The Cutting Board Slices up Delicious Vegan Fare

The Place: The Cutting Board Bakery and Café
The Location: 2235 S. Power Road, Suite 116, Mesa
The Dish: Vegan Gluten-Free Piña Colada Cupcake, 007 Black Bean Burger
By: Camryn Dilger

Located just off Power and the 60, The Cutting Board Bakery and Café is a vegan restaurant that not only produces delicious and nutritious food, but focuses on health education, artistic expression and community outreach as well. This “healthy fast food” restaurant sells vegan pizza, sandwiches, burgers and bowls, as well as pastries and coffee.

The Cutting Board prepares their food without the use of microwaves, fryers or freezers, and makes almost everything from scratch. Although not all of their dishes are gluten-free, many of them can be modified upon request. Their breakfast options, served 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays and all day Sunday, include the Santa Monica French Toast, Biscuits & Gravy, and Tofu Scramble. We tried the vegan gluten-free piña colada cupcake ($5.39), which was the perfect balance of pineapple and coconut, and is baked fresh daily.For lunch, try the 007 Black Bean Burger ($11), one of their most popular menu items (and my personal favorite). The Cutting Board offers nothing less than nutritious, wholesome food that you can feel good about eating.

The style of the restaurant would best be described as simple, casual and laid-back. The main dining area is a colorful space with blue and green walls and also has a bookshelf stocked with health books, beverages and board games. Plenty of seating is available both indoors and outdoors.

If you’re not sold yet, The Cutting Board also offers workshops about nutrition and plant-based diets to educate the community and share their philosophy that healthy eating habits have the power to heal. Visit their Facebook page or website for details about upcoming events.

If you’re STILL not sold, or if vegan food just isn’t your thing (but it might be—you never know), check out their open mic nights; perfect for local musicians who want to share their talent or practice performing in front of a crowd. Live music is provided every Saturday, along with an organic beer and wine bar.

Their hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Cutting Board is definitely worth checking out, whether you’re a vegan in the East Valley or a health-conscious foodie looking for a plant-based bite to eat.

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