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My introduction to raw foods came in 2005, when my daughter dragged me into NYC to Bonobo’s Vegetarian Restaurant at Madison and 23rd.
Bonobo's. Photo by www.openwifinyc.com, used with permission.
I couldn’t have been less interested in what I expected would be a glorified salad bar. And I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Bonobo’s raw cuisine had more zest, flavor, and excitement than any other food that my educated palate had ever encountered. In an instant, my former favorite eateries withered in comparison, and I was ruined for life.
Bonobo’s limeade. It seemed innocuous enough. But the crisp and full citrus flavor with the perfectly balanced sweetness of agave nectar was beyond divine.
Nut Pate and Soup at Bonobo's. Photo: Arimoore, Courtesy: Flickr
The velvety Avocado Cilantro soup—which brought to mind the Mock Turtle’s song about beautiful soup, so rich and green … soup of the evening —was delectable beyond description. The nut and seed paté spreads, a Bonobo’s House Specialty were, oh! to die for. Or, in this case, to live for. (And can’t be beat at $8.95 for the sampler plate—plenty for a meal and a half!)
I was totally satisfied on much less food that I usually eat. And had more energy than usual for hours. And I felt so healthy! It was as if all the cells in my body were celebrating! (I could imagine their conversation – Day-um, Ethel, our hostess finally figured out what to give us, and it only took her half a century!)
I walked out of that cafe transformed.
And then the signs of addiction began to set in.
I’ve only been back to NYC twice since, and both times I went miles out of my way to eat at Bonobo’s.
And then there was the long, rainy, drive from Virginia Beach to Massachusetts. Hungry, we were already behind schedule when an internet search revealed Arnold’s Way, a raw café requiring a 90-minute detour to Lansdale, PA. It was guaranteed to make us hopelessly late. We took the exit.
The remainder of the trip, though completed in the dark, was soothed by our in-the-car picnic, a titillating smorgasbord of raw delights.
Like many other raw and vegan businesses, Arnold’s Way is involved with an Earth Day event, and is sponsoring the The Lansdale Live Food & Music Festival on Sat., May 2. (12 pm -12 am at the Lansdale Performance Arts Center http://arnoldsway.com )
The warning signs of my increasing obsession continued. Next, I drove a 3-hour round trip to the Bliss Café (newly re-named ChocoláTree - Live Organic Eatery) in Sedona, to satisfy deep cravings for two of their sensual treasures: the silken, raw Carrot Ginger Soup (a seductive mix of carrot juice, ginger juice, avocado, coconut, and lemon/lime juice) and their exotic raw chocolate superfood confections.
Sedona Chocolate Superfoods L.O.V.E. cups
