AS PLANT-BASED EATING continues to trend nationwide, the husband-and-wife duo behind the local River Valley Restaurant Group (Beacon Bread, Ziatun, Angelina’s, Tito Santana Taqueria) have brought a fully-vegan café to Beacon’s Main Street. Incorporating organic, local produce whenever possible, the focus here is and finding creative ways to “veganize” non-traditional dishes. Kamel and Lena Jamal offer a balanced, healthful mix of provisions at this fast-casual stop. Végétalien (French for vegan) offers salads, soups and sandwiches alongside made-to-order juices and smoothies, to eat in or take out. Large portions and ample plant-based proteins make for a filling meal where animal proteins aren’t missed. The portobello mushroom and caramelized onion panini, or the broccoli “cheddar” style soup are robust and substantial, while the kale caesar salad with cashew cream dressing or green juice with cucumber, carrot, apple and parsley allows for a lighter option. The focus above all is on fresh. “The response has been great so far—people are coming in whether they’re vegan or not,” Lena says. “We’re continuously bringing in new menu items and specials based [on] what’s in season and what we can get from our local farms that week.”

Vegetalien
504 Main St, Beacon
(845) 838-1943
vegetalien.life