Why am I writing about a vegetarian restaurant in Laval when I’m not a vegetarian? When my daughter was 8 years old she decided to become a vegetarian. Noone else in our house is and to be honest, I only went along with her because I didn’t think she would last. Before being a vegetarian her favorite food groups were: prosciutto, wings, ribs and salami. We quickly learned being a vegetarian takes planning. We also learned that being a child vegetarian who plays a lot of sports is a sharp learning curve. We had to quickly learn ways for her to get protein and good fats.
Now almost a year later, and a lot of learning about nutrition, she has kept vegetarian-strong. So strong in fact I decided to find a vegetarian restaurant and take her on a date. That and I was fed up with her ordering french fries, cheese pizza or pasta with olive oil when we go to restaurants. And if we are being completely honest, I was hoping she would try something with curry or spices she liked and then I could start making that for her… to date she is not a fan of spices.
I decided to check out a local restaurant LOV in Laval (140 Promenade Centropolis, Laval). The LOV franchise of businessman Dominic Bujold, started in 2017 and their Centopolis location is their third. The LOV name also stands for their philosophy of Local Organic Vegetatian.
My daughters godmother kindly went with me for a recon lunch to check out the modern gastro vegetarian restaurant.
What did we find?
Beautiful decor that was warm and inviting. A seasonal menu with fresh local ingredients and an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and enjoy a passion for healthy food.
It was nice to see the farm to table concept being brought to Laval. The fact is that the less an ingredient has to travel to get to your table the more nutrients and less preservatives and chemicals it will have. LOV’s focus on their ecological footprint also allows environmentally conscious customers a healthy solution that feeds their well-being while causing less harm the environment.
Also the creativity for the seasonally available local ingredients provided tasty and beautifully presented dishes. For those looking for superfoods, LOV has them for you. They have a strong focus on providing superfoods in ever dish that energize your body and spirit.
When I first went with friend we went at brunch and I was thankful for my reservation.
It was a bright and sunny day and although we were early (10.m.) the entire restaurant was quickly full. My date with my daughter was for supper and again we enjoyed great service. We were again early (5pm) because we had a movie to see, and the restaurant again quickly filled up.
The touches of small fresh flowers and candles throughout the restaurant was also a nice accent.
But is the food good?
I went into this fully aware botanical cuisine may not be for everyone. I also expected to find a smaller menu with limited options for children.
Visit 1:
With my friend we started with a LOV mimosa and tea. I had to try the gluten-free kale mac and cheese and the Beyond meat sausage. I was not disappointed with either!
Visit 2:
My daughter was a bit disappointing. She is so used to playing it safe she choose the onion rings with aoli and poutine. The LOV poutine consists of fries with miso gravy and vegan mozarella. To be honest the vegan cheese has a different texture you may not be used to and while I enjoyed it, my daughter was not a fan. She says she is going back for the pancakes topped with fresh fruit and maple syrup! I chose the Coconut curry and was not disappointed!
Would I go back?
Honestly, it’s a bit pricey to bring a child, so I’m not sure I would bring my other child or husband who are serious meat eaters. But I would go back with my daughter and have already been back a few times for brunch with friends. Just sitting in the beautiful decor and relaxing atmosphere makes you enjoy your meal that much more. The service is great and they don’t try to rush you out to turn over the tables, as many brunch places do.
Next time I am trying the Pok’ai’ bowl made with Cauliflower rice, very keto friendly.
Tips:
- Don’t miss out on dining on the flowered terrace in warmer month and picking up some local products in their LOV mini-shop.
- MAKE A RESERVATION! The beautiful decor, amazing food and great service means it is usually very busy.
- Brunch is served 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
- Day menu is served Mon- Fri 11;30 – 3 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday evening
- There is a reduced menu/snacks Mon-Fri 3-5 & Saturday/Sunday 4-5. But they have a great bar there when you can go for a drink.
- Want to test them out? Check out their take-out menu.
- The bathroom is uni-sex. There are seperate stalls, but if you are not used to this, it may seem a bit odd. Although I do love the crochet sign!
Have you been to LOV? Know of other vegetarian resturants in Laval? Let us know in the comments below.
