After three weeks in business, Sarah Sharif has learned that the customer is always right — most of the time. In response to diner feedback she’s already tweaked the offerings at her new Wallingford restaurant, Arles & Boggs Vegan Eatery, but there’s one thing she won’t compromise on — keeping her comfort-food menu completely plant-based.
“Although it is indulgent food, it’s very healthy,” Sharif said. “Even our cheese sauce has a root-vegetable base. We don’t use anything processed here.”
In partnership with her parents, Sharif opened Arles & Boggs on Oct. 17 at 100 Quinnipiac St., a corner storefront that was formerly home to Puerto Rican favorite Tata’s Restaurant, which relocated to 32 Center St.
Menu items at Arles & Boggs include international plates, chili, nachos and hearty dips served with thick-cut tortilla chips. Sweeter offerings range from cheesecakes to smoothies, also served at the adjacent cafe.
Wallingford has an “underground” vegan community that has been very supportive, Sharif said, and the eatery has also benefited from devoted regulars from around the area and those passing through. She plans to expand her menu soon to appeal to more diners seeking healthy options.
“We’re getting there, with word spreading and with the expansion of the menu. We’ve had really great reviews,” Sharif said.
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Two New Haven restaurants are reaching out to the community with special promotions over the next year.
Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, at 271 Crown St., will offering a free margarita to working people in various occupations the second Wednesday of each month. The next deal day, Dec. 12, applies to bartenders and waitstaff; Jan. 9 to law enforcement and first responders, and Feb. 13 to caregivers. Just bring a badge or business card to claim your free drink. The rest of the year:
March 13, 2019 – doctors, legal assistants
April 10, 2019 – administrative professionals
May 8, 2019 – nurses, teachers, firefighters
June 12, 2019 – veterinarians
July 10, 2019 – postal workers
August 7, 2019 – teachers
September 11, 2019 – housekeepers
Also, Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill, at 100 S. Water St., is donating 10 percent of all food sales on the second Wednesday of the month to a New Haven-area charity. Sales on Dec. 12 benefit the Yale New Haven Toy Closet; Jan. 9, the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven, and Feb. 13, Linens of Love. The remainder of the year:
March 13, 2019 – Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter
April 10, 2019 – New Haven Farms
May 8, 2019 – Long Wharf Theatre
June 12, 2019 – Save the Sound
July 10, 2019 – Habitat for Humanity New Haven
August 7, 2019 – New Haven Reads
September 11, 2019 – Yale Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
October 9, 2019 – The Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer
