Life Alive
An Urban Oasis & Organic Cafe
194 Middle St.
Lowell, MA 01852
(978)453-1311
http://www.mangoii.com
FAS Rating 94! Food 95, Atmosphere, 94, Service 93
Wow. My first vegetarian meal. Well, first intentional anyway...hey we've all dined on the occasional grilled cheese and a pickle, or cheese pizza and a salad right?
Life Alive, located in Downtown Lowell, is more than just vegetarian by accident. They have a purpose, and their purpose is to, "Make Healthy eating easy in a busy world". Bingo.
I wasn't sure what to expect upon entering this self proclaimed "Urban Oasis and Organic Cafe". Would I be forced to put on Birkenstocks and hug the community tree before eating a Tofurkey sprout sandwich while listening to Joan Baez howl through the sound system? Not even close.
Much to my surprise the first table I saw was full of shirt and tie business types, then two Mom's with their young children, followed by a few more tables filled with young professionals. Not one tie-dye shirt in the mix. What? are all these people trying to eat a healthy lunch?
As I made my way to the counter I ran down the menu and found a list of playfully named options including The Goddess, The Emperor, The Adventurer, and The Healer. Thankfully, no Tofurkey!
Life Alive offers both warm and cool meals which can be served in a filling bowl or wrap for around $8.00 or as a "taster plate" for around $5.00.
They also offer daily soups and stews as well as the option to created your own meal utilizing over 3 dozen different ingredients. Beverages include organic teas and coffees, juices combos and smoothies.
I finally decided to just start at the top and went for The Goddess. It's their signature dish and is served warm. It consists of carrots, beets, broccoli, dark greens and smoked lemon garlic tofu melded with a delicious ginger Nama Shoyu sauce over short grained brown rice. I usually try to be slightly witty and poetic when describing a dish but the first word out of my mouth upon tasting The Goddess was, "YUMMY!"
I'm not sure what came over me but this was anything but the bland, flavorless concoction I had been expecting. The meal was hearty with a hint of saltiness (probably from the sauce) and the flavors were bouncing all over my mouth. Even the small cubes of tofu, which were under extra scrutiny, were delicious. They were more like cubes of slightly smoked cheese rather than the tofurkey jerky I was bracing myself for.
My guest, also a veggie-rookie, decided on The Emperor. This dish was similar in composition but with a sweet sesame miso sauce and the added elements of melted cheddar cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. I just had to try hers and I must say the melted cheese added another level of richness to this already sumptuous meal. She also one-upped my description of The Goddess saying that her Emperor was, "VERY yummy". Darn, outwitted again...
We both decided to try one of the "spectacular soups and stews" on the menu that day. I had the Portobello Barley which was a thick, hearty blend of mushrooms, barley, carrots and herbs. It was served piping hot with a breadstick and was so rich I couldn't believe there was no dairy in it. This was a delicious way to warm up from the inside-out on a cold day in February.
My partner didn't fare so well with her Onion Soup which was surprisingly bland. They definitely need to kick that one "up a notch".
Since it was such a cold day we both opted for hot tea and were told that their teas and healing herbal blends were all hand picked and organic. We opted for the Jasmine Green tea and it came in a traditional Japanese iron pot which was a nice touch. I've had Jasmine tea at many Asian and especially Vietnamese restaurants and I must say this was the best Jasmine tea I have ever had. Bright and slightly floral, I can only assume that the "hand-picked organic" feature had something to do with it.
The service at Life Alive was exceptional. Our order taker was very informative and after asking if it was our first time there, offered great suggestions on meal and beverage options.
Once we ordered we were asked to be seated. Our meal came to us in stages and with each came a helfpul tip like, "Let the tea steep for an additonal three minutes before pouring." When our entrees came the server asked if it was our first time and then explained that the dishes were created in layers but meant to be mixed together.
Life Alive is billed as "An Urban Oasis" and the atmosphere creates the effect very well. The tables and chairs are all splashed with colors and the walls are filled with vibrant paintings and inspiring quotes. There is even a small lounge section with more comfortable seating and a coffee table in the middle.
Surrounding the lounge on the walls are shelves filled with organic and healthy option food and health products for sale in case you want to take some of the Life Alive experience home with you.
Once we left we both felt like we were satiated but not stuffed. We both commented that we actually felt energized despite having eaten every morsel on our plates. You know, the meal was so good and the experience so regenerating I would have to recommend everyone try Life Alive.
Stan Dancewicz
copyright 2008 Mass Restaurant Review |
