It's been long overdue since I've updated the blog. It always seems like forever to recover from the holiday parties and get rolling again in the New Year.
I've had several amazing vegetarian experiences in the past month but I want to share the most recent first. This evening I was in Keene, NH and found myself absolutely famished. I've been trying to eat healthy, not indulge in the typical "fast food" all while maintaining within my small budget. The quickest thought that came to mind was Country Life Vegetarian Buffet on Roxbury Street.
I've usually enjoyed their meals on a Sunday when they prepare the most delicious buffet. Tonight I wanted to to see what their evening options were. However, I didn't realize they were only open for lunch. I walked in around 5 p.m. I noticed it was a bit quieter than normal but perhaps it was just slow tonight. I asked one of the chef's behind the counter if they were still open. He hesitated and said, "yes, well, er, until I leave". I still had no idea they closed at 3 p.m. but still had their doors open. He said there were no hot meals left but could offer me a bowl of Italian Ministroni. Without skipping a beat, I accepted.
Several minutes later the kind man brought me a bowl of soup and said, it would be free. I was confused. He said they had leftovers and it could be mind for no cost, not a problem. As kind an offer as that was, I simply could not take it for free especially since most of their prices are extremely reasonable. Not to mention, the chef had gone out of his to heat up the soup on the stove and serve me while he was trying to clean up.
The Ministroni was simply delicious. It was packed with most any vegetable you can imagine. I enjoyed a small whole wheat roll with the soup. On this freezing cold evening, it definitely hit the spot.
The restaurant was mostly empty except for an elderly couple a few tables over from me. The woman was crocheting and the man was reading. The classical music in the background made for a relaxing and quite enjoyable evening. This was the perfect place to unwind from a stressful and chaotic day.
I finished the soup and paid, thanking them several times for accommodating me at the last minute.
Country Life serves a lunch buffet Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. They offer a Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is not to be missed. If you are skeptical about how some vegetarian meals taste, I assure you this is the place to face your fears. Country Life offers a wide range of options for your sweet tooth, salad appetite or spicy cravings. The best part is they had dedicated their non-profit restaurant to the Standard American Diet (SAD), so you don't have to worry about what's in your food. There is nothing quite like eating delicious food and not having to worry if it's good or bad for you.
If you want to take a look at their website before heading over to try a meal its: http://www.countryliferestaurant.com/.
I've been going to Country Life for years. The people are always friendly and hospitable. The food is always amazing. If you get a chance to stop by, let me know what you think.
Happy Eating!