My vegetarian experience is no longer zero.

I'm not a vegetarian. If you have read the post "The 5 reasons of what influences what and why" you know that. And I am not one because I avoid thinking about it. I think that is the only reason. For now, I want to continue being like one of those children who believes that milk comes from the supermarket. The day when I allow someone to show me the atrocities that animals are subjected to (and I will leave it this way) so that the plastic wrapped, pretty and shapeless food I buy looks that way, I will surely change the course of the way I feed.

Just the other day I let myself think about the pre-historic man, his habits and compare them with the ones we have today. I got confused... this evolution and (de)evolution business is way bigger than it appears... But this post wont approach this... maybe another day...

I haven't been in a vegetarian restaurant for ages. And I really mean ages. Lots of them. At a time where little was to be heard about these types of places, before the organic boom... I was not made a fan. And I didn't come back. That restaurant still exists and I plan on coming back now. More informed, more prepared, more available. More able to choose, maybe!

I had dinner plans, and I just knew it had to be in a vegetarian place. The probability of a non-vegetarian to get away in one of these is higher than the contrary, despite of all the trends...

So, we went.

I, when in good company, rather eat in a great food place than in a pretty and well decorated one. The latter may fail the mission of feeding this body of mine, which, as connoisseurs know, is no easy task. Don't be fooled, I like "living large".

I parked the car near Avenida da Liberdade, and we went, without reservations, on a Friday night...well, I must say, risking it all. We climbed up to praça da Alegria and stopped outside Planeta Bio. We had other options, but without knowing why, I assumed it would be there.

There were a few tables occupied, but it had room for us.

The overall space is empty. At least that is the feeling I have now, but in fairness everything else was quite good. So, it is of little importance that the space wasn't comfortable, when the time spent there was so enjoyable.

Like I've mentioned before, I rather enjoy picking on every bit of food that arrives at the table, my order or not, which can sometimes be harsh on the actual owner of the plate. And in this respect, this is the ideal restaurant for people like me. (Yes, I'm not the only one with this feature!). Here's why:

You can order a plate with a bit of everything! Isn't it wonderful? I was for me!

I tried the seitan stroganoff, the tofu moqueca, the eggplant rolls with yoghurt sauce and the vegetable ratatouille... For sides, I ordered some couscous and salad, but I was able to steal some of the integral rice that was offered as alternative.

Everything was, no exceptions, delicious. The couscous was unbeatable and of couscous, I assure you, I have had experience for over 30 years!

It was just all very well made and tasty and I am very very picky!

When the dinner was brought, the waiter laid on the table a vinegar that we "simply had to taste". It was a blueberry vinegar and, indeed, it would be a crime not to savour. It is hard to surpass expectations at this rate, which at the time, truth be told, I had rooted in. I was divested in the moment someone challenged me to drink a beetroot juice, "no questions asked"!

I have been fighting for months with my not liking of beetroot. "They say" it is so good for you and here I am, unable to take any in. Almost to the point I rather eat grass.

And now I realize that all is not lost!

In the juice there was apple, carrot, orange and beetroot and let me tell you, someone discovered the magic formula to get people like me finally able to eat the stuff that tastes just like the smell of wet dirt. The juice is the type you wish would not end, beautiful too, that the sneaky beetroot has its ways and charms to persuade you!

I still took a glimpse to the sweets, but I was at a point of rolling out of there...

If there was only a mixed desserts plate, (I leave here the suggestion!) Maybe they had me convinced, but I resisted, although the image of chocolate mousse took its time in my head, resisting to leave.

The people who wait you, and how they treat the clients, is of the upmost importance. The intelligence and sensitivity of being reserved and knowing the right moment to make suggestions, to laugh, to intervene can be scarce or misinterpreted as "overstepping". Even the arrogant way to approach costumers that I usually refer as "arrogância saloia" (there are things that should not be translated, look it up!). I was waited with an evolution of sentiments. First distance, substituted with a care eye and then surpassed by friendliness. But never overstepping.

This is not a restaurant that needs a second chance, even if I am overrating it because of the company and life's conjectures, but there will opportunities to spare of writing about it, if I ever feel I was wrong.

And no, there was no chef's signature and a side of soy sauce, no! There were no lit candles on top of the table, no! The towel, I think it was made of paper as well as the napkins. And to be honest, I haven't thought about it until just now!

#zomato #restaurant #lisbon #tippingpoint #blog #foodie