I had the pleasure of trying a tasting menu at Belmonte Raw located in Toronto. Belmonte Raw makes delicious gluten free, plant based meals using fair trade, local and organic produce that is sourced directly from the farmers. I also had the opportunity to chat with Carol Belmonte, the chef and owner, about what  inspired her to become a chef and restaurant owner.  

Meet the Fantastic Chef

Carol Belmonte, the chef and owner of Belmonte Raw, was inspired to become a chef and restaurant owner because she loves helping heal people through food. Before becoming a chef, Carol travelled around Asia studying, loving life and falling in love with food. Upon returning, she worked in the restaurant industry as a front-of-house employee but her passion to help others through raw food motivated her to get creative in the kitchen. In 2011, she did just that and her dream of Belmonte Raw became a reality. Carol’s scrumptious menu is inspired by Mother Nature, her personal meditation & curiosity and the healing power of food.

Belmonte Raw Philosophy

At Belmonte Raw, they believe in the power of fair trade, local and organic produce that is sourced directly from the farmers. The menu is loaded with gluten free, plant-based vegan options that are very nut-centric and their signature juice cleanses are packed with phytonutrients that will help you lose weight, increase your energy and renew your zest for life! Combined, the mouth-watering dishes and juices will help you to detoxify and heal your overworked mind, body and spirit.

Green Juice is one of the most popular items on the Belmonte Raw menu. It is refreshing and has a delightful hint of sweetness. The ruby red Refresh Juice contains carrot, apple, beet, lemon and ginger and has a deliciously earthy flavour. Belmonte Raw sells fantastic cleansing packages; send them an email for more info.

Nachos are a delicious appetizer made with jicama – a crunchy, juicy root vegetable. The nacho meat is a nut based fusion full of spices that would fool even the biggest meat lover! The nachos are topped with a creamy cashew cheese sauce which I particularly liked. This dish was so unique and the fusion of flavors was amazing, making it my favourite dish of the night.

Asian Slaw is a vibrant dish bursting with colour, flavour and nutrients. The main component of the slaw is purple cabbage accompanied by jicama, carrots and green beans. The slaw is topped superfoods like with acai powder, goji berries and sunflower sprouts and comes with a tangy peanut tamarind sauce.

In the Madras Curry and Kale dish, the kale is massaged in olive oil, salt and agave to cut the bitterness and soften it up. It is topped with a cauliflower based curry which contains tomatoes, cilantro, carrots and a cashew curry sauce. This is Carol’s favourite item on the menu because it reminds her of one of her teachers in India and the flavours and textures remind her of the beautiful country she travelled and studied.

Carol’s handmade chocolates are another restaurant and chef favourite. The Peanut Butter Thimble is made with a raw cashew based ganash which melts in your mouth and is filled with creamy Ontario peanut butter. The Comfort Smoothie is made with bananas and almond milk and spiced with garam masala. The spices are really interesting and complemented the chocolate really well.

The ambiance of Belmonte Raw truly sets the stage for a calming and relaxing dinner. Beautiful art hangs on the exposed brick wall and each table is adorned with a fresh flower. Carol was a lovely host who spoke with such passion as she described her dishes and the inspiration behind each one. The menu items are very original and reflect the culinary experience she gained on her travels. Carol also sells delicious salts and spice blends at Belmont Raw.