White Star Market‘s newest vendor is vegan-focused concept The Dish, which took over the former MJ’s Cafe spot. It serves a rotating lunch plate, soups, grab-and-go salads and gluten-free desserts.
225 visited at lunchtime last Friday and the food hall was buzzing with early-weekend revelry. The vanilla cake with sprinkles on offer was almost completely gone, testament enough to the new spot’s popularity. We ordered the lunch special of the day: Tandoori Shroom-Cauli Wrap served with red lentil dal. The wrap consisted of warm and fluffy pita bread encasing curried cauliflower that was tender but still a little chewy. The sauteed portobello mushrooms were seasoned perfectly, and the cilantro, romaine and green lettuce were fresh and crisp, balancing out the spicy/savory flavors. This was a sandwich to vindicate vegetarians.
The orange-hued lentil dal soup was a filling side but paled in comparison to the wrap. It was warm and filled with nutritious ingredients, but it could’ve used a little razzle-dazzle—perhaps a bit more spice.
As you wait for your order, you can watch your food being made while taking a look at the cookbooks stacked on the shelf above the work station. The team seems to be big fans of the plant-based BOSH! cookbook series, and that shows in the menu. The food is ready fast for a quick lunch break, and the menu items are enticing enough to make a carnivore convert. For breakfast, the stall also offers overnight chia puddings with multiple toppings and a vegan chicken and waffles dish for brunch. The Dish is a great way to try out some trendy vegan food and de-stress on your lunch break. Though at around $15 for the daily special, it’s a bit of splurge for lunch.
The Dish is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.
This story originally appeared in 225 Magazine. To keep up with Baton Rouge food and events subscribe to the free 225 Dine e-newsletter here.
