4 minute read
Thanksgiving is about family and spending time with loved ones.
And lots of meat eating. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture says over 46 million turkeys are eaten in the United States every Thanksgiving.
But if you’re vegan, there are plenty of savory options to try around the Jersey Shore. Check out these restaurants serving “turkey,” gravy and all the fixins for takeout:
Good Karma Cafe, Red Bank
This organic and vegan cafe serves several solo plates with sides, as well as desserts and a la carte dishes (no sides).
One entree available is the breaded golden friend seitan cutlet, served with mashed potatoes, gravy, candied sweet potatoes, Brussels sprout slaw, cranberry-apple chutney and country cornbread stuffing ($35). Another is the gluten-free roasted acorn squash filled with golden quinoa, cranberry, savory tempeh sausage and cornbread stuffing — plus sides of mashed potatoes, gravy, candied sweet potatoes and Brussels sprout slaw ($35).
Desserts include carrot cake, gluten-free pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate ganache cake and more. See these options, as well as more entrees and a la carte items at goodkarmacafenj.com under “Thanksgiving.”
Order by Friday, Nov. 17, and pick up by Wednesday, Nov. 22.
Go: 17 E. Front St., 732-450-8344, goodkarmacafenj.com.
Greens and Grains, Shrewsbury
Place your order online or via phone by 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, for a vegan meal that will feed two to three people for $64, plus tax.
Menu items include savory herb stuffing, mashed potatoes, golden herb gravy, green bean casserole, vegan turkey cutlets and cranberry sauce. Select desserts will be available to add on. Pick-up is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22.
Also, add on or try the Gobbl’r special any day leading up to Thanksgiving for $15.50. It includes a plant-based turk’y patty with house-made mashed potatoes, stuffing and herb gravy topped with cranberry sauce on a vegan brioche bun.
Go: 454 Shrewsbury Plaza, 732-945-6551, greensandgrains.com/location/shrewsbury-nj.
Includes Adam Sobel recipes: Here’s your go-to guide for a vegan Thanksgiving at the Jersey Shore
Kaya’s Kitchen, Belmar
This is Kaya’s 18th annual vegan Thanksgiving, celebrated with dine-in reservations (from noon to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving), as well as ample catering options.
There are several half-trays (six to eight servings) to choose from, including the Tofu Turkey or Celebration Roast (both $65), and the mashed potatoes or candied yams (both $50).
There is also a “Feast for One” that includes tofu turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy, Celebration Roast, maple ham, stuffing, candied yams, roasted vegetables, cornbread, cranberry and apple sauce ($35). Add-ons include a pint of savory gravy ($10), full pies including pumpkin and apple crumb for $45, $8 pie slices and more.
Order by Sunday, Nov. 19, for half-trays and full desserts, and Tuesday, Nov. 21, for feasts for one. Pick-up is on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 3:30 p.m.
Go: 1000 Main St., 732-280-1141, kayaskitchenbelmar.com, see the full Thanksgiving menu at facebook.com/KayasKitchen.
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Living on the Veg, Manahawkin
This coastal vegan hub has both a “plate for one” option, as well as shareable appetizers, entrees and desserts.
Plates for one include savory herbed seitan, vegan turkey gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans with almonds, and a slice of pumpkin cake ($33).
Shareable starters (three to four servings) include sweet potato bisque ($16), “crab” stuffed mushrooms ($23) and hot artichoke and spinach dip ($21).
Entrees ($16 to $32, three to four servings) include dishes like savory herbed seitan and mac and “cheese.” Add-on gravy for $11. Desserts (six to eight servings) include salted caramel apple pie bars ($22) and carrot cake loaf with coconut icing ($24).
Place orders by 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, and pick up from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22.
Go: 657 East Bay Ave. Suite 3, 609-891-2383, livingontheveglbi.com.
Thanksgiving pies (some are vegan): Jersey Shore bakeries give you lots of options
And for dessert: Vegan pies from Wild in the Treats
Choose from vegan apple or blueberry crumb, spiced pecan, pumpkin and Shoo Fly (a molasses-based pie).
Order in-store or by phone before Saturday, Nov. 18, and advise owner Tony Panzica of any food sensitivities, as all pies can be made gluten-free.
Feel free to stop by for a sample, he said.
Go: 183 First Ave., 732-872-4449, instagram.com/wildinthetreats, facebook.com/wildinthetreatsbakery.
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Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.