Though the 2 a.m. cheese fries from Sam’s Café contain some nutrients and Pagliai’s pizza contains every food group accounted for, healthy food is absent from the strip. Delish 7 Spice Grill intends to change that.

Located on the corner of West College Street and South Illinois Avenue, Delish offers freshly marinated meats, fresh produce and a variety of pro-health spices in each dish. Its walls feature seven signs that indicate the flavor and health benefits of each spice: turmeric, ginger, garlic, oregano, cinnamon and black pepper.

Tumeric has a compound that can inhibit cancer cell growth. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, along with ginger and garlic. Ginger helps with gas. Garlic is an antibacterial that fights infections. Cinnamon may be good for a sweet tooth, but it also improves blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Oregano has the most antioxidant properties of all spices.

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Black pepper can do it all. It’s a natural antibiotic, a good source of fiber, potassium, iron, and vitamins C and K. It also helps stomach problems, anemia and heart disease.

“We cook with beneficiary spices while cooking from scratch, using all fresh foods and freshly marinated meats,” owner Pad Sidirget said.

She said she originally opened Delish in April 2013 on West Main Street but moved to the strip earlier this month to provide more seating for customers.

Delish changed its menu with the move to let customers customize their meals. They offer new items such as quesadillas, tacos and salads that can include different proteins and toppings.

Sidirget said the new menu was a collaborative effort with all the cooks and staff. She said the previous menu was still healthy, but this one provides more options. They will also soon have a smoothie menu, she said.

Crystal Pulliam, a grill employee, said she enjoys working longer hours at the new location. She said she appreciates the change in scenery as well as the extended hours.

Previously it was open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Now they’re open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. while still offering breakfast all day.

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