Go Veggies has arrived on Elmwood Avenue (see history). Well, almost Elmwood Avenue. It’s actually just a couple doors off the main drag on Bryant Street, just around the corner from Epic, Tuscany on Main and the Nickel City Cheese and Mercantile. Restaurant owner Genga Ponnampalam has opened the doors and is pan frying some healthy veggie burgers that not only taste great, but will make you feel great. Are you in the mood for a spicy mushroom burger with mango curry salsa? If so, Genga has got you covered. Or maybe you’re in the mood for a lettuce wrap? If so, he’s got that too.
If you’re not familiar with the way Genga does business, then all you need to know is that he is in the business of cutting out the garbage (that is in just about everything we eat) and serving up healthy homemade goodness. His burgers aren’t held together with fillers such as bread crumbs (or other binders). In fact, you can actually see the five or six ingredients that make up the different varieties – ingredients such as carrots and peas. You won’t find any ketchup or mustard to bury the flavors either. Go Veggies does not serve up an Americanized veggie burger that looks like a Big Mac. If you’re looking for that sort of thing, I wouldn’t suggest eating elsewhere. “My burgers have no additives or salt. They are especially good for breakfast,” Genga told me. “If you look at the daily diet of Americans, it’s not healthy. Go Veggies has no sides [of fries or rings, or anything saturated in grease or oil], but you can get a veggie roll to go along with your veggie burger. Or a lettuce wrap. We pan fry the burgers with light oil and don’t use soy products – the cooking process retains the vitamins and if you are a fan of condiments, then try one of our homemade sauces (such as the mango curry salsa). When you can actually taste the veggies, then you know that you are eating healthy. Even our rolls are heathy and homemade and we also have gluten free options.”
For anyone looking to prepare a Go Veggies meal at home, you can pick up packaged Go Veggies burgers, wraps, soups, etc. at the Bryant Street restaurant or the Bidwell Farmers’ Market. The prices for all of the meals are under $5 because Genga is able to cut out the middle man. While the restaurant may appear stark at this point, more furniture, decorations and some meditative music is on the way. In the end, Go Veggies is a cafe (yes, there is coffee) and a healthy burger joint with all-natural sides. For those looking to stay away from the daily grinder, I suggest stopping in for a satisfying treat. After all, you are what you eat.
Go Veggies Cafe and Mini Market
264 Bryant Street
Buffalo NY 14222
716-908-2778
www.GoVeggies.com – Visit the website for lunch hours of operation.