Yorkville's Park Lane reinvigorates the lunch time experience. (Photo: Steven Lee Photography)

Palm Lane has landed in Yorkville. Just two-weeks in and globe trotting Chef Tyler Shedden’s dishes have already been leaving a memorable taste on one of Toronto’s most refined neighbourhoods. Chef Tyler has united flavours from around the globe and created an Asian–inspired fusion cuisine that outdoes the standard ‘kale-in-bowl’ and energizes the lunchtime experience. Palm Lane’s bowls, salads and smoothies certainly hit the mark.

The aptly-named Greek Goddess

With over 80 fresh ingredients to choose from, Palm Lane has kept it simple, even though most of their menu options are gluten-free and vegan. Their most popular dishes are the Thai Crunch, the Greek Goddess, and the Azteca, and it’s only the menu key that gives away the fact that most of their menu options are vegan and/or gluten-free.

We indulged (and yes, you can indulge in food this healthy), feasting on the Bombay and the Umami. The Bombay boasted brown rice cooked to perfection, with lentils, chick peas, and cauliflower pakoras, sweet potato, romaine, pickled onion, coconut, mango, cilantro, dates, vadouvan (an Indian blend of curry, best known as a French masala), and a coconut vinaigrette. Sweet and sour mingled, hints of mango, squash and dates popped, while notes of curry and cilantro awakened the senses; this savoury dish successfully combines strong flavour profiles with endless intrigue and proves that eating vegan and gluten-free – and healthy – can leave nothing to be desired.

The Umami combined kelp noodles, zucchini, mushrooms, sesame seeds, nori, tofu, tamari (a less salty, thicker, soy sauce), miso, cabbage and tahini dressing. This dish carries a strong Asian feel, the kelp noodles add a crunch, the romaine lettuce offsets the traditionally salty ingredients… and it works. Light, refreshing and savoury. This dish is also vegan and gluten-free. While a variety of set bowls are available, the adventurous can also build their own.

Smoothie Operator

The Waldorf — Big, bold and beautiful

Their most popular smoothies are The Assistant (sold out by 3:30pm, much to our dismay) and the Rocket. The Assistant lends a helpful hand with peanut butter, oats, espresso, cocoa nibs, cocoa powder and almond milk – a perfect balance of protein, fibre, caffeine, and antioxidants. The Rocket propels you with a blend of phyto-nutrients with raspberries, strawberries, pineapples, beets, agave, ginger, and chia seeds.

We also treated our palates to Liliko’i and The Hulk. Liliko’i creates a health harmony with anti-inflammatory properties, where mango and turmeric mingle, making a surprise guest appearance, with a sweet, well rounded, full-bodied texture. Nothing over-powers The Hulk; a cohesive blend of healthy greens, the mint pops, the lemon cleanses your palate, and the flavour profile truly is like basking in a summer backyard. Both smoothies are wholesome, the integrity of the flavours are satiating and nutrients are not lost.

The décor is nouveau Asian and tropic inspired, creating a modern oasis inside Yorkville Village. Hand–drawn flamingo wall-paper, by Candice Kye Designs, adorns the back of the bar, and captures Palm Lane’s original and relaxed feel – one that says good food can be this easy, this delish, and this healthy. Enjoy!

To learn more about visit Palm Lane and its gourmet greens – the latest offering from Chase Hospitality Group – visit its website at http://www.palmlane.ca.

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Contributing Editor Ivy Reiss is the Founder and Publisher of The Artis Magazine, a quarterly lit and art magazine that captures the raw talent and diversity of the artists from the Greater Toronto Area’s 905 suburbs.