Oolite is all about the plant-based options these days. After the success of Conscious Bite Out dinner and subsequent introduction of a dinnertime vegan tasting menu, the owners decided to forge ahead with a lunch-time option in honor of a healthy new year.
The new prix-fixe meal is gluten-free, vegan and regionally focused and includes three courses, plus a shot of beet and carrot, plus fresh citrus juice, all for $20.15.
See also: Kris Wessel on Oolite's Vegan Dinner: Omnivores "Will Not Believe That Food Can Have So Much Flavor"
The new menu features items like cucumber quinoa, pea tendrils and shoots with 'super green" soup; Heirloom tomatoes four ways -- garlic grilled, rosemary broiled, basil chilled and tempura crisp with baby Arugula and 12-year-old balsamic; Florida fresh kale, white bean and cauliflower cassoulet with rosemary, coconut milk gratinée; and a vegetable-quinoa burger on rice-flax seed or roti bread with avocado, greens and a lemon vinaigrette.
So what are the highlights, according to chef Kris Wessel?
"The heirloom tomato salad is awesome and we even drop in a few tempura tomatoes to give it added punch and texture," Wessel says.
"The most 'healthy regional' item on the menu is the red rice stuffed Chayote squash with guajillo black beans and corn. It's got the Caribbean and South America all over it," he adds.
As far as sourcing the products, many of the items are local in origin.
"We work with Paradise Farms and Gabriele; Nick the Urban Forager from Season's Farm Fresh; David at Sons & Daughters Farm. The kale, chayote, hearts of palm, all salad greens, all herbs, and tomatoes all come from these local sources," says Wessel.
In addition to the regular menu, they also serve an in-house fermented Kombucha -- options include green tea shots for $3.25 or full glasses of iced black tea for $5.75.
The three-course New Lite 2015 lunch runs $20.15, plus tax and tip. Reservations can be made by calling 305-907-5535 or via Open Table.
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