Vegan Dinner at Bistro 185

Restaurant owner Ruth Levine isn't a health nut, but sometimes she acts like one. She created a rooftop garden at her cozy Bistro 185 (991 East 185th St.) to supply her kitchen with the freshest herbs and produce. She also teamed up with the talented Jakub Mejstrik, a vegan personal chef who occasionally lends his chops to her multi-cultural menu. United by a passion for both wholesomeness and great flavor, Mejstrik and Levine recently launched a series of vegan dinners, many of which sold out almost as soon as they were announced. "There's a real interest in vegan dining," Levine confirms. "But to me, the most important factor is that we're serving real food: satisfying, delicious, and good for everyone, vegan or otherwise." Your next opportunity to dig in comes tonight when Levin and Mejstrik cook up a three-course, prix fixe vegan dinner. For thirty bucks, you get butternut squash soup with caramelized Vidalia onions, eggplant Parmesan with whole wheat pasta, and fresh apple pie and ice cream. The vegan menu will be offered all evening, from 5 to 9 p.m. Prepaid reservations via credit card are required at 216-481-9635. Learn more at bistro185.com. — Cicora