La Pescheria, one of New Canaan's best-kept food secrets on East Avenue, set up on Cherry Street for the Taste of the Town Stroll—Aug. 23, 2018. Credit: Michael Dinan
A great band played Cherry Center at the Taste of the Town Stroll—Aug. 23, 2018. Credit: Michael Dinan
Vegan and vegetarian foods provider Organika Kitchen offered locals a sneak peek of its offerings Thursday night during the annual Taste of the Town Stroll.
Known for its pancakes, mezza plates, smoothies, organic salads and juices, protein and açaí bowls, burgers and pizza, Organika served up pesto pasta salad cups and small cups of its “Super Green Smoothie” (spinach, kale, mango, banana) during the 8th Annual Stroll.
It will open in two weeks on a full-time basis, according to Dimitri Pantzos, a partner in the business.
“We’re very excited,” Pantzos said outside the new location as visitors gladly took the samples on a clear, cool evening.
Asked what made Organika want to participate in the Stroll, Pantzos said: “We just want to be part of the town and commerce, and Tucker’s really nice, so why not participate?”
He referred to Tucker Murphy, executive director of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce.
Items on Organika’s chalkboard menu include Margarita Pizza (tomato sauce, parmesan, mozzarella, topped with extra virgin olive oil and basil—$11), Protein Boost Smoothie (banana, almond butter, cacao powder, cinnamon, rice protein, raw honey and almond milk—$8.50), Beets By OGK Fresh Juice (beet, lemon, ginger, apple, celery—$8.50), Almond Crunch Bowl (banana, blueberries, açai, almond milk, mango, topped with strawberry, banana, granola, almond slices, almond butter and raw honey—$10.50) and Dragon Bomb Smoothie (mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, topped with pineapple, coconut and raw honey—$10).
The Stroll is a “food-raiser” organized by the Chamber and sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway and Walter Stewart’s Market that brings in donated items for the local Food Pantry as well as eyeglasses and hearings aids for the LIONs Club of New Canaan. Armed with a map that they received in exchange for Food Pantry donations, participants visited 20 businesses around town including New Canaan Podiatry, La Pescaderia, Franco’s Wine Merchants, Against the Grain, Le Boudoir and Tequila Mockingbird. Those who visited at least 10 locations brought their maps back to the Chamber on Elm Street to enter a prize drawing generously sponsored by local businesses including Ally Bally Bee (maple syrup taster), New Canaan Music (ukulele and 30-minute lesson), Vineyard Vines (tote bag and beach towel) and Franco’s (Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir, a $50 value).
“It’s a perfect night,” the Chamber’s Laura Budd said as crowds gathered at the Chamber-Walter Stewart’s tables in front of the Playhouse.
“The weather cooperated. We have so many New Canaanites who came out to donate to our local food pantry. We have Walter Stewart’s here, who has done an amazing job putting together donation bags. We have the LIONs Club here taking gently used eyeglasses. The town has really come out and rallied, and the stores have done a fantastic job hosting everybody.”
One thought on “FIRST LOOK: ‘Organika Kitchen’ on Main Street To Open in Two Weeks [PHOTOS]”
Sounds goooood…