Veggie: Grezzo

Not a raw deal

By CARA BAYLES

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Some carnivores are so self-satisfied with their bloodlust that they think vegetarian fare is the equivalent of baby food. They're fools anyway, but they're total morons if they don't check out Grezzo, where the food is neither heated nor meated, but the restrictions keep it original.

"Our restaurant attracts a lot of foodies, not necessarily vegetarian and vegan people," says founder/executive chef Leah Dubois. "The bulk of our clientele are culinarians, people who want a unique dining experience. We're really trying to branch out to all different types of people."

Grezzo serves raw food, meaning that the dishes are never cooked above 112°F. It's also vegan (to the nth degree ... they won't even use honey or yeast!), organic and fresh daily. But Dubois was drawn to offering a shifting and challenging menu compared to her North End neighbors. "I wanted to add another genre into my culinary arsenal," she says. "You're forced to be super creative. I wanted it to be a fun experience, nothing too serious. People come in here, don't even know what raw is."

The menu itself proves the versatility of Dubois' approach to what sounds like a grocery list of limitations. Regular items are joined by about a dozen daily specials. But for picnickers, Dubois recommends the Greek pizzeta ($9) or sprouted wild rice jambalaya with dehydrated vegetables in a spicy red sauce (it comes in a takeout carton for to-go orders). Their cheeses and ice cream (made without dairy, gluten, wheat or soy) are popular for take out in pints and half-pints. Grezzo generally has about 10 flavors on hand—with cheeses ranging from herb and garlic macadamia to curry cashew, and ice cream flavors like candy apple and whole clove—but if you're looking for something specific, call ahead, since everything is made fresh daily. Cheeses are the spreadable variety, and "people often slice up their own crudités," says Dubois. And you can get fresh veggies at Haymarket, which is right around the corner.

Also nearby? The Rose Kennedy Greenway, which Dubois says is a choice spot for picnicking. "When you get out of Haymarket, there's this green space with lots of people walking their dogs around. People get our gelato to go, and go hang out there," she says. "It's super convenient, there are lots of dogs running around, great view, you can see the [Zakim] Bridge going over to Somerville."

[69 Prince St., North End. 857.362.7288. grezzorestaurant.com]

[Haymarket]

This open-air market, which sells mostly fruits and vegetables (but also cheeses, halal food and fish), is a great place to buy produce if you're going to eat it that day (on a blanket outside). In addition to its criminally low prices and the variety provided by competing vendors, Haymarket provides a touch of local, er, personality in the seasoned hawkers, who say things like, "If you want polite, go to Shaw's. They'll charge you three times as much." [Blackstone St., Boston. Fridays and Saturdays/dawn till dusk]

[Clover Food Lab]

Only a few choices constitute Clover's menu, which is seasonal and incorporates local produce as much as possible, allowing them to totally rock at what they do feature. Their chickpea fritter sandwich is savory, tangy and crunchy amidst its celestial sauce. It's a perfect size and very portable. Their rosemary fries have winning flavor, but are recommended for immediate consumption. Have a prime spot—and there are plenty on MIT's campus—picked out nearby. [Carleton St., Kendall Sq., Cambridge. cloverfoodlab.com]

[City Feed and Supply]

City Feed and Supply is a vegetarian's dream come true. Browse the compact but well-stocked shelves for a grand selection of fruits and locally grown veggies, but don't miss the locally produced tofu. They're best known for sandwiches like Tofurky Deli Slices ($6.59), the "Eight Fold Path" ($6.59)—with firm tofu, hoisin sauce and matchstick carrots—or the PB&J with a choice of Massachusetts ruby or blueberry jam ($4.99), all good to go. [66 Boylston St. 617.524.1657 & 672 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617.524.1700. cityfeedandsupply.com]

MORE SPRING DINING:

EASY: Spice & Rice, Coast Cafe, James Hook & Co., Sultan's Kitchen

COLD: Dave's Fresh Pasta, J Pace & Son, Savenor's Market, Lionette's

WINE & CHEESE: South End Formaggio, Cardullo's, Golden Goose Market, The Wine & Cheese Cask

BARBECUE: Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q, Redbones, Smoken' Joe's, Mrs. Jones

LIQUID: Bubble-T Zone, Boston Tea Stop, Blue Shirt Cafe, Black Seed

PATIO: The Other Side Cafe, Barking Crab, Grafton Street, The Beehive

BEER & LIQUOR: Downtown Wine & Spirits, Charles St. Liquors, Marty's Liquors, Blanchards