This New Healthy Café in Glen Cove Will Change Your Diet Forever—You Won't Believe Their Secret Ingredient!

In a community where healthy food options were sorely lacking, two Glen Cove natives decided to take action instead of sitting back and complaining. Simone Castillo and Edward Villatoro transformed the former Bridge Storefront, which briefly housed Nelly’s Empanadas, into a vibrant health-focused café named Green Eats. Specializing in smoothies, bowls, and other quick-serve options, they set out to offer nutritious food that they believe the community deserves.

"We wanted to serve real food, no junk,"

Castillo explained. The definition of "healthy" can be subjective, influenced by an array of diets and food trends. However, Castillo and Villatoro are enthusiastic advocates for vegetables and whole grains, emphasizing mindful sourcing to ensure their ingredients are as fresh and nutritious as possible. They opened Green Eats last spring, determined to make a positive impact on the local food scene.

While their kitchen does not operate under a strict organic-only policy, they are guided by the annual "dirty dozen" list from the Environmental Working Group, which identifies fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues. This list includes items like spinach, strawberries, and apples, which they prioritize despite their higher costs, illustrating their commitment to quality.

Both Castillo and Villatoro come from culinary backgrounds that inform their business approach. Castillo’s mother is a professional cook, while Villatoro’s father is the second-generation owner of El Tazumel, Glen Cove’s original Salvadoran restaurant. This blend of family heritage and experience has shaped their understanding of the food industry, particularly the importance of balancing sustainability with affordability. Thus, they aim to keep their menu items under $15, making healthy eating accessible for their customers.

Popular menu items at Green Eats include the Green Paradise smoothie, made with pineapple, mango, passion fruit juice, spinach, kale, and agave, priced at $6.99. Another favorite is the Bliss Bowl, featuring brown rice, lentils, sweet potatoes, corn, kale, whipped feta, pickled red onions, poblano cream, and chipotle-Caesar dressing, available for $13.99. Other notable offerings include the Spring Pea Salad Wrap for $12 and the savory Green Eats quesadilla for $12.99.

The café's décor mirrors its mission, filled with green plants—many rescued—interspersed among vintage tables and chairs, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that matches the vibrant food.

Located at 17 Bridge St., Glen Cove, Green Eats is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., remaining closed on Sundays. As they continue to serve the community, Castillo and Villatoro are not just providing meals; they are fostering a healthier lifestyle in Glen Cove.

For more information about their offerings, visit greeneatsli.com.