Casual, Sophisticated, Open, Full of Light

By Alice Christianson
Staff Writer

I had the pleasure of dining at Green Market Kitchen last night. And I really do mean pleasure. It was the first time that I was at their new location. I like the look and feel of the restaurant. It is casual, yet sophisticated, urban, open, and full of light.

It is difficult for non-vegans to understand the comfort level that vegans have when a menu is clearly marked with vegan choices (V+) and vegetarians will be pleased to find that vegetarian food is also clearly marked (V). I was also informed that although the housemade bread plate was marked V, they could provide vegan breads substituting oil instead of butter. The breads are fresh and are baked on the premises.

I chose an appetizer pickle plate and was surprised by the variety of the appetizers. The plate included small bowls of cornichon dill pickles; pickled brussel sprouts that were intensely zestful—along the flavor lines of sauerkraut and a touch of horseradish; pickled beets with an unusual and very welcome addition of pickled beet greens; and rosemary-spiced pecans, which I was especially fond of. I must warn readers that they could develop cravings if they decide to try the pecans.

I ordered the Tunisian orange, olive and herb salad, beautiful in its presentation with alternating cross-sliced oranges and blood oranges, sprinkled with sliced olives, topped with red and green lettuce, and a light vinaigrette. It was delicious and each ingredient’s flavor could be savored. I also ordered carrot coconut puree, which looked lovely mounded on a white plate with sprinkled herbs. The carrot and coconut flavors were perfectly balanced so that each could be tasted and appreciated.

I was tempted, but too full, to try the red wine sorbet. I purchased their housemade olive bread to take home for a later treat.
Green Market Kitchen has a fine dining menu that will be pleasing to all those who stop in. With their emphasis on using local, sustainably-raised and seasonal products, as well as providing selections for vegetarians and vegans, they should have quite a following. You can preview their menu and learn more about their catering service at www.greenmarketcater.com.

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If You Go

What: Green Market Kitchen
Where: 69 4th St N, just south of Public Library When: Tue-Fri, 3-9 pm; Sat, noon- 9 pm
How: 701.241.6000