“Vegan dining can be so much more than just a plate of dressed-up vegetables,” says Joseph Solar, owner of the freshly opened Greyhound Cafe in Malvern. The newest entry into an untapped suburban demographic is located in the Great Valley Shopping Center at the busy intersection of routes 30 and 401.
Joseph has been vegan for almost a year and a half now and has embraced its philosophy—as well as relinquishing 35 pounds to prove it. “It was as simple as my stepdaughter challenging me to try the vegan lifestyle for overall health reasons. I kept thinking to myself, how am I going to survive on just salads?”
Having just tapped into his sixties, Joseph continues to explain the salubrious and ethical reasoning behind his life-altering change. “Not to be judgmental, but I just can’t buy into the mistreatment of animals anymore, and I have this whole ‘save the planet’ mentality going on at this stage of my life. Plus, I love eating things that taste good and are healthy to boot.”
With that in mind, his “comfort food” vegan oasis has captured a gratifying Italian and Mexican focus with precision. A totally (yes, totally) plant-based and protein-filled menu lets one indulge in crab cakes with remoulade, sausage stuffed rigatoni fra diablo, a beyond meat burger and pizzas (we highly recommend buffalo chicken) that defy what any carnivore would call boring and bland. “I wanted to change the perception that being vegan doesn’t mean food has to be tasteless,” says Joseph.
Cheeses, infused dressings (many nut-based), sauces, crusts, breads, accoutrements and desserts are all created on-site with mastery and, more importantly, zest. Just ask general manager Grace McDermott, a self-proclaimed expert at vegan-speak who is more than willing to impart information and pairing tips without being condescending to meat-loving diners. “What I think is important about The Greyhound Cafe is that it’s a place that vegans can bring friends who might not be part of the lifestyle and really treat them to a fun and healthy meal with something for every palate. We’ve had diners that keep asking us if we are really vegan after looking at the menu and especially after trying some of our dishes,” she shares. “It’s also an adventure for we vegans to treat ourselves out to an evening of comfort food that we can eat guilt free.”
The cafe was named after Joseph’s recently departed family member Mandy, a 14-year-old rescued greyhound (one of eight) who not so coincidentally is pictured above the diner’s receipts.
Keeping the BYOB spot authentically linked to an ecological and zen-like balance, the tables are rustically recycled hand-hewn wood with differing bases on each (including one with an old Singer sewing machine with a functioning pedal). Wall art is scarce but effective with industrial artistic plant hangings courtesy of in-house pizza expert Erin Mini. Purchased greyhound prints and figurines are pleasingly animated. Joseph has embellished the ambience with warm stucco walls, comfy chairs, a few low-maintenance plants and regal purple draperies in the front window.
The local area has needed a place like The Greyhound Cafe—where the vegan lifestyle conundrum is highlighted in both creative and conciliatory ways. Finally, that reality is here. Be surprised at just how good a vegan meal can be. Check out the latest on The Greyhound Cafe’s website, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
Gluten-free options (including pizza crusts) are available. Parking is plentiful. Open for lunch and dinner daily from 11:30 a.m. (noon on weekends) to 9 p.m. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.
The Greyhound Cafe is located at 81 Lancaster Ave. in Malvern; phone: (610) 240-0222.
- Photos: Ed Williams
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