What’s Clean
Approximately 75-80% of all ingredients are either certified organic or organically grown. Local sourcing is a priority when available. Except for the bread and maybe a few other small items, just about everything is scratch-made in house.
What’s Served
Proper & Wild serves plant-based creations and offers many gluten-free options. Currently, their menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner change daily. Brunch is served on the weekends. Breakfast fare includes smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and entrees such as toasts and frittatas. The lunch and dinner menus offer dishes such as flatbreads, appetizers, salads, sides, and main entrees. In addition to coffee and tea every which way, they serve beer, wine, bubbles, and cocktails with a healthy twist.
What I Ordered
I arrived for dinner and ordered the Heartcakes, which are their play on crab cakes, and the Whole Cauliflower. Made with hearts of palm, the Heartcakes are served on a small bed of perfectly prepared bok choy. The look and texture resembled a traditional crab cake, moist and flavorful. The tender Cauliflower arrived in a hot skillet topped with a velvety cashew-based harissa creme. With just a hint of spiciness, the creme sauce made for a plate of cruciferous indulgence. Check out the photos of The Red Lotus, a savory red lentil dahl dish with purple sweet potatoes and coconut riata, the amazing Chickpea Fries with curry remoulade and spicy jam, and the Wild Burger. The creamy and dense Chickpea Fry appetizer is their best seller, with good reason, addicting! The Red Lotus dahl is filled with perfectly melded flavors and complementing textures…comfort food Indian style. If you like the flavors of peppers, you’ll love the Wild Burger.
The Vibe
Proper & Wild is true to its name, well at least the proper part. Classy, but certainly not stuffy, with bench seats, traditional tables, and a nice sized comfy bar indoors. Several tables are available outdoors on the quaint patio and sidewalk.
The Takeaway
It was an absolute pleasure to review Proper & Wild. They are a much needed healthy addition to the downtown Winter Park food scene. Prices are reasonable, given their posh Winter Park location. Proper & Wild serves yummy vegan creations and over the top beverages, made with mostly clean organic ingredients in a lovely atmosphere…what is not to love?
