An Exercise in Prudent Behavior – SkinnyFats
By Aly Wagonseller
I think most of us harbor a little bit of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde when it comes to dining out. Some days it’s a piece of cake to keep our inner Dr. Oz in check –avoiding gluten, carbs or whatever else may wreck havoc on the bod. Still, on other occasions all we want IS cake…and burgers…with fries and a side of milkshake please. That’s the beauty of SkinnyFats, located at 6261 Dean Martin Dr., a place where you can choose to be healthy or happy all under the same roof.
Hipster, BoHo, honey I think we’ve left Las Vegas and landed in downtown Portland, Oregon best describes this tiny space. It is oddly located in a predominantly industrial part of town, yet surprisingly convenient to get to. Word also has it they’ll be expanding to the Downtown and Summerlin area’s soon, so that’s a plus. Graffiti style frescos, reggae music and an overall urban vibe give the place a fun, upbeat atmosphere that draws an eclectic crowd of foodies ready to choose their dietary plight for the day. Should I be “happy”? This portion of the menu tempts the willpower with selections that include Meaty Buns, a slider snack laden with BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese and coleslaw; or the Phatty Philly, a monster sandwich with filet mignon, blue cheese and veggies. Or, should I sneak a peek at the “healthy” side of their kitchen offerings, with choices like the Cranburkey turkey burger, slathered with a tasty cranberry, basil yogurt spread and served on a nine grain bun; or the Smoke in a Bowl, an agave, BBQ chicken stir fry with veggies, pineapple, black beans, brown rice and cilantro lime yogurt sauce? With “healthy” and “happy” selections available for breakfast items that are served all day, snacks, main entrees, salads, cold pressed juices, and yogurt or ice cream shakes to choose from, it can be tough to decide upon naughty or nice.
Feeling a little bit of both, we started with the healthy Ahi Srirachi, a seared ahi soft taco with earthy hints of sesame oil, freshened up with mango pico de gallo and a crunchy, cucumber slaw. Addictive. Next came the guilt-free Flat Chix and Greens, the perfect selection for those on the low carb diet train. Grilled chicken, pounded flat yet remaining both tender and juicy acts as a base for an arugula, tomato and cucumber salad that’s quite delish. Served with a healthy amount of capers, as well as a caper and lemon vinaigrette, it was definitely caper overload, even for those of us that adore the little pods of salty, pungent goodness. A nice balsamic reduction drizzle did well to somewhat balance the aggressive nature of the ingredient, but I’d suggest asking for a lighter load so as to not overwhelm the rest of this otherwise tasty dish. Gluten free pizza was our final choice for dietary good behavior; SkinnyFats offers four varieties on a flatbread-like crust that, while not overwhelmingly flavorful (it is gluten free after all), did a great job of showcasing the tasty ingredients layered on top and was fairly crispy when eaten right out of the shoot. Nice to Greek You was an excellent choice, creatively topped with a creamy tzatziki dressing, crunchy cucumber, kalamata olives, red onion, feta and grilled chicken, and finished with more of that delicious balsamic reduction. A nice balance of flavors and textures, and huge portions of the fresh ingredients make this a winner worth trying.
Tossing thoughts of the bathroom scale to the wind, we took a walk on the “happy” side of the menu ordering their signature Burger Benedict, Sweet Potato Fries and a Smooth Immunity frozen yogurt shake. Served on an airy, brioche bun that did well to sop up the conglomeration of creamy, fried egg, a mayo/ketchup like special sauce, avocado and pickles in their juice, this burger was worth every calorie. Sweet potato fries were…well amazing, coated in a light batter with a hint of maple syrup that rendered them crispy and sweet, yet not overly so thanks to a sprinkling of the perfect amount of course salt. Finally, the hedonistic addition of the Immunity Shake proved especially worthwhile with the orange, lime juice and basil flavors producing a fresh and clean accompaniment to the burger. While maybe not entirely healthy, it certainly made us immensely happy.
SkinnyFats is open every day but Sunday and is already pretty busy during peak times so consider ordering online at www.SkinnyFats.com to speed up the process. It’s a great place when you feel like a (health) nut…and an even better one when you don’t. For directions call 979-9797.
Best of the Zips – August
You voted, and the results are in! Here are your picks for Best of the Zips. If you visit any of these winning companies be sure to congratulate them, and keep going back for more. Thanks to all who voted in this month’s addition.
Winners:
- Best Mexican Restaurant
Juan’s Flaming Fajitas & Cantina
9640 W. Tropicana Ave| (702) 823-1400
www.Facebook.com/JuansFlamingFajitaCantina
Why You Love It: Fast, friendly service is the name of the game.
Gotta Have It: Fajitas for two, lit on fire for a great show! Oh, and of course, a margarita.
- Best Workout Place
The Z Spot
6675 S Tenaya Way #130| (702) 717-3481
www.zspotlv.com
Why You Love It: “The most fun you’ll ever have working out!” Where do we sign up?
The Price is Right: At $5 for the first class and $49 for 10 classes, you were dancing for joy!
- Best Auto Repair
Mr. Brake
3305 S Jones Blvd | (702) 873-7018
www.brakerepairlasvegas.biz
Why You Love It: Honest mechanics and diligent service keeps you stopping here for your brake repair.
The Extra Mile: Free brake checks and friendly experts raise the bar for this repair center!
- Childcare
Bright Child Learning Center
5970 S Fort Apache Dr| (702) 798-7345
Why You Love It: The caring and attentive instructors get an A+ for this category!
Kids Vote: Reports of kids excited for homework make mom and dad happy campers.
- Pizza
Red Rock Pizza
8455 W Lake Mead Blvd| (702) 304-0400
www.redrockpizza.com
Why You Love It: Fresh ingredients loaded onto every bite.
When the Moon Hits Your Eye: The Pueblo with garlic knots makes you fall in love with this local pizza parlor!
- Best Pet Store
Bogart’s Bone Appetit
9435 W Tropicana Ave| (702) 435-3644
www.bogartsboneappetit.com
Why You Love It: The self serve wash and professional groomers have you howling!
Extra Treat: An extensive selection of high quality food was the cherry on top for voters.
A Step Above – Powell Naylor
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2014
Success takes many forms, but its origin typically boils down to one thing: lots of hard work. Palo Verde High School Student Body President Powell Naylor has dedicated himself to leading by example by putting in the long hours and devoted perseverance it takes to turn aspirations into accomplishments. Strong willed, focused and always looking out for others, Powell sets high standards for himself by sticking to his strong values and draws constant inspiration from faith, friends and family. There’s no obstacle big enough to block his path; give him a goal and he’ll find a way through, and it’s that resolute willpower that sets Powell Naylor – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.4
Sports/Activities
- JV Soccer, 2010-11; Co-Captain, 2011
- Varsity Soccer, 2012-Present; Division Champions, 2012-13
- Downtown Soccer Club, 2010-12; Captain, 2012
- JV Lacrosse, 2012; Captain, 2012
- Varsity Lacrosse, 2011-Present; State Champions, 2012
- Vegas Starz Lacrosse, 2012-13
- Christmas Nativity at Opportunity Village, 2012
- Student Council, 2010-Present
- Class President, 2011-12; Class Vice President, 2010-11
- Student Body President, 2013-Present; Vice President, 2012-13
- State Student Council Representative, 2010-Present
- Mid-Level State Student Council JC, 2013
Awards/Community Service
- Eagle Scout, 2010-Present
- Lead American Recipient, 2012
- The National Society of High School Scholars, 2012-Present
- National Student Leadership Recipient, 2013
- Panther Heart (Lacrosse), 2011
- Most Improved Varsity Lacrosse Player, 2012
- Scholar Athlete, 2012-13
- Three Square Food Bank, 2010-Present
- Opportunity Village, 2010-Present
- Big Brother Volunteer, 2011-Present
- Volunteer for State Senator Election, 2012
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “The accomplishments I am most proud of would be my work and activities in school. I play two varsity sports, I am Student Body President, I’m an active member in my church and I manage to maintain good grades. I am always very busy and always on the move, but I always make time for my family, friends and schoolwork.”
Powell Looks Up To: “Someone I look up to would definitely be my dad. He is the hardest working person I know, but he always manages to make time for family. I’ve gone to work with him and his job is extremely hard and tiring, but you never hear him complain and he still puts out the best work possible. He always works hard, is always honest and does it with a smile.”
Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults today is the inability to function in social situations because of the impact of technology. Young adults are so caught up in technology and all the social networks that they have lost the ability to associate face to face. I feel I can initiate outside activities and social events in order to be a part of the solution.”
A Step Above – Nick Hatton
Bishop Gorman High School
Class of 2014
Much like his father, Bishop Gorman High School Student Body President Nick Hatton has a passion for restoring old cars. A fitting hobby in his case, as this enterprising and forward thinking young man has always had a strong “drive” to be the best. Self assured and filled with purpose, Nick takes leadership to the next level with far reaching goals that include one day working in the White House, preferably in the Oval Office. Every day is a chance to improve himself a little more and help pass that passion for success on to his friends and classmates. The road ahead may be long, but he isn’t slowing down, and that places Nick Hatton – A Step Above.
G.P.A: 4.08
Activities/Awards/Community Service
- Associated Student Government, 2010-Present
- Sophomore Class President, 2011-12
- Junior Class President, 2012-13
- Student Body President, 2013-Present
- Academic Society, 2010-12; Historian, 2010-11; President, 2011-12
- Mu Alpha Theta, 2012-Present
- National Honor Society, 2012-Present
- Link Crew, 2012-Present; Commissioner, 2012-13
- Certificate of Academic Achievement, 2010-13
- Algebra 1 Honors
- Old Testament
- Church History
- Principles of Leadership
- Morality
- Algebra 2/Trig Honors
- Principal’s List, 2010-13
- Three Square, 2010-12
- Catholic Charities, 2010-13
Nick is Successful Because: “I think that the main thing that makes me successful is my absolute drive to be the best that I can be. I really live by the fact that ‘You don’t have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great.’ Any opportunity that I get to improve myself, I take because I know that it will ultimately lead to success.”
Nick Looks Up To: “I really look up to my uncle, Rob Groeschen. He is such an inspiration to me because he is always looking for a way to improve the lives of others. Rob has founded a nonprofit organization called InReturn, which provides jobs for those with severe brain damage. Uncle Rob has been a constant guiding force and role model in my life, and I can only hope to do as much good in this world as he does every single day.”
Nick is Stronger and Wiser Because: “One obstacle that I have faced was the passing of my aunt during my freshman year. My aunt was always there no matter what and always wanted me to succeed and be the best that I could. When she passed away, I was sad, but now I realize that she is looking down at me and helping me to overcome other obstacles that I face.”
A Step Above – Lena Schulhofer
The Meadows School
Class of 2014
Life is a continuous learning experience for The Meadows School Student Body President Lena Schulhofer. As she steps up to assume a key leadership role within her academic community, Lena hopes to serve as a positive role model while staying deeply involved in student life and affairs, a mission she hopes to carry with her into college and beyond. Altruistic, self assured and driven to accomplish great things, Lena strives to discover a new world of ideas and knowledge while staying emotionally and morally balanced enough to keep herself grounded. For using every day as a new chance to inspire someone else, Lena Schulhofer stands – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.75
Sports/Activities
- JV Volleyball, 2010; Captain, 2010
- Varsity Volleyball, 2011-Present
- Class President: Freshman, 2010-11; Sophomore, 2011-12; Junior, 2012-13
- Student Body President, 2013-Present
- The Meadows School Microbank, 2010-Present
- Microbank COO/VP, 2011-12; CEO/President, 2012-Present
- Make-A-Wish, 2010-Present; Co-VP, 2012-13; Co-President, 2013-Present
- National Honor Society, 2012-Present
- National Spanish Honor Society, 2012-Present
- Cum Laude Society, 2013-Present
- GSA, 2010-Present
- Women’s Empowerment Club, 2012-Present
Awards/Community Service
- Most Improved Player (Varsity Volleyball), 2012
- National Spanish Exam Level 3 Gold, 2012; Level 4 Silver, 2013
- Academic Award:
- Honors Intro to Literature and Composition, 2010-11
- Honors Ancient History, 2010-11
- Honors Spanish II, 2010-11
- AP Calculus AB, 2012-13
- Geometry Tutor, 2012-Present
- Relay for Life, 2011 & 2013
- Springs Preserve Volunteer, 2010-12
- HELP of Southern Nevada, 2010-13
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am proud of overcoming my stage fright this past year. When I was younger, I used to fear being asked to speak in front of my class, and I would always choke up while speaking publicly. This year, while representing my school’s Microbank at the 2nd Annual Leadership Summit in front of about one hundred professionals, something clicked and I was able to relax and deliver my speech. I still have nerves, but I am now more confident.”
Lena is Successful Because: “My strong empathy for others makes me successful. Whether working incredibly hard as president, running the school’s Microbank, helping plan Make-a-Wish movie nights, or being a supporting friend, I have a strong will to help and connect with others.”
Part of the Solution: “Many young adults are afraid of failure and become apathetic. I believe it’s crucial to reinforce that an occasional failure does not have to be negative; without making mistakes, it’s impossible to mature and become fully aware of your passions. I do my best to motivate and support my peers by helping them recognize how feasible happiness and success are.”
A Step Above – Brock Smith
Faith Lutheran High School
Class of 2014
Between academics, athletics and student council, Faith Lutheran High School Student Body President Brock Smith stays active and involved in all aspects of campus life. With dynamic leadership skills and steadfast determination, Brock takes great pride in encouraging the student body to stay connected and proactive by living that same message himself. Decisive, inspiring and deeply self motivated, Brock relies on his strong sense of values and unyielding confidence to carry him through life’s adventures while helping others understand the true meaning of success and the power of positivity. For all that and more, Brock Smith rises to – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.22
brock smith
Sports/Activities/Awards/Community Service
Freshmen Football, 2010
Freshmen Basketball, 2010; Captain, 2010
JV Basketball, 2011-12; Captain, 2011-12
Varsity Basketball, 2013-Present
Student Council, 2012-Present
Junior Class Treasurer, 2012-13
Student Body President, 2013-Present
Academic Scholar Award, 2010-13
Crusader Award, 2010
Basketball MVP, 2012
Teacher Assistant/Volunteer at Bozarth Elementary School, 2011-13
Brock is Successful Because: “I am successful because of my determination and accomplishments in high school so far. As a seventeen-year-old going into my senior year, I am growing up and finding out what I want to do with my life. All I can do right now is control my academics, my attitude towards the future and how I help out my school, and I believe I still have room for growth.”
Improving Student Life: “I think school spirit can change the way student life is at my school. Sporting events, dances and other school related events are ways for students to really be active in school and meet new friends through cheering on a sports team or attending a dance. As Student Body President, my peers and myself are trying to encourage everyone to be a proactive student.”
Part of the Solution: “I think one of the biggest issues for young adults today going through college or thinking of college is the fact that jobs are not so available as before. The recession has affected many people in that money isn’t as accessible for college tuition or anything related and many young kids with degrees aren’t able to get jobs.”
Cause for Concern: “I would be the president of the American Cancer Society. Cancer affects the lives of millions of people, those who have it and those who know of someone with it. There is no known cure and I believe cancer research is a desired thing that every person who has been directly or indirectly affected by this terrible disease wants.”
