By Shehrezad Bawany, FW Writer

During this time when the world’s economy
is chaotic and prices are rocketing, becoming ecofriendly
is a part of the new, affordable way of
living. Savings are crucial, so why limit yourself to
just the environment? FW has learned today that
eating vegetarian can be easy on your body and
your wallet.

Ironically placed right opposite the
Barbarian’s Steak House, Commensal is not
outshined by its neighbors on Elm Street. Having
passed this restaurant several times in the past, I
have thought to myself “this is just not for me.”
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that eighty
percent of their clientele are not vegetarian.
Owner Susanna Yeung says it best “ it’s just a
sensible way to eat.” Her goal is to break this
common mindset, and show people how to
improve their lifestyle by eating vegetarian.

Commensal has a light, sunny disposition
with its orange and yellow walls, which are quite fitting for what it contains. They have a section
for take home food if you’re in a rush and another
section dedicated to books and products to help
you make your way into this lifestyle. Attached to
the restaurant is a recently opened breakfast bar,
so you can begin your healthy day at 7am!

Next at your disposal is a hot and cold buffet.
By buffet, I do not mean lining up and piling
on sky-high mounds of food like it’s your last
meal. If you’re eating at Commensal, you pay
for exactly what you eat. The food is priced by weight; this way, you look after yourself, your
money, and not waste food at the same time. If I
had to recommend one dish, it would be the rich,
coconut flavored Thai Seiten Curry, featured in
the hot buffet.

Avoiding dessert is the hardest thing to do. At
Commensal, this is no way to live! The Soya cake
particularly impressed me, unable to believe it
was actually that with every bite I took. If you’re
feeling festive, grab a soft and spicy Pumpkin
Orange Square to accompany your tea. This
little number pretty much pushed my friend, the
‘Borderline Vegetarian,’ over to the green side.

Adding to the atmosphere, every Friday and
Saturday Commensal treats you to a live Jazz
performance. A perfect combination with my
meal was the musical styling of the talented duo,
Sarah Jerrom and Ali Berkok.

I can assure you I was very full by the end
of the meal, and not the kind of full where you
feel like your next stop should be the YMCA
nearby. It was a refreshing feeling that came from
eating clean, healthy food. I have to admit, I was
converted as I left the restaurant, and I think you
will be too. Try out something new, and we at FW
promise you a new way of living!