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EAT & DRINK

Originally published on Tuesday, 22 April 2008

Raw Appeal

I can't remember the last time there was a buzz about a restaurant, let alone a vegan one, like the one there is about Saf.

Like a hip little beansprout, it reared its organic head in Shoreditch a few weeks ago but with very little song and dance.

Mark my words the place will be teaming with Stellas and Gwyneths any minute now.

Described as 'botanical fine-dining', created by Chad Sarno who is known as The Raw Chef, the food here is all very LA. No wheat, no dairy, just perfectly-crafted, saintly items like beetroot ravioli with cashew herb ricotta and mushroom croquettes with truffle Alfredo, that would convert even the most hardcore cholesterol junkie.

And the cocktails, courtesy of New Yorker Joe McCanta, are something else, too - his Bloody Mary made with organic horseradish vodka and harissa has more kick than the Folies Bergere, and I've heard the Julian, made with blueberry gin, lime and mint, is to die for.

I may be a triple-cooked chip-loving carnivore but there's something about the food and drinks at Saf that make you feel all vital and tingly, a refreshing change from lamb shanks, pork belly and all that Rioja I've been consuming recently.

Dude, I can almost feel a yoga regime coming on!

Saf - 152 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, EC2A 3AT
020 7613 0007

by SL

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Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved.

 
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