Lady and the Shallot

I look forward to visiting Lady and the Shallot every single week. During Covid, my weekly trip to visit the LatS ladies kept me sane, well-nourished, and connected to an incredible community that champions small family businesses, incredibly delicious/allergy-friendly food, and animal/human rights. I am not a vegan, but every time I eat at Lady and the Shallot, I want to be. Fran and Kate (the owners) have curated a menu that stumps me with what to order every week because everything is so delicious. I typically go with the taco flight because I get a little taste of 4 of their best flavors - that's truly the secret sauce of LatS (pun intended) - Kate and Fran have put so much thought and care into curating a menu exploding with flavor. I tell them every week - I can't wait for their sauces to go national so I can buy them in bulk at Costco! Honorable mention to the insanely delicious chili oil that you can add to any dish for an extra zing. Another reason to visit every week - specials and baked goods! As if ordering weren't tough enough from the main menu, LatS often has seasonally fresh and flavorful specials that make you want to add an extra side dish to your meal. Ashley's baked goods are out of this world and are truly the only gluten free/dairy treats I can have that taste insanely delicious and don't upset my tummy. But what makes Lady and the Shallot most special is the warm atmosphere and 1000/10 customer service. Fran and Kate go above and beyond to make every customer feel welcome and happy - even the ones that are not so nice to them. I've seen them bend over backwards to satisfy every customer while putting their hearts and souls into the success of this family business.

By all indications, I should not love this place as much as I do. I grew up in an Italian Jersey suburb eating the best carbs on the planet. Our Jewish holidays featured warm matzoh ball soup and mouth-watering brisket. But here I am, telling you about some of the best food I've ever eaten in my entire life from a vegan, gluten-free restaurant. You are going to have an incredible experience when you grab a bite from Lady and the Shallot. The food is fresh, filling and fantastic. Their variety makes the menu an absolute adventure and I cannot recommend their specials enough. And the delicious food is paired with the owners, Fran and Kate showering you with love and joy (think the opposite of a Dick's Last Resort. They will make you smile, it's their superpower). What to order: if you're new to vegan faire, tell the ladies what you like or typically eat, or what normally makes you feel satisfied. They know the food and the science in and out. Their special is usually a take on comfort/hearty food, and there's lots of ways to make you feel full without feeling bloated. If you're not new to vegan food, the rainbow bowl is delicious and my wife is particular to their turmeric tofu bowl, which pops with flavor and every forkful is a delight. Their juices are always creative and enjoyable, but lately I go for one of the waters. And I always bring one of Ashley's unbelievable snacks back home for later. I have not and will almost definitely not convert to being a vegan. If you still have a hankering for meat (sorry ladies), go to Hambone Opera 40 feet away. BUT Lady and the Shallot is just the best. What a joy to have such a delicious delightful meal whenever I go to the market. If you like it half as much as I do, you'll walk away having found a new favorite spot.

This place deserves its own building! Such wonderfully kind and friendly staff, looking to please and share smiles. I got the sweet potato special, and Curry Potato dish with sauces on the side. So wonderful having fresh food, minimal oil, local ingredients, and no fake or processed foods (just not my thing.) Love that everything is gluten free. And exciting that they are experimenting with date sugar to start offering healthier baked goods. Cute little eating area where they set up a few tables tucked away from the flow of market goers. I recommend bringing your own fork for the most enjoyable experience (it’s what I do!)