Garden Grille Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Rob Yaffe

Owner Garden Grille

Rhode Island’s First

Rob Yaffe opened Garden Grille in 1996. It’s forerunner, the Golden Sheaf, was opened by Rob’s mother, Erna, and operated from 1971 to the mid 1990’s. “The Golden Sheaf was an amazing place – it was the first health food community in Providence,” says Yaffe. “

You can trace the inspiration for both The Golden Sheaf & The Garden Grille back to Yaffe’s grandmother, Reggie.

Reggie was a devout vegetarian who practiced yoga and ate a strict raw vegetable diet right up into her 80’s. She met and studied with Ann Wegmore of Theorcates Society and the legendary J. Krishnamturti.

Newly Renovated Interior

Fast forward to 2021 (post pandemic) and Yaffe has completely renovated The Garden Grille – both dining area and kitchen. The dining area is light & airy, with ample sunshine. The kitchen is decked out with new stainless steel appliances.

T he Garden Grille menu has been freshened up as well, in part, to accommodate an increasing demand for takeout during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Dir. of Food Jonathan Dille, “Takeout is now around half of our business and on the weekends, it’s nearly two-thirds of our overall business.”

Together with Yaffe, Chef Dille has focused on delicious and innovative cafe foods, while cultivating an atmosphere where patrons, crew & staff, become family.

Nachos $14.00 (GF)

The Nachos are gluten free & consist of crispy corn chips, salsa, black beans, jalapeños jack cheese, jalapeños, scallions, vegan sour cream & guacamole. These Nachos are some of the best around.

Reggies Raw Heaven $14.00 (GF)

Reggies Raw Heaven is a nod to owner Rob Jaffe’s grandmother, Reggie. She often ate this combonation of arugula, mango, grapefruit, avacado, beet infused jicama, cashew gamisao with pomegranate vinaigrette.

Chilled Soba $14.00 (GF)

This thin Japanese noodle made from buckwheat, is served chilled wtih carrot, red cabbage, green onions, ginger sesame dressing and fresh, crunchy pea shoots. This orginal dish is a fan favorite for obvious reasons.

Potato Pizza & Spicy Margarita Combo

The potato pizza & the margarita are a natural combination. The Potato pizza ($15.00) is made of potatoes, cashew cheese, parsley, pistou, and smoked onions.

Combine this with the spicy margarita ($12.00) and it’s jalapeño tequila triple sec, cilantro, and fresh lime.

Walk into Garden Grille’s newly renovated dining room & bar and you can’t help but notice the warm & inviting atmosphere. Freshly decorated, it’s a dash of organic, shot of boho, and dab of upscale decor. But, it’s the simple, delicious vegetarian and vegan creations, that keep people coming back.

Riann Keniston-Hale is a Garden Grille regular. “I love Garden Grille because the food is fresh, clean & delicious,” says Riann. “Everything on the menu is impeccably prepared & the chef is always creating new additions, keeping the menu current.”

NACHOS EXPERT

Riann Keniston-Hale is a nachos expert. “I’ve eaten nachos from Maine to Florida to California,” says Riann, “The nachos at Garden Grille are the very best!”

LOVE BASIL REVIEW:

Rating:

Address: 727 East Ave. Pawtucket, RI

Website: www.gardengrilleri.com

Menu: Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant

Atmosphere: Casual, Takeout

Prices: Handhelds start at $12; Pizzas start at $14; Salads start at $12 Classic Margarita $10

Designing a vegan & vegetarian & menu takes creativity. For example, Garden Grille’s Hearts Of Palm Fried Fish Sandwich, with remoulade and red cabbage slaw, arugula & tomato is a current special & favorite. This unique offering comes from the recipe book of Chef John Dille. The Potato Pizza is another unique offering, made with potatoes, cashew cheese, parsley pistou & smoked onions. This pizza is a tasty alternative.

“I’m always working on the menu and staying current with what diners want, however, I also come up with my own creations,” says Dille. “Creativity & freshness are at the heart of every dish we serve, that’s why our diners keep coming back over & over again.”

Fried Fish Sandwich $12.00

This ‘fish’ sandwich is actually made with Heart of Palm – the taste and texture are SO close to fish you’d barely detect a difference. This handheld sandwich stacks high with remoulade,red cabbage slaw, arugula, and tomato! Fantastic addition to the menu!

Tofu BLT ($11.00)

This BLT is made with smokey Tofu, arugula, tomato, chipotle mayo, on whole weat toast, served with a dill pickle and avacado for $2.00. this is a fan favorite that has a permanent spot on the Garden Grille menu. Promised to keep your taste buds jumping for joy!

Quinoa Salad ($14.00)

This fan favorite consists of mixed greens, carrots, avacado, radish, toasted seeds, and herb vinaigrette. This hearty and filling salad is a main stay on the Garden Grille Menu.

Quinoa Salad & Chilled Soba ($14.00 each)

Our Quinoa Salad and Chilled Soba are Garden Grille fan favorites at just $14.00 per plate, these dishes are packed with protein, fresh & crispy vegetables, sure to delight any palate.

The menu is simple and straight forward offering starters, salads, handhelds, pizza & cocktails. The price is right too! Specialty beers include – A Proclamation Tendril IPA at $9.00, cocktails include the Classic Margarita at $10.00, and the wine selection includes a glass of Mionetto Organic Prosecco at $10.00. Pizzas start at $14.00, salads start at $12.00, and handhelds start at $11.00.

“I’ve loved creating Garden Grille and I have an excellent staff – many of who have been with me from the beginning,” says Yaffe, “Garden Grille continues to grow & evolve and all of us are proud of the food we serve on a daily basis.”

You can reach Garden Grille by visiting their website or by calling 401-726-2826.