Veggies and vegan dominate new menu at Farmer x Baker in Aspinwall

Diners can expect a new menu at a waterside cafe located in Aspinwall at Allegheny RiverTrail Park.

Farmer x Baker, a repurposed shipping container cafe, reopened this month, introducing a vegan and vegetarian menu.

Owner and baker/chef Jennifer Urich said the switch to a meat-free menu at the casual eatery isn’t permanent.

“I’m just testing it out to see how our guests respond — 95% have really embraced this menu,” Urich said.

Urich said the menu shift aligns with her restaurant’s mission.

“We believe in nourishment from the ground up,” Urich said. “Eating less meat is better for our bodies and the environment. Our vegan and vegetarian dishes are so delicious we can convince any carnivore it’s OK to skip on the meats for a meal.”

Veggie-forward menu choices include a gluten-free or vegan bowl ($12) with veggie medley, rice and beans, chimi sauce, greens and farm scrams; the Veggie Beast ($11), served with farm veggies, pickled egg, beets and greens; Spicy Chicky ($12), with house fried seitan, spicy slaw, katsu mayo, cucumbers and greens; and the Celery Root Reuben ($12), with marinated and roasted celery root shaved with spring kraut.

Organic grain and gluten-free bagels are available in plain, everything or sesame.

Wash it all down with a house rhubarb hibiscus fizzy or violet lemonade ($3.50).

The venue’s concept has always been farm-to-table — and Urich owns Root and Heart Farm in West Deer.

Urich noted that Farmer x Baker composts at all locations, saving 12,000 pounds of waste annually.

Farmer x Baker’s sister location in O’Hara, which opened last year on Powers Run Road, offers meat options.