This blog was written by Anna Braddy. Anna is a Council Bluffs native and is currently interning for the City of Council Bluffs.
You may have wondered what vegetarian and vegan options Council Bluffs offers. Well, so have I, and here are seven options for fellow Veggie-lovers in the area!
712 eat + drink
712 eat + drink has lots to offer the local vegetarians, with at least one option in every section of their menu.
For starters, their Elote Fries include crispy fries topped with corn off the cob, jalapeño for a hint of spice, and fontina and cotija cheese with tajin aioli and chili powder to finish off the perfect spin on the classic Mexican street food.
The Beet + Goat Cheese Salad (pictured above) begins with a hearty blend of mixed greens tossed with a beet vinaigrette & balsamic glaze finished with roasted beet, pickled shallot, juicy marinated fig, pistachio-grana padano crumb, and pistachio-crusted goat cheese. This salad is a unique yet harmonious combination of ingredients and a balanced set of flavors.
The Couscous is a delectable grain salad with mixed greens, tomato, red onion, artichoke, and tangy yet salty feta cheese tossed with an Italian herb dressing.
The Veggie is not your average sandwich. Built on white bread with layers of butternut squash, portobello mushroom, rich caramelized onion, tomato for a punch of acid, spinach, and Havarti cheese.
Tastee Treet
Tastee Treet, a Council Bluffs summer classic, has options for vegetarians and vegans alike.
At the top of the list has to be the fan favorite, Dole Whip (pictured above). With a rotating weekly flavor, this fruity sweet treat is perfect for vegans any day, especially those hot summer days. They're closed for the season, but keep an eye out for their opening date so you can enjoy this delicious treat!
Stella & Irene's Cafe & Boutique
The saying, "we eat first with our eyes," is as true as ever at Stella & Irene's Cafe & Boutique. Both beautiful and delicious, the cafe has much to offer vegetarians.
The Lemoyne & Mint brunch item (pictured above) includes two moist crepes indulged with sweet wild berries, handcrafted fruit compote, fresh cream, and dressed with fresh mint sprigs and sour lemon curd.
Granola Me, Please! is a base of honey greek yogurt topped with fresh berries and sliced banana, sprinkled with chef's choice granola, and dusted with powdered sugar.
Stella & Irene's Steaming Hot Oatmeal is a classic with warm, old-fashioned oats mixed with sweet brown sugar served with raisins, a dab of butter, and cream. On the side, slices of orange and fresh berries complete an exemplary breakfast.
The Greek Goddess Salad includes hearty spinach, fresh cucumber, avocado, red onion, tomato, and a savory, creamy feta spread; all served on a light buttery croissant.
Mercy Thai Restaurant
New to the area, Mercy Thai Restaurant brings a generous selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Rad Nad has a base of rice noodles cooked with a harmonious blend of baby corn, soybeans, egg, Chinese broccoli, and tofu. Rad Nad Me Krop is slightly different from the previous dish, with yellow noodles instead of rice noodles. The Pad Thai begins with rice noodles mixed with bean sprouts, pad thai sauce, peanuts, scallions, egg, garlic, and tofu. This dish combines fresh, spicy, tart, and sweet flavors.
Veg.Edible
Veg.Edible is a Kitchen Council Restaurant completely vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free, and with no tree nuts (except coconut). Kitchen Council is housed with Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE) in the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center and is a food start-up and entrepreneur program.
Catch this delicious, inclusive food at a Chef around the Block Pop-Up Shop throughout the month. Veg.Edible is not a brick-and-mortar store; however, they offer free pick up at Kitchen Council or Natural Grocers parking lot (no affiliation with Natural Grocers). As well as these two fantastic options, they also have direct delivery.
But Wait! There's More
These are only a few of the restaurants that have vegan/vegetarian options in Council Bluffs. Check out our eat page for more dining options!
About the Author:
This blog was written by Anna Braddy. Anna is a Council Bluffs native and is currently interning for the City of Council Bluffs Communication Director, Ashley Kruse.
