The following is a review. Today I had the opportunity to visit Vistro, a new cozy Vegetarian/Vegan restaurant located in the food court section at Long Circular Mall, St. James. I was warmly welcomed by Giselle, one of the owners. She went through the menu with me and explained the different vegan options they have to offer.
A little disclaimer: This post is an honest review for my followers. Vistro didn’t sponsor this blog post and I purchased my meal. I say this to ensure you understand that the review is a non-bias one and I hope it can be helpful if you happen to visit them and you’re not sure what to order.
One of the first things I noticed from their menu is that they cater mainly for vegetarians (hence their name Vistro, souly vegetarian) and even though you might be able to “veganize” some of their dishes, I’m not sure what you will have left if you take away all the dairy.
For instance, their loaded baked potatoes, both sweet and regular contains sour cream, cheese, butter and grilled broccoli. However, if you opt out of the cheese, sour cream and butter you will have simply a baked potato with broccoli.
If you pick their Veggie Aldredo it contains heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. They can do a toss up in olive oil without the cream and cheese though but will that be Alfredo?
Sandwich wise they have sundried tomato pesto panini with mozzarella…. They we can hold the mozzarella for you if you wish.
As I said, they cater mainly for vegetarians but they have a few Vegan options on their menu: All patties, roasted veggies, hummus, black bean soup, falafel, Mediterranean sandwich and salads (Quinoa, cilantro roasted corn and garden delight).
I looked through the menu carefully and I chose their lentil and corn burger with seasoned roasted vegetables. I ate the veggies first and they were well seasoned and nicely cooked. They had a little bite to it which I think is very enticing (Who wants to eat soggy veggies?!).
Then I tried the lentil corn burger and I was very pleased with the flavors. Even though generally speaking, lentil burgers aren’t hard to make, making a tasty lentil burger is key. It was very well seasoned and nicely grilled.
PRICING
Let’s talk about prices now. Like most businesses catering for vegans, I found the prices a little on the high end. I paid $30.00TT for the lentil and corn burger and $15.00TT for the roasted veggies, a total of $46.99TT including taxes.
Now, I’m always careful about how I spend money. I couldn’t avoid making a few comparisons such as getting a big meal of provisions, beans and salad or even a big roti for way less money.
Having said that, it is a nice treat and option to have if you wish to try something different. I look forward seeing more meal-like options with generous portions. Perhaps some more pasta dishes on their menu that can cater exclusively for vegans. A vegan lasagna, a vegan Alfredo and why not, a nice vegan Mexican chili.
Another factor that I thought was worth mentioning was the fact that both the burger and veggies were served in eco-friendly compostable packages. They are low carbon and made from renewable or recycled materials. In 2017, and knowing the impact that materials have in our environment, this is definitely commendable.
If you happen to visit Vistro, please feel free to leave a comment.
I visited and found the food to be excellent. I myself went in with a very critical mind since I am related to the owners and wanted to give honest feedback so they can improve.
Having been a vegetarian from birth, I find that the menu gives great variety and is tasty. There is the added benefit that I can buy food with my eyes closed and be sure it is free form contamination.
For me that’s worth the price.