On the Prowl with Tofu Cat

Purely delicious at Pura Vida!

 

 

Pura Vida

170 Euclid Ave, Downtown Cleveland, Ohio

www.PuraVidabyBrandt.com

Lunch: Mon. – Sat.  11:30am-2:00pm

Dinner: Mon. – Sat.  Starting at 4:00pm

Happy Hour: Mon. – Fri. 4-6pm

Available for private dining and catering 7 days a week

216-987-0100

Pura Vida means “Pure Life”, which is an appropriate name for this jazzy restaurant that is a feast for the eyes as well as your taste buds. Top Ohio chef Brandt Evans, of the successful Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern in Twinsburg Ohio, opened Pura Vida in June 2011 on Public Square.

During my visits, I was welcomed by the friendly staff as I enjoyed many innovative vegan selections prepared by Executive Chef Scott Coffman, who is passionate about providing diners with a creative culinary experience. Chef Scott expressed his desire to keep the menu evolving and fresh, by using many locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

A vegan menu clearly lists items along with their descriptions, available for lunch as well as the popular urban picnic/dinner menu.

The current vegan menu which changes after July includes a tempting assortment of flavorful soups, colorful salads, innovative snacks, creative entrees, and decadent desserts. There is also a chef’s daily vegan tasting option, which allows the chef to showcase his creative abilities using many local flavors on hand.

One of the highlights of Pura Vida is “The Vegan Club”, which is a fun, casual gathering that takes place the first Tuesday each month. Check Pura Vida’s website under “Happenings” to see the topic for each month, ranging from vegan wine tastings, hands on cooking, to demos and tastings featuring local farmers. It’s a great way to meet new people and learn new things in a fun interactive way.

Some of my favorite menu items include the African Peanut Stew, the spicy Tofu Banh Mi, the Brown Basmati Rice Pilaf, and my current favorite, the equally beautiful and tasty Vegan Tostada - spicy grilled tofu / avocado / sweet potato / corn / charred pineapple / chimichurri. Purrfection!

I would be remiss if I did not urge you to end (or start) your meal with the memorable vegan chocolate cake and gelato.

The color-changing LED’s create an atmosphere for the artistic food presentation that is top notch; so take a tip from Tofu Cat and experience Pura Vida for yourself!

Check www.PuraVidabyBrandt.com for private party, event hosting info and vegan menus and follow them on Facebook for updated happenings and events.

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Tofu Cat’s ratings, 1-5 paw scale:

                        

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Tofu Cat is a gifted artist, graphic designer and Healthy and Humane's restaurant aficionado!

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Volume 1, Issue 3, Posted 11:37 AM, 05.05.2013