Organic, local foods are offered whenever possible. The sandwiches are available on a gluten-free focaccia bread (wheat based breads are served here also). They do a fine job altering traditional recipes into gluten-free versions such as the Spinach “Tabbouleh” Salad where they replace gluten laden couscous with quinoa. The Lasagna is made from layers of zucchini, spinach, cashew cheese, mushrooms and a basil marinara sauce, while the Butternut Angelhair is a pasta dish made by using the squash as the ‘pasta’.  Both of these entrees are raw as well.  Another dish that I haven’t yet seen at any restaurant (in a gluten-free version, that is) is the Panzanella with Rosemary and Almond Pesto.

For dessert there are usually a few chocolate based items and cheesecakes offered (however, most seem to contain nuts). At the time of this writing, there was a nut-free ice cream on the menu.  Hopefully, I’ll make a trip out there soon to try this healthy, innovative food as I hear the menu changes seasonally!

Closed Sundays

Delicious, healthy foods are available at Sol Bean Cafe  in Middleton, Ma. Soups, salads and sandwiches are served and the latter can be made with gluten-free, dairy-free bread!

Soups vary each day but there is often a gluten-free choice. Some of the gluten-free varieties include the Lentil (dairy-free too), Roasted vegetable (vegan), White Chicken Chili, Chipoltle Sweet Potato (vegan) and the Tomato Feta.   

On our visit we tried the very popular Meg Melty sandwich. It was made with avocado, grilled chicken, tomato, jack cheese and honey mustard. Unfortunately, there is not a dedicated toaster or panini press for these sandwiches, however, they will double wrap the sandwich in foil before pressing in the panini grill. I was hesitant but this worked out very well for us.  Still, I can see how this may not sit well with some people.  Another option is to just have the bread thawed (wrapped in microwave) for your sandwich. 

If you are a practicing vegan, you might enjoy a sandwich called the Vegan Style a la Sarah. This includes tomato, spinach, vegan cheese (contains soy), avocado and onion. There are also other items that can be made vegan by omitting cheese or substituting with the vegan cheese.

There are also gluten-free bars, muffins and other sweets brought in from a local gluten-free baker. We  purchased a gluten and dairy-free Craisin Oatmeal Bar (contains eggs) which was big enough to divide by four and it was like a big ole soft oatmeal cookie!

Also featured are raw, vegan treats for dessert. Try the chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate mint vanilla or  raspberry chocolate cookies.

Closed Sunday & Monday

Appetizers, salads , entrees and desserts are served daily from 9am -7 pm, with limited hours on Sundays, 12-5 pm.

If you’re a fan of Raw Eating or would like to learn more, Revitalive Health & Wellness offers Raw Living Foods education at the center and also holds community events from time to time.

I’m  pleased to see they’ve recently added a  gluten-free menu !  This menu offers selections for lunch and dinner, including seasonal soups, salads, entrees and dessert (a few raw choices offered too). Be sure to inquire about the suggested wine pairings to accompany your meal. There is also a nut-free menu which clearly acknowledges that they “cannot accomodate”  severe tree nut allergies.  Not sure what to say about that.  An allergy is an allergy whether it is severe or mild.  And the severity of a past nut reaction is no indication of what could potentially occur with a future reaction.  

On a more positive note, those with peanut allergies will find solace in the fact that True Bistro does not use peanuts in any of  their dishes! 

Open for lunch (Tues-Fri), dinner and brunch.

Take-out available.

Most of the vegetarian dishes can be easily modified to vegan and there are raw food choices here too. For a small additional charge, one can order gluten-free bread (contains dairy) or vegan cheese to go with any of the dishes. I’m glad to see the gluten-free, vegan Baked Macaroni and Cheese is offered on both the lunch and dinner menu!

Everyday a gluten-free baked good is offered. This could be one of many cookies such as the Coconut Almond cookies or the Chocolate Chip cookies.  Often the featured dessert is both vegan and gluten-free.  Some of these include the Kahlua Chocolate Layer Cake, Rice Crispy Treats or the Chocolate Macadamia Pie which is made with a raw almond date crust. Obviously, there are a lot of nuts offered here to take into consideration, if that is a concern of yours.

It’s best to call ahead to discover the featured desserts and daily specials. On our planned visit they were offering gluten-free lasagna (we had to postone our trip).  And Tuesday nights are ‘Raw Nights” where a raw entree and dessert are offered.

Salads, soups, entrees, sides, desserts and smoothies as well as a selection of childrens’ dishes are featured on this menu.  Pasta dishes are made with zucchini noodles and often include nut cheese.  There are also sandwiches and wraps available.  If you want something crunchy to go along with your  BLT (consists of eggplant bacon, lettuce, tomato and almond herb cheese on onion bread), why not consider the kale or apple chips?  For dessert, there are over six selections to choose from including a traditional Brownie or a Cayenne Brownie!

I wish I lived closer to enjoy some of the events that take place monthly. They include bi-weekly pot luck dinners, food tastings and lectures.

Local free delivery is available ($15 minimum), and, I’ve heard, is appreciated by the area college students. Thankfully, for the rest of us, their products can be shipped nationwide by using the website or by calling 860-455-EATS.