says one of the hardest adjustments for people new to eating Paleo is understanding that natural food can taste good, too. 

“A lot of it is training the mind back to the way things used to be,” he explained. “But a lot of people miss that social interaction of going out to eat at a restaurant.”  

Evolve’s general manager Amy Forsythe said first-timers are often surprised by how simple it can be. Evolve makes it easy for diners to stay on track, offering quick, “natural” meals and juices—all without sacrificing the flavor and satisfaction of a chef-prepared dish. Substitutes like honey, olive and coconut oils, and ghee (clarified butter) give entrees the same flavor, seasoning, and consistency that non-Paleo eaters are used to (well, almost the same).  

Walk into Evolve and you’ll see Technicolor fridges filled with local produce, stacks of refrigerated grab ‘n go entrees off to the side, plenty of comfortable seating space and no shortage of natural light (an intentional addition by the owners, who felt the space was “a little dungeony” when they moved in).

Browse the shelves for entrees, salads, snacks, Paleo condiments, and fresh cold-pressed juices offering an array of benefits and protections (the Anti is great for fighting pain and inflammation, while the Beat It offers a great pre-work out energy boost). Evolve’s team is happy to mix up personalized juices for whatever ails you as well. 

Evolve Tulsa marks the sixth location in the Kansas City-based Evolve Paleo Chef family. Owners Caleb Summers, a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef, and Fechter, a licensed chiropractor, started the business out of their home kitchen as a side hobby after jumping into the lifestyle. 

“We’re chefs first who just happen to be Paleo,” Summers said.

Fifteen clients in Kansas City soon became a full-fledged business with locations in Wichita, Lowell, and Tulsa. But the owners insist the expansion hasn’t affected their commitment to quality dishes with flavor. 

This commitment is a product of intentional balance. While Fechter plants himself firmly in the ‘eat to live’ camp and swears he “could do grilled chicken, broccoli, and carrots for three or four meals in a row,” Summers’ food philosophy is far more rooted in taste, quality, and experience. 

“I like good food. I love eating, and I love tasting food,” he said. “And I like when people eat my food and enjoy it.” 

Together, they’re able to brainstorm ideas for nutritious dishes they’re both excited about. Then Caleb hits the kitchen to see how he can make them work with a Paleo spin. 

“I would say 98% percent of it is food I actually like to eat, and the rest is just preference,” Fechter said. “It’s trial and error.”

The result is dishes like Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie, a BBQ Meat Plate, Roasted Turkey, Blackened Chicken, and the fan-favorite, Chili Mac. With such a heavy traffic flow, folks looking to pick up pre-made entrees like these should shop earlier in the day and week for the best selection. Menus change weekly and cycle through a two month rotation to ensure variety.

Clients looking for more extensive meal plan solutions can order full and partial plans to be delivered to the store every week. There’s no fee for delivery, and clients can order as many or few dishes, sides and snacks as they like. Full meal plan subscriptions—five breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, two desserts, a soup, and a host of snacks and fruits—receive a pricing discount, and are available for $165 per week.

Evolve Paleo Chef & Juice Bar
3023 S. Harvard Ave. | 918.550.8585 | evolvepaleochef.com

For more from Megan, read her food highlights of '15.