Vegan goes to Campania

Well beyond the limitations of vegetarianism and kosher dining, we check out Ramat Gan's Campania Bistro for vegan-friendliness.

By RACHEL F. WANETIK
sushi 88 (photo credit: Courtesy)
sushi 88
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Our effusive waitress acted as though we were famous stars, which was fun, but we were merely there to have lunch and write about the experience. The extensive menu at Campania, a four-month-old Mediterranean dairy bistro, featured breakfast options until noon, as well as appetizers, sandwiches, pastas, salads, fish and fortunately, options for my vegan friend. B. went for the simplistic but tasty pasta Napoli (NIS 37) and I for the just right al dente goat cheese ravioli in salsa rosa (NIS 37). We shared and finished the eggplant Campania (NIS 35) in a tehina and tomato salsa dressing and the apples and dates salad (NIS 44) - sans Parmesan shavings, of course. With an ample amount dressing, each bite had all flavors represented. After the pastas, salad, eggplant and, for me, the delightful almond cream salmon (NIS 69), we were both stuffed. But who can resist a dessert at a dairy restaurant? I went for the crème brulee (NIS 31). Chef Elad Moscoviti's brûlée was divine. I couldn't resist trying to scrape the ramekin of each vanilla bean speck. Food aside, my main critique is on the editorial end of things. The English menu was well written, with well-versed descriptions of the dishes. However, on the decorative backlit signs, the word business was misspelled. In a neighborhood where English is hardly a foreign language it comes off as a no-excuses error. Again, the food was mistake-free, so if you want a business lunch at the right price or want to catch a bite at the bistro, or if you're vegan - check out Campania. 5 vegan stars. Campania Bistro (Paz Towers, 5 Shoham St., Ramat Gan; (03) 600-5175) is open Sun. to Thu. from 8:30 a.m. till midnight and Fri. and holiday eves from 8:30 a.m. to1 p.m. and Sat. from 1 hour following the conclusion of Shabbat till midnight. Business lunch, which includes a first and main course, costs from NIS 59 to 89 depending on the choice of main. For relevant days and hours call the bistro. Kosher lemehadrin.