Total MK checks out the vegan delights on offer on the Las Iguanas menu - and discovers a High Street restaurant that is going the extra mile...
The recent explosion in veganism has been great news for those following a plant-based diet; As retailers scramble to catch-up by offering new cruelty-free food, it means a meal out now offers far more choice than a limp salad or a jacket potato. That said, not every dining space gets it right, and some still haven't grabbed the basics.
But when we visited Las Iguanas at The Hub in Milton Keynes this week, we were knocked out by the choice for vegetarian and vegan diners.
Aside from a wide-range of Tapas & Starters (including Nachos, Halloumi Skewers, Dadinhos and Jackfruit Tinga Tacos), the menu of plenty offered mains from Brazil & Argentina, Peru and Mexico, and lots of them.
“We take it to a new level,” says our knowledgeable server Christina, who was happy to talk us around elements of the menu that left us spoiled for choice and in need of assistance.
We didn't need any help in deciding on starters though: With Mushroom Quesadilla and Crispy Cauliflower Bites snapped up.
The quesadilla are veggie, not vegan, but any dish can be adapted, said Christina, and a switch to vegan cheese was swiftly organised.
The four perfect folded tortillas were small, perfectly formed taste sensations.
Pan-toasted, the tortillas are packed with mushrooms, chilli and that aforementioned cheese. Plump, but not packed, they are a mouth-watering way to start the meal.
Across the table, my dining partner is making short work of one of the quesadillas that has been snaffled from my plate.
It was only fair that I tried a cauli-bite in return. I'm not a huge fan of the packed flower heads, and coating them in a spicy coating wouldn't make much of a difference, I thought, pre-bite.
But I was wrong. The spicy little pieces were very yum, and a couple more found their way from his plate to mine. Luckily, the portion was generous.
We could easily have doubled the portion delivery of the quesadilla, and the main course arrival couldn't come soon enough!
I took the Moqueca De Palmitos from the Brazil/Argentina options.
The dish brought together butternut squash, palm hearts (ethically sourced) and spinach, in a creamy coconut curry with red peppers, garlic and fresh tomatoes.
But there was more; Spring onion rice, sweet plantain (pan fried) and pico de gallo (a salsa which was surplus to requirements, but as it was served on the side, it was no issue).
It was warming, not overly spicy, and plentiful in amount. A side portion of green beans worked well with the sweet plantain to break up the taste fusion.
Across the table, a new to the menu veggie chilli was being worked on.
Sweet potato, butternut squash and chickpeas braised with spiced tomatoes and spring onion rice.
The chilli was hearty, and perfect for a chilly evening, but the crispy blue corn tortillas didn't make a fan. They are such a small part of the plate that it was no issue.
We struggle to finish the main courses – although we do have a damn good try.
“How about desert?” asks Christina. The lure of the sweet stuff wins out, and a Chocolate Coconut Tart is ordered.
It is served with a scoop of dairy-free coconut ice cream, which is a staple on restaurant menus, but this one is tastier, nicer, and moreish.
On the menu the tart is described as rich and indulgent, and it proved to be.
Despite being a slim slice it proves the perfect size for two, and lip-licking way to sign off this food review.
Las Iguanas was an inviting venue, the staff were great and happy to help accommodate and tweak the menu to cater for us.
With a range of burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, ensaladas and burgers to choose from on the main menu, and a stack of sides to suit, the menu is a winner for vegans.
Las Iguanas are leading when it comes to plant-based dining on the high-street.
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