I brought in 2017 under the sun and palm trees of South Florida, recharging both mentally and physically. I spent my days working out, absorbing the rays by the pool, reading and preparing delicious foods filled with antioxidants and nutrients. I am lucky as my sister lives in the sunshine state and also has taken to health food practices. We had smoothie bowls for breakfast daily, drank turmeric concoctions and explored some great vegan restaurants.

I remember when I first became a vegetarian over 15 years ago, it was almost impossible to find a vegan or vegetarian restaurant! I ate more pasta primavera and eggplant parmesan than I care to admit, I even recall going to a restaurant and eating a baked potato and a salad as there were no other options for us 'weird' eaters.

It became a mission of mine to scope out strictly vegetarian restaurants whenever I traveled to a larger city as I was fascinated by the idea that so many people wanted to eat healthy plant based foods (especially before it became as popular as it is now). Some favorites included Greens in San Francisco, Vita Cafe in Portland, Leaf in Boulder, Vertical Diner in Salt Lake City, Dellz Uptown in Charleston which I could honestly eat every single day, Pure Food & Wine in NYC and The Other Side Cafe in Boston (both sadly closed now). As the years went by, healthful food became more popular and even smaller cities started adding either vegetarian options or vegetarian restaurants to their line up, even high end restaurants began to offer vegetarian tasting menus, Agern in New York being the most comprehensive, flavorful and unique one that I have experienced thus far. It makes me beyond excited that now when I travel there are so many options to choose from, all offering exciting, flavorful creations.

On my trip to Fort Lauderdale I finally got to try Green Bar & Kitchen! I had been eyeing up the place on a number of earlier trips and couldn't wait to try their offerings, which were all so delightful that it was difficult to choose, good thing my sister and I both love to eat. The cafe itself is bright and airy, with large windows and long, high tables with an awesome outdoor eating area as well. You order at the counter, take a number and they deliver your food. Among their wonderful food options of salads, bowls, sandwiches, and snacks they also have a small baked goods section, local beers and wines, and house made kambucha.

We started off with a new special, vegetable hushpupies filled with beets, carrots, and more served with a spicy mayo that was divine. These were delicious, perfectly crispy and paired excellently with the sauce.

We then ordered the Buffalo Tempeh and the GBK Deluxe Burger to share so that we could experience both options. The burger was tasty, nothing over the top but still pretty good but that buffalo tempeh was amazing! It was spicy, hearty, messy and oh so delicious. On the way out we grabbed a donut and a coconut chocolate chip cookie for the later and devoured them later that night.

Overall, the Green Bar & Kitchen offered a great atmosphere, delicious food and friendly service. I highly recommend it and can't wait to try some of their other options! Check it out next time you are in the Fort Lauderdale area.