Home Grown: Newark's Hip, Veggie-Friendly Eatery



Main Street Entrance in Newark, DE



If you live in or around Newark, Delaware or are a UD student, you probably know Home Grown Cafe as a local institution. While I've never experienced nightlife there, I've experienced several great meals. Last night I took my friend Megan, a vegetarian with very good taste who's been dying to get in hre.

Home Grown has been providing fresh local food and vegetarian nosh for nearly 11 years. On the web site, the restaurant describes itself as "casual dining with a unique hip decor." Aforementioned decor is modern and colorful. The atmosphere is relaxed, and in the evening, slightly loud. It is easy to tell that Home Grown is committed to the surrounding community; they sell jewelry from local crafters in glass cases, and each month they hang art by a new, local artist. These artists sometimes hold openings, giving diners an opportunity to learn more about and support their work.



Thai Chicken Salad at Home Grown

Probably the best thing about Home Grown is that almost everything on the menu can be made vegetarian or vegan. Megan was thrilled. "I haven't picked something off of a menu based on what I want in forever!" she said. And even if she was passing by, with no time to sit down, she'd have just as many options; the full menu is available for take-out anytime.

Megan and I were puzzled, however, by a menu option that advertised free-range veal...does someone care to explain that one for us?

We opted for "tacos locos" for an appetizer: two helpings of rice, beans, corn and cheese wrapped in a soft taco and fried, served with ribbons of sweet peppers and dollops of sour cream with chives. For the main course, I dove fact-first into the blackened ahi club (rare, of course), while Megan tucked in to some tasty-looking falafel. We both chose the healthy option of a side salad, served with house vinegarette.

On previous occasions I've dined here, I've eaten (and would recommend) the following:
1. Grilled cheese. Don't let its simplicity fool you; it's stacked full of cheddar, mozzerella, and other fine cheeses. No American in this sandwich.
2. Green Apple: my favorite salad. Greens, bacon, green apples (obviously), brie, and walnuts, served with raspberry vinegarette. YUM
3. The po boy: yummy, flaky cod on a roll served with homemade sauce.

Home Grown also supports local musicians. As we were finishing up, a band started setting up for a 10 o'clock set. We didn't stay, but perhaps another evening we will.

I highly recommend making reservations on the weekends; i tried to take friends there a couple of Saturdays ago, and we were met with a 40-minute wait, even after 8 p.m.! Reservations can be made by phone at 302-266-6993 or online through the website.

Nonetheless, if you're looking for a menu that offers more than one or two veggie or vegan options, look no further. If you're committed to locally-sourced cuisine, look no further. Make Home Grown your home.