Meatless Monday at The Plough & the Stars

After an incredible fun time last week, this week started with another Girls Night Out. As it was Monday night, I’d be right to say this meal was a love letter to Meatless Monday, as Chef Lenka Zivkovic offered four Philadelphia friends, and each a vegan chef, one of her renowned vegan tasting menus. Lenka has been cheffing at The Plough & The Stars in Old City, Philadelphia, for 10 years now. She is vegan and the restaurant is not, but Lenka creates and cooks unique and beautifully presented vegan tasting menus by request. From the first hors d’oeuvre to the deconstructed dessert, Lenka outdid herself. Watch for announcements of Lenka’s pop up dinners in Philadelphia this fall. In the meantime, call the restaurant ahead to request a vegan tasting menu, and if Lenka is there, you will have it!

Melons and beets with vegan cheese

Vegan tuna ceviche

Cucumber Dill Cheese Spread

Vegan Brisket

Buffalo Artichokes

Mango Cocktail

Vole au Vent – “Duck confit” in rich port au jus, served in a puff pastry shell, garnished with blueberry picked onion and drizzles with “goat cheese.”

Shot of Chilled Asparagus Gazpacho – garnished with roasted shiitake and scented oil.

Arugula Salad – Toasted with marinated red and golden beets, shaved feel, caramelized walnuts, and sprinkled with a crumble of soft “cheese.”

Sicilian Pasta Agrodolche – Penne tossed with cauliflower, raisins, pine nuts, and caramelized onions in a white balsamic vinegar reduction.

Dessert was deconstructed Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream with Brownies and Cassava Crumble with a shot of housemade Vegan Irish cream.

My dining companions were Dynise Balcavage from Mastering Running; Alice Leung, owner of Soy Café; and Char Nolan who is a columnist at Town Dish.

And now, it’s time to find an all white outfit, as I look forward to Thursday night’s Diner En Blanc. Philadelphia, I love you.