I had an excellent lunch experience yesterday: soup, salad, and a really good vibe. I went to the Green Panther, a newish lunchbar (that also serves dinner) on St. Viateur. It's the one painted green - both inside and out - and from its products, mentality, food, and goals, the Green Panther truly lives up to its image.

The Green Panther began as the city's first entirely organic meals on wheels service and opened as a restaurant this summer. In only a few months it has attracted a faithful clientele. On Thursday the restaurant saw a steady stream of lunchers mingling around its long picnic table. It's become exactly what a neighbourhood spot should be: filled with local people and local food that is good, good for you, and prepared by people who are happy to be part of the project.

Lunch is simple and delicious. The menu offers a veggie burger, sandwiches - falafel, tofu, tempeh - a daily soup, and a hearty salad. Sandwiches come enveloped in thick pitas stuffed with sprouts. All are a treat, but the falafel is something special. A secret recipe from the owner's neighbour in Israel, it's a delightful twist on the Middle Eastern paragon: clean, delicious, and - surprise - green. The small salad is big and oh so tasty. Decorated with yellow beets, potatoes, sunflower seeds, and homemade croutons, it is an artful assortment of all things healthy and delicious.

While the Green Panther can be lumped into the ever-expanding collection of veggie-vegan-organic hotspots popping up in the city, they're in it for the long run. Their ecological vision is infused in every aspect of their project, from the bike-delivered lunches packaged in biodegradable containers to the wheatgrass growing on their counter. Bring your own containers for a discounted takeout, or stay for a meal during the 11-3 and 5-9 during the week, and on Saturdays from 11-5.
The Green Panther
66 St.Viateur
514-903-7770