Location: 2702 North Florida Avenue, Tampa Bay, Florida 33602
Parking: On street parking available as well as a small lot behind the building.
Website: www.thegrassrootlife.com

Grass Root Organic Restaurant is dedicated to contributing to the Tampa Bay Florida area, with the first and only Vegan, and Raw/Living Food alternative. Earthly consciousness guides the decisions they make when they create your dining experience.

Offering the freshest produce of highest quality, and non genetically modified foods, Grass Root Organic Restaurant is committed to a higher standard and always makes the organic choice for you. Grass Root Organic Restaurant pure menu identifies the foods’ orientation and is marked vegan, vegetarian or Raw/Living accordingly.

Proactive and humble, Grass Root Organic Restaurant’s menu simply notes “Raw and Living foods are easily digested, absorbed and eliminated.” I was ready to put them to the test. I decided to reward myself and reap the maximum amount of energy I could consume by ordering almost everything on the menu.

Atmosphere: Cozy, African folklore in a candlelit setting surrounded by eclectic tapestry, African literature, imported art pieces and jewelry collections from southeast Asia, Afghanistan, Morocco, Nepal, India, and Africa. Our table was decorated with fresh roses brought in weekly and this months theme was dedicated to the *Breast Cancer Foundation. Limited seating available, however very comfortable. They had no problem sitting a party of 12 easily on a Friday night.

Welcome Service: Calmly greeted by co-owner, Sabrina and offered a seat where ever I felt comfortable. I was handed a menu, cleverly designed by her husband Spencer, (also owner) that tingled my taste buds with abundant curiosity. She informed me that Spencer is not only amazingly creative with his food writing, he is known as the juice bar maniac. 

Menu Highlights:

Soup: One and only on the menu, but it’s noted the Best Ramen Soup Ever! It’s made with whole wheat noodles, vegetables, and vegan ham.
What a difference from the kettle cuisine were used to. Instead of over cooked with soggy noodles and vegetables, this soup offered every bite seasoned perfectly with crisp vegetables, andante noodles, and chewy bites of vegan ham. Mm, mmm, good.

Salad Favorite: Quite a few to pick from, but the “Ultimate Green Massage” is a tummy rub for sure! A Yummy blend of fresh kale massaged and relaxed with diced tomato & avocados topped with a light citrus dressing. Perfect for any days lunch or dinner!

Cold Appetizer: Hard to choose from such a succulent list, however I was never more satisfied with the “Marrakesh”. An incredible array of living vegetables piled over a toasted pita with a hint of rosemary. Oh, and don’t forget, that “mystery” Basil dressing….can you say WOW!?  Dairy free, yet creamy in texture with hints of sweet anise from fresh pureed Basil.  Is this treasured recipe for sale?  If so how much I wonder....

Entrée: Sabrina suggested a sample plate. (Not on the menu, but often requested) She said it was the best way to try all the raw favorites a little at a time, and was she ever so right! My tasty treats included “Treatloaf & Smashed Potatoes, (raw meatloaf & smashed cauliflower), “Live Spaghetti Marinara & Treatballs, (made with Zucchini strings & veggie meatballs) Raw Cashew Sheeze, (creamy cheese substitute), Tuna Free-Tuna Salad, (amazingly made with sunflower seeds) Raw Cashew Hummus, and last but not least the award winning Raw Onion Bread”. This guiltless gourmet sends exciting bursts of energy though your fingertips and down to your tummy as you dip into each sample!

Desert: *Before ordering I had the pleasure of meeting the beautiful firecracker of endless energy, Jenyce. Raw foodie, chef, and mother to Spencer, she is a main contributor to many of the dishes on the menu. She strongly suggested I order the Sweet Potato Pie. I curiously accepted. I figured what a great desert to indulge in as we enter the fall season?! Not a mistake! I know that I loved everything so far, but this one…. Ah!
Two words: Deliciously, un-describable.

Beverages: Enjoy a Soy Free Juice Bar. The real stuff, not some powdered green mix! Their menu consists of fortified smoothies made with Pure Vitamin. C, Hemp, nut milk, and Agave Nectar; Wheat Grass shots, carrot-apple-ginger juice, or try their signature brewed Hibiscus Tea & Iced Ginger Green Tea.
A smoothie choice from the menu can be satisfying alone, however curiosity keeps you ordering. In this case try the thirst quenching Ginger Green Tea as it is perfectly sweetened with natural sugar.

*Note: The items on the menu that are labeled vegetarian are made with egg whites. However, I can guarantee they are the best veggie burgers & dogs you’ve ever had!

Menu Pricing: $$ Very reasonable for Organic eating.
There is one menu to pick from and it is offered at Lunch and Dinner. Look to spend between: $7.00-$13.00, depending on your portion size.

Overall Rating: Hand made, living foods from inside the Grass Roots of their hearts and home, Spencer and Sabrina vibrate their passion for life and living with an invitation to open your mind and try food the way our earth intended. For all of you who are new to the concept of eating raw, vegetarian, or vegan, and/or are looking to enlighten your palate, I urge you to visit their restaurant in the Tampa Bay and test the tingling taste buds of your own!

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