Restaurant Review By: Janie Pace.
Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply curious about exploring more plant-based options, I highly recommend TLC Vegan Café, led by the skilled chef Troy Gardner. With over 25 years of culinary expertise, including appearances on the Food Network and Discovery Channel, Chef Gardner’s commitment to vegan excellence is evident. Recognized as the Best Vegan Restaurant by
D Magazine and awarded Best Ghost Kitchen by Culture Map, his culinary journey also includes time at Sabor Vegan Academy in Spain.
Chef Gardner has showcased his passion as a cookbook publisher and made countless regional and local appearances. Notably, he pioneered the Dallas area’s first and favorite delivery and curbside pick-up craft vegan kitchen. Now, his culinary heart is in the new dine-in experience at TLC Vegan Café.
Diverse and delectable offerings
TLC Vegan Café’s menu is a delightful medley of plant-based and vegan-friendly options.
One of my favorites is Chef Troy’s Vegan Lasagna, a delicious creation featuring layers of lasagna, zucchini, spinach, house-made ricotta, vegan mozzarella, and Parmesan, all bathed in house-roasted tomato sauce and topped with an Italian-seasoned crumble.
For an Asian fusion experience, the General Tso’s TLC Dinner is a must-try. It features chicken-fried oyster mushrooms or vegan chicken smothered in a tangy, spicy, sweet sauce accompanied by coconut milk, rice, and broccoli.
Explore comfort food with a twist in the Pulled Pork Mac n’ Cheese, featuring Southwest vegan pulled pork in chipotle barbecue sauce, served atop macaroni and enveloped in a house-made creamy cheese sauce.
Delicious vegan pizza selection
Treat yourself to the flavorful offerings of TLC Vegan Café’s flatbread pizzas.
Choose from a tempting variety: a sausage and mushroom combo, a barbecue chicken special, or a vegan pepperoni option. Each pizza promises a delightful and satisfying experience.
Irresistible sandwich selection
Tantalize your taste buds with the B.A.D, The Big Avocado Dad, a substantial sandwich offering a choice of three different bean patties paired with avocado mash, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a soft hamburger bun.
Explore further with other incredible sandwich creations, such as the unique vegan beef Wellington, chicken-fried oyster mushrooms, and the chili cheese brat with grilled vegan sausage adorned with chili for a delightful twist.
Shareables
Indulge in shareable delights with options like the ultimate Frito pie, buffalo cauliflower wings, truffle Parmesan fries, or crispy Brussels sprouts and grilled pineapple. A favorite of mine is the Dip Trio with queso, avo mash, and habanero salsa served with chips, or you can order chips with a single dip to suit your taste.
Salads and more
For those seeking a lighter option, TLC Vegan Café offers a variety of salads and nourishing bowls. The Rabbit Fuel salad is visually appealing and nutritious. Consider the Holy Bowler, a bowl with spinach, tomatoes, quinoa, broccoli, mushrooms, walnuts, toasted pumpkin seeds, vegan bacon bits, and citrus-pickled red onions for a burst of flavors and textures.
Dive into a Southwestern delight with the Macho Taco Salad, featuring black bean and corn relish, avo mash, vegan sour cream, pico de gallo, pickled jalapenos, tomatoes, and crispy corn tortilla chips atop a bed of mixed greens. Elevate the spice level with house-made habanero salsa and chipotle ranch dressing for an extra kick.
Yummy Desserts
Save room for the yummy desserts, including a gooey chocolate pecan cake with whiskey sauce and chocolate buttercream icing, a delightful strawberry cake, or the tempting bananas foster bread pudding.
The careful combination of locally sourced vegan ingredients in salads, bowls, sandwiches, and mains ensures a well-balanced and satisfying meal that is both nutritious and delicious.
Visit TLC Vegan Café at 1930 N. Coit Rd. Unit 4 in Richardson. You can reserve a table on Open Table or check the website for special event dinners featuring wine, beer, or a mocktail flight.
