Editor's Note: This article was originally written by Mark C. Anderson and published in the Spring 2021 Issue of Edible Monterey Bay Magazine. It's re-posted here with permission. Trendy new spot combines vegan fast food and CBD cocktails.Behold the chili cheese burger with pumpkin-seed chili, queso sauce, crispy hominy and eggplant “bacon.” The sausage-mushroom pizza with sweet peperonata. The chipotle fried trumpet mushroom sandwich, pimento mac ’n’ broccoli and almond butter chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches. The full-bodied flavors at Morgan Hill’s new Craft Roots Vegan Bar and Grill seize an appetite’s imagination fiercely enough that some newcomers don’t realize they’re eating at a vegan establishment until halfway through a meal. “People are surprised they can get their dad to eat a vegan burger,” says owner-operator Justin Gaich.Comfort is its own reward, but there are others, as he points out when asked whether his vegan leanings tip toward compassion for animals, environmental impacts or health concerns. “All of the above,” he says, “but I don’t get preachy. The restaurant doesn’t have that vibe.” While Craft Roots may please unsuspecting omnivores, plenty of eaters come precisely because it’s vegan—and not the type of vegan promoting faux meat. “You should have vegetables shine,” is a common refrain heard from Gaich, his wife/co-owner/operator Nyssa and Craft Roots staff. And that philosophy’s on display with items like the seasonal hash bowl, currently styled for winter with chopped lacinato kale, shredded Brussels sprouts, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, red onion, spiced walnuts and apple cider vinaigrette. Roots’ rising dovetails with a wider surge in burger-loving fast vegan throughout the state, many of them similarly unapologetic about their burly takes on it. As places like Malibu’s Burgers, Vegan Mob and Amy’s Drive Thru are flourishing—and expanding—to the north, Los Angeles is a hotbed of strong meat-free storefronts, from Burgerlords to Monty’s Good Burger to Nomoo. Co-Owner Nyssa says, “We want to go healthy and really support our farms.”“We don’t want a lot of processed foods,” Nyssa says. “We want to go healthy and really support our farms.” Their favorites include Real Produce, Watsonville Coast Produce and Spade & Plow. Plant-based plates represent a surprising pivot for the Gaiches after Justin spent years managing neighboring Trail Dust Barbeque. “Once you get going with vegan, you can sustain your energy without the ups and downs,” he says. “I love the clarity [and] not being burdened by food. It’s hard to describe other than you feel a lot better.” Craft Roots is the rare vegan joint that has a full liquor license.Still more surprises await: Craft Roots is the rare vegan joint that has a full liquor license. The curated small-production craft beer list is also impressive, with roughly two dozen beers available at any given time, from the likes of Humble Sea, Ommegang and Russian River, the brewers behind wildly popular Pliny the Elder, which Craft releases when it becomes available in famously limited quantities. With produce also driving the options on the drink menu, recent seasonal concoctions have starred local apples, plums and cucumbers. Nicholas Mattson directs the bar after evolving his game at popular San Jose drink destination Paper Plane—and taste tests each piece of produce he uses to dial in ripeness. "Balance is the biggest thing for me,” he says. “Too much citrus or too much booze is offsetting. I don’t want our fruits and veggies to get lost.” Mattson’s most popular cocktail, All the Rage, is a rotating creation based on what’s coming out of the field, splashed with CENTR, a crisp CBD sparkling tonic containing as much as 30 milligrams of stress-relieving cannabinoid. CENTR fits into a lineup of nonalcoholic kombuchas and other CBD offerings that are selling briskly enough that Craft Roots struggles to keep them stocked. James Velarde, senior vice president of Coastal Luxury Management, has taken COVID event restrictions as an opportunity to promote CENTR’s burgeoning popularity to restaurants like Craft Roots. “I really like the direction they’re taking,” he says. “People don’t miss the meat. They’ve caught lightning in a bottle with where we’re going as a society, and they’re doing the same thing with CBD: capturing emerging trends in a fun and creative way.”
16 Comments
11/9/2022 06:31:31 pm
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3/27/2023 10:02:22 pm
Thanks for sharing that review. This gives me an idea on what it taste like.
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6/6/2023 04:04:02 pm
This post is very informative. Thanks for sharing reviews on the Trendy new spot combines vegan fast food and CBD cocktails.
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8/30/2023 04:14:23 pm
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11/9/2023 08:47:52 pm
This post is highly enlightening. Appreciate you sharing insights on the chic new venue that offers vegan fast food alongside CBD-infused cocktails.
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12/13/2023 06:32:08 pm
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12/21/2023 10:20:21 pm
The information in this article is extremely valuable. Thank you for providing insights into the new and trendy spot that offers vegan fast food and CBD-infused cocktails.
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12/29/2023 07:34:07 am
This article contains very useful information. Thanks for sharing insights about the fashionable new venue that serves vegan fast food and CBD-infused cocktails.
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This article about Craft Roots Vegan Bar and Grill is not just informative but also inspiring. It beautifully highlights the innovative and delicious offerings of this trendy spot, showcasing how vegan cuisine can be flavorful and satisfying even for those accustomed to traditional meat-based dishes. The emphasis on using fresh, seasonal produce and supporting local farms adds a wholesome touch to the dining experience. Moreover, the incorporation of CBD cocktails and non-alcoholic CBD offerings demonstrates the restaurant's commitment to catering to emerging trends while providing a unique and enjoyable atmosphere for patrons. Overall, this article has helped me appreciate the creativity and dedication behind Craft Roots and has sparked my interest in exploring more plant-based dining options.
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5/8/2024 07:57:00 pm
This article on Craft Roots Vegan Bar and Grill is like a tantalizing journey through a world of innovative flavors and creative culinary experiences! It's so refreshing to see a vegan establishment redefine comfort food and cocktails with such flair and finesse. The mouthwatering descriptions of dishes like the chili cheese burger and the seasonal hash bowl make me want to rush over and try them right away. The attention to sourcing local, fresh produce and the emphasis on supporting farms add an extra layer of appreciation for the restaurant's ethos. And the inclusion of CBD-infused cocktails like All the Rage adds a trendy and health-conscious twist to the dining experience. Overall, this article has not only enlightened me about the vibrant vegan dining scene but also left me eager to explore Craft Roots and savor their delectable offerings firsthand. Hats off to Edible Monterey Bay Magazine for showcasing such a culinary gem!
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5/9/2024 02:00:36 am
This article about Craft Roots Vegan Bar and Grill is a mouthwatering journey into the world of innovative vegan cuisine and CBD-infused cocktails. The vivid descriptions of dishes like the chili cheese burger and sausage-mushroom pizza ignite the senses and challenge preconceived notions about vegan food. I appreciate how the article showcases the passion and creativity of the owners, Justin and Nyssa Gaich, in crafting plant-based plates that prioritize flavor and freshness. Moreover, the inclusion of insights from Nicholas Mattson on the thoughtfully curated drink menu, including CBD-infused offerings, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the dining experience. Overall, this article has not only expanded my understanding of vegan dining but also left me eager to visit Craft Roots and savor their delicious creations. Excellent job capturing the essence of this trendy and innovative restaurant!
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5/26/2024 05:22:46 am
Craft Roots Vegan Bar and Grill sounds like a culinary gem that not only delights the taste buds but also champions ethical and health-conscious eating. The vivid descriptions of their dishes, from the chili cheese burger to the chipotle fried trumpet mushroom sandwich, evoke a sense of excitement and curiosity. It's heartening to see a restaurant dedicated to showcasing the flavors and versatility of plant-based ingredients without compromising on taste or creativity. Moreover, their commitment to supporting local farms and serving seasonal produce reflects a genuine dedication to sustainability and community. The inclusion of CBD cocktails and non-alcoholic CBD offerings adds a modern twist, capturing the zeitgeist of emerging food trends. Craft Roots' innovative approach to vegan cuisine and its embrace of wellness-focused beverages make it a destination that's not only satisfying appetites but also shaping the future of dining experiences. This article has enlightened me about the vibrant world of vegan dining and the exciting possibilities it holds for both food lovers and conscientious consumers alike.
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9/1/2024 12:44:30 am
This article was an amazing read and really opened my eyes to how cool vegan dining can be! I loved learning about Craft Roots Vegan Bar and Grill in Morgan Hill, which mixes delicious vegan food with creative CBD cocktails. The way they make vegan meals so exciting and full of flavor is impressive, especially since it can even trick meat-eaters into enjoying their dishes. The mention of their unique drink menu, including CBD options, shows how they’re keeping up with trends in a fun way. This article helped me understand that vegan food can be both tasty and innovative, and it’s great to see places like Craft Roots leading the way. Fantastic job highlighting such a unique spot!
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The Craft Roots TeamCraft Roots is locally owned and family friendly. Created on an idea to give our community a new concept that embodies artesian ideologies. We believe food is love and the best way to share our passion is with healthy whole foods concentrating on a 100% plant-based menu. Archives
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