Terra Preta Prime

Came in with high expectations, quickly second-guessed my choice, then it all worked out beautifully. I came to Scranton several months ago and I couldn't get a hold of anyone in the place and it seemed to be closed during its posted business hours, very disappointed. This time around, I called ahead and made sure I could eat here. Interestingly artsy-fartsy, but I was there for the food alone, couldn't care less about the atmosphere. Got lentil chicken curry soup to start, and this was borderline miserable. I've mixed Costco rotisserie chicken meat into some premade Amy's Organic Lentil Soup and it tasted almost identical. Not terrible, but definitely something you eat for sustenance, not a fine dining experience. At this point I wondered what I got myself into. Then... the entree came. Shrimp and grits with andouille sausage. Bleu cheese swimming in popcorn grits, some very strong (pickled?) red peppers, a delicious and slightly spicy red sauce. The flavors in this mixed perfectly, I could easily over-eat on this dish. The portion was on the big side. I can EAT, but this plus soup and dessert had me feeling very satisfied. Espresso crème brûlée was not too sweet, tasted great. I usually eat ¼ to ½ of a dessert but this one was mild enough to finish it all. Also tried their pears with mascarpone... A taste combination I've never experienced before. It was really good... confusing, but good. So, essentially, the soups are pretty terrible (my friend said the apple and parsnip soup tasted like applesauce with vegetables), and everything else was phenomenal. Quick note to vegatrians: my friend said this was one of the best vegetarian meals she has had in years (even though the applesauce soup was borderline bad).

I got the tofu appetizer and it was spicy but good. My friend got a fish appetizer. I got the vegan curry for my meal. At first I wasn't crazy about it because I felt like there wasn't a lot of flavor. I ended up taking it home and I liked it a lot better the next day. Both of my friends liked their appetizers and main courses. We sat outside on a nice sunny day. The waitstaff was friendly and attentive. Plus all of their food is locally sourced and they have vegetarian/vegan options. One of my new favorite spots in Scranton. They change their menu seasonally as well.

Expensive but Excellent Stanton PA is a friendly city blessed with many fine restaurants. One of the best is Terra Preta. While it is not particularly striking in appearance, the wait staff is knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. The lunch menu offers many possibilities, but for me I chose the local beef hamburger and carrot soup. Both were excellent. The only low point was desert that tasted as if it had been frozen and thawed for me. The texture was not right. When I asked why I was told that it was vegan and the texture was the result of the shortening used. I still think it was stale and recently thawed. I still recommend the restaurant highly -- just watch the cake!