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| - I really like The Beet and typically would have given them 4 stars for their easy-going cafe atmosphere, friendly service, quirky ATM entranceway, nice patio, and good selection of vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous offerings to please everyone.
My one complaint would have been: more beets please! I'm a Dwight Schrute when it comes to getting my beety goodness. One should not be able to eat here without initially wondering if they are sick when they go to the bathroom later... beet lovers know what I'm talkin' about! But really, past visits have not been as beet-alicious as I would have hoped. A few shredded raw beets on top of a salad just will not do. Even The Beet burger could be more... beety.
But that all changed last week when I happened to be in the area and decided to pop in for a solo dinner. Sometimes a quiet meal alone is a rare joy, and this was exactly that type of occasion. When I walked in, I was greeted by a friend who works there and informed that the special that night was none other than VEGAN MAC N' CHEESE.
Now, as a kid who was raised on Kraft dinner and person who is now ethically veg and indisputably lactose-intolerant, hearing the word "vegan mac n' cheese" sets off fireworks inside my head. I was able to maintain my composure and ask for a menu to review before ordering, but who are we kidding, people? I wanted that MAC like a regular Mark Morrison.
Finally, another place in this city in addition to Hogtown & Sadie's is doing a vegan mac n' cheese and by far the best one as well! It was not just 100% Daiya but a nice smooth roux with spices. The flavour is not too overpowering or greasy. Really nice cheese to macaroni ration. Top marks.
And as if they read my mind about the beet shortage, the special soup was a beety, smooth borscht with cashew cream.
The Beet, which has always been in my good books, moved to greatness on this night. They have apparently added even more vegan menu items, making it an easy choice for dining with non-veg friends. Their strong commitment to local and fresh foods continues to impress me.
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