Mushroom Nut Loaf from Scotty Bakehouse is made with mushrooms, walnuts, and gluten-free bread.
It’s getting easier to find places that accommodate all diets. We’ve reached a point where the better question is, Which one to pick? To make your summer simpler and more delicious, we’ve curated a list of restaurants Islanders love, and handpicked menu items to inspire your next meal. Let’s get eating, and save a couple of animals while we’re at it.
Scottish Bakehouse in Vineyard Haven has a menu with tons of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Their Fakin’ Bacon is a popular item, made with tempeh (a traditional soy product), rice, and flavoring. Fakin’ bacon can be added to any egg sandwich ($7 to $8), and can be ordered in a BLT ($7) as a bacon substitute. Mushroom Nut Loaf is another popular protein and meat substitution at Scotty B’s. It’s made with mushrooms, walnuts, and gluten-free bread, and can be ordered as part of a Build Your Own dish ($11 to $16). The coconut tofu is also part of the Build Your Own menu, and can be made vegan or vegetarian. Breads can be ordered gluten-free, or vegan gluten-free. It’s all labeled right on the menu, making everyone’s lives easier. For more menu items, visit scottishbakehousemv.com.
Not Your Sugar Mamas is an all-vegan organic cafe in Vineyard Haven that serves up the rawest sweets and treats in town. The menu is gluten-free, non-GMO, no refined sugar, and soy- and corn-free. According to co-owner Ky Keenan, “The idea behind plant-based eating is encouraging an anti-inflammatory diet, and that’s what our menu does.” The menu is loaded with nutrient-rich superfoods that are beneficial for health and well-being. Explore any of the menu’s coffee selections with cashew milk, smoothies, dairy-free milkshakes, and non-caffeinated lattes. Breakfast options include oatmeal ($4.95), smoothies ($9.95 to $10.95), açai bowls ($12.95), or avocado toast ($9.95). Try a flatbread sandwich ($9.95 to $11.95) made with housemade gluten-free bread, or the BLT ($11.95) served with coconut bacon, which is made with organic coconut flakes, smoked maple syrup, smoked paprika, coconut aminos, and sea salt. Their menu is constantly changing, so visit notyoursugarmamas.com to see what’s new.
Bangkok Thai in Oak Bluffs is another vegetarian’s hidden gem. They not only have delicious vegetable and tofu options, but almost anything on the menu can be made vegan if you ask — they just have to check with the chef in back. Vegetable Pad Thai ($13.95) and Curry ($17.95 to $18.95) are among the most popular dishes. The full menu can be found at bangkokcapecod.com.
7a Foods in West Tisbury is worth the up-Island venture. Most of the menu items are made from scratch, using locally sourced ingredients. Any of their ridiculously tasty sandwiches can be made on gluten-free bread, and top vegetarian picks are the Beet Wrap ($9.95), Mozzarella on Focaccia ($10.95), Chickpea and Hummus Wrap ($8.95), or 7a Veggie Chili ($6.95). Browse the endless options at 7afoods.com.
The Port Hunter in Edgartown is a destination, and its menu supports all diets. The menu’s “Earth” section will steal the hearts of vegetarians; vegans, ask for their specialty menu made just for you. If there’s one thing vegetarians miss about their meat-eating days, it’s probably a hot plate of buffalo chicken, which the Port Hunter has somehow outdone with Brussels sprouts. The Buffalo Brussels Sprouts ($14) are made with flash-fried Brussels sprouts, buffalo sauce, scallions, garlic, and blue cheese mousse. Take out the mousse, and boom, it’s vegan. They just opened for the season in early May, so stop by before the masses arrive. Visit theporthunter.com for more information.
This story by Brittany Bowker was originally published on mvtimes.com.