First Bite: Graze, a Plant-Based Bistro and Bar

I stopped by the newly opened Graze in East Nashville for a healthy lunch today, and the menu options were promising. Graze, which describes itself as a "plant-based bistro and bar," has taken over the former Silly Goose space on Eastland Avenue, and is owned by the same people who own the nearby Wild Cow. Happily for this happy carnivore, the Graze menu has some items similar to what's offered at Wild Cow — large salads, and of course, no meat — but Graze also offers all-day breakfast, has a selection of fresh juices and smoothies, and serves cocktails and local beers.

The inside is unassuming, with a long bar at the window and a bunch of plain four-top tables scattered throughout — definitely more seating than its predecessor. On my visit, each table had a little bowl of succulents in the middle, but otherwise the place was without much decoration. We were greeted by a friendly waitress who was quick to fill our water glasses and recommend dishes.

I ordered the Southwestern Tabouleh ($10), which featured quinoa, roasted corn, black beans, red peppers and a generous scoop of guacamole, all served on a bed of spinach. It was sort of like the Mexican-food bowls you can get at Chipotle, though much fresher and without any grease. Bits of pineapple were sprinkled throughout, which gave a nice, bright break to the grittiness of the grains and beans.

I also ordered the Berries and Cream Smoothie ($6.50), which tasted like a berry shortcake. It was fairly decadent, and definitely felt more like a dessert than a healthy drink. It had dried goji berries floating on top; once the berries got mixed into the liquid, they provided a surprisingly candy-like chewy finish.

My companion is a vegetarian who is always in search of a hot-chicken alternative, so he ordered the Nashville Hot Tempeh ($10). It was served with giant pickles, white bread and ranch dressing. The tempeh definitely brought the heat and had a hearty consistency. But some pieces failed in the crispy arena, which in my opinion is the most important part of fried chicken. (Side note: Why doesn't anyone use tofu skins to mimic the texture of fried chicken?) It was the best vegetarian hot-chicken alternative my pal had tried. Our consensus was that it will meet your hot chicken fix — as long as you're not used to actual fried chicken.

Other enticing menu options included Mac & Chorizo, which, when I lurked over neighboring tables, looked gooey and satisfying, and the Bahn Minis, which include three sliders of seitan filets packed with bright veggies.

Also, as a nice throwback, Graze offers a "Goose's Couscous" for those of you who like to stroll down Silly Goose's delicious memory lane.

Graze is located at 1888 Eastland Ave. and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

If you get a chance to check it out, give us your report in the comments.