Press 195, 195 5th Ave., (718) 857 1950
Press 195's beet salad is one of my favorite meals in the Slope. Mixed greens with roasted beets, marinated onions, goat cheese and a toasted walnut add-in drizzled with maple syrup vinaigrette - just delightful. Though there's only a few vegan-friendly entries on this relatively new panini pad, I return there again and again for the few dishes that suit my cruelty-free agenda. They've recently expanded their impressive sandwich menu, still there appears to be but one tasty press that can be made vegan with the use of soy cheese and that is the delicious grilled zucchini, yellow squash, red pepper, onion and spinach 'wich with black olive and roasted garlic spread. Actually I think the garlic spread may be made with mayonaise but if you're really concerned about it then go spreadless. I must admit I do also order the tomato, basil, mozzarella and maple syrup basil pesto panini from time to time despite the cheese factor cause it's just that good. All their sandwiches are prepared on Ciabatta bread from the local Uprising Bakery. Other suggestions: try the brie appetizer with wildflower honey if you're not opposed, but maybe steer clear of the olive bowl. Most of the appetizers are served with these really hard bread crusts which would probably taste good if it wasn't for the pain. If they happen to have cucumber-mango soup on a day that you're in, go for it. I could not imagine how these two ingredients were going to taste together and I was thrilled to find out. The basil pea soup is not as successful - the broth is a bit too salty the the ingredients are not well-incorporated. For dessert, true vegans can order fresh fruit with honey (without the honey of course), or us pseudo "I'm vegan except when I really want something that's not" vegans, indulge in a nutella press. The ghiradelli brownie sundae is not worth splurging on. Oh, and don't order their mochas, not a good idea. In the summer months, eating in the garden can be a lovely experience.
Update: After receiving an appreciative email from Brian, the owner of Press 195, for my review, I took him up on his suggestion to try their new grilled mushroom sandwich. Consisting of marinated portabellas, spinach and smothered in soy cheese, the press was pretty good, if a little heavy on the vinigary mushroom marinade. I still love the grilled veggie sandwich the best. I also tried a new soup that they offered as a special with spinach and potatoes - very nice with a bit of a kick. Brian also informed me that from time to time they have grilled tofu sandwiches that I will surely be back to check out. Gotta support a restaurant that's increasing its vegan repetoire.
Reviewed July 3rd, 2003; Last updated December 6th, 2003
