On a recent visit to Woodstock, N.Y.with my husband and acouple of friends wecame across the Garden Cafe in the center of town. What we thought was a tiny cafe turned out to be a marvelous veganeatery. In fact, some of the best vegan food we have tasted for a long time.

Woodstock is known for its Hippie past, but it didn't have a vegetarian or vegan restaurant. In fact, it didn't have one at alluntil the Garden Cafe opened in 2006!

Pam Brown opened the cafe after traveling to Woodstock, NY and staying at a bed and breakfast, assuming that here of all places she would find a vegetarian eatery. She has been a vegetarian since 1968, and remembers how difficult it has been over the last 30 years, finding a place to eat. Now, with food consciousness on the rise, her life has been affected profoundly. Her menu is not just to educate the taste buds but the mind as well!

You won't find mock meats on your plate. Instead you will find fresh whole grains, tempeh, tofu, and vegetables, and it is anything but dull! The amazing fact is most of the people who frequent the Garden Cafe are not vegetarian!

You won't miss chicken orbeef here when you're reading entrees like pecan tempeh with Tuscan farro pilaf, roasted root vegetables, a sugar dumpling squash wedge and sauteed greens, or butternut squash risotto cakes with sage and pine nuts sauce, garlic and rosemary white beans, roasted cauliflower and vegetables, and so many more mouth watering dishes!

My husband and I ordered the Indian Vegetable & Chickpea Enchiladas with Bombay Sauce. It was served with curried apple coconut salad and sauteed greens. We are still talking about how wonderful it was!

Using local produce and farmproducts, you can also find delicious desserts such as dairy free ice cream made from cashews, seasonal pies sweetened with maple syrup, and more! Everything is fresh and organic!

And if you just want a snack, they have great appetizers, soups, salads, smoothies and a wonderful selection of teas. We can't wait to make a return visit!

Garden Cafe on the Green is located at 6 Old Forge Road, Woodstock, NY 12498

They are open 11:30 am to 9 pm, closed on Tuesdays.

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