DISH OF THE WEEK: Jackfruit Ceviche at VODEGA

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

SADLY, VODEGA IS NOW CLOSED.

I’ve been eating healthier during the last year thanks to staying at home and cooking at home. There’s no question about that. But I have to admit that my former schedule of eating vegetarian twice a week is not nearly as strict as it used to be. We don’t eat much meat now but we’re just not nearly as regulated about it.

One thing that helped me eat vegetarian in the “before times” was all the inventive vegetarian and vegan options out there on the streets of New York.

I really did get excited about Griddled Yuba sandwiches and Seitan Pulled “Pork”. In some ways, I got a bit tired with the typical meat dishes and these were refreshing (and more sustainable) options. And they were mostly delicious.

So I was excited to finally have the opportunity to check out Vodega, a vegan take on a classic NYC bodega just under the Manhattan Bridge in Dumbo.

It’s a tiny shop, which is to be expected but was a bit disconcerting in these days, yet I ordered quickly and took my food to the outdoor public space under the Arch.

The sandwiches are all plays on classic meaty numbers, like Chopped Cheese and Philly cheesesteak. I did try one and I wasn’t crazy about it. The worst part was it didn’t really resemble the sandwich it pretended to emulate.

But it also came with a side and I found solace in the unique preparation of jackfruit. This giant sweet fruit is often used in place of pulled pork because it pulls apart when cooked and its flavor gets muted by whatever sauce is used.

Here it takes on a ceviche and the chewy flaky meatiness actually resembled something like crab meat. The big meaty chunks were hearty and tossed with a citrus vinaigrette along with fresh crips cucumbers and pickled shallots, it made for a nice side dish.

Next time, I might just come here and order a platter of sides. Nothing wrong with that. And if the world ever gets back to normal, I can keep to my old biweekly vegetarian routine! Price: $6