Being a "health freak"-yes some people have actually used that phrase to describe me- I've dabbled in the raw preparation of food and it's something I'm a fan of so when Pure on Raw opened up, I couldn't wait to try it out. Eating food in it's freshest natural state ensures all nutrients are retained in the dish, so it's much healthier. Adding that most recipes avoid using refined carbs and sugars makes it even better and perfect for the health conscious.
I am intolerant to lactose and gluten intolerant so eating out can be very tricky.
These are a couple of reasons why I was incredibly excited to try this restaurant out..I'd be able to eat everything!
It was grey and rainy and I was searching Shalesmoor, outside of town when I saw it. From the outside it kind of looks like those protein muscle powder shake stores with it's bright pink banner and bold font that promises you can lose weight by eating here. I thought that was a bit off putting. Inside it's light and more clean with white walls and wicker lampshades. There are numerous health boosting food items for sale such as kale chips, agave syrup and raw virgin coconut oil plus pamphlets about vegans, the danger of vitamin pills plus details about the restaurant, you get the picture.
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| pure on raw, menu |
It took a while for the server to talk to me as she was on the phone chatting away for a few minutes, I didn't mind but it's not something I would ever do if someone walked into the cafe where I worked.
She pointed to a menu, still on the phone which I looked at. After her conversation with her phone friend, she talked me through what they had. I was impressed to see they make their own almond milk on site. I was slightly disappointed to see that they had regular "cooked" items on the menu such as banana pancakes and ciabatta sandwiches. So I couldn't eat everything. I still had plenty of choice though.
I started off with an almond milk hot chocolate whilst I waited for my friends. It was pretty good. Once my friends arrived we chatted, listened to the 90's pop classics they were playing which brought back memories (shola ama and sixpence non the richer). Rosie had a carrot, nut milk, banana and cinnamon smoothie which was almost as big as her and mike drank a cappucino with cold healthy coffee and something else, he said it was very sweet. Rosie loved her smoothie though.
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| Rosie with her carrot smoothie |
About twenty minutes later our food arrived and the presentation was beautiful. I must admit, I've never had a cold soup in September before but once I tasted it, it was so full of flavour. It was actually one of the best soups I've ever eaten. The little "pizza" buckwheat squares with cashew cheese and nut loaf topping were really tasty too. Plus I also had my first ever kale crisps which I enjoyed more than regular crisps as I'm not much of a fan of those.
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| soup and "pizza" |
Rosie gave me some of her sweet pepper "pasta" which was light and also flavour packed. After I finished my main, I quickly ordered some of the mocha pie with clementine ice cream before my body registered it was full.
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| vegetable pasta |
That dessert was seriously one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten. It was silky and rich, without being sickly and that ice cream was just beautiful. This whole meal more than made up for the dodgy sign and phone greeting!
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| raw mocha pie with clemetine ice cream |
I can't wait to go back here again. I love their food so much, it's a shame that they are in the middle of nowhere really otherwise I think they'd do really well. I stuffed my face, ate way more than my friends and didn't feel bloated or heavy at all. I felt so energised that I walked around town for a bit then all the way home. Total bill came to £16 which isn't bad for a guilt-free treat. If anyone thinks vegan food is boring then I would love to introduce them to this restaurant. I would eat anything off their menu over a steak any day. They also open Friday and Saturday nights which makes me happy.
Food 10/10
Service 7/10
Value 8/10
