New vegan restaurant “Graze” to open next month in Vancouver

Update: Opening date is set for May 15, 2013.

Early next month, diners will have another reason to add more veggies to their diets with the opening of Vancouver’s newest plant-based casual fine dining spot, Graze. Taking over the old Fray space at 3980 Fraser, the restaurant will offer comforting classics with inventive gluten-free and vegan twists.

A passion project from Bridget Burns, founder of TheVeganProject.com, and investor Michael Lyons, Graze will feature a completely meat and dairy-free menu by Executive Chef Karen McAthy (W2 Café, Good Girl Bad Girl Preserves). Highlights include pickled beet fries and gluten-free perogies stuffed with artichoke and cauliflower and tossed in toasted almond and wild nettle pesto. The bar program will continue the vegan theme, offering high quality spirits, a progressive wine list, cocktails made with fresh ingredients (think vegan caesars) and local craft beers.

“Our goal with Graze is to add to the growing opinion that plant-based restaurants can offer a satisfying, high quality dining experience,” says Burns. “We want it to be a destination for diners of all kinds, not just vegans and vegetarians.”

Sustainability is a governing theme at Graze, with greener options favoured in food, beverages and operations whenever possible. Value is also important – nothing on the menu passes the $20 mark.

Graze plant-based eatery opens at 3980 Fraser Street in East Vancouver in early May 2013. The 85-seat restaurant will be open for dinner and weekend brunch. Follow Graze on Facebook for updates and the official grand opening announcement.

Written and researched by Jessica Grajczyk, a night-out columnist at Tangoo and contributor to Vancity Buzz. Connect with Jessica on Twitter @JessGrey or visit www.jessicagrey.com.

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