FRESCA ON ADDISON
22 S. Addison St., Richmond, Va.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Menu: http://www.frescaonaddison.com/menu/
Suitable for: Vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, everybody
We’re back in Richmond for another go-round in this edition of the Travel Guide, enjoying the spoils of a several-day visit this spring. Let’s stroll over to the Carytown neighborhood for a bite to eat, shall we?
When it comes to cuisine, Fresca on Addison gets the messaging front-and-center right away. “CHICKS DIG VEGETARIANS,” reads a sign emblazoned on the side of the bright-green building. And above it: “Named Best Vegan Restaurant in Virginia!” That was enough street cred for us – and our visit paid off.
Step into the café and the first thing you’ll notice is that there is usually a line. Take heart: It moves pretty quickly, and the final product will be well worth the wait. While you’re standing around, go ahead and scope out the drink case (alongside juice and water, Fresca does sell beer to those of age should you wish to wet your whistle with a little more punch) and also notice the desserts propped up on the counter. Act virtuous and come back in for a second purchase later, or go ahead and bite the bullet (and the cookie) right now. Your choice.
Fresca on Addison serves its lunch menu till 4 p.m., which is a good thing, because some of their sandwiches are the very best I’ve ever put in my mouth. If you’re venturing in a friend, take the wise approach and order two different sandwiches so you can try a few different varieties without completely pigging out. LeeLee and I enjoyed the BBQ seitan AND vegan chicken-salad sandwiches with this approach, and neither of us felt we’d come out with the raw end of the deal.
The BBQ seitan is as smoky and spicy as any good Southerner would want. The seitan is meaty with the perfect amount of chew, and its placement in the middle of a pita offers up a carby, bready chew that doesn’t overpower the protein.
The vegan chicken-salad sandwich, on the other hand, is as light and airy as a springtime picnic. The salad itself tastes just like the real thing (or what I remember of the real thing) – slightly sweet, certainly savory, with a dressing to make it interesting. It rests on a bed of arugula and is again tucked away in a pita, the perfect vessel for such a sandwich.
Now, you’ll be offered a choice of sides. They are all good, I’m sure, but do yourself a favor and choose the potato salad. I cannot stress this highly enough. Even if you’re lukewarm on the idea of potato salad, you won’t be disappointed. The spuds are decked out in horseradish and bound together with a lightly creamy, heavily tart dressing. It brings summertime flavors out no matter the weather outside, and it’s heavenly.
Sandwiches aren’t Fresca’s only purview – the eatery also offers up a passel of pizzas, all of which can be made vegan, as well as salads and lighter bites for those just passing through.
It’s safe to say you’d be doing yourself a great disservice by not poking your head into Fresca on Addison when your travels next take you to Richmond. Chicks may dig vegetarians, but vegetarians dig Fresca.