Treehugger’s Café // It’s exactly what you’d expect from a place bearing a hippie-inspired name: a menu of organic vegetarian and vegan options, dishes named after endangered species (a Checkerspot Butterfly Veggie Wrap anyone?), and a percentage of the eatery’s profits donated to the World Wildlife Fund. And though there are many opportunities to learn about helping the environment, what you don’t get here is preached to. Going green is more of a byproduct of dining at Treehugger’s, not a mandate. Anyone can find something hearty and tasty to love, be it a burger, wrap or salad. Take the Great Egret Zucchini Parmesan Panini ($8.95), stacked with thick slices of fried zucchini and Parmesan cheese, vinegary onions and an olive pesto. It’s a great way to get that fried-food flavor without the greasy feeling afterward. The Strawberry Kiwi Koala Salad ($8.95) with roasted almonds and buffalo mozzarella is topped with a sweet smoothie dressing, and sprigs of dill give it a fresh taste. Soups are made daily, and we loved a large bowl of corn chowder ($5). Don’t skip dessert if you’ve got a sweet tooth. The vegan everything cookie with oatmeal, cranberries, nuts and chocolate chips is sweet and soft.1330 W. Bagley Road, Unit 1, Berea, 440-973-4277, treehuggerscafe.com
Not only is the longtime restauranteur exploring contemporary Italian and importing a chef from Italy: She's also launching an ambitious dining complex on the corner of West Sixth Street. By Dillon Stewart
