Gray Leaf Cafe, located in Freehold Township, offers a diverse menu of plant-based dishes including grilled falafel, Buffalo cauliflower, and chickpea 'tuna.' Owner Vincent Gulino has been cooking vegan cuisine for nearly a decade and aims to establish the cafe as a go-to spot for vegan options, juice and smoothies, and coffee.
Introducing Gray Leaf Cafe: Monmouth County's Newest Vegan Restaurant
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Located in Freehold Township's Poets Square plaza, Gray Leaf Cafe is making waves as the latest addition to Monmouth County's vibrant vegan scene. With a diverse menu of plant-based dishes, this eatery is serving up grilled falafel, Buffalo cauliflower, and even a chickpea 'tuna' that will have your taste buds singing.
Behind the scenes, owner Vincent Gulino is no stranger to the world of vegan cuisine. With nearly a decade of experience cooking up delicious plant-based meals on his food truck, Try Vegan, Gulino brings his expertise and passion to Gray Leaf Cafe.
Gulino's journey towards veganism began with a personal health revelation. After giving up dairy, he noticed a positive impact on his well-being. Inspired by this transformation, he named his food truck Try Vegan, hoping to inspire others to explore the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
From Food Truck to Cafe: Vincent Gulino's Vegan Adventure
In 2015, Gulino recognized a lack of good vegan food options, particularly at large music festivals. Frustrated with being limited to cups of fruit or smoothies, he saw an opportunity to fill this gap in the market. Converting two old shuttle buses into food trucks, Gulino launched Try Vegan at a food truck festival in Trenton.
From there, Gulino became a regular vendor at music festivals along the East Coast, starting with New York City's Governor's Ball and ending with Asbury Park's Sea Hear Now festival. His flavorful vegan creations quickly gained popularity, and he knew it was time to expand beyond the food truck.
Even during the challenging times of the pandemic, Gulino stayed determined to find a brick and mortar location for his culinary venture. While focusing on the meal-prep aspect of Try Vegan, an opportunity arose when a former Chinese restaurant in Freehold Township became available. After a year of renovations, Gray Leaf Cafe was born, complete with a unique vertical hydroponic garden in the dining room, where Gulino grows fresh kale, lettuce, basil, and dill.
A Flavorful Vegan Feast: Gray Leaf Cafe's Delectable Menu
Gray Leaf Cafe's menu is a testament to Gulino's culinary creativity. Drawing inspiration from his food truck, the cafe offers a range of dishes made with housemade sauces and cheese, all entirely plant-based.
Among the crowd favorites is the mouthwatering crunchwrap, filled with black beans and salsa, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. The grilled falafel wrap is another star on the menu, boasting a delightful combination of hummus, tahini, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and housemade tzatziki. And for those craving some heat, the Buffalo cauliflower wrap, featuring roasted cauliflower, celery, and zesty Buffalo sauce, is a must-try.
With prices set at $13.50 per option, Gray Leaf Cafe ensures that indulging in delicious vegan cuisine doesn't break the bank. But it doesn't stop at food. The cafe also serves up housemade kombucha and serves coffee from the renowned Turnstile Coffee Roasters in Belmar, offering a refreshing and energizing experience for all.
More Than Just a Cafe: Gray Leaf Cafe's Vision
Vincent Gulino envisions Gray Leaf Cafe as more than just a vegan restaurant. It's a place where people seeking plant-based options can find a diverse and mouthwatering menu. It's a juice and smoothie bar for enthusiasts who want to fuel their bodies with wholesome ingredients. And it's a coffee shop for those looking to savor a cup of coffee while getting work done or catching up with friends.
Gulino's ultimate goal is to establish Gray Leaf Cafe as the go-to spot for all these offerings. Whether you're a committed vegan, a health-conscious individual, or simply someone who appreciates good food and drinks, Gray Leaf Cafe aims to provide a welcoming and satisfying experience for all.
If you're in Monmouth County, make sure to visit Gray Leaf Cafe at 58 Thoreau Drive, Freehold Township. You can also find more information on their website at grayleafcafe.com or give them a call at 732-334-8843. Discover the delicious world of vegan cuisine and embrace a plant-based lifestyle at Gray Leaf Cafe.