NOURISH ME!

restaurant: nourish

location: banff Alberta

summary: awesome!

Finding a vegetarian restaurant in Alberta is like looking for a penguin in the jungle. Albertans aren't exactly known for their granola ways, but that didn't stop me from looking.

I got the great opportunity to spend Christmas in Banff this past year and one night my hubby (a carnivore by nature) and I (a herbivore by choice) decided to go to Nourish, a veggie restaurant located in on the second floor of the Sundance mall.

The restaurant is small, consisting of about 6 tables surrounding by funky art (all the tables were full). One of the owners who was also the waiter was a lively guy with crazy hair who had a great knowledge of the food.

The menu entrees range from about 16 - 20 $ but the sizes were huge!

We ordered a portabello mushroom burger, a lentil curry, an organic rootbeer float and blueberry pie for desert!

It was incredible food, that even my carnivorous husband was eating all the crumbs. There was plenty of food, really well presented (they split everything if you are going to share) and very original in the flavors. There was lots of rich and original ingredients that turned regular dishes (like a portabello mushroom burger) into a scrumptious experience.

I totaly recommend Nourish. It's closed at certain hours, so call in advance.

Toronto's Commensal

Restaurant: Commensal
Where: 655 Bay street, Toronto
Stars: 3.5/5
Price: $$-$$$

Summary: A buffet of over 100 dishes in a large, comfortable and casual atmosphere.

Commensal is a large casual restaurant. It's great for families or if you're by yourself and don't want to be rushed eating. You can sit at a table with your food and read a book, and no one will really bother you.

It's a self serve buffet, which is great because of all the options. But if you're me, your eyes are bigger than your stomach. And one food of plate, desert, and drinks can add up.

The food itself, ranges. There is everything from veggie lasagna, to salads, setain, tofu stir fry, noodles, rice, daal - you name it, it's there. It's very much 'comfort homestyle cooking'. All the food is vegetarian but it is all listed so that you know if it has eggs, dairy or if its gluten free, which is helpful. The food is fresh and well prepared. I wasn't totaly blown away though. There was nothing 'wrong' with the dishes, in fact it all tasted good...but not great. There was nothing orginal, or particulary clever or outstandingly delicious. It was all nice home cooking. Which is great if that's what you're looking for. You won't get many surprises here.

There is a fantastic desert lineup though. It has everything from brownies to cakes to tapioca pudding. There's so many options at Commensal it's hard to know what to choose, especially as a first timer.

Buen Provecho!