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July 13, 2006

Vegeterian life isn't easy, but it's possible

By JESSICA WAKEMAN

I don’t think it is as easy to be a vegetarian as it is a meat-eater anywhere but New York City and Southern California. My stomping grounds in Fairfield County are on the losing end of this battle, but they’ve gotten better over the years and nothing could make me happier.

Bloodroot (576-9168), on Ferris Street in Bridgeport’s Black Rock section, takes its name from sweet little flowers that look like daisies — although the extracts of bloodroot are poisonous.
I’ve put many a boyfriend through what I call “the Bloodroot test.� If you’re not a chilled-out person, there are a few things about Bloodroot that you might find off-putting.

First, the restaurant has no wait staff, so patrons bus their own tables.

Second, one wing houses a feminist bookstore — the first place that exposed me to feminist books and magazines back in high school — and another wing is for knitting and looming lessons.

Third, the food is a little on the expensive side, but I think the experience is worth every penny. If a guy can accept this little bit of the East Village in Black Rock, then I know he’s right for me.
Bloodroot’s food has a highly personalized, home-cooked feel — the spanakopita is amazing and anything on the brunch menu is fantastic — and the dining room has an array of funky tables and chairs. Truly everything about dining here is unique.

The day that I learned of Health in a Hurry (254-5777), I knew I would always have a place for lunch. Tucked behind an office complex at 1891 Post Road in Fairfield, across the street from Rawley’s hot dog stand, Health in a Hurry is a vegetarian take-out place that’s so small the only seating is outdoors.

I immediately fell in love with Sue, the owner, who gives all new customers two free samples of food. Lots of vegetarian places can’t be more creative than a few different ways to prepare grilled vegetables, but Health in a Hurry’s 5-grain coquettes, stuffed portobello mushrooms and “healthy burgers� promise variety. I’m absolutely addicted to the unsweetened chocolate and carob chip crispies, which rival any Girl Scout cookie.

Like Trader Joe’s on Black Rock Turnpike, I thought Mrs. Green’s Natural Market (255-4333) at 1916 Post Road in Fairfield was only a natural foods grocery store. But recently I stopped in for lunch and learned my mistake.

I haven’t eaten many meals out of the deli in the rear of the store, but every one has hit it out of the ballpark.

The goat cheese quesadilla and goat cheese wrap were both hearty meals that fill you up for lunch. And Mrs. Green’s gazpacho is a knockout.

The lunch area is small — just two little tables and stools — yet the place’s community is clearly tight-knit. Every time I’ve eaten lunch there, I’ve listened to the first-name basis conversations between the women working the deli and their customers. Now I understand why they keep coming back for more.

Posted by getout on July 13, 2006 8:11 AM