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Situated on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park, Twisted Tree is a relaxed coffee, sandwich and smoothie joint specializing in vegan food.
The cafe is the perfect place to chill with friends or get away from your 9 to 5 while listening to local musicians play both original songs and renditions of popular favorites.
The inside has an earthy vibe with wooden tables and comfortable couches, with an ambiance that gives it a cozy, inviting feel.
The menu is small (with no options for meat lovers), however selections are freshly made.
The Twisted Tree has signature items with a taste you won't find anywhere else.
Pick one of their chunky smoothie concoctions from a long list of choices ($6 for a 20 oz glass). Their "Gone Nutz" smoothie is one of the best. This smoothie had the right blend of ingredients mixed with banana, walnuts, pecans, almonds, flax seed, oats and almond milk. It tasted like a healthier version of a peanut butter shake.
Two other drink recommendations are their unsweetened iced tea and twisted cider. On a cold day, opt for their freshly brewed iced tea with a refreshing mint taste. On a chilly night, try the twisted cider (made with apple juice, pear juice, caramel and steamed milk), which has the right blend of sweet and sour.
Their hearty Three Bean Chili ($4.50) is served in a large mug with lump tomatoes and scallions. The top is coated with either dairy or vegan cheese. The soup, a favorite of mine, is light yet satisfying.
The sandwiches come in wrap or traditional form, made from homemade bread. Their hummus sandwich ($8.50) is made with spoonfuls of chunky homemade hummus with onion, tomato, lettuce and sprouts. The sandwiches are served with a salad that comes with a zesty ginger and red miso dressing. Another tasty choice with a mouthful of flavor is the Foccacia Melt ($8.50) with roasted red peppers, artichoke, olives and vegan pesto (topped with either diary or vegan cheese).
Don't forget dessert! Yes, the Twisted Tree Café has plenty of dessert selections too, including vegan cakes made to order and muffins. Their carrot cake ($3) has a rustic sweet cinnamon taste like it was baked at grandma's house. My dining companion observed that it wasn't as sugary as regular carrot cake, but the light subtle flavors made me enjoy it more. We also enjoyed a huge chocolate chip cupcake ($2) with a tower of creamy chocolate icing. Share this dessert with a friend -- we couldn't finish it.
Don't let the word "vegan" scare you away. For a cozy, fun afternoon with friends or by yourself, head inside the Twisted Tree for flavorful choices that are good for the soul and your stomach.
