Finding exclusively vegan restaurants around Phoenix isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Options are especially limited, and while eateries around the area are starting to expand their vegan offerings, it still often leaves much to be desired. The choice for a vegan restaurant is about to grow though, as a new restaurant from an established local brand is opening its doors.
Many in Flagstaff know of the Toasted Owl Cafe (as well as the sister restaurant, Toasted Owl East Side). These two restaurants have proven successful, and so Cecily Maniaci has decided to spread her wings south and open a plant-based restaurant in Phoenix called Plantasia.
Plantasia is destined to be one of the healthiest food options found anywhere in the Valley. The food will all be roasted or steamed, so no additional oils will be used in the preparation of the food. For anyone with health concerns, who are tired of their foods cooked in copious amounts of oil and butter, or who simply want a healthier alternative, will like the offerings at Plantasia.
While the menu will be completely plant-based, it doesn’t mean there won’t be something for those in search of a meat-tasting option. Cecily has worked with NexVeg, a local vegan-based meat alternative producer in the past, offering several of the plant-based burgers in her other restaurants. She will have several of these options offered at Plantasia.
NexVeg is an Arizona-based meat-alternative producer that uses only locally sourced products, such as Navajo blue cornmeal, sunflower kernels, carrots, and other produce grown within the state. The burgers are also elevated in flavor by smoking the patties using the Grand Canyon Spice Company’s spices (which is based in Flagstaff). These patties are not processed like other “fake” meats. Patrons can physically see the ingredients within the burgers, which for many is a plus because they know exactly what is in them.
Cecily plans the restaurant to be something everyone will love, and that includes the interior decorating. The flooring will be anything but traditional, as it will be made from artificial grass and the walls will be adorned with plants. The name Plantasia will be really taken to heart in the overall design of the restaurant.
There is no official date yet for the opening of Plantasia, although it is currently scheduled to open sometime this summer. The best way to stay on top of the restaurant's opening is to follow The Toasted Owl Cafe for future updates.
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