Speak up!
Om Garden's Rainbow Roll: carrot, beet, cucumber, avocado, baby greens, mango and figs with balsamic syrup.
| Average rating based on 2 reviews. |
|
What you said
 |
I have become so addicted to Om Garden - I try to bring all of my friends and family - even those who are NOT veg friendly. So far, they all fall in love with the amazing food and keep coming back too.... Read more
|
What a find; and, what a wonderful, tasty surprise downstairs as well as upstairs. The corner building has been transformed into a garden of earthly delights. ... Read more
First Look: Om Garden
Member rating:
By Tracy Block
The Goods: Finally, vegans have a place to call home. Om Garden is a cozy little nook on the outskirts of Brickell. Enter the less-than-a-month-old cafe and find yourself surrounded by an all-intoxicating green environment. From the sea foam green walls to the meticulously placed bamboo, you're greeted by the words "Om Shanti Om," translation: "Peace for all living beings." A plethora of enviro-friendly products are on display for purchase, from candles to teas to wellness books. In time, patrons can expect a complete line of Om Garden products including essential oils, shampoos and snacks, among other boutique items the Om Garden team will go through great lengths to approve.
A self-proclaimed vegan, 46-year-old catering vet Dionette Kalkhofer (Mozart's Café and Dos Amigas) underwent an epiphany eight months ago while sipping Brazil nut milk at the upstairs Brickell cafe Lifefood Gourmet. "I felt the food in its natural state for the first time, so light and pure it brought me to my knees," Kalkofer said. Since that day, she said her vegan vows and set up shop directly beneath Lifefood Gourmet. Om Garden is an equally shared partnership between Kalkhofer, raw food chef Irina Ivkina and raw food and dessert chef Cynthia Olmsted, and was born simply out of love. "What our culture and universe is lacking is love," Kalkhofer said. "There is such a need for beautiful and uplifting life energy." The love you are greeted with is the same love that goes into the creation of every dish. "When your food is being prepared, Cynthia creates mantras. She is saying a prayer to pass onto you while you are eating," Kalkhofer said.
The Grub: Boasting a slew of salubrious foods prepared hourly, the organic, Mediterranean, vegan-style plates are gluten-free and designed to improve health and quality of life. Grab a bar stool along the casual counter and prepare for a fresh feast, or browse the list of juice blends and smoothies for a quick fix.
Kick off your Om Garden experience with a pot of organic steeped tea; the Jasmine Pearl green tea is a nurturing alternative to happy hour. For starters, dig into select raw deli salads. Try the chilled Blessed Broccoli & Cheddar, a suitable alternative to broccoli cheese soup, light to the taste, or earthy Mystical Mushr-Oms, stuffed with pine nut cheese and finished with pesto. Salads are also offered up platter-style, encouraging diners to share a sampler of different tastes. Hummus enthusiasts: snatch up that pita and go to town on the Mediterranean Plate. The smooth, zesty authentic blend of the chickpeas is paired with the revitalizing tabouli and tender falafel.
For a new play on a healthy fave, try the hearty Happy Cow Veggie Burger, a moist marriage of quinoa, flaxseed and chickpeas topped with baby greens, tomato and sprouts with an eggplant tahini drizzle, substituting whole grain pita for the bun. A side that puts veggie fried rice to shame, Om Rice plays off the traditional concept, sautéed with sprouts, onions and carrots. Satisfy that sweet tooth - prepared in-house, try Olmsted's Aphrodisiac Chocolate, a concoction of blueberry and lavender-infused raw chocolates alongside must-have maca balls, a harmonious blend of goji berries, dates, coconut and agave nectar: a bite-sized cakey creation to seal the deal.
The Verdict: Whether it's an epiphany, wellness or sheer curiosity that leads you to the door, let Om Garden take hold as your new healthy addiction.
Om Garden, 379 SW 15th Rd; 305-856-4433; open Tues-Sun, noon-10 p.m.
Eaten here? Leave a review!
Published: 7/08
