EST. 2011 BY LIZ RUEVEN
Healthy Eats are Evolving at Food Evolution

Healthy Eats are Evolving at Food Evolution

Elizabeth Berney gladly guided me through the menu at her newly opened vegan cafe when I visited for lunch a couple of weeks back. I confess to heading out to Food Evolution when they had only been open for three weeks.

But with a scarcity of vegetarian cafes in these parts I just couldn’t resist. Considering my conversations and tastings with Berney and her chef, Rachel, CT is in for a solid and delightful outpost for tasty and thoughtfully prepared eats.

To facilitate a rapid transition from Food Evolution‘s previous incarnation in the same location (So Good Vegan Cafe), Berney decided to open with most of the same menu. So she guided me through the lunch listings, indicating which dishes would likely remain on the menu. We focused on those.

Vanilla Raspberry Swirl Cheescake

This casual and comfortable space, with a small patio and ample bar, should do well in it’s location. They are surrounded by some delicious foodie neighbors in the Copp’s Hill Plaza in Ridgefield, CT. Most noticeably, Swoon Bakery, a gluten-free, nut-free bakery with plenty of non-dairy and vegan choices, is their next door neighbor. Lucky for everyone, Ross’s Breads, an artisanal bread and dessert bakery, is in the same shopping plaza.

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Berney suggested that we start with Crystal Rice and Nori Rolls, a selection of both rice paper and seaweed wraps encasing wonderfully crunchy fillings of raw veggies, toasted cashews, kale and mango. Fresh herbs and a selection of dipping sauces kept things lively.

A generous plate of Fiesta Nachos provides the quintessential example of how to morph a fat laden, sloppy Super Bowl favorite into a healthier and still satisfying choice. Sprouted whole grain tortilla chips, baked in house, were topped with fresh corn and black bean salsa. Tomatillo pico de gallo and guacamole (a clever, if not slightly grainy blend of edamame and avocado) were topped by a smooth and tasty drizzle of creamy tofu and roasted red peppers. I did not miss the sour creme.

Berney estimates that 2/3 of her customers are NOT vegan and neither is her husband. Hoping to attract plenty of omnivores to her tables, her intention is to keep the choices appealing (no mystery meats) and the Fiesta Nachos  is one of those dishes that will appeal to all.

beet salad!

The Beet and Orange Salad stars perfectly roasted sliced beets and orange sections topped with basil cashew “ricotta” and a tangy/sweet citrus dressing. Food Evolutions’s Chef trained at the Natural Gourmet Institute, where vegan techniques , including those for making “cheese”,  are mastered.  This ricotta style, cashew based “cheese” was as delicious as any I’ve tasted in legendary NYC vegan restaurants like Candle 79, Blossom Cafe and CT’s Six Main.

paella

Despite the  sticky summer heat, we decided to try something warm. Paella, with sweet red pepper puree and saffron “cream”, beckoned. Top with your favorite lightly browned vegan sausage, and brighten this rice composition with the complimentary flavors of these easy to make sauces. Recipe is below.

ABLT avocado, aduki bean bacon, lettuce, tomatoe

Other appealing choices are the ABLT- avocado, bean “bacon”(house made from aduki beans), lettuce and tomato with roasted garlic aioli on Ross’s organic whole grain toast.

grilled cheese !

Bringing the kids along? Try the Grilled “Cheese” with Granny Smith apples on that delicious multigrain bread from Ross’s Bakery.

Portobello Burger- herb pesto, vegan provolone, caramelized red onion

The Portobello Burger was a hit as an alternative to the more expected grain and bean filled veggie burger.  Marinated slabs of grilled portobellos stacked up deliciously with caramelized onions, roasted red bell peppers and provolone “cheese” on a ciabatta bun.

Would I try the So Good Burger next time, though? Gladly.

PB and dark choco pie-house made

The dessert menu take advantage of Swoon Bakery and Ross’s Breads and will likely include more creations made in house. Of those we tried, we preferred the house-made Sublime Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie, with it’s creamy smooth filling of peanut butter and a light handed raw almond and date nut crust. Never mind that the berries were overkill and distracting.

It’s all evolving.

There is much change afoot at Food Evolution, according to owner, Elizabeth Berney. The main menu will be further developed so that lunch and dinner choices are more varied and distinctive.  A mixologist has been hired to work on what is sure to be an exciting array of cocktails and beer. Brunch is in the works, too.

Considering that we chose to visit during the early days of this cafe, I was impressed. I look forward to checking out what Berney and her capable team will be cooking next.

Note:  While I am not vegetarian or vegan, I love eating in such cafes as the whole menu is fair game for this kosher keeper. This cafe is not kosher, but there are no animal products at all, making this a suitable and tasty choice for anyone Kosher Like Me.

Food Evolution

open for lunch and dinner M-Sa. Watch for Sunday brunch to be added soon!

109 DANBURY ROAD

RIDGEFIELD, CT 06877
203 431-7858

6 Comments

  2. So many delicious options! Can’t wait to get back here. Wonderful to have such a delicious vegan place so close. Thanks for a great post Liz, with pictures that melt in your mouth!

    Reply to this comment

    • Looks like you need to plan another adventure. This shopping plaza in Ridgefield, CT, has lots of great stuff in it. Be sure to fortify yourself at Food Evolution, first, then head off to explore! Don’t forget about the Aldrich Museum if you decide to head over to this beautiful little town.

      Reply to this comment

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SIDE DISH
Photo by Jerri Graham Photography

Hi. I’m Liz and I welcome you to Kosher Like Me.

When I’m not caressing fruits and veggies at my local farmers’ market you’ll likely find me chatting with like-minded eaters, probing the scene in NYC or seeking inspiration in my spice cabinet. Life outside of this blog is all about my family, tasty travel adventures and power walks deep in the CT woods or along the shore.

Please brew a fragrant cup of tea, grab a nosh and stay a while.