Some Like it Raw
restaurantMontreal
(May.30.08)
Why were balloons and hippies blocking the sidewalk? It was Sunday, near Jeanne Mance Park, so that explained the hippies. The balloons were to celebrate the opening of Crudessence, a new raw food joint attracting healthy eaters (and thirsty bongo players, apparently).
Guzzling back a bottle of the proprietor’s homemade Kombucha ($3.50), we were surprised by the zingy flavour of the fizzy health drink. Made with naturally fermented sweet tea, it not only jacked up our immune system, it tasted like an exotic cocktail of beer, nuts and flowers.
We knew everything at Crudessence was uncooked, brimming with all of its original nutrients—but it was hard to believe while we were drooling over the display case full of lasagna ($6.50), curry rolls ($6.50) and tamales ($4.50). We settled on a piece of the quiche ($6.50): a delightful mélange of cashews and sun-dried tomatoes.
Sucking on a smoothie ($5-$7) we marveled at all the rare healthy items on offer, like goji berries ($10.95), sesame milk ($3) and vegan sushi ($6.50). We settled on a container of wheat grass ($2-$4) after spotting two of our favourite instructors from Sattva Yoga grabbing some. (As the saying goes: When near Jean Mance park, do as the yogis do.)
Crudessence
www.crudessence.com
105 Rachel St. West (near Jeanne Mance Park)
514-510-9299
514-271-0333 (the head commissary)
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