Gramado Restaurant Offers Inclusive Vegan Fondue Experience

A restaurant in Gramado, Brazil, has expanded its traditional fondue offering to cater to a growing demand for inclusive dining experiences. Since 2015, the establishment has been developing options for various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, lactose-intolerant, gluten-intolerant, and diabetic customers. Business owner Lilian Prinstrop observed that patrons with dietary restrictions often struggled to fully participate in the multi-course fondue experience, which typically lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. This realization prompted the creation of a unique vegan fondue recipe, which has since been followed by other inclusive menu items. The vegan fondue, introduced about six years ago, has proven popular, with vegan, intolerant, and other restricted-diet diners now making up 30% to 40% of the restaurant's clientele. The restaurant aims to ensure everyone can enjoy the full fondue sequence. The vegan cheese options include a cashew-based version and another made from chickpeas, specifically for those with nut allergies. Accompaniments are also vegan, featuring soy 'meat,' breads, and vegetables, alongside vegan chocolate and churros for dessert. These recipes were developed collaboratively by Prinstrop and maître Andreia Matos, who maintain strict preparation protocols, including separate spaces and exclusive utensils, to prevent cross-contamination. The restaurant, Le Belle Canto, is open from 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM, with the fondue priced at R$140 per person.