Phoenix area??

[sidrah]

Just seeing what is out here or the nearby area. Looking it up at the same time, but thought people might have some experiences to share. :)

[VeganMainstream]

Hi Sidrah,

I know this is an older post, but I hope you still receive this information. There is a restaurant in Tempe called the Blue Nile Cafe. They have a daily raw food menu to choose from even though the restaurant itself is not completely raw.

[walnutty]

I have this same question.

There were several that were "supposed" to open in the spring of 2010, but I cannot find anything about them now.

Also, several that were vegetarian and had raw food options have closed (probably cuz of the economy).

It's hard to believe that as big as Phoenix is that there isn't one single restaurant that caters to raw vegans or raw foodists!

Maybe I will have to open one myself!

[walnutty]

I just checked out the Blue Nile Cafe in Tempe and other than salads, I don't really see any raw items on the menu.

VeganMainstream, do you know about something that is not on the menu? If so, I would love to hear about it. Thx!

[rkk]

I live in the Phoenix area. I love Blue Nile Cafe. They have delicious extended raw foods menus on Sundays and Mondays (though a limited selection of raw food items on other days). As an example, I am attaching their raw food menu for this past weekend (Sun/Mon), although the menu changes each week. They also have the regular Ethiopian menu as well, which has a large number of cooked vegan dishes for people interested.

I have heard that someone wants to make another raw food restaurant in the Phoenix area, but don't know when that is set to open. There was another restaurant (Mandala Tea Room) that closed last year which was all vegan, and had mostly cooked entrees but a handful of raw dishes as well. I was really disappointed when that place closed as their raw food dishes were wonderful.

A number of years ago we also had a health foods grocery store which had a little cafe attached, which had a number of raw items on their menu. Unfortunately they closed as well. :-(

I am really hoping that more raw food restaurants will come to this area, as well as health food grocery stores selling raw food items (although we have Whole Foods, but not too many other places). I have been saddened to see the other places close down. Unfortunately it seems like raw businesses haven't fared too well thus far, though hopefully other restaurants might follow the Blue Nile's example and have raw menu items as a side on their regular menu and build from there. I have heard a rumor that there is a restaurant in Chandler called 24Carrots which might be having some raw items in their vegetarian restaurant which is not officially listed on their menu... but I can't confirm this as I haven't been there.

[rkk]

BLUE NILE CAFÉ
Raw/Living Foods Menu
Organic /Local Farmers
By Chef Abel

Appetizers
Baba ganoush $4.50
Zucchini pureed with sesame seed paste, lemon juice, and chipotle with a hint of garlic.
Served with vegetable crackers

Bag of Crackers to go $4.50
Variety of different organic vegetable and fruit crackers. Dine in or take it home.

Soups and Salad
Super Duper Green Soup $6.99(5oz) $7.99(7oz)
Fresh organic spinach and avocado blended to a velvety texture with herbs.

Water melon and peach Gazpacho $6.99(5oz) $7.99(7oz)
Fresh seedless watermelon, peaches and hothouse cucumbers mix with fresh herbs and spices
Hint of lemon juice.

Black eye pea Salad $8.50
Why not try a salad that offers a different mix of ingredients and a bold flavor.
Mix with sliced carrot, bean sprouts, jicama, red pepper, cabbage and beets.

Entrees
Mediterranean Pizza $11.99
Thin crust pizza with white sauce topped with red pepper, tomato, olive tapenade, pineapple, mushrooms
Sprinkled with zaatar (Middle Eastern thyme) Served with small side salad.

Shitake pesto $7.99
Invigorate Your Immune System with this simple summer dish.
Sliced shitake mushroom marinated and mixed in nut pesto.

Crispy Collard Wraps
Collard greens rolled with julienne vegetables and almond pate Served with a coconut – miso sauce $8.50

Raw yam nut burger
Yam, pumpkin seed and walnut burger served on bed of lettuce with, sweet Potato Fries and sugar snap peas. $10.99

California Onion Bread Sandwich $8.99
Fresh and tasty sandwich served with tomato, avocado, and sprouts drizzled with stone ground mustard.
Very addictive!

Healing Drink
Mean green machine smoothie $4.99
This nutritionally packed smoothie will get you pumped up for the day!!!
Lecanto kale, banana, Fuji apples, avocado and coconut water mixed in a delicious combination

Specialty Desserts
Raw Cinnamon Rolls $6.99
Nutrition packed rolls made of figs, pecans, walnuts, almonds, and dates sandwiched with layers of chocolate.
Served with a chocolate dipped strawberry.

Blueberry Pie $6.99
Antioxidant-rich, juicy blueberries delicately spiced with a hint of vanilla bean are topped with a hearty dessert crumble crust. Crust is made with pecans, raisins, dates, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Prepared on-site by guest chef, Dana Cowans.

Chocolate Fudge Cookies $4.50
Divine raw organic chocolate fudge is sandwiched between two cookie crusts to form a delightful cookie experience. Crust is created with pecans, dates, and a pinch of cacao nibs, coconut, and sea salt. Just the right size to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Banana Ice Cream $5.99
This scrumptious, cool treat is served with a healthy dose of raw chocolate syrup -- a beautiful light dessert.
Perfect treat

Raw Chocolate Bars $2.00
Two layers of raw delight: nutty layer and velvety chocolate. In four different flavors: orange spice, peanut butter crunch, caramel, and fresh mint. Note: Peanut butter has roasted peanuts.

Go to www.meetup.com/bluenilecafe to view weekly raw menu.
Also, we’re now offering “Boxed” Raw Entree
packages for the entire week.
We will be offering Raw Food Classes in June. Stay posted on our website.

[walnutty]

Thanks, rkk!

[Chelz]

I had their ceasar salad and baha burrito (that I have the recipe for.) They were both good. My only complaint is that I did not like the croutons.

There's also Pomegranate Cafe.

[mamamelly]

My husband and I were just talking last night how we need a raw food restaurant in Phoenix!! Crazy that the city is as large as it is, and still one hasn't been able to stick around. For those of you in the phoenix area, do any of you know about any raw food potlucks or meetups? Trying to find others in the area that I can network with and share with. :) Thanks in advance.