Former pastry chef now cooks up healthier versions of classic dishes
After several years working as a classically trained pastry chef, Kira Watt realized she was enjoying a little too much of her own culinary artistry.
“About seven years ago, I just decided I was going to start on a new healthy living lifestyle,” Watt said. “I lost 85 pounds, mostly with a gluten free diet.”
Once that was accomplished, she said, “I decided I didn’t want to do pastry anymore because that wasn’t the energy I wanted to put out in the world anymore. I wanted to help people get healthy.”
Watt opened Perfect Plate in Maize in April 2018 and followed with a second location in the Garvey Center last June. Both offer prepared meals and multi-day meal plans featuring what Watt calls “healthier versions of classic dishes” such as Shepherd’s pie, Orange Sesame chicken and Parmesan-crusted tilapia, plus a few breakfast options such as egg burritos and “protein pancakes.”
“We are famous for our turkey meatloaf,” she said, adding that Salisbury steak and chicken-and-noodle soup are other big sellers. The meals can be heated up and eaten in the stores or taken out from either location. In addition, the Garvey Center location has a coffee bar and sells gluten-free, vegan paninis and pastries.
Watt said her meal plans can help people lose a significant amount of weight. The six-day plan. includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks daily; the larger version, which Watt recommends for men, costs $170; the smaller version costs $150. Clients pick up half their meals on Tuesday and half on Friday. There’s also a three-day meal plan available in two sizes, for $75 and $85.
“I have several customers who are on the meal plan who have lost over 30 pounds,” Watt said. “It’s just making it a lifestyle.” Wall described the meals’ nutritional makeup as “high protein, moderate carbs and moderate to low fat.”
Watt earned a culinary degree in Denver before returning home to work for Luca, an upscale Italian restaurant that’s now closed, and GreenAcres Market, where she made gluten-free pastries. It took several years to put together the business plan and financing that led to Perfect Plate.
In the meantime, she served as a personal chef to her cousin, helping her lose 60 pounds. “She was the ultimate inspiration for Perfect Plate. I realized I could do to help other people through her.”
Except for baking, Watt said she “hadn’t cooked a lot” before the last couple of years. “Once I decided to lose weight, I kind of cooked myself thin. I just had a baby so I’m chipping it off again. It’s a journey.”
Perfect Plate
5255 N. Maize Road, Suite 104; 220 W. Douglas (Garvey Center)
316-779-8800
Website: perfectplateict.com
Owner: Kira Watt