Resolving to eat healthy doesn't mean having to give up on taste, says BrianClement, co-director of the Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Fla., a health center and spa for the raw vegan lifestyle. "These are real restaurants and real people would like them. They're not tofu and rice joints." He shares some favorite spots serving raw vegan (uncooked, plant-based) dishes or vegetarian food with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
Thrive
Seattle
Founded by one of Clement's former patients and her daughter, this cafe is known for its gourmet offerings, all gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan. The menu includes warm grain bowls, smoothies and even shots of frozen blue-green algae, said to increase focus and reduce stress. There's also a popular dessert menu. 206-525-0666; generationthrive.com
Christopher's Kitchen
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Clement is a regular at this organic eatery near his home in South Florida. A favorite dish: the Santa Barbara salad with arugula, romaine, dates, beets, tomato, red pepper, avocado and almonds with an orange poppy seed dressing. Popular desserts include pumpkin pie and tarts with whipped creams made with nuts. "It's elegant and simple. Fine food," he says. 561-318-6191; christopherskitchenfl.com
Candle Café
New York
Clement says the food is so good at this spot with locations on the Upper East and West sides of Manhattan that he has brought people who aren't vegans. "They've never lifted their eyebrows. They thought they were at a fine restaurant," he says. Fruit and vegetable juices are served as cocktails, and traditional-style Italian dishes leave out unhealthy ingredients. Sister restaurant Candle 79 offers a more upscale experience. 212-472-0970; candlecafe.com
Catch a Healthy Habit
Fairfield, Conn.
You'll usually find a crowd at this small cafe, offering everything from breakfast items to entrees made with zucchini noodles. The owners are eager to educate the public about the benefits of vegan living, says Clement, who particularly likes the protein-rich salads. "It's so fresh and delicious. You feel well fed." 203-292-8190; catchahealthyhabit.com
Crudessence
Montreal
In a city known for fine dining, this two-location chain doesn't disappoint. "It's really French cuisine, but made in raw vegan form," Clement says. Creams and pâtés are made with nuts and vegetables. "They have these wonderful flaky pastries you'd get in a French bakery, but they're 'legal,' as we call it." crudessence.com
Millennium Restaurant
San Francisco
Diners sometimes have to wait weeks for reservations at this gourmet vegan restaurant. It offers tasting menus with wine parings and entrees such as sweet potato tamales and roasted artichokes stuffed with seasoned walnuts and portobello mushrooms. "If you look at the dessert menu, you'd swear you were in Denmark at a pastry shop," Clement says. 415-345-3900; millenniumrestaurant.com
Fresh Restaurant
Toronto
This casual mini chain can trick some diners into eating healthy. "If you want something that tastes like a hamburger, they have it," Clement says. "They have things that imitate or taste like French cuisine (or) Asian cuisine." Others snarf up Yukon Gold french fries and quinoa-crusted onion rings. And the bar offers everything from carrot and kale juice to a mint chocolate espresso shake. freshrestaurants.ca
Karyn's Fresh Corner
Chicago
The best advertisement for the restaurant is owner Karyn Calabrese, who's in her 60s, but looks 35, Clement says. The Sunday buffet here is epic, with more than a dozen selections. "This is possibly the best example of a committed chef who makes this food acceptable to everyone." Diners drive hundreds of miles to visit, often bringing coolers to pick up dishes, such as enchiladas and Buffalo-style vegetarian "chicken" tenders. 312-255-1590; karynraw.com
Vegeria
San Antonio
Clement says his kids loved this Southwestern eatery, where vegan nachos and smoked mushroom tacos are favorites. "They were crazy about it," he says. Other menu standouts include a filling avocado burger and raw beet ravioli served with chipotle almond cheese. "It has better flavors than cooked." The restaurant has a BYOvB policy, allowing patrons to bring their own vegan bottles of wine or beer. 210-826-4223; myvegeria.com
Cafe Gratitude
Venice, Calif.
Clement's favorite restaurant has locations across California. He says the chefs artfully mimic familiar dishes, but make them healthy. Menu items include lasagna made without grains and Mexican-inspired items without cheese or processed foods. "You can bring a meat-eater and they're going to love it." The fare is organic and vegan, and doesn't contain refined sugar, flour or additives. Other locations: Berkeley, San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Los Angeles. 424-231-8000; cafegratitude.com
Source: http://www.news.theusalinks.com/2013/01/04/10-great-places-where-vegetarians-dont-sacrifice-flavor/
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