Photo By Graham Lienhart

Lisa Kagen

Lisa Kagen, owner of Melt in Northside, has an approach to health that goes beyond eating well. Learning her way through the stress of opening her restaurant, developing a successful staff and balancing her home life has given her a philosophy: "The best thing to eat is humble pie."

CityBeat: What was the last great meal you ate, and where did you eat it?

Lisa Kagen: This is hard because I don't really eat meals. I "graze Northside." I had an incredible polenta dish with asparagus at The Hideaway that was a delicious entrée. But I love the pink grapefruit sorbet at Madison's or anything with chocolate ganache from Take the Cake. And I love to drink Mexican lattes from Sidewinder. It's hard to single one thing out.

CB: What about the humble pie? How was that?

LK: I know it sounds esoteric, but I've been studying about food, health, stress. You can eat right and exercise, but if you hold on to grudges and regrets it won't work. You have to be free of your ego, be humble and be brave. And slow down: A healthy meal is not going to come out of a drive-in window.