Down2Earth Out of this World
Down2Earth Out of this World
By Charles Karel Bouley
“Chef, what part of the South are you from?” I asked, after devouring my Po’Boy at Down2Earth cafe in Town Square, Las Vegas, NV.
“Well, I’m not, unless you count South Oakland,” Chef Parker laughed.
How could this be? I had just eaten the best Po’boy in Las Vegas, vegan or otherwise. And the flavor screamed New Orleans fish fry; I know, I’ve been, and it did. He had to be from the backwaters of the South.
“I’ve never even been,” he laughed.
“Well, when you go, take your sandwich recipe, it will be a hit,” I assured him.
Finding Down2Earth, one of the latest eateries to open in Las Vegas that are plant based, was like finding a hidden treasure at the end of a hunt, thanks to the maze that is Town Square at Sunset and Las Vegas Blvd. The Po’Boy (and rest of the menu) is the creation of Chef Parker, a San Francisco/Oakland native now calling Las Vegas his home and the vegan, and foodie, communities are all the better for it. And don’t let the tucked away location fool you, this is a full-flavor kitchen with loads of goodness for any tastebuds.
I first encountered Down2Earth at the now shuttered Vegas Test Kitchen downtown. That’s where I had his fish sandwich (made from deep fried oyster mushrooms and a seasoned coating from the Gods). Now, they are located in Town Square, upstairs, across from AMC and next to the Blue Martini. They share a space with a non-vegan pizza parlor named Solamente Pizza, so if you’ve found them, you’ve found Down2Earth. The Chef has taken the space for a couple years to “date” and see if the relationship works. So far, so good, although like him, I could see the spot with more space. Because throngs should be finding this place, it’s that good.
The menu is eclectic, from sandwiches to waffles and lots and lots of vegan pizzas. There’s also daily and weekly specials, so be sure and check the menu (https://www.down2earthplantbased.com/) for additions or subtractions.
As mentioned, the Po’Boy is a star for me, filled with deep fried and deliciously seasoned mushrooms that somehow don’t taste like mushrooms. The Fish Fry is still available, and I still remember its fabulous vegan brioche bun and unique tartar sauce. The Avocado Pesto could be a staple for any lunch, with a basil pesto, arugula, tomato, avocado and mounds of sprouts. Each sandwich is served with fries or a side salad. Get the side salad. Many restaurants make side salads an afterthought. Not Chef Parker and his friendly staff. The salad was a delight, from the mixed greens to the facon’ bits (fake bacon).
Now, vegan mac-n-cheese is hit and miss at many places. Here, it shines as Truffle n’Mushroom mac-n-cheese. It’s got two kinds of noodles, cremini mushroom, vegan cheese, truffle oil and panko bread crumbs with vegan parmesan on top. It’s so good, they make a pizza out of it. It’s enough for two people, or an entree for sure. And the cheese is right on for flavor and texture. Often vegan Mac n Cheese gets the cheese wrong, either it has too much nutritional yeast, or they just use a store bought like Daiya and non dairy milk. However Chef Parker makes this cheese sauce is just right. It taste, again, Southern. I would show up to a BBQ with this and no one would be any the wiser. They’d fall over themselves to get some, and then get some more. I brought some home. I needed it for later.
And then, there’s the pizzas. They have six signature ones, plus specials; some featuring Beyond Meat products, others like the Hawaiian with pepperoni, vegan bacon, fresh pineapple, red onion, vegan mozz….big enough to share, but you won’t want to once you see it. They are fired in a great oven, with the crust being just the right doneness and texture. And again, the cheese he is using is superb. Vegan pizza is also hit and miss and many places. These are 1000% hit.
Prices range from $11 up to about $20 depending on the dish, but worth every penny and great portions. Dessert changes, for me it was all about the lemon pound cake and/or the blueberry cobbler cookie (why choose, take one home, so I did).
You can find Down2Earth out in the community as well, at special events like Life Is Beautiful, Vegas Veg Fest and more. But no matter where you find them, do, you won’t be disappointed.
Chef Parker and his staff are creating decadent and delightful plant-based treats that any foodie will love, vegan or not. Go on the treasure hunt at Town Square, find the right escalators by AMC and there will be a pot of vegan gold at the end of the rainbow. Hours are 12p to 9p Sun-Thursday, 12 to 12 Fri/Sat. They deliver through all services. 6559 Las Vegas Blvd. S., #B-209, Las Vegas, NV (725) 214-3755. Tell them you read about in Real Vegas Magazine and/or veganinvegas.com
To read more about these and other restaurants go to veganinvegas.com and listen for reviews on The Karel Cast wherever you get your podcasts. Reviews are often featured at youtube.com/reallykarel so subscribe as well as realvegasmagazine.com Send comments to comments@domain85c7e2.us.stackstaging.com
