Vegan is no longer a word carnivores should fear. Being a huge cheeseburger advocate, I was hesitant at the strange and limited options of a vegan menu. To my delight, however, The Green Boheme has gracefully championed the cuisine—creating incredibly beautiful edible works of art that, surprisingly, taste even better than they look. Don’t believe me? I dare you to try their Tostada, made with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, fresh salsa verde and avocado on top of a homemade corn tortilla shell. To give it an extra twist, it’s topped with their “notcho” cheese (something like crème fraiche’s healthier twin brother) and a pecan-walnut filling that will leave meat-eaters stunned at the savory satisfaction achieved by this healthy meat substitute. I also ordered the Chai Latte Smoothie, a thick concoction that was zinging with flavorful spices and a creamy combination of bananas, Brazil nuts, cashews and durian. I felt like I was treating my taste buds—and my body—to a no-holds-barred day at the health spa. There is some serious magic happening in Green Boheme’s kitchen…making healthy food taste addictingly delicious and imitating their non-vegan counterparts with finesse. Word to the wise: Be sure to try their Zucchini Bacon BLT—it’s a house favorite and next on my list! 

— Adrianna Valencia

The Green Boheme, 1611 Lead Hill Boulevard, Suite 160, Roseville. 916-474-5609.