What does G-Zen Mean?
G ~ Stands for our Green Business ethics and Plant-based cuisine
Zen ~ Living Mindfully. To be in a state of peace and balance in one’s body
G-Zen History
The restaurant represents the vision of Chef Mark Shadle and Chef Ami Beach Shadle. Together they take the concept of “Farm to Table” to a whole other level, by growing the organic ingredients, serving them fresh at the restaurant and then composting everything at their sustainable farm. Both Mark & Ami are both deeply in the power of a plant-based diet and have both have adopted this vegetarian & vegan lifestyle for more than 20 year along with their family.
Founded in 2011, G-Zen was named “Top Ten Upscale Vegan Restaurants in America” by SHAPE magazine. In 2020 G-Zen was featured in Travel + Leisure magazine’s “Best Vegetarian Restaurants in USA.” Also, Food Network named G-Zen “One of the best vegan restaurants in the nation.”
The menu changes daily and the most inspired chef’s creations find their way on to the large handwritten chalkboards. The wine list presents many select wines from small family owned vineyards, many of them using organically grown grapes and sustainable practices.
G-Zen is considered a zero waste restaurant and composts 100 percent of the food waste material & biodegradable take out containers at the owners farm in Durham CT called Shadle Farm. All glass, batteries & other materials are completely recycled.
In 2020 G-Zen received the impressive “Natures Plate Award” from the Natures Conservancy and was named “Connecticut’s most sustainable restaurant” in honor of all of their sustainable business ethics, commitment to serving organic ingredients, supporting local farmers and composting programs. Read the news release for more information.
