Thursday, October 28, 2010

Monk Bodhi Dharma (Balaclava) 10/2010

Monk is a strange little place that serves vegetarian and vegan dishes
to that somewhat trendy section of the public that are keen to support green, organic fresh and local produce. It's only concession to non vegan is the use of organic milk, sour cream and ricotta. They don't even serve eggs. It is open for breakfast and closes about 5.00 pm with a lunch menu from noon. The place is crowded, the bare wood tables, some separate some to share, are very close to each other and the seating, on low heavy wood stools, or along bench seating is not very comfortable. A key, attached to a milk jug hanging from the wall is provided for access to the toilet which is outside. It is particularly spacious and well outfitted with a pleasant musical accompaniment. It’s cash only, always busy, friendly and fairly noisy. They have a one page menu on a clipboardwith unusual dishes scattered among the regular stuff like Bircher muesli. Wait staff are patient and willingly describe dishes and ingredients in detail. The lunch menu usually includes two soups and a casserole.
A particularly delicious dish is the corn fritters, three of them with lots of corn kernels served with roast cherry tomatoes.
It was topped with basil pesto and basil leaves and accompanied by a pannikin of sour cream.
Toasted sliced baguettes with a caramel sauce acompanied with a pear poached in cinnamon and cardamon and and a some crushed nuts on a thick cream.
These were two dishes were extremely unusual, original and surprisingly tasty. They serve specialty coffees and are also make an excellent hot chocolate.
Score: Not easy to categorize but at least 13+ /20

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