Food Evolution, a new gourmet, vegan restaurant, was recently opened by Elizabeth Berney and husband in Ridgefield. The couple bought the restaurant from the original owner of So Good Vegan Café, retaining the same space and staff. Chef Rachel Lattarulo, trained in Manhattan at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts, incorporates her creativity, flavors and presentation into the all plant-based menu items.

Food Evolution is planning its first vegan brunch for Sundays and will have a liquor license with vegan alcohol by mid-August. In the meantime, customers are encouraged to bring their own beer or wine or enjoy a glass on the house with their meal.

Berney’s mission as a long-term vegan is to educate people about how they can have delicious gourmet meals that are entirely plant-based. Both the owner and head chef are committed to working with area farmers to offer local and seasonal organic foods whenever possible. Food Evolution also partners with local bakeries to offer fresh baked breads and desserts.

Food Evolution is located at 109 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield. The café is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30am to 9pm and Fridays and Saturdays until 10pm. It will be closed Sundays during the summer. For more information, email [email protected].