The Fort Point neighborhood is easily the trendiest developing part of the city at the moment. With high rise buildings popping up every other month and heretofore bare streets sprouting ecclectic eateries and other neighborhood amenities, it won’t be long before this area graduates from ‘emerging’ to full-blown hot spot.
One of the most recent openings is the New York and LA craze, by CHLOE. Plant-based, vegan and fast-casual, this spot has, unsurprisingly, taken its host cities by storm and if its opening week is anything to go by, its first restaurant in Boston will be no different.
Quinoa taco salad and Lobster Roll - Boston exclusive
The menu itself completely and cunningly pushes back on any misconceptions one might have regarding vegan fare. With colossal salads, delicious burgers and a whole egg-free brunch menu, there is something for even the most ardent of meat lovers. And no, tofurkey is nowhere to be seen.
Guac burger
Upon my first trial of this much-anticipated opening, I demolished an order of some of their crowd favorites. Their ‘guac burger’ made from black beans and sweet potato, topped with tortilla sticks, corn salsa and a heaping dollop of guacamole and the quinoa taco salad, topped with spicy seitan chorizo, chunks of avocado, corn, baby tomatoes and cashew mozzarella are both excellent. Texture, taste, presentation and balance are all on pointe with these dishes.
On the brunch side, their early bird with a soft tofu scramble and vegan maple sausage actually had me questioning how on earth any of these menu items are possible. Upon my friend’s recommendation, the quinoa hash browns, slightly sweet and of smooth texture are charming side add-ons that will make your brunch experience complete.
Cinnamon chocolate chip cookie - as big as your face...or bigger
Although most of what you will enjoy at by CHLOE is indeed healthy, there is no way you can avoid a twinge of guilt when eating their baked goods. Mom’s cinnamon roll, their ooey old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies, banana bread and Boston Cream whoopie pies, though entirely plant-based and vegan, are so hearty and flavorful that they give their more traditional namesakes a true run for their money.
As always, you will need something to wash this all down, any of their cold-pressed juices, kombucha or freshly made smoothies are packed with vitamins and color – unless you get their charcoal water, which is as black as outer space.
Perhaps the best part about by CHLOE is that it kicks off the start of a slew of other health-conscious businesses, Soul Cycle will be up and running by March 6th, Juice Press is eyeing its own opening and right around the corner, Aceituna Grill (Mediterranean eatery), Tikkaway Grill and Yoki express will give residents and Fort Point/Seaport area strollers-by ample options for dine-in or take-out options – aggressive work out included. Welcome to the neighborhood!