Restaurant Feature: Element Gastropub

For many new vegans going out to eat can be challenging, especially if going out to eat with friends who are not vegan. Many vegans simply get a plain salad or a side dish of veggies or fries. However, with vegan restaurants growing in popularity going out to eat is becoming easier for vegans.

This past week I went to Element in Raleigh,North Carolina. Element is one of my go-to vegan restaurants in the Triangle. Their food is so good I had to share it with my readers so without further- a-do this week's blog features Element Gastropub.

Element is a Gastropub that features a 100% plant-based menu. The restaurant was founded by Carey Kidd. He brings 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry and 40 years of vegan culinary experience.

"We believe that no dish can be better than its ingredients, and those ingredients are 100% plant-based."- Kidd

The restaurant features four different menus; drinks, lunch, dinner, and Brunch. In this blog post we will just highlight the food menus but we do encourage our readers to check out their speciality cocktails (responsibly of course).

**Disclaimer: All images featured in this blog are from Element Gastropub. We do not own rights to any images**

Appetizers (Starters)

The appetizer selection at Element is unbelievable. Pictured above are their BBQ Nachos which are made up of corn chips, vegan bbq, black beans, cashew queso, fresh pico de gallo, and jalapeños. The BBQ Nachos can be ordered as a full or half serving.

Rating 8.5/10

There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe how amazing their Loaded Totchos are. The Loaded Totchos are ordered for the table every time we visit Element. Taters tots topped with cashew queso, black olives, cilantro, jalapeños, and their housemate ranch is a combination you do not want to miss out on. The portion size is large enough to share with the table or to order as an entree.

Rating 10/10

Salads (Dem Greenz)

Element also has salads for those who are trying to eat healthier. Their menu features two salads; Buffalo Solider (pictured above) and the Kale Caesar. The The Buffalo Solider is a local spring mix, fried buffalo chik'n, celery, apple, pecan, red onion, and blue cheese dressing. Their Kale Caesar is ordered every time I go to Element. Many vegan Caesar salad dressings do not taste anything like regular Caesar salad dressing. This Caesar salad is the best I have had since being vegan. Their Kale Caesar is simple with local kale and romaine, vegan parmesan, rye croutons, and Caesar dressing. Both salads can be topped with fried or grilled chik'n or baked Tofu.

Kale Caesar Rating 8/10

Burgers & Sandwiches

Element's menu features a wide variety of delicious burgers and sandwiches. Their burger and sandwich portion of their menu could be blog post alone so this post will feature our Top 3.

Coming in third place is the Philly Cheesesteak Hoagie. Served on a hoagie roll and made with houseman chopped seitan, trumpet mushrooms, melted provolone cheese, peppers and onions and topped with housemate cheese. While the Philly is a newer menu item it has become a favorite based on Element's reviews.

Rating 8/10

Coming in second place is the Elemental Burger. This classic burger is packed with flavor. A 6oz handpattied impossible burger topped with, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, and special sauce. There is also an option to add vegan cheese for a small uncharge. A good vegan burger is a rare commodity. Many vegan burgers are either full of chemicals or just simply taste nothing like a burger, but Element has mastered the art of a vegan burger.

Rating 8.5/10

Rounding out our Top Three is the Caprese Sandwich. This sandwich is life changing. Made with housemade cashew and kale pesto, grilled chik'n, vegan mozzarella, balsamic glaze, and tomato served on ciabatta. This is what I had for dinner my most recent visit to Element. Choosing the Caprese Sandwich for dinner will leave your tastebuds begging for more.

Rating 11/10

Whether you are visiting Element for a few drinks with friends or for a delicious dinner the staff and food will not disappoint. For more information about Element check out their website!

https://elementgastropub.com