Strega Cafe owner Kelly Gillard has won an Eat Smart award from the region's public health department in each of the six years of the program.

When Kelly Gillard opened up Strega Cafe on King Street six years ago, her low-fat, healthy menu was slightly ahead of its time and there were at least a few potential customers who were a little disappointed.

But that was mainly due to the fact that the King Street restaurant had taken over what had been an established greasy spoon.

Gillard said her intention from the beginning was to take the restaurant in a different direction.

"We decided to be smoke-free and we pulled out the fryer and concerned ourselves with preparing healthy, low-fat food," she said.

Unfortunately for some, that meant no western omelettes. In its place were healthy dishes such as pasta and sandwiches.

Of course, for a restaurant to stay in business, its offerings have to be as tasty as they are healthy. Gillard said she appreciates good food, and that the items on her menu are not scary, unrecognizable stuff only a health nut could love.

"We serve a lot of sandwiches," she said. "Everybody loves sandwiches."

For her efforts, Gillard has been the recipient of Niagara Region Public Health's Eat Smart award, which recognizes establishments with safe food handling procedures, healthy food choices and tobacco-free interiors. Strega Cafe has received an award for each of the six years of the program. Heritage Family Restaurant on Geneva Street is another six-year winner.

Health promoter Laurie Ann Barnatt said restaurants apply for the award and to be successful must not only serve healthy food, but prepare it in a healthy way. This means no cheese sauce smothered over broccoli.

She said the program is meant to be a tool in the fight against obesity, of which the trend towards eating at restaurants more often is a factor.

Barnatt said it's estimated one-third of a family's food dollars are spent in restaurants or on take out, which often means high fat and high salt food.

"When you're eating out, you're not necessarily sure what's in it," she said.

A total of 31 Niagara restaurants received the Eat Smart award in 2008-2009. Other St. Catharines winners include Alphie's, Bistro on Church, Frado's Dining Lounge, Pan Cafe, Spicy Thai Restaurant, Stella's, and The Valley Restaurant.

For an Eat Smart dining guide, call 905-688-8248, ext. 7550.