Get ready to graze, ladies and gents. When Fressen shut down at the end of 2012, anyone whose affinity for vegetarian and vegan cuisine surpassed a wanderlust for carnivorous offerings was left in despair. Where else could you really go to have a great and chic restaurant experience that was leafy and green in offerings but as cool as any spot on King West?
Well, that desolation needn’t last, because the answer comes in the form of Grasslands, aka Fressen redux. The new and improved incarnation of the vegan-heavy spot features some gorgeous and zen wooden walls and decor, alongside some reclaimed wood accents and great lighting. Perfect for a sophisticated night out no matter your inclination towards vegetarian dishes.
But the kitchen is the real star at Grasslands. Dishes like battered oyster mushrooms will transfix your senses immediately, before you dig into the seitan roast or the roasted tofu and tempeh skewer. For dessert, you can indulge – somewhat healthily – in the chocolate avocado terrine or the cookies and cream with dark chocolate cashew mousse. Items are labeled as wheat-free, gluten-free, or nut-free for the allergenic noshers out there.
Grasslands is a vegan oasis in the heart of the city… you just have to hop a streetcar to Queen West to find it.
Photo courtesy Grasslands