b"Red Lentil Vegetarian& Vegan RestaurantWatertown, Massachusettstheredlentil.comJust outside of Boston, owner/chef Pankajtexture. That is the primary thing. Then, Pradhan has operated his award-winningbeyond investments of time and money, vegetarian/vegan restaurant and cateringwith a plant-based menu, he feels passion, operation since 2009. Speaking to theskill and a good business concept are key. popularity of plant-based food, Pradhan saysAnd because plants are the star of the show, in the last five or six years it feels like thePradhan says seasonal, quality ingredients world has changed. Currently busy planningare also crucial.a second Red Lentil location, Pradhan saysThe Red Lentil catering menu reflects demand is there. Before they used to have ahis sensibilities. The appetizer selection little hesitancyOh, I don't know if I want toincludes veggie pakora, roasted corn try this or not. Now, I believe they have morepolenta cakes, and raw rolls combining confidence in trying the food. collard greens, pumpkin seed pesto, sliced Pradhans approach is chef-driven andmango, avocado, jicama and drizzles of passionate. A lifelong vegetarian, Pradhangreen chili oil. has completed culinary training in India andMains range from Tandoori-marinated France. His catering menu is a celebrationtofu kebobs skewered with pineapple and of his travels, love of global flavors and lovevegetables to a tempeh Reuben sandwich of French cuisine. This variety appeals to(with vegan Russian dressing and organic todays customers, who, says Pradhan, aresauerkraut) to African peanut soup.At the vegetarian/vegan open to trying anything. Interesting salads, house-made dessertsrestaurant and caterer Red Beyond standout flavors, Pradhan sharesand brunch options like tofu scramble andLentil, customers can order his other strategies. To engage newcomers,waffles round out the menu, while dailysuch globally inspired he says, For me the first part of the processspecialsbased on seasonal producekeepdishes as gobi Manchurian (below left) and a miso is to give them something with a similarthings interesting. bowl (below).PHOTOS BY RED LENTIL CATERING, FOODSERVICE & EVENTS cfe-news.com47"