Green Bar Express & Test Kitchen opened in January 2016 with a new, fast-casual character; the plant-based eatery serves as “test kitchen & bakery” for Green Bar’s flagship restaurant on 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale. Green Bar Express will follow the plant-powered, vegan and gluten-free friendly model that Green Bar uses, but with a new twist. Using the hashtag #veggiesgonewild, Green Bar Express is aiming to spark excitement about using vegetables in unexpected, delicious ways.
“We wanted to show our customers how versatile veggies can be,” explains owner Elena Pezzo. “As new items are tested at Green Bar Express, we will lean heavily on our customers to decide if these meals will be added to the menu at Green Bar on 17th Street.” If the customer response, in-store and online, is positive, the dish will be added to the full menu at the flagship Green Bar restaurant.
“We cannot wait to test out some amazing dishes that we have contemplated for years,” says Head Chef Charles Grippo. “We are dedicated to bringing delicious, organic and affordable food to the people of South Florida, and excited to eventually expand to other markets using Green Bar Express as our model.”
Coconut Burger
The coconut burger is made with wheat protein and offers a nice crunch with the crispy shredded coconut exterior. I’d like to see a thinly sliced grilled pineapple on there too!
Buffalo Potato Tots
I thought it was a nice touch to have the fresh scallion on top to brighten up the dish!
Fish Tacos
The “fish” is made of soy protein and is lightly breaded.
BBQ Jackfruit Burger
Although I didn’t get a chance to taste the jackfruit burger, I was definitely impressed with the creativity of this dish.
Green Bar Express is a 1000-square-foot restaurant that seats 15 people at a chef bar where customers can watch the chef at work while they dine. There are 15 menu items available including a Roasted Veggie Panini, a Pad Thai Red Noodle Bowl, Homemade Soups, Mac n’ Cheese, Make-Your-Own Salad and more. They also offer breakfast items such as gluten-free Chia Pancakes, Coconut Yogurt Parfaits, Matcha Green Tea Breakfast Bowls, and more.
The matcha green tea bowl looks heavenly! A fun deviation from the popular acai bowl. I will definitely be back to try it.
The bakery offers baked vegan pastries made daily, as well as chef-inspired specials. Green Bar Express will also offer vegan and gluten-free versions of childhood favorites like Devil Dawgs, Twinkies and Ball Park Soft Pretzels.
(Left) Cinnamon Bun (Right) Lavender Butter Cream Cupcake
These baked goods are the bomb, I really enjoyed both. It’s nice to have fresh baked goods readily available for those who are following a vegan diet.
So cool: Green Bar Express plans to host pop-up dinners and a plant based cooking class will be offered and conducted by guest chefs, as well as offer plant powered meal plans in the coming months.
Green Bar Express is located at 3439 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308.
Holli Lapes, RD, LD/N is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in South Florida. Holli is the founder of The South Florida Sage (http://thesoflasage.com/) a food & drink blog featuring culinary experiences from the Miami, Broward and Palm Beach area.
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All images appearing in this post photographed by Holli Lapes, property of My Wellness RD, LLC
Disclaimer: My meal at Green Bar Express was complimentary.
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Wow, I have to get here soon!
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