Heirloom Food Co: Organic + Vegan, Gluten-Free Cafe & Serious Biz Desserts

I could start with the usual hellos and some intros, but why beat around the bush-let’s dive right in and start with a sandwich you will want to get to know: The Heirloom Reuben. It’s a Reuben of a different color, though; two slices of fresh sourdough bread stuffed full of marinated cabbage, carrots, sautéed onions, sauerkraut, special “Heirloom” sauce, and raw Cheddar or vegan cheese. It’s a two-handed wonder that only the truly skilled can maneuver. It’s also a meat-LESS Reuben. This and many more vegan delights hold court on the most beloved list (aka menu) at the Heirloom Food Co., a healthy eatery in Danielson, one of the towns in the chock-full-of-surprises Quiet Corner of Connecticut. As I mentioned, you are going to want to get to know this place. And this sandwich.

The craftsman-style house-on-the-hill that is now the Heirloom Food Co. was, in the 1980s, a health food store owned by the current owner’s in-laws who wanted to gain more access to healthful foods and supplements for their highly-allergic son. It saw a few transitions but has been re-imagined and this organic eatery is thriving because of the aforementioned son and his wife, Wendy Garosshen (did you follow that bouncing ball?). It’s been full-steam ahead ever since. Wendy, a former teacher, does continue to educate, although now in a different capacity; she’s all about helping to inform her customers about the joys and benefits of healthy eating, dazzling them with delicious food, and exposing her community to local farmers who supply many of their ingredients. 

When you step inside, with its light-filled airy rooms, local artwork and calming decor, you immediately get a good vibe. Wellness and goodness seem to permeate this clutter-free but interesting space. Heirloom Food Co. is a place that is always buzzing-with young and old, groups or single diners on the patio or at communal tables, people looking to eat healthily, try something new, or up their food game a bit. If you are looking for any of those things with your next meal then you’ve come to the right place. All of their fruits and veggies are 100% organic (all other ingredients are 85-90%) and GMO-free, and they do not utilize any artificial ingredients, preservatives, or hydrogenated oils. Local farmers and artisans are a central source of these ingredients, which Heirloom makes a priority of supporting, to help the local economy chug along and do their part to reduce negative environmental impact.

Every recipe, which Wendy painstakingly developed by trial and error and the help of some accommodating friends, can be made vegan (well, except the tuna wrap and the turkey sandwich) and everything can also be ordered gluten-free. You can almost hear the sighs of relief, can’t you? Imagine you have a food allergy and you discover a place where there are delicious items on their menu that you can safely enjoy, and better yet, you know they will always be offered. The team at Heirloom wants to honor dietary constraints and create a safe place. It is this consideration for the diversity of diners that further reinforces the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere-their customers spoke up and they listened. Heirloom offers a core menu of their most requested items, such as the Curry Mock Chick Wrap, Beta Burger, and Tuna Wrap (an invention of the original owners that was met with great acclaim). Other parts of the menu, such as specials, smoothies, soups, and baked goods, change with the day and the seasons. There are always delicious surprises in store.

Take their Oatmeal Cream Pie cookie, for example; 2 generously-sized cookies schmeared with a creamy vanilla filling. We are talking all kinds of soft and brown-sugary goodness. And it’s vegan. Wendy based it on the beloved Little Debbie oatmeal cakes-remember those? Hand it to someone and you’ll soon see a smile on their face. I dare you. Why are their vegan baked goods so, well, good? Heirloom has a team of two bakers who graduated from baking and cooking school and love nothing more than getting inventive in the kitchen and making the best vegan bars, cupcakes and cookies around. Passion abounds in this kitchen, from the sweet to the savory, then radiates outward.

So, what has made Heirloom Food Co.-in this town of 4,168-so successful since they began in 2012? They have engaged with local farmers who help them create delicious dishes that blow pre-conceived ideas about healthy food out of the water, they have made Heirloom a community space where customers feel heard and valued, and they have nurtured a positive environment where people want to work and spread goodness.

As for that Reuben (my menu fave), owner Wendy Garosshen is one of those skilled folks to be able to conquer it, one-handed, with nary a piece of sauerkraut hitting the plate or falling out of place. 

Psst-Book their space or have them cater your next event and you’ll have an event to remember.

Heirloom Food Co.

630 N. Main St, Danielson, CT (860) 779–3373

10:00 AM TO 5:00 PM

Tuesday - Saturday