Guest guest Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 By Casey BellPGN Editorial Associate © 2006 Philadelphia Gay News Worldly influenced menus and vegan beer and wine lists do not many meat- and dairy- free eateries come equipped. Yet an upscale dining venue, replete with Caribbean theme and vegetarian friendly brews and spirits, is a treasure island among too many vegan restaurants that seem adrift. Horizons Café, 611 S. Seventh St., is a recent and welcome addition to the city’s growing vegetarian dining scene. Stepping into the eatery feels like escaping to a chic island retreat, if only a block below South Street. Here the décor in the spacious dining room is Ikea/cabana modern, highlights being banana leaf ceiling fans and a splashy collection of abstract art. World rhythms, Brazilian Samba and jazz play softly in the background, pairing nicely with the serene decor. And the tropical theme carries over to the menu (affixed to a piece of driftwood, just in case your dining experience isn’t earthy enough). A wide variety of vegan beer (no yeast), wine, rum, tequila and Scotch is served, as well as specialty cocktails like fashionable pomegranate sangria and tart key lime pie martinis. Horizons serves an array of unique appetizers. There’s wild mushroom cazuela with roasted garlic and porcini truffle cream ($8), and chilled cucumber avocado soup with toasted cumin oil and smoked pumpkin seeds ($6). An appetizer highlight, Jamaican barbecue seitan ($8) is evidence that the restaurant has mastered the art of the meat substitute. Warm, tender chunks of seitan (wheat gluten) slathered in a thick, sweet sauce could fool even the most discerning carnivore. Entrees also showcase the chef’s superior skillet skills. Tofu, tempeh and seitan are paired with exotic sauces and savory vegetables to create signature flavor combinations. Pacific Rim grilled tofu with kichujang glaze, edamame mashed potatoes and ponzu broccollini ($17) is a must-try menu item. Crispy tofu, al dente baby broccoli and mashed potatoes that taste like they were made with heavy cream and butter make this dish a veritable vegetarian fantasy. The dessert list offers vegans everything the meat-eating world denies them, like creamy Guayaba cheesecake with fresh pineapple and coffee-roasted macadamia nuts ($6), or a hot chocolate tart of white chocolate agave and peanut butter ice cream ($7). Horizons also has a late-night tapas menu and serves cocktails in a swanky downstairs lounge. With a knowledgeable and friendly wait staff, calming ambiance and distinctive cuisine, Horizons is undoubtedly worth a splurge. This is easily one of the best vegan restaurants in the city. For more information, see www.HorizonsPhiladelphia.com.Peter H Messenger - with free PC-PC calling and photo sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.