A new animal-free and waste-free business will continue to roll out a variety of features during the fall, as Bergen-Lafayette’s latest addition, Plant Base, starts offering juices and varied dinner options out of their storefront at 370 Pacific Avenue.
Plant Base soft opened last month in the heart of Bergen-Lafayette and has been consistently expanding its market ever since.
Co-owners Dhruva LaTorre and Andy Hertz started the business in hopes of creating a community hub for Jersey City’s vegan community and they currently sell a variety of organic produce to go with all-natural body care and household products.
Besides the veggies, Plant Base also includes a sizable grain, rice, bean, and nut selection. The business also utilizes reusable packaging materials, like mason jars to store and sell their groceries, and reusable tote bags are available on a communal basis at the market.
The market aims not only to serve local vegans but also to educate those curious about the lifestyle. They will be offering vegan talks and movie screenings, plus a variety of books mostly related to veganism are available in a library for customers to peruse.
Plant Base has been increasingly rolling out their food and drink options, which include Jersey City-based Non-Nocere Kombucha on tap. The business will be bringing their juice program online in the coming days and features a changing menu that rotates daily for those wishing to pull up a chair and relax in one of their cozy seating areas.
Other unique beverage options at Plant Base include a “coffee” alternative that’s made from roasted chicory and dandelion root, cocoa powder, and cinnamon sticks. A few completely animal-free dishes being served up so far at Plant Base include broccoli cheese soup or a mac & cheese with green chilis.
The business is in the process of expanding its dinner menu, which will be served from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Some of those heartier dishes have included a curry dal or a shredded mushroom melt sandwich, plus completely vegan versions of traditional classics like sloppy joes or fried chicken.
Plant Base’s website is currently under construction, so following the business at their Instagram handle @plantbasemarket is your best bet for now. The market is now open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
