Looking for a healthy meal? Try a California Club at this new cafe near downtown Macon
Garrick Jackson said he stopped into the new Nature’s Table in Macon anticipating something tasty and healthy.
His son, a Mercer University student, had told him about the new restaurant at 781 Spring St., Suite 104, and had shared a bite of the Nature’s Table Mediterranean chicken wrap he was enjoying.
On his first visit, Jackson opted for the California club sandwich and side of pasta salad.
“Delicious,” he said.
A recent visit
I had to agree. I also tried the California Club on a recent visit to the new spot below the Lofts at Navicent.
Billed as healthy food, this yummy and filling Nature’s Table sandwich did not disappoint with its generous helping of turkey, avocado, turkey bacon, lettuce and tomato on fresh multi-grain bread.
The sandwich has 365 calories, 7.8 grams of fat, 0.5 grams of saturated fat, 44 carbohydrates, 33.5 grams of protein, 3.6 grams of fiber and 2.5 grams of sugar, according to Nature’s Table nutritional values. The only caveat for me was the sodium content was high at 1,208 milligrams.
I also ordered an eight-ounce fruit cup that offered a mix of cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, kiwi and strawberries. Nature’s Table nutritional values are based on the mix including pineapple and without kiwi, but I expect the nutritional values are still pretty close at 66 calories, 0.3 grams of fat, 21.7 milligrams of sodium, 16.3 grams of carbohydrates, 1.3 grams of protein, 1.9 grams of fiber and 13.9 grams of sugar.
For Weight Watchers fans, the California Club came in at nine points and the fruit cup at two points with nutritional values rounded to determine WW points. A few vegan-friendly and gluten-free options also can be found labeled as such on the menu, with nutritional information readily accessible online.
The cost was reasonable at $15.42 for the sandwich and fruit cup. There was no charge for the cup of water.
Noting that some restaurants charge more for healthy food options, Jackson said he thought prices were reasonable also.
From salads to acai bowls
The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, including several that are toasted, signature salads, acai bowls, wraps, protein bowls and sides such as soup, chili, fresh fruit and featured salads such as a pasta salad.
“Our menu is pretty balanced,” said franchisee Terrell Robertson, CEO of Robertson Holdings Inc. “You can find something for everyone.”
The Macon location is the first Nature’s Table in Middle Georgia and the first of three Nature’s Table stores that Robertson plans to open, including one in Warner Robins.
The restaurant also offers fruit smoothies made with 100% real fruit juice or yogurt smoothies made with fat-free yogurt. Among the fruit smoothies are two no-sugar-added smoothies.
Additionally, the menu includes two fruit and smoothie options as well as nutritional boosters such as protein powder and high energy, immune and multi-vitamin and mineral blends.
Unique to the Macon store and less than a handful of other Nature’s Table locations is fresh-made juice. These are made with raw vegetables and fruits and without the addition of water, milk, sugar or anything else, Robertson said.
Franchisee’s faves
Robertson’s favorite juice is apple, pineapple, kale and ginger.
“It just picks you up,” Robertson said.
His favorite smoothie is the yogurt-based Cocolada with pineapple, coconut and banana.
“I don’t even like coconut so that lets you know how good it is,” he said.
His favorite wrap is the Sesame Thai that includes chicken, Napa cabbage, brown rice, carrots, scallions, almonds and sesame Thai sauce.
“The crunch is just right,” said Robertson, who noted that the sauces are made fresh in store daily and also may be served on the side.
Another favorite, he said, is their award-winning Baja Turkey Jack sandwich, with turkey, pepper jack cheese, tomato and avocado jalapeno mayo.
Unlike some other Nature’s Table locations, the Macon store does not serve breakfast.
In addition to dine-in and takeout, the restaurant offers online ordering, a scan code to order in advance as well as by text naturestable to 33733. The options allow customers to schedule a time for pickup, or delivery via Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.,Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday. The number is 478-733-4582.
This story was originally published July 31, 2023 at 12:00 PM.