As much as I love dining at Fresh restaurant, trying new-to-me vegan restaurants is one of my favourite things to do, especially if it is close by.
Enter The Naked Sprout – Burlington’s (mostly) organic, raw & cooked, vegan, and gluten-free restaurant. It’s a 15 minute drive from me, making it the closest vegan restaurant in my area. My friend Heather took me here for my birthday a few weeks ago and I was excited to try it out after listening to her (and many of you) rave about it. Heather and I met through my Glo Bars a couple years ago. She was a regular customer and visitor to my stand at the Farmer’s Market in Oakville. We stayed in touch through email and when I moved to Oakville (where she also lives) I suggested we meet up. It’s been a lovely friendship ever since.
Here’s what intrigues me about The Naked Sprout: they offer raw and cooked vegan meals, reflecting how the owners eat in their everyday lives. I enjoy raw food quite a bit, but I also love my cooked food and was happy to see this flexibility on their menu. Oddly enough, my first two meals here were raw. I guess I can thank the summer heat for dictating what I crave!
Some raw menu items include:
- kelp noodle salad
- zucchini pasta
- pizza
- rawsangna
Some cooked menu items include:
- BBQ burger
- soba noodle bowl
- protein power bowl
- pesto allergro
For an appetizer, we shared the Skinny Dip Platter made up of parsnip hemp thyme bread sticks, lemon dill pate, creamy garlic hummus, spiced olives, sun dried tomato tapenade. It was excellent and so flavourful. I need to figure out how to make those raw bread sticks stat.
For my main, I ordered the Big Green Earth Salad.
Inside this huge bowl: Mixed greens, massaged kale, lemon dill pate, red kidney beans, carrots,
tomatoes, shredded beets, avocado, tempeh. I got it without tempeh because I’m not a fan. The salad was great…filling and delicious!
The restaurant is quite spacious and they take reservations (bonus!), so I figured it would be a fun spot for a get together. I emailed the running group (the one I started to organize prior to my knee injury) to see if anyone wanted to join me and about 10 of us made it out. I was excited….and scared all at the same time! I always get extremely anxious before these types of things, but as always, I had a great time and everyone was super friendly. When will my anxiety ever learn?
A group shot: Natalie, Julie, Jennifer, Char, Ange, Vanessa, Rachel, Daniela, and Chelsea.
I started with the Green Scene juice made up of Cucumber, cilantro, kale, celery, romaine, lemon.
It looked green and it tasted green…just the way I like it!
For my entree, I ordered the taco salad. The base is a bed of mixed greens, with a huge scoop of guacamole in the middle, salsa fresco, sprinkled with sunflower taco meat all topped off with cashew sour cream. It comes with a salad dressing, but I didn’t find it necessary. It was flavourful and quite dense without being heavy.
Keep your eyes peeled for a Naked Sprout inspired taco salad recipe coming up!
A couple ladies enjoyed the raw tacos (heard they are great!)
and the Protein Power Bowl was a hit too.
For dessert, Vegan Cupcakes via Kind restaurant in Burlington were quite popular at our table!
This chocolate peppermint tastes just like Grasshopper pie. Yum.
and I heard the Chocolate Coconut was amazing too.
Thanks again to everyone for coming out!
The rest of the weekend was spent working on a to-do list: mountains of laundry, recipe testing, cleaning, and eating watermelon.
Lots and lots of watermelon.
I also went on a couple runs and enjoyed some evening walks with the hubby.
The weather was amazing on Sunday…sunny and 30C! Pinch me.
If you are in the area and would like to be put on the email list for future meet ups, let me know below. I’m also starting a running group that will meet on Sunday mornings in different places around the city. The first one kicks off next Sunday, so if you are up for it, let me know in the comments and I’ll add ya!
Eric and I also want to get into sailing. How does one go about sailing without a boat? If any of you might know how to get started sailing in Oakville or if you know anyone who is looking for help, we’d appreciate the tips.
Have a great start to your week!
I live in Mississauga (or at least I will be living back in Mississauga when I finish school in less than 2 weeks) and would love to be part of a meetup group and running group! I was just thinking about how I wish I had people to run with – I was thinking of joining the Running Room for some of their runs, but this works too!
thanks Christie, I just added you to the list. Hope to meet you soon!
Hi Angela! That restaurant looks amazing! I love the presentation of the foods – they all look so yummy. I would love to be on the email list, i just started running this year and am in love. Also I want to thank you for letting me know about the PC organics almond milk – tastes identical to Blue Diamond, and is the same price. I have been trying out many different kinds, and some of them just don’t do it for me.
I’m glad you love the PC almond milk…it’s my new go-to and I LOVE that it’s organic and the same price. Hard to say no!
I will add you to the list too :)
How beautiful! I’ve only been to one vegan/raw restaurant that I like… all the others try really hard and kind of flop with flavorless, bland recipes. Wish this one would come to FL! :)
Wow, that looks like a fabulous restaurant!
Thanks again for organizing that lunch Angela – I had such a great time! Also the two meals you’ve eaten there both look amazing. I want to give that Big Green Earth salad a try next time I’m there. It’s too bad you don’t like tempeh though since they use so much of it. I noticed they don’t really use tofu – I wonder why?
It was such a pleasure meeting you too! I hope to see you again soon. :)
I noticed that too about tempeh….I wonder why. I should ask them next time. I wonder if it’s possible to sub in tofu for some dishes?
I would love it if they could do that – I prefer tofu too! I guess we’ll need to go again soon to find out. ;)
I need a place like that in my life – all of that food looks and sounds so great – tasty AND nourishing. You got a great group out too!
The naked sprout looks fabulous! Wish I had one near me :) Also I ate insane amounts of watermelon this weekend! It’s so light and refreshing but soo sweet and flavorful, my summer fav :)
I looove your site and your story is so inspiring! I struggle with some of the same things you did, but I’m getting better every day :) I was wondering if you’ve ever done/would consider doing a talk/speech of some kind. I know so many people who love your site and would love to hear your journey into veganism and your story.
Yes I would love to do that at some point in the future! I actually want to do a toastmasters thing to get me comfortable with public speaking again. I hear they are great!
I went there recently and LOVED it. My family made it a stop on the way back to my university after a bit of a struggle convincing my parents to try vegan food for the first time. This restaurant turned my very skeptical father into a lover of vegan food. He’s actually been experimenting with it quite a bit! I strongly recommend the Reuben, the tacos, and the key lime pie for dessert. Delicious!
Dad’s can be the toughest critics! Glad it passed the test :)
I am not a runner, but I would love to do a meet up! I just relocated to Toronto from Saint John NB about 2 weeks ago and would love the opportunity to network. The first week I arrived I went straight to Fresh on Bloor, then to Freesen, and Live Organic Food Restaurants. While I was at Fresh I got my hands on a Vegetarian directory. I am a Raw/Vegan and ever since I read about it in the directory I have wanted to try the Naked Sprout. I was very excited to see the pics you posted from there – thank you!
great I will add you to the list! Hope to meet you soon :)
That must have been a big move!!!! I moved from Riverview NB to Milton ON and I found it a huge change! How are you liking it?
So far so good! Thanks for asking :) I really look forward to meeting soon! I just created a twitter account, my first tweet? Your taco salad recipe! Thanks for sharing :)
I went to university with Natalie – small world!!
What a great looking resto and meetup, Ange! I’m excited to check it out- I’m moving to West Missisauga, close to the Oakville line, oh- TOMORROW so I would LOVE to be added to the list again! It’s been too long since I saw all your beautiful faces :)
xoxo
Awesome, I would love to see ya soon!
I live in Cambridge, but I pass through Burlington quite frequently on my way to Niagara to visit family and would love to meet up to try some tasty vegan food. I’d also love to meet to run but I’m just starting a learn to run clinic so maybe in the future! :)
Mmmm…looks delish, especially those vegan cupcakes! My hubby and I are sailors. We bought a 27 ft Catalina last year. It’s a great cruising starter boat, but we got started sailing dinghies. Look for a local sailing club through a local college or university for dinghy sailing (we live in Vancouver and took lessons with the UBC Sailing Club). It’s an incredible way to really learn how to sail a boat (though there is a chance you’ll get wet!). Also, racers are usually always looking for crew on their boat…you’ll be especially sought after if you have any White Sail or Basic Cruising CYA (Canadian Yachting Association) courses under your belt! The regattas usually end up with a dock party and drinks and boaters are a really friendly bunch! Look at bulletin boards at marinas and ask around at boat supply stores. Some yacht clubs will allow people to just hang out at the dock on race day, and they’ll just come and pick you up! My husband and I wish we crewed more often before we had kids because you learn so much…but alas, now we have our own boat (that can sleep our kids in it, which is great!). I would also highly recommend taking a Canadian Power Squadron course to get to know Aids to Navigation and other important boating safety stuff (if you take a CPS course, you will also get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card).
Thank you so much Shelley for all the great info! Taking notes :) It sounds like you have found something you love. Good for you!
Wow Angela! I love raw food when it’s done correctly and by these pictures, I’m in shock! I love the color and care in the presentation, so beautiful!
I was also blown away by the presentation too!
I’m up for joining a running group and meeting you and new people! I know no-one in the area currently, and can’t wait to meet new ones. This weekend is a race, but hopefully next weekend I can join you!
Oh I wish I lived in Canada! I have no blogger friends to meet with here in Philly…or real friends yet but I’m sure that will change hopefully! That food looks utterly amazing. Oh my gosh. It makes me want a veggie burger at 9 am.
I did a sailing camp when I was little and I’m sure there are places where you can rent sail boats!
Hi Angela! That’s so weird, my boyfriend and I were just at the Naked Sprout yesterday! We really liked it, but they were unfortunately sold out of key lime pie. :( I would definitely be interested in future meet ups, so please add me to the list!
I hear that key lime pie is amazing. I will add you to the list, looking forward to meeting you sometime!
I have been meaning to try that place. It is just 10 minutes from me too and my acupuncturist was always telling me about it. I will definitely have to check it out now. Looks good!
Everything looks delicious but those cupcakes are calling my name!
That food looks absolutely delicious! You’re blog has definitely convinced me that vegan food can and is delicious! I’ve tried quite a few of your recipes, and they’ve been amazing!
I was also going to recommend a new Fitness Application for any Iphone/Ipad users on here. My brother just came out with an app called “Fitness Friend.” It’s a really simple, easy to use motivation app that connects you and your fitness friends via Facebook, letting them know what workouts you did. Check it out and review it for him! :) It’s free! http://www.creativejaguar.com/FitnessFriend
Oh my gosh, if you grace us readers with a recipe for those raw bread sticks I will kiss your feet. They look fab! As does that taco salad – can’t wait for that post!
I love hearing about vegan restaurants in other places! If you’re ever in Williamsburg, Brooklyn come meet me at Foodswings! It’s a vegan fast food joint – meaning, okay, it’s not the healthiest of vegan restaurants. But their “metal fries” with hot sauce and fake bleu cheese are so good that eating them, for me, is on the same plane as a religious experience.
Happy travels!
haha that sounds like a can’t miss dining experience!
I have a feeling I would love this place!! Sailing always intrigues me!
All the food in the Naked Sprout(love the name/look) looks fantastic for restaurant food(it’s great when you can find a place that makes it look and taste as good or better then you can do at home). Our population is only 10,000 and are very limited to vegatarian, vegan even harder and raw(other than salad) is next to no choice :(
If I lived closer I would absolutely join your running group :))
And sailing sounds so nice and it’s always great to try something new! Enjoy your running and water time…Oh yeah and I too look forward to your version of a taco meal <3
Hi Angela! As a 29-year-old who also gets social anxiety, I just wanted to thank you again for being so open about it! I feel normal whenever I read that you suffer the same thing – if such a beautiful, creative person can feel that way, maybe I’m not so bad myself :)
Hey Sarah, Thank you so much for your kind words! That means a lot to me. I’m sorry to hear that you struggle with it too, but there is strength in numbers. It’s such a frustrating thing to deal with (I’ve been dealing with it my entire life) so I can relate to how you feel. I also find it’s hard for others to understand. We toss the word “anxious” around so much these days, I think sometimes people do not understand how debilitating a clinical level of anxiety can be. All the best to you! Remember the hardest part is showing up… ;)
I am pretty local as well (in Hamilton). I would love to be on the email list for future events – if I can get my hubby to stay with the kids it is easy to slip away to Burlington or Oakville :)
Hey Elizabeth, that sounds great. Adding you :)
I so admire anyone who can make traditionally cooked meals raw and make them delicious! I’m not quite there yet, but I like a mix of raw and cooked so that’s okay by me.
I e-mailed you a while ago about joining a running group and I’m still interested :).
Hey Kassidy! Did you happen to get my first email? I wonder if I missed you…if that’s the case I’m sorry! Adding you again :)
Ok, 12 things: First off, what on Earth is “massaged kale” like seriously…never heard of it. 2nd, that taco salad looks awesome!!! What are the giant crispy thingys? And #12…where did you find watermelon that gorgeous?!? I live IN THE SOUTH and haven’t seen watermelon that beautiful around here yet! J.E.A.L.O.U.S. Now I’m on a mission to find it!
I’d love to be added to the meet ups. A fan of naked sprout and live close by :)
thanks!
Hello Angela!
We love your blog post and thank you to you and your friends for stopping in to dine at our restaurant! The pictures are fabulous and the write up is simply flattering. We love what we do and we do it for those who are open minded, open hearted and openly talking about us :)
Please email us today – We have a little something for you and hope to see you again real soon.
The Naked Sprout
Well, thank you for your lovely comment! That just made my day. Will email you soon. :)
I would love to be added to the list, I’m from Niagara Falls but would totally make the drive for good food! (and good company of course!)
I’ve only been sailing a few times but absolutely love it! SO peaceful, yet beautiful :) The college I go to even has a sailing team, but I don’t quite think I have that sort of skill haha!
Thanks again for organizing the meet up. I had a great time and can’t wait to try a group run with you all.
What a perfect weekend! I’m so incredibly jealous of how close you are to these fabulous places… the nearest raw/vegan restaurant to me is 120+ minutes away, are crazy expensive, and only okay taste-wise. Also, I would love to go jogging with you! Wish I lived in Canada, haha!
I love your blog and have found great info and inspiration during my own quest for a healthier diet & life. I actually live in Burlington, just a couple of blocks away from the Naked Sprout – my favourite restaurant, and within walking distance, the perfect combination!
I would love to be included in future meetups in the area or at the Naked Sprout – please count me in!
Angie
Awesome, just added you!
Great to know about a vegan restaurant in Burlington. We often pass through there on our way to visit family in Hamilton and area. Now I know where to stop!
Any advice on how to sprout sunflower seeds? Sunflower sprouts are my absolute favorites!
Love your blog!
:)Lara
There are sailing clubs in different parts of the city that are like membership – doesn’t cost much and they supply the boats. worth checking :)
Hey Angela! I would love to join your meetup group! I have eaten at Raw Aura and Naked sprout numerous times and love their food :) Also kindfood in Burlington is amazing with all their delicious deserts! :D I like in Oakville, will the runs be in Oakville or Mississauga? No that it matters …..:)
Hi Angela. I live in Oakville as well and would love to be put on the email list for future meet ups!
Ok I just added you! Thanks :)
Husband’s family are sailors (we don’t live in Oakville, though). He suggests you contact the local yacht clubs and join a crew! Also, love your site…I’m not vegan but I love your ideas. You got me on green monsters a year ago, and that was a valuable staple I relied on while I lost 30lbs :)
Thanks, will do. :) We are thinking of taking some lessons too. We shall see!
Hi Angela,
I’ve followed your blog for a while and in the midst of regular life-craziness I happened to miss out on your more recent posts, until the other day I was browsing around and noticed that you’ve moved to Oakville! We are in the city as well. I’m a Pilates instructor but mostly keep busy with my 3 little ones, and always love to talk healthy lifestyle. :) Anytime you are looking for someone to hang with I’m always game for a Naked Sprout or Kind Food lunch. Feel free to email! :)
please add me to the mailing list for future meet-ups!
done and done!
My friends took me here for my birthday as well!
The cupcakes and raw taco are amazing!
Do you guys meet up often still? I’m from Oakville and would love to go to some of the local places etc. :)
We haven’t in a long time, but I will certainly add you to the email list! I’m hoping to organize something when my manuscript is done and things die down on my end a bit. Talk to you soon!
I just went to the Naked Sprout yesterday and it was amazing. I know I’m a bit late on this post but can you add me to your meet up list? Thanks!
Chantale Oliveira
Hey Chantale, For sure, I just added you to the email list! Thanks :)
Oh no. I just checked… and I believe the Naked Sprout in Burlington ON has closed. :(
Aww that’s too bad! :( Sorry to hear it.