"I could list many reasons to visit Lovin' Oven. Large, open and colorful, the space itself lifts the spirit with lots of light and a cheerful bouquet of fresh flowers on every table. The owners are dedicated to using seasonal and local ingredients, which not only creates a fresh and flavorful menu, but also supports local farmers and nurtures a sense of community. The menu offers an array of interesting vegetarian and vegan options; the owners' keen understanding of the vegetarian diet helps to ensure that everyone in your group can fully enjoy their meal with peace of mind. But the main reason I urge you to come to Lovin' Oven is simply this: They Do Good Food. We stopped in for dinner during a recent visit to the area. One of the days' specials was a Roasted Red Beet and Blue Cheese Salad, and we decided to start off with that. The green salad was simple and fresh, with plenty of blue cheese crumbles and sweet beets, lightly dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette. For my entree I chose the Sauteed Dark Greens and Cannellini Beans over Herbed Polenta. Two huge squares of creamy, savory polenta served as a base for a mountain of sauteed kale and white beans, redolent of garlic and olive oil, with a splash of balsamic-kissed broth finishing it off. Each component of this rustic dish was amazing on its own perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned. Together it was just fantastic. My boyfriend opted for the Quiche of the Day, which was served with a cup of soup and a small green salad. The quiche was tasty, with a flaky crust, its custardy filling dotted with chunks of delicata squash and onions; Locatelli cheese added a sharp note. The Spiced Pumpkin Soup, though, was the real star of this show, with loads of fresh ginger to give it a kick, and just a touch of sweetness. I was tempted to get a container of this stuff to go! (It should be noted that all 3 of their soups that day were vegetarian We were excited to see that they served ice creams and sorbets from The Bent Spoon, and decided to share a 3-scoop bowlful for dessert. The ice cream was, of course, delicious but I found myself regretting the fact that I didn't try one of their amazing looking homemade desserts (Apple Caramel Cheesecake and Key Lime Pie looked especially tasty; vegan sweets offered, as well). Mugs of excellent coffee capped things off nicely. We enjoyed our meal so much that we returned for breakfast the next day equally awesome. We look forward to returning here soon and often!"
