An inclusive plant-based canteen even meat-eaters will enjoy
Two things are guaranteed to put a smile on my face; well-flavoured food and whimsical word play. I'm introduced to the latter from the moment I enter the charming eatery on a sunny day.
Light is pouring into the modern open-plan restaurant on Loop Street, wrapping itself around every table, stool, pot plant and fruit bowl. Candice is darting from counter to table, cracking jokes with both the staff and patrons. Though Bamboo has only been open a few days, the bright-eyed brunette co-owner carries herself like she and the canteen are already part of the inner city furniture.
"Argh, we really just want to have fun with food," Candice begins once we sit down for a chat. "I'm what they call a flexitarian. I'm trying to slowly ease myself away from eating so much meat, and what's great about Bamboo is that we don't market ourselves as a vegan restaurant because then you tend to scare away people who do eat meat.
This place is for everyone."
Having travelled to North America with her partner and fellow co-owner, Sebastian, as well as with Chef Daniel, the intriguing trio came to realise that the vegan and plant-based community in the States was setting trends and breaking ground on food health in ways our local market could really benefit from. "We couldn't have opened at a better time, especially with Game Changers coming out on Netflix and having the impact it has," Candice remarks. After a quick gloss over their menu, it's clear that these earth-conscious foodies are committing to changing the public's perception of plant-based cuisine. Patrons can enjoy anything from waffle stacks and pumpkin pie, to buffalo wings and macaroni & cheese. The gag is everything has been made fresh, sourced locally, and contains absolutely no preserves, artificial flavours or animal products.
Sandwiches seem to be the fan favourite of the day, as they are flying out of the kitchen.
I have my heart set on something sweet. "You have to try the baked cheesecake. After you do, I'll tell you how we made it; you won't believe it," Candice insists and I happily oblige.
In between picking the cheerful restaurateur's brain about future plans for Bamboo, and pecking at a bowl of air fried chips that have come with a tangy chipotle sauce, Chef Daniel whisks into the space. "Come chill out," the esteemed professional says and I accept his invitation.
"I've worked for Sol Kerzner, Louis Vitton; started El Burro,"
"Then decided to torture yourself with the challenge of running a plant-based kitchen," I tease.
"You know, it's actually been a whole lot of fun," Chef Daniel admits cheekily. "I don't even think of it as vegan food, it's just really good stuff we're making from quality ingredients, and we're trying to make it as healthy as possible," he explains.
We're laughing at Bamboo's humorously named oven and I've discovered the sassy Lucky Cat hidden in plain sight. The charming playfulness is palpable. What's more, the attentive kitchen have seemed to anticipate my return to the table because my cheesecake is ready and waiting for me.
Presentation is incredibly important. Diners eat with their eyes and nose before the first bite crosses their lips. The sensory experience I'm enjoying displays a thorough understanding of balance. Toasted coconut chips have a woody aroma to them, and every so often I'm hit with hints bursting through the strong scents of caramel and molasses.
The cheesecake filling is light; delicately flavoured because the three sauces that tier the top lead the charge. I am enjoying the oats and coconut base because it is both chewy and crunchy, which adds a complementing element to the dessert dish. There is a multiplicity of textures present on the dish, and the birdseed brittle finishes everything off beautifully.
Though I've only tried the fries and one pudding during my visit, I'm confident that I am going to become a regular - working my way through the menu after my infrequent trips up Lion's Head. Bamboo Plant Power is conveniently located along one of the MyCiti stops I pass on my way home from the hiking trail after all, so this is as good a motivation as any to lace up my sneakers and get some exercise.
Bamboo Plant Power certainly isn't trying to make a vegan out of you. They don't stand on a soap box, blistering meat eaters for their choices. If anything, this contemporary canteen is a shared space for all to enjoy healthy food that takes gluten and lactose intolerant diners into account, not forgetting the vegans and vegetarians when preparing their mouthwatering food to.
I predict the trendy new eatery becomes a local establishment in no time.
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