Assuming there is such a thing as organic restaurant virginity, my husband and I lost ours last evening. The ritual took place at a delightful cafe in uptown Waterloo called the Seven Shores Urban Market and Cafe.
Since we eat only organic food at home*, restaurant eating presents a bit of a dilemma. Do we stay cloistered in the house knowing that our food is clean or do we venture out into the world like real folk and enjoy a nice restaurant meal every so often?
I struggle with this question, especially on behalf of our son who adores and is able, despite his allergies, to eat sushi. You guessed it, we go. But in the back of my mind I know, that as good as it tastes, the food is not organic and therefore contains pesticides. So finding a restaurant where we can enjoy both clean food and the experience of a meal out is indeed a find.
The menu at Seven Shores is simple: salads, sandwiches, paninis and baked goods. I had a citrus spinach salad and the Infamous Rice Paper Vegetable Spring Rolls. I do not eat gluten and my request for a simple vinaigrette dressing on the salad was met with "Of course, I'll make you one!". The dressing was perfect. As was the dip for the rolls which were jam packed with freshly grated colourful veggies. I savoured every mouthful. And while my impression may have been swayed by my preference for organic food, my husband's, I can pretty much guarantee you, was not. Of his light dinner, he said "This is the best grilled cheese I have ever tasted. Yes, I would come back here".
So what is my point? Basically I hope to encourage you, whether you are toying with trying organic food or are a committed devotee, to try your local organic restaurant if you are lucky enough to have one. Its a great way to possibly find a super place to treat yourself. You will also be supporting a small local business. And, if your Seven Shores is anything like ours, you will also be giving a boost to the local organic farmers, bakers and others who supply the restaurant.
I hope I've given you food for thought. Bon Appetit.
*More on this at a later date.