Some stars: Sichuan eggplant and tarragon sous vide carrots with tempeh lardons. But the seasonal specials are tempting enough to divert diners from the strongest veggie burger craving. The Fan’s charmingly cavelike and exclusively vegetarian gem is at the top of the list, and it’s no surprise, with a menu populated by excellent homemade versions of all kinds of veg and vegan staples (black bean burgers, Buffalo cauliflower tacos, that awesome tofu Caesar). Sip on a iced coffee or a draft beer while enjoying a meal on the patio. Tie: Bell Greek Cuisine The Grapevine More Than Greek Best lunch spotįrom colorful tempeh taco salad prepared with marinated tempeh, red onion, and black bean and corn salsa to croissants overflowing with house-made tuna salad and breakfast burritos, Union Market in Union Hill offers a wide variety of lunch and dinner items. Tazza Kitchen Best Mediterranean (Greek, Italian, etc.)ģ. The Giavos family and their staff, including Executive Chef Russ Williams, travel to Greece this month for further R&D as the Malvern Gardens Stella’s Grocery preps for expansion. Their daughter’s adjacent lifestyle store, Our Life, morphed into a coffee, wine and mezze lounge among artisanal Grecian garments.

Adapting to pandemic changes, Stella’s increased takeout options at its markets and added patio seating at its flagship restaurant, where you’ll see the Giavoses’ vintage car collection parked on Lafayette Street. “I love to dine out, but it’s hard for me to turn my brain off and relax,” says Stella’s co-owner Katrina Giavos, who instinctively analyzes acoustics, ambiance and, of course, what’s on plate, always in restaurateur mode.

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