This raw food café brings fresh life to St. Lawrence Market with dishes even a carnivore will love
The place: The two-month-old raw food joint (“cruda” is Spanish for “raw”) is the brainchild of chef Claudia Gaviria, who proudly offers mostly uncooked options to office dwellers who work too far from Rawlicious or Urban Herbivore. Tucked away in the northeast corner of the lower level, Cruda is a welcome reprieve from the market’s long-standing deep-fried lunch options. Don’t be turned off by the “raw” and “vegan” labels; this is satisfying food by any standard.
(Images: Matthew Fox)
The crowd: Raw food enthusiasts and downtowners looking for something new. Most get it to go (with compostable containers and cutlery, natch); others opt to have a seat at the market’s no-nonsense tables and chairs. We recommend picnicking in nearby Berczy Park, if the weather allows.
The deal: The board of daily offerings lists such made-before-your-eyes dishes as the norita rawrap with cauliflower rice, umeboshi plum paste and fresh veggies ($6.50) and house-made rawvioli ($8.50).
The dish: Proving that a burger needn’t be greasy to be satisfying, Cruda’s bistro burger ($9)—with a dense, smoky wild mushroom and pecan patty between two thick slices of tomato—overflows with shredded carrots, beets and fresh, creamy guacamole. Don’t even try lifting it; it’s strictly a knife-and-fork affair. The glow salad ($7.50) is a vibrant collection of arugula, avocado, sunflower sprouts, edible flowers and carrots, all offset by a sweet carrot-orange vinaigrette. A sampling of truffles ($1.50 each) ranges from the subtle coconut-almond to the surprisingly decadent cocoa and date with beet powder.
The time: 20 minutes—10 watching Claudia in action and 10 devouring the fruits (and vegetables) of her labour.
The cost: $22.25, including tax.
Cruda Café, 92 Front St. E. (St. Lawrence Market, lower level), 905-447-6501, crudacafe.com.
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very disappointing! meal was bland and pricey. steer clear of the cupcakes!!!!
April 28, 2010 at 11:06 am | by lilacI adore Cruda. When I worked in the area, I’d eat there for lunch every day. If you’re raw (like I am), this is an amazing place to eat at a very reasonable price point.
June 14, 2010 at 12:14 pm | by Yafa SakkejhaLove this place! I had the burger, and it was absolutely amazing. My daughter (3yo) really loved it too! Awesome! Can’t wait to go back.
June 17, 2010 at 12:43 am | by mommylizOh wait! I forgot to mention…I DID eat it with my hands! Yum!
June 17, 2010 at 12:47 am | by mommylizBeen there once before and will not go back. I had a wrap, it was small considering price and taste was blah. Also staff were not very welcoming, a hello goes a long way.
February 24, 2011 at 8:49 pm | by tony