Mother Restaurant – A New Level for Vegetarian Fare
By Katelyn Ryan
Mother Restaurant is bringing vegetarian food to a whole new level. Located in the heart of “The Kay” in the downtown area, this vegetarian restaurant proves to all diners that a great meal does not have to begin meat. The vibe is quirky and laid back with an eclectic and whimsical ambiance. Everything served here is vegetarian, with many vegan options available. And trust me when I say, you will forget that what you are eating is completely vegetarian and is good for you.
We started our meal with a small plate of Chicken Fried Mushrooms served with lemon and remoulade. These mushrooms are by far the best fried mushrooms I have ever had. The breading is light and delightfully crispy. The mushrooms themselves are smaller and thinner, which allows for easier dipping and eating. They come to your table with a light drizzle of sriracha which pairs exceptionally well with the sour lemon and creamy remoulade.
You cannot go wrong by ordering this snack. The same fried mushrooms in this side are used in the Chicken Fried Mushroom Po Boy Sandwich that is served with shaved lettuce, pickles, and a generous amount of hot sauce. Other sides include roasted carrots, garlic potatoes, and smoked cheddar biscuits with honey butter.
Our next course was the house-made Oven Baked Focaccia. This item is located under the sandwich portion of the menu, but is better eaten with a fork and knife. The warm focaccia is topped with a mixture of brassicas, arugala, garlic, red onion, radishes and parmigiano. This dish is texturally satisfying with the crisp salad on top the soft, warm focaccia. The bread is baked perfectly and has a light cheesy flavor.
Our final dish for the evening was the infamous Chile Verde with Roasted Potato. This item seems to be continuously on the interchanging menu at Mother Restaurant. This popular favorite proved to be tastefully addictive. The dish is baked and brought to you in a small hot cast iron skillet. The base of the dish is built from pinto beans, hominy, peppers and roasted potatoes which are then smothered in homemade salsa verde and topped with mozzarella, radishes, onions, and cilantro.
The dish is especially satisfying and equally as filling from the starch of the potato and beans. The flavor is well balanced with a slight spice. The mozzarella melts over the entire dish giving a familiar desired effect to the chili verde. And at an added bonus, this dish is gluten free.
The menu at Mother Restaurant is full of salads, sandwiches, and main dishes. There is always a daily special pasta dish made with fresh pasta along with interchanging baked treats and cookies. There is house-made lemonade and iced tea, as well as Zeal Kombucha on tap.
Mother Restaurant may just convert heavy meat eaters to a more vegetable friendly diet. They have proven that vegetables can taste out-of-this-world when you give them a little love. Mother is open for lunch Monday through Friday and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed on Sundays. Much of the menu is vegan and gluten free.