Crossroads Vegan by Tal Ronnen {restaurant}

"Crossroads?"

I hate the name of chef Tal Ronnen's new vegan restaurant on Melrose that replaces Philippe.

(Did anyone eat at Philippe? Really? No, I mean really?)

"Crossroads" sounds like a church. Or a Christian bookstore. Not to be racist, but maybe even a rehab center. Oh, I mean "spa." Whatever, same thing.

But as much as I hate the name, "hitting the new Crossroads with a girlfriend" seemed an appropriate Friday night statement given my current situation. More on the specifics later, but for now know that Crossroads is good, in every sense of the name.

{pictured above: Artichoke "Oysters" with artichoke puree, fried oyster mushrooms, and kelp caviar $8}

Lentil Flatbread $5

Not gluten-free, but no nuts. Oh, how literal for my life now. (Served with three dips, below)

Dips for Lentil Flatbread

Smoked Cannellini Bean Hummus, Leek Pate, and Tomato Braised Banana Peppers (i.e. spicy ketchup)

Kale Salad $6

Obviously. With pine nuts, currants, and lemon-thyme vinaigrette.

"Crab Cakes" $8

Made with hearts of palm, served with apples, beets, and horseradish cream. Fav of the night.

Lentil Cassoulet $12

with lentils, mushrooms, treviso (bitter!) and leeks. Very mustardy.

Scaloppine Marsala $14

Mushroom Marsala sauce over sliced Gardein, a vegan protein with the texture of chicken. The Gardein was good, but the sauce was a little salty.

Crossroads has a wine list and a short menu of fancy cocktails from the full bar. I had a simple Moscow Mule, since ginger is so vegan.