• 4
• Comfy, laid back atmosphere.

Once again I found myself in Utica, New York. But unlike my last stay i determined to find someplace to eat using my Happy Cow guide.As there were no vegan or vegetarian restaurants in the city, I opted for Tramontane, as it looked like a promising alternative. The location was not quite in the downtown areas, but neither was it too far out. I found it fairly easily, but was surprised at first by its rather unassuming exterior. As soon as I walked through the door though I knew that i was in my type of place. The walls were covered in posters, and album covers, and other eye catching pictures. There were tables and chairs, and cushion seats, and a small stage with an upright piano. (I discovered that they regularly featured live music.) the girls at the counter, and the owner who sat at a chair nearby, all seemed friendly and inviting. I asked about there vegan options, and then decided once again, on a veggie burger. As they did not have a fryer, I choose some veggie chips on the side, and a Dads root beer to wash it down with. I noticed that there were piles of cookies and muffins on the counter and asked if any of them were Vegan. I was told that all the ones with a heart symbol were egg and dairy free. Which got me excited. and already planning my post dinner desert. As I waited for my meal to be prepared I walked about looking at everything on the walls, and chatted with the staff. When i saw a poster of Dylan, I mentioned to the owner that Blood on the Tracks was one of my all time favorite albums. A few minutes later what should I hear above me somewhere but the opening chords of Tangled up in Blue. A kindly gesture towards me by the owner, which I appreciated. I sat down in one of the comfy cushioned chairs, and shortly my meal arrived. The Veggie Burger looked more like a sandwich, and was smallish in size, and the amount of chips seemed to me somewhat meager. But to be sure it all tasted good, and seemed wholsome enough. I finished it off, and as the portions had been small, ordered a coffee and some vegan sweets pronto. The coffee came in a very large mug, and tasted delicious. The sweets as well hit the spot. When I had done and got up to pay the owner again surprised me by not charging for the sweets. In return I left a larger then normal tip. I left, maybe not 100% impressed, but by no means entirely disappointed neither. The staff were kind, the atmosphere relaxing, and the meal tasty, if not very generous. I would certainly go back again