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• Vegan Paradise

What a spectacular find. This little gem of a restaurant is nestled unobtrusively in a strip mall off Rt. 9 in Toms River, but boy oh boy, as a vegan, I felt as though I had been transported to some gastronomic utopia upon being seated and opening my menu! Choices, choices, and more CHOICES! (Have I mentioned I had choices?) We were in town for our wedding, and had our vegan caterer fell through on us. After attempting to contact a few places, we had all but given up on getting any hot food that I would be able to enjoy for our reception, and then I stumbled upon this place here on HappyCow. Oh, what a find! First of all, the owner, Paul, is a sweetheart of the highest degree. He is friendly, knowledgeable, and so wonderfully accommodating. He is the type of restaurant owner who genuinely cares about his customers experiences. We spoke at a distance until our arrival in Jersey, and then went to dinner to try out the food the next evening. My best friend, fiance, and I went, and it was such a pleasure to dine at a restaurant where we could all eat happily and comfortably. I didn't have to search the menu for the one thing I could eat or ingredients in other dishes I might be able to ask them to use something edible for a vegan. I got my very own menu! There is a "regular" menu, a vegan, and a gluten-free, with everything labeled for ease. The waitstaff was friendly and helpful, and their gluten-free bread is to die for! I had one of the best meals I have had in some time - the vegan eggplant parmesan made with Daiya cheese. It wasn't overly sauced or loaded with the "cheese", but perfectly balanced for a blissful culinary experience. My husband was so excited to see me so happy with my meal, he insisted we go back the next day for lunch. That wasn't enough, and the night before our wedding, we took our friends and headed back. One of my friends is not only a vegetarian, but has a host of crazy food allergies. Paul came out himself, large bag of Daiya and box of breadcrumbs in hand so that he could help her navigate the ingredient list. THe eggplant parm that we ordered for our wedding was a huge hit - by people all along the dietary spectrum - including two lactose intolerant friends who were thrilled not to have to take a pill in order to enjoy their food. It would be impossible for me to say enough nice things about this place. Worth the trip from anywhere! My only complaint is we live in Denver, and it's just too far for takeout!