By Michelle Cloutier
Usually, when I think of a “plant-based, healthy eating,” I think of boring kale salads and tofu. I have been proven very wrong by Revelations Café in Lutz.
The Café, operated by Mia Revello-Graham and her husband Robby, opened in February 2019 with the goal of educating skeptics like me about the benefits of eating healthier without sacrificing taste, quality, or convenience. Although not entirely vegan (they serve an amazing, fluffy 3-egg omelet and cooked-to-order egg options), plant-based food rules here. In my gustatory exploration of their menu, I discovered that Jackfruit tastes like chicken when served in the “Carnitas” and breakfast burritos, and pork when offered in the Pulled BBQ Jackfruit sandwich. Try one of two plant-based burgers if you’re craving the taste of grilled meat. But if that’s not your thing, try the Thai Cashew Salad, with its homemade dressing (do they bottle and sell it?), or another of their many made-from-scratch salads and wraps.
Servings are more than generous – I’ve taken the breakfast potatoes home more than once. Vegan options are clearly marked on the menu. And, yay for me, they have gluten free bread, buns and wraps for their sandwiches, along with homemade gluten-free pastries, “bagels” and scones (selection varies daily). Revelations also offers delicious, freshly pressed juices with names like Love, Joy, Peace, Patience… are you seeing a pattern here? Come in and try them all! Their smoothies are also made to order. I’m going to try the Jesus Java Frap next time!
The unabashedly Christian eatery provides much more than great food. There’s a prayer wall and even a prayer closet, and Scriptures on the walls. Table toppers provide conversation starters and suggestions for putting our phones down and being in the moment. Revelations hosts birthday parties, mothers’ groups, open mic nights on Fridays, and more. It’s a place for people who may never set foot in a church to encounter the love of Jesus through the people they meet in the restaurant. Bring a friend and stay awhile. You will be glad you did!
Revelations Café is located at 17808 N. Dale Mabry in Lutz, at the corner of Dale Mabry and Van Dyke, in the Northgate Square shopping plaza. As of early March, Revelations is open 7 days a week, Mon – Sat from 8am to 8pm and Sun 8 am to 4 pm. Breakfast is served anytime (praise the Lord!). For more information, go to Revelations-Café.com or call 813-442-5697.