EIGHT AROUND THE STATE
Plant Based Plant-based diets are rising in popularity, with a record number of people choosing to eat vegan in 2020. In response, many restaurants have created menus that include delicious vegetable-forward dishes filled with various flavors and textures. Albuquerque, in particular, has a rapidly growing vegan scene and several Instagram accounts dedicated to finding the goods. We’ve rounded up a list of establishments that serve highly rated plant-based dishes, so whether you’re a vegan or vegetarian, or just want to include a few more veggies in your diet, you’ll discover many local options from which to choose. This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you have the lowdown on the best vegan eats in your city or county, drop us a line, and we will be sure to check them out.
MATA G VEGETARIAN KITCHEN What we are eating: Moroccan bowl with eggplant garbanzo stew, saffron couscous, and garlic-tofu-andvegetable kabob; matcha cookie; and black bean brownie. Worth noting: Mata G is a vegetarian restaurant with many vegan options. They specialize in grab-and-go and you can find many of their items at various markets and institutions around the state. Mata G also offers a daily special of hot entrées served at the counter, each inspired by international cuisine—Asian, Italian, Lebanese, Indian, Moroccan, and Mexican. Find: 116 Amherst SE, Albuquerque, 505-266-6374, mata-g.com
FARMESILLA What we are eating: Hand-rolled sweet potato flautas with green cabbage, avocado, and serrano slaw. Worth noting: The deli and grab-and-go case complement FARMesilla’s core: utilizing many of the hundreds of local items, including produce, meat, eggs (chicken and quail), cheese, raw milk, salsas, spices, jellies, and more. The menu is simple and changes daily depending on the ingredients available and in season. There are always vegan options on the menu, and it is easy to adjust most dishes to vegan only. They carry several local beers and wines on tap, and you can enjoy your meal on their beautiful patio. Find: 1840 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces, farmesilla.com
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edible New Mexico | EARLY SUMMER 2021
