Cheap Eats: Globally Local

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: CLAUDIA BERGMAN
A "Grilled ChickUN Caeser" combo is just one of a variety of items at Globally Local, a vegan based fast food restaurant located at 252 Dundas St.

Situated at 252 Dundas St., between Clarence and Wellington is Canada’s first all vegan fast food restaurant, Globally Local. Formerly a service dedicated towards creating vegan meal kits, the transition to becoming a restaurant occurred during December 2016 to much positive reception.

With media mentions from London Free Press, AM980 News, Veg News Magazine, One Green Planet and more, the plant based fast food concept has caught the eye of both the public and media at astounding rates.

Upon entering there is a quick realization that Globally Local makes no qualms about who they are, which is simply just a vegan fast food joint. Absent are the varnished wooden tables, the vines growing against decrepit exposed brick walls, mason jar cups or even any form of deconstructed menu items.

Rather, the atmosphere is reminiscent of a nostalgic fast food eatery in conjunction with a more personalized, modern touch. Brown chairs and tables are set up against a beige wall whose décor includes the artwork of local artists.

Another point worth mentioning is the pristine cleanliness of the restaurant which is noticeable immediately. The atmosphere is welcoming and lacking any pretentiousness or intimidation commonly found in uppity vegan joints.

The stigma to decide and order within a certain time period is cleverly kaput as a large TV showcasing the entire menu is on display away from the order area.

With ample space, customers both new and/or familiar with Globally Local’s offerings are able to freely congregate around the brightly coloured screen and read each detailed menu item at their own pace.

Customers are given the option to choose from a variety of menu items such as their “Famous Burger”, a vegan variation of the Big Mac containing two patties topped with their famous sauce, onion, lettuce and cheese or even their taco salad which comprises of vegan meat, cashew sour cream, tomato and vegan cheddar over a bed of lettuce.

If coming with young children or just looking for a quick snack, the restaurant also offers kid sized burgers.

Featured on their menu are also breakfast options such as the “Maple Crunch Sandwich”, an english muffin drizzled with maple syrup and combined with vegan cheese, a choice of “bacon” or vegan ham, a tofu egg and a hash brown.

This particular visit included their “Grilled ChickUN Caesar” with the addition of the fries and drink combo add-on for a total of $10.15.

A take on the traditional Chicken Caesar Wrap, the “Grilled Chick- UN Caesar” was made of romaine lettuce tossed with cashew caesar dressing, “bacUN” bits, croutons, vegan parmesan and grilled “chick- UN” all encompassed by a soft tortilla (your choice of white or whole wheat).

The wrap was overall quite delicious and the “chickUN” had an impressively chicken-like texture. “I can’t believe this is all vegan” was a reoccurring thought during this experience as notes of a creamy, but plant based dressing became a reminder of mankind’s creative genius.

In a turn of events, the town troubadour arrived and spoke highly of their fries which he confidently proclaimed “the best fries I have ever ate”.

Had the cook added a bit more seasoning to the serving, then the troubadour’s conclusion would have been shared.

All in all, Globally Local offers a wonderful and different approach to a plant-based diet.

The accessible atmosphere caters to both meat and non-meat eaters alike, while those on a completely plant based diet are given the reassurance that there is no chance of contamination regardless of their item choice.

Given their extremely positive community feedback, the restaurant is slated to open the world’s first all vegan 24/7 drive thru by Highbury and Cheapside.