A brand new vegan restaurant is set to open its doors above the Crown & Conspirator pub on Bramhall high street later his month. Otto Vegan Empire will bring a healthy, modern take on some of the oldest plant-based dishes.
Opening on Wednesday, April 27, the restaurant represents the first brick-and-mortar offering for James Lavin, formerly of Stretford Food Hall favourites The Otto-Men. Joining forces with Cheshire Pub Co. to launch the vegan venture, the restaurant will channel the chef’s passion for biodynamic and vegan living, which will be recognisable to his former Otto-Men customers.
In a Facebook post, the chef-patron said: “Our Otto menu showcases a groovy and modern take on the traditional. I’ve lost count of how many patient elders I have mithered for their homegrown recipes during my travels through the streets and homes of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern villages.
“Otto will offer a cornucopia of flavour, texture and good times to the village of Bramhall. Sustainable, seasonable and locally sourced will be at the heart of everything we do."
Matt Parker, managing director of Cheshire Pub Co, adds: "As tastes and desires for specialist cooking and diets continue to evolve, its been important for us, as a pub company to adapt and respond to this demand. Therefore, it is a pleasure to be working alongside our team of talented chefs to bring a fresh and new concept to life, which really does deliver a 100% vegan experience.
"Otto presents exciting opportunities for those who choose to live a vegan lifestyle, or those who simply enjoy a plant-based diet from time to time. Otto Vegan Empire, Bramhall will be the first of many sites as we seek to expand the Otto concept across the North West over the next few years."
The restaurant, which promises to put “every nut, legume, grain and aromatic spice” into the base of its cooking, will offer an entirely plant-based menu with a modern take on the traditional. Crafted using flavours from the Ottoman Empire, dishes will span Otto Mezze, a selection of different mezzes, served with khobez bread, garnished street style; leavened and unleavened bread served with or without curd cheese; and starters and small plates encompassing dishes such as Adriatic-style tomato stew and the famous five falafel.
Alongside mains such as Sexy Pie - a pastille of eight seasonal roasted and confit vegetables and super grains rolled in baklava pastry - and Otto Veggie Kofta, diners will also be able to choose from a range of salads, rice and grains. Meanwhile, desserts include a sweet pastry selection and sticky chocolate pudding baked in clay and topped with rich chocolate custard.
Known for its contemporary Ottoman and Mediterranean cuisine, The Otto-Men quickly gained a loyal following popping up at Stretford Food Hall and independent street food festival Grub. They became popular spot for vegan mezze bundles and platters of falafel, flatbreads and vegan nuggets, and fans can expect to see similar influences across the new Otto Vegan Empire menu.
The restaurant will officially open its doors on Wednesday, April 27, you can book a table here.
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