Bushbar — Review by Davidsbeenhere
Vermont, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — Plant-based Caribbean (Ital)
Bushbar is a wellness retreat in Vermont offering plant-based ital food in a lush garden setting run by owner Zen. The reviewer enjoyed the fresh, organic ingredients grown on-site, homemade beverages, and the holistic experience combining food, art therapy, and nature. The overall experience was highly positive with everything prepared simply and naturally.
What was great: Clean, healthy plant-based ital food with fresh ingredients from the garden, homemade pineapple wine, pumpkin fritters with pepper jelly, turmeric rice in coconut milk, butter bean dip, the welcoming atmosphere and art therapy workshops
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Zen prepared an impressive plant-based ital bowl featuring turmeric rice cooked in coconut milk with herbs, ginger, garlic and turmeric as the base. The medley of local provisions included fresh yam, green banana, red fruit, edeto, and plantain alongside roasted carrots. The standout item was undoubtedly the pumpkin fritters - crispy on the outside and perfectly flat, served with homemade pepper jelly that complemented them beautifully. A butter bean dip blended with tahini resembled hummus and topped the fresh salad made from purple cabbage, carrots, cucumbers from Zen's mother's garden, red onions, and jalapenos. The salad was dressed simply with apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and sea salt. Everything came together in one nourishing bowl that left the reviewer feeling satisfied and healthy.
The Experience
Bushbar operates as a wellness retreat nestled in the lush hills of Vermont with an incredible rainforest atmosphere. The setting features towering trees, mountains, and Zen's personal art studio where she displays her paintings. The restaurant operates on a reservation-only basis, and Zen also offers art therapy sessions where guests can paint and sip. The intimate, natural environment creates a meditative dining experience far removed from typical restaurants. Zen herself is warm, welcoming, and passionate about her mission of wellness and healing through food.
Value and Pricing
Pricing details were not mentioned in the transcript, though the all-inclusive nature of the experience suggests good value for a comprehensive wellness meal with beverages and the unique setting.
Notable Moments
So for me, ital comes from the word vital and it's just a bowl of all a medley of vital foods to nourish you throughout the day. So you eat one go and you're full.
Simple, unassuming, and natural is my motto.
The reviewer noted the incredible cleanliness of the presentation and compared the bowls to wellness meals found in Miami, praising how everything melts in your mouth. Zen shared that she has been doing this since 2006, with her official business launch in 2009.
The Verdict
Bushbar is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic, health-conscious Caribbean cuisine in a serene garden setting. It's perfect for wellness enthusiasts, vegetarians, Rastafarians, and anyone looking to experience true plant-based cooking with locally-sourced ingredients. The combination of exceptional food, the beautiful natural setting, and Zen's welcoming hospitality makes this a unique and memorable dining experience worth the reservation.