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Openings Mon Jan 25 2010
Karyn's on Green - Veganism Gets a Makeover
"Veganism isn't just for the granolas anymore." This may or may not have been the exact way the Karyn put it - we were well into a great bottle of Shiraz-Cabernet at this point - but the gist is the same. However you put it, Karyn's latest - Karyn's on Green - is anything but granola.
Virtually everything about our evening at Karyn's went right. To start, parking was a snap, as we got a spot within about five steps of the Greektown spot. We were greeted with warms smiles, generous compliments, and a quick offer to take our coats. The décor is very chic - earth-toned colors, high ceilings, subtle lighting, and minimalist table settings perfectly accented with a bit of glamour (the chandeliers really caught my eye). The ambience and look of the place was just perfect for our girls' night out (and sadly I forgot my camera!).
Karyn's on Green is the third of her vegan restaurants in the city, although this menu includes both cooked and raw options with a slightly upscale bent. We loved the soy butter with rosemary that accompanied the rolls, and yes, the wine, which came from a long list of sustainable drinks, was delicious. A number of the salads were tempting, but, worried that they might not be enough, I ordered the pasta - a raw dish in which the "pasta" was made of zucchini and yellow squash, toped with fresh vegetables and tossed with olive oil, garlic, and basil. Although the garlic was slightly overpowering, the dish was enjoyably unique and light. The butternut squash soup, which my friend ordered, was beautifully garnished and perfectly delicious (or so I hear), although the maki rolls were a bit too spicy for her taste. The wait staff was entirely attentive to say the least, terrifically warm, and eager to help.
As the meal concluded over a completely flavorful bananas foster Karyn stopped by and offered to buy us a drink at the upstairs bar overlooking the dining area. (The woman certainly lends credence to her raw/vegan/healthful lifestyle - she's stunning! And oh-so stylish.) The bar tenders immediately poured us each a splash of champagne - a bar tender after my heart. After inquiring about our favorite drinks, we were presented with a stiff cocktail of gin, champagne, and basil (possibly lime and sugar, too). Wonderful conversation ensued, and the night was officially a success all around.
Well, so long as you discount the 11pm frozen pancakes purchased at Jewel our way home.
