It was Friday night, around 6pm and I was starving. We were going to go out for dinner in an hour but I needed a light snack… quick! After scouring my fiance’s kitchen, I managed to find this unopened box of Nature’s Path Organic Pumpkin Flax Plus Granola. And, yes, it filled that void, the void of my hunger pangs. I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only was this Flax Plus pumpkin flavored granola delicious as a handheld snack, without milk, but that it wasn’t too sweet. I have this thing about not being able to eat too much sugar now, now that I am over 30. (sigh!) My body doesn’t like too much sugar although my taste buds still do. Anyway, as I read the back of the box, I learned that this pumpkin granola was full of healthy omega-3, zinc, and iron from flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. Who knew? Although I did read online that it’s better to get omega-3 from fish oil rather than flaxseeds because it’s easier for your body to digest the fish oil. But if you don’t eat fish, then you can eat flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and pine nuts to get your omega-3. This special 2 pack of Nature’s Path Organic Pumpkin Flax Plus Granola, pictured above, is available at Costco. The one pack is available at Whole Foods or other health food stores.

Homemade tamales are to die for! But the next best thing is Primavera Tamales. They come in packs for 4. I eat 2 Primavera Tamales for a meal. Pop these yummy tamales in the microwave for 90 seconds and you’re good to go. Primavera Tamales (that I’ve seen at the natural foods store) contain no meat and offer wide assortment for vegetarians and those who love vegeterian foods. Butternut Squash with roasted green chilis, corn, and jack cheese is my favorite. Roasted Pumpkin with White Cheddar comes in at a close second. Other Primavera flavors include tofu and black beans. Primavera Tamales are available in the refridgerated foods section at Whole Foods, Andronico’s, and other gourmet food stores.

Boxed Foods Company is located in San Francisco’s Financial District. Just east of Union Square, the Financial District is home to the city’s largest concentration of corporate headquarters, law firms, and financial institutions. It is also a major shopping destination with Coach, Juicy Couture, Banana Republic’s flagship store, Kenneth Cole, etc.

From afar, Boxed Foods Company may seem like any other sandwich and salad place. What is different, however, is their gourmet menu – distinctive, heavenly sandwiches and salads! All of their sandwiches are made with artisan breads and come with a salad and a piece of fruit. My favorite sandwiches are the Honey-Lime Chicken with Avocado, Boxed Chicken Salad, Pear and Brie Press, and Grilled Flank Steak with Horseradish Aoli, which they just added last week and is my new ultimate favorite. I get hungry just thinking about it.

Boxed Foods Company offers vegetarian options and makes every effort to use organic ingredients. Prices are under $10 and is money well spent!

They also serve and hand drip Blue Bottle Coffee, which has a rich, chocolaty smooth finish.

They are open on weekdays only, from 8am to 3pm. So whether you work in the area, are on a shopping trip, or visiting San Francisco, definitely check out Boxed Foods Company. They have other locations as well, in Yerba Buena Gardens (in San Francisco) and in Oakland.

Boxed Foods Company
245 Kearny St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 981-9377