Search around, let simmer...

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Bread and Bread Alone...

Will set you free...
Well, perhaps not and that's too cliche.
It can be truly the finest point of any great dining establishment, however. Perhaps that is a rather bold statement, but it is in my opinion the bread at a restaurant and especially at a cafe marks an attendance to the simple yet overlooked points of a meal. Yes, not every meal need be preceded by a basket of bread but every sandwich should be stuffed between only the finest such stuff. Bread is not only a thing seldom and difficultly mastered, it is also a very straight-forward way of playing to the simplest of human sustenance. Bread is the basis for all other culinary creation, in my opinion and should be honored as such.

So in a cafe where great bread and good prices come together, a town called Northampton Massachusetts emerges.

Woodstar Cafe in NoHo is a place of balance. Their sandwiches are masterful and fresh, with a crunch coming not just from perfectly baked bread but from fresh ingredients within. The Sandwich titled "Emily's Favorite" is an ode to the potential stored within tofu and a fine multigrain loaf. It's big and satisfying.
Smoked Tofu at its very finest. Pass it for meat? One could but why bother?
The sandwich my dining companion enjoyed during my recent visit, The Berkshire, was a delight. With perfectly balanced pesto, roasted tomatoes, and chicken - yes chicken is growing on me, I'm sad to say - it was a fine approach to a seemingly simple sandwich. The rustic sourdough loaf was chewy and, well, sour as it should be.

Later in the day, stepping in for a brief snack before leaving, the cupcakes: one chocolate with buttercream raspberry frosting and all vegan - the other crumbly but deeply flavored lavender and pistachio with a light cream cheese frosting, were purely delighting.
Cupcakes: Little bundles of joy! Yes, even a blessing...

The tea selection was long and very well priced. Yellow tea. Yellow tea? I hardly ever see the newly-popularizing tea here.
I'm going back. I may just gain weight but I don't mind.
Really.

Woodstar Cafe on Urbanspoon

Monday, September 3, 2012

Summer's Ends...

Tied up in a week of hustle, bustle, excitement, and anxieties. Yes, college has again become us. Moving into a new school and things have been rough to say the least, but not so much here as in my life more broadly. All things considered, food has however again become an enjoyable thing. I'd rather not delve into the nature of that beast but let me just say it lost its taste for some time there...

Ending my summer vacation with a wonderful few days in Cape Cod, sampling seafood and generally delicious fare, I relaxed for the first time in what has felt a very long time. Now moving into the dorm-life again and that relaxed state has all but evaporated but nonetheless, food has been good. To taste again
To live again?

Before moving in I enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Sierra Grill in Northampton. It's a small upscale tavern modeled after the old-time Speakeasy of Prohibition. From the start, I enjoyed terrific service from attentive and friendly waiters. A wide array of local and imported alcohols prime the palate and an assortment of mussels, Tapas tasting plates, and appetizers warm the jowls.
I enjoyed two Empadillas - small puff pastry pockets filled with an herbed risotto it seemed. They were tasty but not the vegetable lined pockets I was hoping for. Followed by a delicious plate of my own creation, however, and the dinner resulted a tremendous success.

Earth in its many states...

The menu follows a make-your-own format, with an assortment of proteins to choose from; with choices like Tempeh, Mako Shark, Salmon, Duck, Steak... i chose the first and my company the grilled chicken. Next, choosing a sauce and two appetizers per plate; I found the Red-wine reduction a perfect compliment to the nutty Tempeh and hearty grilled vegetables with Roasted Asparagus. My fellow diner enjoyed her Peach Salsa (more of a chutney) but had wished it was a sauce as opposed to an accouterment as it was, relishing nevertheless the Cheddar mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables with which she was served.

Sit to brew, never to stew...

The space is dark but warm, welcoming, and reasonably priced considering the service, location, and quality of the ingredients. I shall return!

Sierra Grille on Urbanspoon

Enjoying a breakfast after that last supper at the Wheatberry Cafe in Amherst center, I can safely say Farm-To-Table is a successfully growing movement. The breakfasts we enjoyed were small and somewhat expensive but fresh and delicious. Sadly, don't expect much from the tea...
Tasty but on it's way to striking a successful balance, I am sad to say. Nonetheless, try the tartine if you happen to find your breakfast bells tolling.

Wheatberry Bakery & Cafe on Urbanspoon

Finally, with a relaxing afternoon on the land, friends and i visited the Montague Book Mill and the Lady Killigrew Cafe. With a used books store, used music shop, and a beautiful gallery, the setting is ripe for a good time. I'd love to try the Night Kitchen for supper some time, but what's the rush? with a lovely afternoon to enjoy like I had there, life shouldn't be rushed...
I'm kidding, really. I can't wait to go back.

A Menu to Sip, a thought at a time...

The sandwiches are delectable, the Thai noodle bowl of some serious heft in flavor and mass, and the bread boards inspiring. I enjoyed a taste of a wonderful No.1 - Brie and Apples between sourdough as well as a sweet and savory Peanut noodle bowl. The bread board my companions shared with me was served with a spread of light and flavorful curried chicken "pate," Granny Smith apple, and nutty Cheddar slices.

 Noodles, to wind their way through the hours...

Delicious Sandwiches, A good selection of teas, terrific bread boards to share, and a view to digest slowly, as the lazy afternoon sinks. It's a place to inspire new imaginations, not just their workings. Books to read, the rushing water to hear, art to appreciate, and music to set the mind at ease. It's a place to find love, not just to love in itself.

 Sweet and savory, like the passage of good time...


You can't be disappointed.

Lady Killigrew on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Westward Ho...

And On I go to another year of school; this time around it will be in Western Massachusetts as opposed to the Hudson Valley. Leaving Poughkeepsie behind is hard - leaving anyplace with roots is hard and so should it be. Settling in to a new school in Amherst won't be easy, but I am excited, somewhere deep down there.

Exploring my year and life to come, my mother and I decided to do some exploration of the Berkshires beyond the confines of my campus-to-be and discovered some good eats. Be it breakfast, lunch, dinner, or brunch the western hills of Massachusetts you seek, find it you will.
I did and I seriously doubt I have the force on my side...

Not all of the deserving restaurants I visited are here but be assured, in time they too will receive the credit they deserve! In order of my dining however, here are some of my favorites thus far...


 Beginning with delicious Kale and Sweet Potato Risotto cakes...

My Tofu Kabobs were quintessential Umami and my mother's shrimp stirfry like Hibachi from heaven...
Paul & Elizabeth's on Urbanspoon

For breakfast the following morning, we dined at the Amanouz Cafe. I enjoyed what may have been the best omelette ever to cross my plate... With an extensive menu served breakfast, lunch, and dinner; with vegetarian, meat-feeding, and light snacking dishes, you can't go wrong.
 Moroccan spices, Turnip Greens, Salty brined Feta, and look at that sweet roll...Mmmmm
Amanouz Cafe on Urbanspoon

Dinner that day rounded things out with an artfully spin Pizza Pie. Marigold Cafe in Bennington, Vermont offers locally sourced and creatively crafted pizza at great prices. Huge and delicious salads too!
 Our Tremendous pie of Mozzarella, Feta, Parmesean, Artichoke, Eggplant, and Fresh Basil...
 Small, unassuming: just how I like my local cafes.
Marigold Kitchen on Urbanspoon

Lunch just prior to returning home was enjoyed at Hope and Olive where possibly the best brunch of my life was devoured. It's a farm-to-table restaurant, with great music, artwork - ambiance in a word. With food to match, I couldn't ask for any more.
 Simple shortbread and lemon curd to fire up the old jowls...
 All to savor the magical experience which was my Huevos Rancheros...
For my mother, her vegetable panini which I gather was delicious as I wasn't able to sample it...
And there in the background: an amazing "Porch Swinger" 'boozless' cocktail...

Hope & Olive on Urbanspoon
Wow, when can I eat there again... Any and every meal. Please...
Please soon...

Further, we enjoyed sandwiches simple but satisfying at cafe Lickety Split Mass MoCa; a colossal oatmeal scotchie at the uncompromisingly compact Elmers Store; supper at the sedate but inspired (and inspiring I might say) Old Heritage tavern.


Monday, July 9, 2012

A Midsummer...

Evening (and night's) meal. Yup, just a brief check-in. Food has been very good this July, so i'd jsut like to share a few notable dishes.

Just today I threw together a simple batch of baked Kale Falafel with a simple salad, Raita yogurt sauce, and a multigrain cous-cous of quinoa and brown rice. It was light and still filling for a pleasant summer dinner.

Falafal, nestled there like " 8 pounds 6 ounces... new born infant jesus ..." to quote a lingual giant.

And this past wednesday, I visited Happy's Bar and Kitchen in Fenway. It isn't a small space by any means, with tall ceilings and a wide bar space followed by a spacious dining room and attractive open kitchen. I appreciated the vintage look combined with a more modern shaggy-chic style and wide menu. They offered several pescetarian-friendly selections (such as my Veggie Dagwood below) as well as specials that may or may not fit the bill. Leading with deliciously chewy italian sourdough, my father enjoyed his omlette (a rotating daily special) and I my sandwich. I loved the hearty dense sandwich bread which could only be described as quintessential wheat sandwich loaf and even the fries - a delicacy I seldom sample even when good.

Oh, Sammy...

Prices were a bit high at times but certainly not any higher than comparable restaurants in the neighborhood and with ingredients of higher than many in the area.

I'd go. Be happy to.

Happy's Bar and Kitchen on Urbanspoon

Enjoi...


Sunday, June 24, 2012

Burgahs and Burgahs and Burgahs...

At Wahlburgers there's more to eat than mere beef patties. Yes, there is Beef.
Where's the Beef?


Well at Wahlburgers right beside the Thanksgiving-Turkey Burger, Portabello Cap, and Salmon patty.
With a menu of fresh and common ingredients, there is still a collection of uncommon foods to be enjoyed. The Tater Tots come in the sweet and white potato varieties; the Onion rings which I did enjoy, were just coated enough to yield a crunch but not enough to at all mask the sweetness of the red onions it bound.

 Onion Rings are truly a thing of beauty...
I enjoyed the Salmon patty myself during my outting for an early Father's Day lunch. It was fresh and sweet - well cooked with a slightly crisp exterior from a good sear. A light aioli and fresh cucumber slaw. The bun was a heavenly brioche and just hugged its components.
My father enjoyed his Portabello burger and enough so that I didn't manage a taste but it looked delicious and messy. Just as it should be.
Small, yes; mighty, also

The interior of the restaurant is simple and modern, lined with large television screens and two different methods for ordering - table service or counter.


Give it a visit if you're on the south shore some time. It's reasonably priced, giving perfect not-too-big portions, and if you're a fan of Marky mark, a pilgrimage.

Enjoi!

Wahlburgers on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Munch...Munch...

Crunch...
...
Hold on, full mouth.
Granola is crunchy and just good. Maybe not ALWAYS good for your healthy, as nutrient dense as it tends to be, but good for the soul. It's like oatmeal - 21st century, uppity soul food. Maybe? Well, for Father's Day I baked up a batch for my dad. It's tough to buy your father a gift when he has it all so what better way to show appreciation than with something he will both use and can never seem to get enough of?

Drawing from a recipe I got at Hungry Girl Por Vida

Granola Test Kitchen!


3 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup Walnuts, coarsely chopped
1/8 cup Hemp Seeds
1/8 cup Chia Seeds
2 Tbsp Flax Meal
1 cup dried sour cherries, Craisins, Raisins... Change this up all you like chopped
1/2 cup Dried Apples, chopped
1 cup unsweetened coconut chips
pinch of salt
zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
3/4 cup honey
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine dry ingredients and mix to incorporate. While that sits, melt the coconut oil with the sugar until just combined (i.e. homogeneous). Mix the liquid ingredients into the dry and spread evenly over prepared, parchment lined baking sheet (Oh yea, prepare that and preheat the oven to 350)
Bake for 10 minutes, stir, and repeat until desired darkness is reached. It'l probably take 2 iterations. 


Give it a go and as always
Enjoi!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Meenas Kitchen!

Indian Food! It's eclectic and could mean anything, really. I'm not a terrible fan of the classic "Indian food;" Saag, paneer, biryani, and masala are each a bit heavy for my stomach and taste. I love them don't get me wrong, but I can only eat so much and the next day, process so little. Meena's Kitchen is a bit different.
The small restaurant on Pearl Street in downtown Nashua, NH is a popular spot offering classic southern Indian street food. Almost like Indian tapas, you really need to dive in to experience all of the coordinating flavors. Luckily they offer a 6-course prix-fix everyday, rotating, so as to ensure your wallet stays full and taste-buds excited.
The food is spicy and flavorful, but not stereotypically heavy. Try everything and jsut eat what you like. I'll certainly be back with some friends of mine who love Indian (and are either currently or were in a former time, vegetarian).

Take some time out of your busy eating plans to give it a try! you can't really be disappointed, because there's something for everyone. At the least, the rice pudding is so sweet even the most novice ethnic palate will find some welcome flavor.


The latter half of my 6-course meal. Cabbage rice, Dhal, Squash, Raita, and Pudding...Mmmmm


A spicy-sour soup of spinach and lentils

Sour crepe with a tomato chutney. Parisian meets Italian, in India...

Enjoi!

Meena's Kitchen on Urbanspoon

Monday, June 11, 2012

Chop Chop...

Or sliver slice. I whipped up a quick vegetable salad today for a dinner of fresh whole-wheat pizza (which was delicious but I cannot take credit for). The salad was cool and refreshing - a good balance to the richness of a well cheesed (mozzarella, feta) and saucy pie enjoyed. I needed to use up my vegetables in the fridge so what better way than to make a quick slaw-salad?

Sliced Summer Slaw
1 cup pre-shredded broccoli (for a yet-made slaw)
1 cucumber, slivered thin
1 zucchini, shaved thinly
1 tbsp cilantro
14-20 cherry tomatoes, quartered
the juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp or so thyme
2 tsp ground or finely chopped rosemary
pepper to taste

Toss together and serve chilled!
Enjoi

Saturday, May 26, 2012

First Meal?

... Well, not really, but I wanted to write a quick review of a great product I found looking for something easy to eat without molars. Kozy Shack Rice pudding has always been a great go-to. With some cinnamon, or one of the flavored varieties, I can eat it and eat it and eat it...
But for the lactose-Intolerant maong you, try Soyummy . I've so far only tried the rice pudding but With cherry, Lime, chocolate, and tapioca left to sample, I know I can expect to come back for more.



It has a strong vanilla taste, well cooked tender rice, and a unique smoothness unlike dairy-based puddings. It's slightly less sweet but equally as delicious as the standard Kozy Shack Rice pudding.
at 110 calories, 6 grams of sugar, and 4 grams of protein I love this stuff.


Last Meal...

Gulp;
Liquids are curious foods. Colloids: even more peculiar. I'm kind of fond of solid foods so before having the old wisdom teeth extracted and sutured, I wanted to try a new recipe. It wasn't anything spectacular but I saw something similar on the Huffington Post Kitchen Daily page. I'm rather fond of the resource, between the recipes, reviews, and musings on the culinary.
Anyways, I whipped up a basic pasta dish you might like. I call it Rotini Pima-Pesce

Makes 2-3 servings
1 cup Eden spirals Kamut Pasta, or your favorite alternative
5-6 canned artichoke hearts, diced
1 cod loin, thawed (if frozen)
3 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 bunch of Beet greens, well rinsed and ribboned
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 Vidalia onion, sauteed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup peas, frozen or fresh
Pepper
Sea Salt
Fresh Basil, Oregano, Thyme diced finely
Optional
1 handful raw microgreens (like Dandelion greens!)
A drizzling of balsamic vinegar


Saute garlic and onions with oil until translucence and some browning just begins. Add peas and tomatoes with artichokes. Add beet greens after a few minutes of sauteeing and add spices to taste. Finally add fish, broken up and cook until flaky.
Serve atop lightly vinegar-dressed greens and as always


Enjoi!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Classics...

Call it Occam's Razor, call it chemistry, or maybe just call it good bread. Old, simple; always good.
The newest member of my bread-baking family has driven the creation of a new kind bread in my kitchen. It's something more rustic than the simplest of American Sourdoughs yet more complex and coordinated than the plainest of back-of-the-flour-sac recipes. It's called a Miche made with something called a Levian.
Levain: sea monster, right?
No, not Nessy.
A Levain is a naturally leavening pre-ferment not unlike a sourdough. While a leviathan may well be soothed by its sweet product, it is not nearly so delicious or attainable.
Now I love to bake with sourdough. The distinct sourness of the acids, the nurturing of the bubbly culture, and the tremendous rise it produces within the loaf in question - what's not to like?
Well exploring an older style of baking and using only salt, water, and whole wheat flour a great piece of baking history can be brought into the present.

The Risen Loaf: Pre-bake
Thanks to Local Breads, a great cookbook from one of my favorite bakeries in scenic Rhinebeck, New York I've found a whole new world of old  loaves to explore. I truly implore you to read this tremendous book; it's a bit daunting in some places but really gives a good feel of where bread baking has been and is a definite next-step for the experienced baker.
With a week or so of feeding and nurture, several hours of proofing, fermentation, a few kneads, and a spell in a hotter-than-usual oven, the product of one recipe for Rustic Miche produced wonderful results.

 The sadly fallen loaf, delicious nonetheless. Look at that gluten!

Buy the book, Bake some bread, Enjoy!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Bountiful...

It isn't typically a word I'd associate with something as indulgent as brownies. Try wholesome, nutritous, delicous. Well maybe that last part fits... Fair enough.
Well here's a recipe I've adapted from that given on Vegetarian Times which sounded generally irresistable. Red velvet brownies they called them. My adaptation takes that a step further:

Red Velvet Brownies Take 21/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder (preferably Dutch Processed but cocoa is always good, no matter its acidity)
2 eggs
1/2 cup chocolate chips...or more
2 beets, peeled, boiled, blended
1/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup agave nectar (or 1/2 cup sugar)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp instant coffee (Nespresso or similar)

Combine all wet ingredients with sugar and add remaining dry ingredients, themselves whisked together, in 2 parts. Pour into prepared baking vesicle (I used a 9x9 parchment-lined pan) and bake for 20 or so minutes at 350, or until just firm and producing a dry toothpick-test. They rise very little, so the thicker the batter the thicker the product, so plan accordingly. 
Brownie Batter...Mmmm
Enjoi!
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Sunday, May 13, 2012

Sweet Home...

Massachusetts, I'm back in town. Is it good to be back?
You bet.
I haven't done too much cooking I'm afraid, for a long time...
I did however get around to whipping together a simple Quinoa salad for an impromptu soiree with friends from  an earlier time. A better time? No, but a life I miss more deeply with every memory. The six of us enjoyed a bounty of grilled goods, citrusy salad, summer sweets and strawberries. Pounds of strawberries...
I missed home. I missed summer. Come fall, I'll be sick and tired and look forward to college but for the interim, I'll soak in all the sunny, sumptuous, and friended hours I can.

Quick Summer Quinoa:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 cucumber, partially peeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and shopped
3 medium radishes, quartered and sliced
1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp Evoo
Fresh chopped Organo
Pepper, salt, and spice to taste

Prepare quinoa according to directions and let cool. Combine all ingredients and fluff. Chill and serve!

Enjoi!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Chez Henri; With it

So I got a Gilt City coupon for a 3 course dinner for two with 2 entrees, 2 starters, and a dessert. It's a service not unlike Groupon, Google Deals, or Living Social - I recommend them all.

So as an early birthday gift I took my mother recently and enjoyed what was among the best meals I have ever had.
Chez Henri is located exactly between Cambridge and Porter squares on a side street just off of Mass Ave in Boston. It's a fusion between French and Cuban; sauces and styles beckon to the Western culinary tradition as flavors and dishes tend to lean nearer the equator. Dishes such as Bouillabaisse, Steak-Frites, Ceviche, French onion Soup, chickpea crepes, Seared Flounder...
The list goes on, never mind an extensive and well liked bar menu including empanadas and what is called the best Cuban Sandwich in Boston.
I enjoyed what was perhaps some of the best service I've ever received at a restaurant and a comfortable environment, not to mention food. Oh the food!
I had the Bouillabaisse of shrimp, crawfish, Cod, Salmon, Mussels, Clams, and a Deliciously salty-spicy-garlicky broth. With a Ceviche of the freshest calamari and sweet mango, I was quite satisfied. My mother had a delicious and generous crab and blue cheese salad - two flavors which complimented nicely despite the strength of the cheese and mild sweetness of the crab - before a trout dish with rock shrimp and root puree. We each enjoyed our dinners immensly and hardly had room to demolish the amazing lemon-berry Creme Brulee that followed it all down.

I'd certainly frequent Chez henri were I better funded and closer to the city but I will be back, nonetheless.

Photos to come!

Chez Henri on Urbanspoon

Monday, March 12, 2012

Back In Town

The Beantown. Thank god for Spring vacation and what a week to have it too! Yesterday I enjoyed good conversation and a delicious Thai Peanut Tofu wrap at Blue Shirt Cafe in Davis with the best of company from Tufts University. I must say if you're ever in Davis Square and you can't decide on what restaurants to count out, it's not going to get any easier because Blue Shirt certainly isn't one to skip over. Oh Davis Square how I missed you...

The Organized Chaos of Something Great...

But today, on my way north from south of the city I stopped in East Boston for sweet sustenance at Flour Bakery + Cafe on Farnsworth street. There are three of the charming bakeries scattered across Boston and this one certainly sees its fair share of patrons from the bustling business district it nested beneath. It was a busy shop and I waited about ten minutes for my take-out order but considering the customer to employee ratio I observed it was a feat of cooperative capacities.

I enjoyed a delicious Grilled Tofu panini stacked thick with crisp roasted vegetables, salty-umami Olive tapenade and perfectly soft-crusted bread. The sandwich was substantial but sadly I devoured it before realizing I had intended to photograph it!
Good? No. Perfect.
Beyond the extensive sandwich menu sure to please carnivores and veg-heads alike (Hummus to Portabello Melts and Tofu for the latter and Curried Chicken, Roast Beef, Grilled Chicken-Avocado, and Turkey-Cranberry for a sample) the bakery treats... Oh the sweets...
Soups, salads, and stuffed savory breads are rotated daily alongside delectable-sounding quiche (Portabello and spinach I think it was today) and pizette.
I'd love to stop in some Sunday morning and sip a steeping tea while enjoying the sticky residue of a cinnamon bun or piping oatmeal bowl. Perhaps next time...


Cookies, Cakes, Croissants, Cross Buns... Too much!
Never.

So if you're in the vicinity of one of these gluten-stronghold stop in. Even if you've jumped the wheat-ship there's something you'll enjoy, I assure you, even if its the company of as good friend and a few good cups of tea.

Flour Bakery + Cafe on Urbanspoon

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Veggies Out of this...

Galaxy! At Veggie Galaxy they just keep coming and joyfully so. For so long have I wanted to indulge the vegetarian/vegan getting pushed down by the burden of cafeteria food. But no longer; more specifically my craving is sent into temporary remission and now it will probably only be worse come March vacation.

Anyways, to the crooks of the matter: the food. Veggie Galaxy is owned and operated by the same people who run Veggie Planet at Club passim in Harvard Square. Galaxy is a more sit-down diner style joint whereas the former is a very noisy, less intimate (if a diner can be intimate) place. I love both restaurants' menus but Veggie Galaxy caters to a more comfort food-seeking audience.

Located In Central Square between Harvard and MIT, next to The Middle East and amongst so many good restaurants, it still stands out. It's flashy to look at and really serves food unlike most restaurants in the area. I've never been to the Cambridge location of Life Alive, just a few blocks away, but it's not at all the same in my opinion. The food is fresh and moderately healthy (still good diner style food remember) but creative and entirely enticing. Serving everything from omlettes to pancakes and French Toast, to Veggie Burgers, Open Faced Seitan Sandwiches, Mac and Cheese (ze) and Tempeh Ruebens. The fillings in the omlettes (also available as tofu omlettes) are many, as are the toppings for the burgers.

All That Burger Goodness. I'm a Sucker for a good house-made patty...

My fellow diner and I enjoyed the Salad special to start, an arugula salad tossed with a light balsamic vinaigrette topped with chopped walnuts, roasted squash, and a very light goat cheese, all dotted by tart dried cherries. It was sweet and very generous considering we split it. The waitress even split the salad before bringing it to us - very thoughtful!

I had the Mushroom Chickpea burger topped with sauteed leeks, roast Brussel Sprouts, and a corn-apple salad. It was all the vegetables I love this time of year tossed together. With a delicious homemade Brioche bun and Cabbage slaw, it was fantastic. I'm pretty sure I'm still full from it this morning. My fellow diner had some of the most delicious baked mac and cheese (vegan, if you so like) I've ever tasted, with a creamy herbed ricotta and crisp bread crumbs. It was spicy from cracked black pepper, spiced just right with oregano, maybe dill, some basil perhaps... I can't be sure but it was terrific.

The prices were very good and the desert looked amazing - all vegan and all enormous - but alas we were too full.

I'll go back as soon as I can. The food was great, the bill reasonable, the space clean, bright, and very lively; for a reasonably new restaurant the staff was on top of everything and very attentive. I'll recommend it to carnivores, omnivores, and veggies alike!

Galaxy Site

Veggie Galaxy on Urbanspoon

Enjoi!