VEGGIE AND VEGAN DELIGHTS NEAR KING BLUE

There’s just something about the first warm weather days in King West. Maybe it’s the bold pop of colour in spring fashions or the return of sidewalk patios declaring that Toronto is finished with winter. Whatever it is, each spring I crave fresh and vibrant flavours. As a vegetarian believing in the health benefits of raw and vegan foods, King West is my go-to place for restaurants and cafes that cater to my healthy living choices. It’s here where chefs – totally in tune with the latest trends in veggie cuisine – eagerly offer up a number of exciting vegetarian menu options for the King Blue community to experience and enjoy. We share some of the best for you here:

Fresh on Spadina

Fresh on Spadina offers their trademark juices and other vegetarian menu options in King West. Image courtesy Fresh on Spadina website

Fresh has been on the pulse of Toronto’s vegetarian dining landscape since 1999 – a true testament to how well Fresh knows what health conscious diners desire. Widely known for their fresh made-to-order juices, it’s the new items on their menu that intrigue me. Their famous grilled cornbread ($6) is not gluten-free, but I’d love to pair it up with the Sam Houston Burrito ($10). I’m tempted to ask for a side of the handmade, smokey vegan chipotle mayo just to dip the warm cornbread into! Daily soup specials are posted on the Fresh on Spadina website, and you can call ahead to pickup your lunch order to keep your energy up on a busy King West day. 

147 Spadina Ave. Freshrestaurants.ca Twitter: @FreshonSpadina 

Fresh and Wild Food Markets

When Fresh and Wild Food Markets opened their doors in 2007 it was unlike any other grocery store in Canada. Today, Fresh and Wild still pushes the envelope when it comes to fusing flavours together for unexpected and exciting tastes in their cafe. Grab a gourmet sandwich or a wrap for lunch on the run, or sit and relax over a frothy latte made with organic fair-trade coffee beans and simple soak up the sights and smells of this truly unique foodie experience. Should your senses tempt you to explore the Fresh and Wild Food Markets grocery store and you find your arms overflowing with exotic produce, you have the peace of mind that the market staff will happily deliver your groceries over to your King Blue suite for a very affordable $15 fee.

69 Spadina Ave. Freshandwild.ca 

Live Organic Food Bar

Toronto’s only raw vegan restaurant is Live Organic Raw.  Photo from Live Organic Raw’s website.

The most anticipated restaurant opening (at least for vegan and raw foodists) recently happened right here in King West. Live Organic Food Bar, Toronto’s first gourmet raw and vegan restaurant, opened its new location in May. As the city’s hot spot for flavour-worshipping vegans, it’s Live Organic Food Bar’s commitment to sustainable food production and local farmers that I’m in love with. For diners new to raw food, don’t be intimidated to whet your appetite with dishes like Soft Shelled Corn Flax Tacos ($14), brimming with micro greens and creamy guacamole. For the more adventurous or raw foodists with an experienced palate, Pulled Burdock Burrito ($14) is a must try. Burdock and tempeh is bar-b-qued until tender, with kimchi tangy and fiesty alongside the smokey chipotle aioli. Impatient fans of Live Organic’s raw food snacks can check out this store locator to find out where to buy their favourites near the King Blue community.

134 Atlantic Ave. Livefoodbar.com Twitter @LiveFoodBar

What’s your favourite spot in King West for healthy or vegetarian cuisine? Tweet us @KingBlueCondos or join the conversation on Facebook.