People in Dallas have what some might consider a codependent relationship with meat.

Oh, sure, we’ll eat our vegetables (with the help of some butter or cream, of course). Until someone comes to town bucking our way of life. (Remember Oprah?) Then it’s straight back to the steakhouse in defiant protest.

But local raw-food enthusiast Cynthia Beavers has created a restaurant with such impressive how-does-she-do-it fare that even the most adamant carnivore will be chomping at the bit (har, har). Pure Raw Cafe serves organic cuisine, and all dishes are served cold or warm (less than 115 degrees). It’s the first raw-food restaurant in the state, and the intimate, orchid-filled space with white tablecloths and lime green walls is as palatable as the cuisine.

Expect everything from the garden variety — such as Caesar salad flaked with rawmesian cheese — to more exotic dishes like Tantra Thai soup. Try the Tuscany mini pizza, sunburger, lasagna, or green curry coconut noodle bowl for an I-can’t-believe-this-isn’t-cooked experience. And the amazing chocolate ganache (with raspberry puree) is so good that you’ll be ready to give up meat forever.

Well, let’s not go that far.

You are, after all, a Texan.

Pure Raw Cafe, 2720 Greenville Avenue, Lower Greenville (214-824-7776 or purerawcafe.com).