Vegan Victuals Tries Vandal‘s Vegan Menu
July 24, 2018
Vandal is a hot spot night club and restaurant on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Part of the posh Tao Group and in partnership with chef Chris Santos, of Food Network’s Chopped judge fame, Vandal could be one of the places that Patrick Bateman might head to with his fancy friends. But they have got a new, exclusively vegan alternate menu! So I came and sampled…
The vegan menu consists for tasting plates embracing a variety of cuisines with a great attention to detail. I was pleased to have so much choice!
The Eggplant Meatballs were delicious with creamy interiors… but I missed a bit of texture. I might have browned them a bit in a pan? The garnishes, top notch. This is what makes high end–that attention to detail and the tremendous opportunities embraced with garnish and sauce. These components often make or break a dish. 
The Charred Mushroom Sopes were a great bite! Smoky and spicy while fresh and vibrant. A fantastic combination.
The Roasted Squash Tostadas were good, but I’m not the biggest fan of jicama, which made up the shell. Made the overall texture a bit too wet. Of course I’d eat 3 more if given the opportunity.
The Crispy Cauliflower Tacos were outstanding. Cauliflower: So hot right now. Apple miso marinaded (!), topped with a charred scallion salsa. They were gone way too quickly. I guess because I only got to eat one of them. 
There is even two vegan dessert options. This is the Meringue + Cream Sandwich: a sandwich of aquafaba merigue and chocolate pudding topped with coconut whip. So good.
All these delicious dishes and I got to meet Chef Chris Santos. 
A great night of vegan food, friends, and, ok, too much wine.