New Menu Items at Native Foods

When I saw quarrygirl's post about new menu items coming to Native Foods, I knew I would be making my way over there to give them a try.  If I could have gone yesterday, I would have, but alas I had to wait a day to run over there for lunch this afternoon.

Since I had missed the limited release of the Bistro Sandwich, I knew this would be the first item I'd try.     Today would not be a Wheat Free Wednesday, after all. (Native Seitan Steak, thinly-sliced and seared, topped with our homemade bleu cheese dressing, oven roasted tomatoes, crispy shallots and arugula on a warm grilled baguette.)

We ordered the sandwich along with the butternut squash polenta bites, and the boyfriend got the pumpkin pie for dessert. The bites sounded like heaven, but I really wasn't sure what to expect from them. (Pesto baked polenta topped with roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions and toasted pumpkin seeds in a balsamic drizzle over arugula.) I don't know why, but I pictured something along the lines polenta fries with butternut squash but they were little round cakes; not surprising since the description is really different than I was picturing.

Our Bistro sandwich; polenta bites in the rear

The bites were interesting; a little bit difficult to eat, but delicious. The presentation and composition are almost upscale in comparison to the rest of Native's menu items. I've always been a fan of the pesto at Native Foods, so it makes sense that I would enjoy it infused into polenta, especially when topped with sweet butternut squash.

Photo from Native Foods facebook page

The sandwich was a bit of a disappointment, nothing overly creative or original. The seitan, as usual is tasty, but the sandwich itself was somewhat dry. It also looked a little less appealing than it did in the Native Foods photo (we ordered it without tomato, but that shouldn't have made that big a difference, especially since the one pictured is covered in a creamy sauce). It wasn't my favorite item ever, but I'd order it again, and just ask for more sauce.

The boyfriend enjoyed his pumpkin pie, but he likes anything pumpkin. Me, I'm not so much a pumpkin fan and it contains soy so I did not dig in.  I know he's eager to try the pumpkin cheesecake next.

Pumpkin pie smothered in ginger creme sauce

For more information on what's new and what's been changed on the menu, check out quarrygirl, and for the full Native Foods menu, click here.

The next new item I'm excited for is the special planned for the weekend of October 19th: Chili Cheese Burger!  Need I say more. :)