Celebrate Twenty Years with Cafe Flora

This carnivore isn’t easily impressed by vegetarian food, but has had some eye-opening surprises since moving to Seattle. In the Asian food arena, visits to Bamboo Garden (the Queen Anne restaurant) and Araya’s Vegetarian Place have been satisfying. The former relies heavily on fake meat substitutions, while the latter makes vegetables pop with flavor.

I’ve also enjoyed the food and recipes of Seattle local Michael Natkin, whose new cookbook, Herbivoracious: A Flavor Revolution with 150 Vibrant and Original Vegetarian Recipes, is well worth checking out. (His next Seattle appearance is June 19 at Book Larder.)

I recall that Natkin, who I believe is destined to open his own restaurant, did an internship at Cafe Flora several years ago. Cafe Flora is another place where I’ve enjoyed terrific vegetarian food, which they’ve now been serving for two decades.

To commemorate the milestone, Cafe Flora will celebrate its twentieth anniversary by hosting a special gala on Saturday, June 2. Since Cafe Flora has been a leader in utilizing local, organic, and sustainable produce and herbs, event guests will enjoy a farmers market-style event that will showcase the growers and vendors, including:

• Airfield Estates
• Alexandria Nicole Cellars
• Big Al Brewery
• Columbia City Bakery
• Foraged and Found
• Full Circle Farms
• Growing Washington
• Local Roots
• Oola Distillery
• Oxbow Farm
• Remedy Teas
• Rockridge Orchard Cider
• Stumptown Coffee

Cafe Flora chefs will prepare food using local vendor produce, while local wine and beer will be available. Ticket options include early VIP admission (5-6 pm) with special anniversary cocktails, while all attendees will enjoy live music and gifts along with food and beverages. (Pictured, above, is the Portobello Wellington, a mainstay of the menu.) Proceeds from the event will benefit the Bailey-Boushay House, also celebrating 20 years, with a stated mission “To provide exceptional care to people with HIV disease, promoting their health, well-being and functional independence.”

Photos courtesy of Cafe Flora.