Review: Harvest Moon Deli in Orono, Maine

Harvest Moon Deli occupies a long, sunny storefront on Mill Street in Orono. It's just a few doors down from Fiberphilia, so I always order a sandwich during Saturday knitting classes. Harvest Moon offers several vegetarian sandwiches, and it's easy to assemble a vegan sandwich from the tempeh, hummus, mustard, and vegetables on the make-your-own menu. Little Lad's Herbal Popcorn and Maine Root natural root beer are also available for a treat.

When I gave up gluten, I thought my deli sandwich days were over, but recently Harvest Moon began carrying Food for Life White Rice Bread! It's dense, but it tastes like bread, and it held together my hummus, carrot, spinach, tomato, olive, and pickle sandwich. Of the packaged gluten-free breads I've tried, it is the least weird. We stopped by for lunch this weekend, and I was delighted to have choices beyond a garden salad and bag of chips.

Harvest Moon is a safe bet for a tasty vegan lunch (rare north of Bangor), especially if you're gluten-free. They usually feature a vegetarian special with tempeh bacon, tofurkey, or cheese. I'd love to see them expand their nondairy offerings by adding avocado and vegan mayonnaise to the make-your-own menu. Harvest Moon earns three chickpeas for vegan friendliness, and my everlasting gratitude for stocking rice bread.