Health Food Cafe Open Near Clarendon

“Karu & Toast,” a cafe serving vegan and vegetarian fare at 3260 Wilson Blvd is now open.

Co-owner Janet McFadden said the food, ranging from daily salad options and hearty soups to gluten-free cookies, is prepared with healthy, fresh ingredients that don’t sacrifice flavor.

“You can have a cookie that’s tasty and gluten-free,” McFadden told ARLnow.com. “Spices are not something that’s bad for you.”

While previously open only to clients of its partner Saffron Dance, Karu & Toast opened to the general public at the beginning of this month. The cafe’s current hours are Monday through Friday, 5:30-9:30 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Starting July 14, the cafe plans to open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 4:30 to 9:30 pm, daily, McFadden said.

The cafe also offers a variety of coffee drinks and teas, and a “Mexican hot chocolate.” Drink prices vary from $1 to $3.25, and food options range from an $8 soup, salad and drink combination to snacks starting at $1.50.

“The organic chia pudding is everyone’s favorite,” McFadden said. “It’s vegan but it’s still really good, and it’s served with a dollop of preserves.”

McFadden, who opened Karu & Toast with her three sisters, said the name comes from “karu,” the Guarani word meaning “to eat,” and the idea of toasting in celebration.

“So the name means to eat and celebrate,” McFadden said.