Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

On our recent trip to Florida, Sandy and I found ourselves in Palm Coast, headed toward St Augustine. Because I had never been in this area, I did a Happy Cow search to check out our veg options for lunch. Much to my delight there were almost too many vegetarian and vegan restaurants to choose from. We chose the Present Moment Cafe in St Augustine.

It is a light and airy cafe offering sensational raw, organic food. They begin with breakfast and serve all day through dinner and dessert. They have raw juices,  beer, wine and Kombucha.  They create edible art then serve it in an atmosphere that is soft and restful.

The menu is varied and has unique offerings like raw Creamy White Truffle Pesto zucchini pasta  and the Land and Sea Salad Plate. The day we joined them I ordered the Tacos of Life and Sandy chose one of the specials, zucchini noodles tossed in a spicy, sunflower butter sauce.

Both dishes were even better than I could have hoped for. I couldn’t envision tasting food like this because it was yet to happen. My expectations were eviscerated.  The pine-nut chili walnut puree tacos were top heavy with guacamole, fresh salsa and three of the most exotic toppers, coconut sour cream, jalapeno vinaigrette and smokey raw nacho cheese. Served with corn chips, they were the raw tacos that all other raw tacos aspire to be. Both dishes were enough to convince me to purchase their cookbook, Handmade in the Present Moment in an effort to replicate some of this joy at home.

After a meal like that it would seem criminal to leave without tasting dessert but I was just too full.  Sandy ordered the cinnamon ice cream topped with caramel while  I swore I was way too full. When it came I had a teeny taste then turned into a rabid dog. I thought she might have to take her sundae to the car but I reeled it in.

Wow. The food was stunning, the service was kind, genuine and the prices were less than could be expected for the quality of food they provide. I can’t wait to join them again. Next time I’ll order the ice cream first. 

Have a delicious day.

Tags: Florida raw food restaurant, Florida vegan restaurant, Handmade in the Present Moment, Present Moment Cafe, St. Augustine vegan restaurant, vegan restaurant review, vegan travel, vegan wannabe