The menu at Plantasia will not only feature a complex mix of vegan, vegetarian and plant-based fare, but also an abundance of fresh and homemade dishes.
Featuring fine dining entrees clad with plant-based, vegan and vegetarian ingredients, Maniaci has a lot of healthy reasons for venturing into the health-based culinary arena, like diabetes and high blood pressure, which she battled for years.
“I changed my diet about 19 months ago and it changed my life,” said Maniaci. “Not only did I drop all the medications I was taking, but I dropped pounds, too. Health and eating right has become a passion for me. It’s true: you are what you eat.”
Located around the corner from Maniaci’s westside Toasted Owl, Plantasia Eatery is housed in a historic residence that was built in 1909 and in 1980, converted into the popular award-winning restaurant, The Cottage Place.
“The Cottage Place was a favorite of locals and tourists,” said Maniaci. “I’m really happy to take over a space with such a rich history.”
Maniaci says she also liked the location because of the proximity. “It’s near my other restaurant, which is convenient and centrally located. Pizzicletta, Mother Road Brewery and Fratelli’s are all nearby. This little neighborhood is like the million dollar mile,” said Maniaci.
The menu at Plantasia will not only feature a complex mix of vegan, vegetarian and plant-based fare, but also an abundance of fresh and homemade dishes. “Our menu will be changing every two weeks, with a special daily,” she said.
Humphrey’s Ski Summit owner Brian Dierker says he is one of Maniaci’s biggest fans. “Cecily is the epitome of what a successful businesswoman is,” said Dierker. “She has a lot of courage running multiple businesses and, boy, does she have her hands full, but she’s smart, committed and super motivated. She’s got that toughness that it takes to do all she does. I really respect her.”
“I love creating a space where innovative food and people can come together, trying something new and different, breaking down the wall that veganism seems to have built over the years,” said Maniaci.
The name “Plantasia” was the idea of her son, Alex, who executes all of the design work. The concept for the restaurant is a collaboration between Maniaci and her head chef, Amanda Braun. “We talked about it for a couple years and it’s finally here,” said Maniaci. Her daughter, Sophie, helps with marketing and branding.
“I’m so happy to see the response to our restaurant,” said Braun. “We are making everything from scratch – our salad dressings, veggie burgers, sausages, soups and our desserts.”
With a vegan approach to salmon with a soy glaze and crabcakes, Braun says her favorite is the “don’t be wary, there’s no dairy” cheeseboard. “Some of our biggest sellers so far are portobello cheesesteak sandwiches served on a Village Baker bun, our fried avocado burrito, chorizo tostadas, our kale artichoke dip and our soups. It’s also wonderful working with Cecily, and she’s like a mom to me.”
A wine menu includes a rotating list of vegan wines and cocktails.
Coconino County Board of Supervisors Deputy Clerk Valerie Webber attended Plantasia’s soft opening and was impressed. “The food is delicious, beautiful and very different. I’m not a vegan but the food is great. My favorites were the crabcakes and the falafel. Cecily is awesome.”
Staying ahead of vegan haute cuisine is top on Maniaci’s list, and if she’s not hiking or walking in her spare time, she’s traveling to the “hottest and coolest” vegan restaurants. “Research and understanding the vegan lifestyle and food preparation is important to me. I’ve visited a lot of vegan restaurants in California, Colorado and Austin to see how they approach their dishes. I want to stay ahead of the trends in vegan culinary.” This year, Maniaci will be attending the Vegan Women Summit in New York. FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN
Plantasia Eatery is located at 126 West Cottage and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day except Sunday. For more information, call 928-440-4902 or go to Instagram:
@plantasiaeateryflagstaff or Facebook: facebook.com/plantasiaeatery.
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Cecily Maniaci stands outside her newest restaurant, Plantasia, a plant-based culinary concept located in the former Cottage Place at 126 W. Cottage Ave., in Flagstaff.
