Calling all organic lovers, gluten-allergic, or just plain alternative-foodies. Venture down McKinney Avenue and you’ll probably drive right past this tiny, green kitchen. Tucked snuggly in its own lit corner sits Kozy, an intimate and casually friendly restaurant that offers a breath of fresh air. Step in and you notice it’s fairly small inside – the kind of small that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a well-kept secret.
Kozy offers everything from gluten-free desserts and French toast to steak, chicken and salad. A breakfast or brunch favorite is the hangover helper. Perfect for those late morning or early afternoon meals that usually take place after a night of extreme “thirst” on the weekends. The “helper” is piled high with grass-fed buffalo meat, spinach, mushrooms, guacamole, scrambled eggs, and salsa. All of that may not get your mouth watering, but put them together and consider it a tastier alternative to popping Advil. It’s the perfect combination of breakfast food to jump-start your taste buds. The Buckwheat pancakes are also a delicious change of pace from your Bisquick pancake breakfast. They’re the same shape and size as those loveable flapjacks you grew up on, but with an added health factor. The wheat thrown in makes you feel a little less guilty about licking your plate clean.
Kozy’s prices may be steeper than expected, but it is all made up in flavor. It’s no secret that healthy food comes at a heavy price; the eating has got to hurt somewhere. Lunch ranges around $12 to $15, which may not bother some, but could definitely make a dent in the college budget.
If you decide to go on a weekend, be sure you aren’t in a rush. This isn’t fast food or for those in a hurry. Kozy is more of a sit-back-and-enjoy-while-sipping-on-your-4th-cup-of-tea type place. The service is decent but the food can take a while depending on how many fellow guests surround you. While the restaurant may be small, they pack diners in tight. Sunday mornings seem to be the church family favorite, leisurely eating and taking in the interior, which is unlike any other kitchen or restaurant. The dark walls mixed with black booths and high-top tables give off a comforting imbalance. If you go in for breakfast on a slower weekday, bring a book or some work. This is the perfect solitude that forces you to leave your hectic life at the door.
Kozy pays special attention to their healthy, organic and homegrown principles. The portions are above average. However, that won’t stop you from cleaning your plate; it’s just that good. Doors open at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday and at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. If you want your organic fix or just an excuse to step outside of your monotonous food bubble, head to 4433 McKinney Ave.
