Organic Plant-Based Food
A visit to New Orleans is never complete without having the quintessential New Orleans sandwich, the Muffaletta, a sandwich full of Italian meats, cheeses, and the classic olive salad. Since I’ve given up eating those things, I thought I would miss out on ever having this experience again. Imagine my surprise and glee when I was researching vegan restaurants in New Orleans and found a vegan restaurant right across the street from my hotel … AND it had a Muffaletta sandwich! I had to try it.
Breads on Oak is an artisan bakery specializing in vegan baked goods and lunches. My husband and I tried their new location in the Central Business District. As soon as we walked in, we noticed it was busy and people were ordering at the counter, and the restaurant was almost full. The whole time we were there, people were coming and going. This seems to be a very popular place and according to its website, it’s one of the best vegan restaurants in New Orleans.
When you walk in, you are greeted by one of the friendly workers and given a menu. Their baked goods are on glorious display: breads, muffins, cookies, biscuits, scones, and brownies. I wanted to try them all, but we had to make decisions.
We decided to split the Muffaletta sandwich since they are usually very big. The sandwich here is called a Muffanada “because it has all the flavor with NADA any animal products.” The sandwich is loaded with vegan Italian ham, vegan bacon, vegan provolone, the famous olive salad, roasted tomatoes, and greens. It’s served on their very own sesame levain roll which is a type of sourdough bread. I also wanted to try the homemade biscuit, so we ordered one on the side—and to go, we tried the iced shortbread cookie.
We ordered at the counter and then helped ourselves to our drinks until our food was ready. The sandwich and biscuit were each served on wooden platters, smaller versions of the ones used at a pizza oven. The sandwich was big so it was a good decision to share. I tried the biscuit first since it was served warm. I added strawberry jam to it and took a bite into the dense, ‘buttery’ flavor of a southern biscuit. It was warm and rich and delicious. I could imagine it with the tofu ‘egg’ scramble breakfast sandwich they serve.
I was excited to try the Muffanada so I dove right in—and I wasn’t disappointed. All the flavors melded together and it reminded me so much of the Muffalettas I had years ago, but this time with the knowledge that no animals were harmed. The saltiness of the ‘ham’ and ‘bacon’ and olive salad blended with the creaminess of the vegan aioli mayo. That first bite was something I’ll never forget. I think this sesame levain bread is even better than what is used on the New Orleans Muffaletta; much better! It was so soft and still warm from the oven, and it had the perfect flavor of sourdough. I savored every bite, wishing I had ordered the whole sandwich for myself, although it was very filling and it was perfect for two people to share.
For a dessert treat, the iced shortbread was very flavorful. I’ve never had icing on shortbread, but the thin layer of sweet icing complimented the butteryness of the shortbread. It was just sweet enough with a richness in flavor and aftertaste. Very satisfying.
I would highly recommend a visit to either location of Breads on Oak. The food is fantastic and the menu huge. I look forward to going back to New Orleans again and trying many more of their treats, but I’ll always start with the Muffanada and I thank them for staying true to the New Orleans flavors and their commitment to making amazing vegan food.
To learn more, visit the Breads on Oak web site here.
