August 26, 2005

You Are What You Eat

Medicine New-Shojin Eatstation Restaurant Opens

Your body is a temple. And the way you’ve been eating these days, it looks like the Temple of Doom.

Time to ditch the soda and toxic burgers for a dose of Medicine.

Medicine New-Shojin Eatstation, that is, the new concept restaurant in the Crocker Galleria.

The serene, symmetrical communal dining hall features shojin ryori cuisine, a natural, wholesome Japanese diet once served exclusively in Buddhist temples and all but unknown in the West. Shojin (which roughly translates as “progress of the spirit”) is a 500-year-old vegetarian meal plan that emphasizes tender, organic veggies, delicate nine-grain rice, noodles, soups, and artisanal tofu — all lovingly composed and beautifully presented.

Craving a brownie yet? Don’t give in. The flavors and textures at Medicine are exquisite. The menu, which includes five nutritionally complete foundation meals created around your appetite and cravings, soothes the soul. (Well, as much as gracefully speedy fast food can.) Chase the harmonious a la carte specialties with rare teas and a good range of sakes.

There. You’re back to being a Temple in Bloom.

Medicine New-Shojin Eatstation, Crocker Galleria, 161 Sutter Street, between Kearny and Montgomery Streets (415-677-4405 or medicinerestaurant.com).