Bites Nearby: Jolo's Kitchen

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There was a time when followers of a vegan diet—no animal products or byproducts—were relegated to bland greens and unimpressive grains. Not true any longer. Jolo Moise, chef and owner of Jolo’s Kitchen, has filled a tremendous void. One of only a handful of vegan restaurants in the Lower Hudson Valley, Jolo’s Kitchen has become somewhat of a sanctuary for vegans, the strictest sub-category of vegetarians.

With Moise as chef, a world of vegan dishes awaits all who step inside this quaint restaurant on North Avenue. For the past three years, the charming and affable Jolo has been serving an impressive menu of healthy and delicious food using fresh ingredients and surprisingly realistic “veggie-meats.” A recent New York Times review described the food as “… a constantly changing array of vegetable-, grain- and fruit-based dishes that are so delicious even meat lovers will be pleased.”

Many of the menu items at Jolo’s Kitchen are vegetable-based proteins or “mock” meats; however, if texture and aesthetics are the content criteria, you would be hard pressed to tell the real McCoy from a meat decoy.

Entrees include: Veggie Ribz, a Jolo’s best-seller, is actually soy-based and is served in a tangy mushroom sauce. Fish Stew, a soy-based vegan “fish” made with mixed vegetables and Jolo’s signature seasonings, is another crowd favorite. Ginger “Chicken” is a soy-based protein served with broccoli in a tasty ginger sauce. “It’s like being at Mom’s when you’re at Jolo’s,” claims one reviewer on yelp.

“Jolo’s kitchen is a vegan’s best friend. I am not a vegan or a vegetarian, but I love the food that Mr. Jolo prepares! I honestly cannot taste the difference between his ‘meat’ and real meat!” shared another Yelp review.

Jolo’s offers an extensive menu. All entrees are served with a starch (rice, pasta or potato) and the vegetable of the day and range in price from $8.50-$14. Soups are made daily and are available in small ($3) or large ($6) sizes. Salads, sandwiches and desserts are also available, and all are made vegan-style. Not to be missed is the juice bar, which offers raw juice, smoothies and shakes, and shots made with wheatgrass, ginger root, garlic and ginseng. Patrons can order one of Jolo’s signature three-ingredient smoothies or select their own ingredients from the selection of fresh fruits.

Like Tita de la Garza, the protagonist in Laura Esquivel’s novel Like Water for Chocolate, Jolo infuses all of his dishes with emotions. Diners are sure to absorb the love and passion that seem apparent in all of his creations.

Jolo's Kitchen is located at 412 North Ave. just beyond the Memorial Highway overpass. Opened Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1-8:30 p.m. www.joloskitchen.com