Chef Will The Palate at Lowe Mill offers delicious vegetarian, gluten-free cuisine

Published: Thursday, July 28, 2011, 8:15 AM

Although I fervently admire the strict dietary regimen of vegetarianism and its various subtypes, I personally couldn't alter my eating lifestyle unless for medical purposes and so forth.

It’s not that I eat poorly, nor do I ever indulge in fast food during my lunch hour. Simply put, I just love meat, dairy and seafood too much to sacrifice it.

But last week I experienced a miniature epiphany when I picked up a to-go order at Chef Will -- The Palate for my colleagues and myself.

Located on Lowe Mill’s grounds inside the kitchen trailer that was once occupied by the Happy Tummy before its big move to the first floor, the Palate is Huntsville’s answer to tasty and delicious vegetarian cuisine with -- wait for it -- gluten-free options. I know, folks. Rejoice!

A Mater Samish with organic garden heirloom tomatoes on Fred Bread is on the menu at Chef Will the Palate at Lowe Mill. (The Huntsville Times/Glenn Baeske)

Owned and operated by longtime chef and vegetarian Forest Wilson, the Palate offers a wide variety of dishes that will trick your body into thinking, “Who needs meat?” And don’t be fooled, people. Vegetarian meals leave you more than full and satisfied minus the food baby you’ll be carrying around all day leaving you miserable until 5 p.m. rolls around.

Options such as the roma tomato, garlic, basil and three-cheese brochette on Fred Bread ($4.50), the curry quinoa lettuce wraps ($6) and Chef Will’s California rolls with his signature “bee sting” ($5) serve as great starters and even entrees.

We also ordered the blackened edamame bean salad ($7), the blackened portobello over jasmine rice ($7 and red Indian rice is another option), and the fruit salsa salad ($7). The fruit salsa that comes with the salad might be considered spicy to some, but not to others who, for example, think conventional hot sauce brands like Louisiana and Tabasco shouldn’t even be dubbed “hot,” such as myself. Also, the portobello and jasmine rice combo possesses more subtle and less overwhelming flavors compared to the blackened edamame salad, which in my opinion since I ordered it, was fabulous for Chef Will’s blackening technique with natural spices.

Other menu items include gluten-free roma pasta ($8), blackened tofu over either jasmine or red Indian rice ($7), a portobello burger and an avocado, sprout and cucumber sandwich ($5).

While you are there, don’t forget to ask about his daily desserts. They range from mini purple sweet potato pies to banana muffins, both equally yummy.