The Vital Root

You would think because we are such carnivores that we are completely opposed to eating anything other than meaty dishes. Not true at all. We eat a ton of vegetables, and most of my side dishes are vegetarian and many are even vegan. The difference is that to me, they are side dishes rather than our main meal. Every now and then though, we will eat vegan as our main meal.

Last night, we went out to dinner with our friends Janet and Bob. They took us to a new restaurant they discovered in the Tennyson District of Denver. The Tennyson District is very similar to the RiNo District. Dining in the RiNo, The RiNo Art Walk The restaurant is called Vital Root. ” Vital Root is committed to keeping it real. Real ingredients. Real food. Real passion. People’s food preferences have evolved. They want alternative choices. They want healthier options. They want fun, lively, flavorful ingredients. They want a mind body connection. They don’t want limits. And they want to be inspired. Vital Root is one answer to the omnivore’s dilemma.” The food was delicious and the restaurant is all about re-using, re-purposing and recycling. It a very very unique and beautiful restaurant.

Vital Root is owned and operated by the same people who own a few other similar restaurants in the Denver area too. Vital Root is part of the family that includes Root Down, Linger, Ophelia’s, and El Five. We have now been to both Vital Root and Root Down with Janet and Bob. The food is fresh and delicious at both places, with a focus on plant based vegan and vegetarian foods. The ambiance is clean, fresh and inviting.

The menu.

Like so many new and trendy restaurants today, especially those that are calling themselves “fast-slow restaurants”, you order your food at the counter and they deliver it to your table when it is ready.

The desserts.

Once we ordered, we chose to eat in the garden patio. It is an open-aired patio area that is creatively decorated with plants growing on the wall. The wall itself is made up from old serving trays. It is very original indeed. Luckily we had just finished eating when the thunder and a bit of rain showed up. Fortunately though, neither lasted very long at all.

We started off with some “vegan chicken wings” that were actually battered and fried broccoli and cauliflower florets that came with two different sauces. They were delicious.

After our starters, it was time to enjoy the main attractions of the day. Bob ordered one of the woks, which was very colorful and tasty. I think he ordered the Indian Kitchari.

Larry ordered the Korean “BBQ” dish.

Janet and I both ordered the falafal wraps. Everything was very good, but I have to say, I liked mine the best. It was all wrapped inside a deliciously thin and crisp type of crepe.

At the end, we all decided to splurge a bit and had some desserts to share. We had a vegan tiramisu and a tahini-peanut butter cookie. Again, both were quite a treat for the taste buds and were a delight.

Whether you are a full time vegan or vegetarian or if you are just looking to try a different alternative, Vital Root is a great place to go. There is a little something for everyone. Vital Root is located at 3915 Tennyson Street, Denver, Co 80212. You can contact them either at vitalrootdenver.com or by phone at (303) 474-4131. It is some of the best “fast (SLO) food” around. While you are in the neighborhood, check out some of their other restaurants too.

Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.