Goodbye, Counter

The East Village’s Counter, one of the only higher-end vegetarian restaurants below 14th street, is closing its doors. So the usual vegheads and I had to have one more taste. I have always enjoyed Counter’s food, especially their brunch, but after each visit I did not soon return. The service was always an issue. And our visit this time was no exception. Upon entry we, party of 5, were treated as if we were intruding upon the dimly-lit empty restaurant. Add the fact that we were not interested in over-priced cocktail “infusions” and that signature East Village food service worker apathy and grossly misplaced snobbery infused our visit. No big deal. We wanted the food.

I had a flatbread pizza–lemon basil pesto, sunchokes, caramelized onion and sun-dried tomato. It was very tasty but lukewarm.

The gang got butternut squash spaghetti, lentil and greens sandwich, a bowl of frittes and their delectable seitan.

Dessert: the brownie sundae with nut-based ice cream, caramel sauce and chocolate drizzle. Very good!

The semolina apple cake topped with vanilla. So, so delicious.