Food

Breakfast

TBD

Lunch

A Mediterranean-leaning lunch tavern sponsored by the Canton of Thistle, offering bright, flavorful dishes inspired by the region, with a variety of gluten-free (GF), vegetarian (V), and vegan (VG) options available so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. A full ingredient list is available online (Google Doc) and will be available at the lunch counter upon request.

Love what you see? Want leftovers? We’re offering a special takeaway option for your convenience! Purchase a meal and take home a delicious portion for tomorrow. With 200 meals available, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy your favorite dishes again. Don’t miss out on the chance to grab a takeaway meal for the next day. Ask about our takeaway options at the counter!

Lunch is cash only; $8

  • Hummus – chick peas, aquafaba, lemon juice, white vinegar, garlic, salt, tahini (sesame paste) (VG, V, GF)
    -served with cucumbers, carrots, celery, bell peppers (peppers separate for those with allergies)
  • Green Salat – mixed greens, parsley, sage, garlic, small onions, leeks, mint, fennel, watercress, rosemary, oil, salt and vinegar (VG, V, GF)
  • Warak Enab (stuffed grape leaves, Lebanese style) – grape leaves, rice, lemon juice, olive oil, currants, chick peas, dill, parsley, mint, garlic, cinnamon, allspice, salt, pepper – cooked in vegetable broth and lemon juice (VG, V, GF)
  • Ouevos Haminados (Sephardic long cooked eggs) – eggs – Cooking broth: water, onion peels, black tea leaves, salt, pepper, olive oil (V, GF- contains eggs)
  • Parthian Chicken (Pullum Particum) – Chicken, lovage, caraway, laser (silphium) – substituted asofoetida, pepper, fish sauce, chicken broth, sweet wine.
  • Mokhallal – lamb, rice flour ( to ensure GF), eggs, red onions, parsley, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, black pepper and vinegar (GF)
  • Plakopita (Flatbread) – whole and unbleached flour sourdough culture, salt, water and olive oil. (VG, V)
  • Farinata (Genoese flatbread) – chickpea flour, water, olive oil, salt (VG, V, GF)
  • Mahalabia (Turkish Pudding) – Almond milk, rice flour, orange flower water, saffron, honey, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom (VG, V, GF, contains nuts)
Feast

Voyage Across Africa: A Culinary Journey Through Pre-Columbian Trade Routes. Travel the great trade routes of medieval Africa through a feast inspired by ingredients and food traditions from the 8th-15th centuries, before tomatoes, maize, and chili peppers arrived from the New World. Caravan merchants and coastal traders carried grains, spices, dried fruits, and culinary traditions between the Maghreb, Nile Valley, Sahelian empires, Ethiopian Highlands, Swahili Coast, and southern interior regions. This menu reflects these exchanges through dishes inspired by documented medieval ingredients, enduring culinary traditions, and the shared foodways shaped by centuries of trade. Dietary Key: VG = Vegetarian | V = Vegan | GF = Gluten-Free | DF = Dairy-Free | NF = Nut-Free, otherwise contains sesame or almonds noted.

COURSE I – The Port of Departure
Where merchants gather and prepare for the journey
  • Bread Basket
    • Teff Flatbread (Injera) – GF, V, DF, NF
      • Ethiopian Highlands (Aksum & successor states); fermented teff flatbread with a pleasantly tangy flavor.
    • Millet Cakes (Maasa) – GF, V, DF, NF
      • Sahel / Mali & Songhai Empires; light fermented millet cakes common across West Africa.
    •  Semolina Honey Rolls – VG, DF
      • Egypt & Maghreb; soft wheat rolls lightly sweetened with honey.
  • Accompaniments
    • Olive Oil & Za’atar – VG, DF, contains sesame
      • North Africa & Eastern Mediterranean trade routes; Herbed oil blend with thyme and sesame.
    • Fermented Locust Bean & Sesame Condiment – VG, DF, contains sesame
      • Sahel & West Africa; Umami-rich fermented bean paste with nutty depth.
    • Tamarind Garlic Relish – V, GF, DF, NF
      • Swahili Coast & Indian Ocean trade network; tangy tamarind relish balanced with garlic.
    • Fresh Cheese Curds with Herbs – VG, GF, NF
      • Southern & East Africa pastoral traditions; light fresh cheese with green herbs.
  • Soup Course
    • Lentil & Onion Broth with Coriander & Saffron – V, GF, DF, NF
      • Nile Valley & North African court cuisine; Fragrant lentil broth enriched with warm spices.
  • Welcome Beverage
    • Hibiscus Ginger Tisane with Honey – GF, DF
      • West Africa & Sahel; Cooling hibiscus infusion with gentle spice.

COURSE II – Heart of the Empires
From Sahelian courts to Indian Ocean ports

  • Phase I – Arrival at the Great Cities
    • Chicken Stew with Ginger & Tamarind – GF, DF, NF
      • Swahili Coast / Sahelian trade influence; Tender chicken simmered in a bright, aromatic broth.
    • Fonio Pilaf with Fig & Onion – V, GF, DF, NF
      • Upper Niger & Sahel; Ancient fonio grain with natural sweetness from dried figs.
    • Spiced Tamarind Water – V, GF, DF, NF
      • Sahel & caravan trade routes; Refreshing drink balancing tart and sweet.
  • Phase II – Feast of Power & Abundance
    • Grilled Goat Skewers with Grains of Paradise – GF, DF, NF
      • Mali Empire & West African elite cuisine; Fire-grilled goat seasoned with historic West African spice.
    • Lamb Stew with Apricots & Almonds – GF, DF, contains almonds
      • Maghreb & North African courts; Slow-braised lamb with dried fruit and warm spices.
    • Barley & Lentil “Rice” – VG, DF, contains gluten
      • North Africa & Nile Valley; Hearty grain and lentil dish with subtle spice.
    • Cowpea Fritters (Akara) – GF, V, DF, NF
      • West Africa; Crisp fritters made from ground cowpeas.
    • Stewed Greens with Baobab & Sesame – V, GF, DF, contains sesame
      • West & East African traditions; Slow-cooked greens with a bright, citrusy baobab finish.
    • Carrot & Turnip Mash with Date Vinegar – V, GF, DF, NF
      • North Africa; Sweet root vegetable mash with gentle acidity.

COURSE III – The Return & Rest
Sweetness and reflection at journey’s end

  • Digestives
    • Mint Tea with Honey – GF, DF
      • Maghreb & North Africa; Traditional digestive tea served warm.
    • Baobab & Tamarind Drink – V, GF, DF, NF
      • Sahel & Southern Africa; Cooling fruit drink rich in vitamin C and gentle tartness.
  • Sweets
    • Tiger Nut & Date Confections – V, GF, DF, contains sesame
      • North Africa & Nile Valley traditions; Naturally sweet date confections with sesame.
    • Rosewater Almond Pudding – VG, GF, DF, contains almonds
      • North African & Andalusi influence; Silky pudding scented with rosewater.
    • Melon & Fig with Hibiscus Syrup – V, GF, DF, NF
      • Mediterranean & North African regions; Fresh fruit with floral hibiscus sweetness.