Elaine S.
Yelp
I was really excited when I saw that a new eatery was opening in my neighbourhood as the selection of local places to dine out is very limited. It's got a great buzz about it, the staff are friendly, and the decor is appealing, my only problem is with their vegetarian options. They're very uninspired and pricey for what you get.
The first time I ate there, I ordered a risotto (the only veggie option from what I remember) and, aside from being quite a small portion for it's €18 approx. price tag, it was also incredibly bland. The rest of my party were relatively satisfied with their own meals (except the other vegetarian) although again, none felt the €20 price reflected the quality accurately. Also, when four of our group (7 people) ordered desserts, two were left waiting for theirs until everyone had managed to finish their coffees. A small niggle perhaps but still.
Disappointed with the place, I didn't return for quite some time but then, last Friday, decided to chance their lunch menu. Again I was faced with the 'daily vegetarian special' option but once the waiter described a vegetables-encased-in-pastry-dish, I was excited and ordered it. Unfortunately when it arrived it was limp and greasy with a sad handful of salad leaves on the side. The pastry was thin and compacted, soaked through with grease at the base and I actually felt quite ill after eating it (I get the same feeling when I've eaten a microwaved service-station pastry if that's anything to go by). And all that for €11?
So I'm sad to say, sorry Union 8, I won't be returning. Since the place is usually buzzing with people I can't imagine my business will be missed but I can only imagine that very few of those folks are vegetarian.