Making Staten Island ‘Better’ again, one meal at a time | The Dish

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The mantra of the franchise Better can be summed up like this: health is much more dependent on nutrition than it is medicine. Owners Christine and Louis Noia live that philosophy each day personally and through their restaurants’ business model.

A variety of diet regimens are addressed in their four Staten Island locations — New Dorp, Travis, West Brighton and Huguenot — with an extensive menu rooted in whole, mostly organic fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Better’s bison burger is custom-blended at Staten Island Meats in Elm Park with a special seasoning mix, a low-salt, flavorful addition to each patty developed by Louis himself.

“Whether it’s Keto, gluten-free, protein-centric, fat free, low carb or vegan, there’s a meal at Better for you,” said Louis. As noted in this episode of The Dish, his enthusiasm turns to a meatball parm made with turkey served on a whole grain roll. The cheese is full fat — a matter the Noia’s say is important: it’s more satisfying than the low-fat versions. And a body needs less of it, thereby consuming fewer calories.

Another trick to being “Better” is to soak up more fiber and focus on gut health, says Christine. This can be done by establishing a specific plan that addresses “feeding” the good bacteria in the intestines. This breaks down food naturally and keeps a body in balance.

Christine became interested in wellness as a teenager when she had been diagnosed and treated for a thyroid issue. After a few years she decided to eat and juice specific foods that would eventually free her of the medications. Now a picture of health, she loves sharing tips to improve the body overall. She emphasized the importance of a lifestyle based on exercise and wholesome eating. Patrons and those looking to better their food forecast can keep in touch with her via email at [email protected].

It’s taken about a decade but the couple has turned the business into a franchise. Check out the Noia’s story on The Dish which was broadcast from the flagship Travis location — 4077 Victory Blvd., 718-983-0404 — which features a few tables at which to dine.

The Dish can be viewed at 11:30 a.m. from the Advance/SILIVE.com’s Facebook page on Wednesdays. The next episode focuses on new restaurants like Don Cheech, a new Italian venue brought to the borough by Massimo Felici of The Richmond, VINUM and Casa Belvedere fame.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at [email protected].