Saffron was my second Vegan Chef Challenge endeavor. I say that but at our monthly Vegetarian Potluck, we had some samples from Chimera, Shawkat, Hapa Japanese and I believe there were some donuts and cookies from other places. Now, I will start with the fact that I don’t know if anyone can really mess up Mediterranean food…some better than others though. And I have it on several people’s authority and experience that they think Saffron is wonderful.
Today was interesting. First, the place was deserted and Beverly told me that the last time she was there, she had to wait to be seated…they have lots of seating! The service was wonderful and attentive, and the place was exceptionally clean. I loved that they had the Vegan Chef Challenge tents on each table also.
Beverly ordered the Mushroom Rice and remarked that it was lacking some spices and I described it as ‘bland’. (She let me taste some.)
I ordered the Butternut Squash Stew because I love butternut squash and it was a beautiful presentation, but it was way too sweet for me. The dried apricots were wonderful, but the dish was swimming in sweet. I must admit that I prefer my squash with salt and butter. Again, the rice was beautiful but no real spices. I couldn’t even really taste the saffron.
Now all of that being said, I will go back because I have so many other things I want to try there, especially since everyone raves about it usually. One of my tests for Mediterranean restaurants is their falafels. So far, Shawkat is the winner in that category for me. And Mozilla in Owasso has the purest tabouli I’ve found so far. But this quest will go way past the Oct Vegan Chef Challenge!