Vegan MoFo 2: Veggie Grill Review

Happy second day of October, and more importantly the Vegan Month of Food. 

Fiance John lives in Irvine where he's working on his Masters of Engineering, and one of the perks of visiting him there, besides the obvious fact that I like him, is that eating out for vegan food in Irvine is a lot more diverse. Here it's pretty much Mexican (ordered without lard-laden beans, chicken-stock rice, cheese or sour cream) or Thai. 

In Irvine not only is there a nearby Whole Foods, Mother's Market and other health food stores, but there's a raw restaurant, 118 Degrees, though I haven't been there yet, Veggie Grill and Native Foods, both of which are all-vegan. 

Recently we went to Veggie Grill twice in two days, and it was great. Grilled chicken wrap and Tuscan chicken soup on day one. 

Tempeh Burger and Quinoa Pasta Mac & Cheese on the second day. It is in fact good enough to go that often. 

Vegan eating out: have a favorite?

Santa Barbara Vegan: Adama

This is a review I was planning to make a few days ago, but pediatric inpatient is actually pretty busy - also awesome - and I'm just now sitting down with a little time.

I was in Santa Barbara visiting last weekend and my dear friend Christina agreed to try out a new restaurant with me: Adama, Vegan Comfort Food.

Locals may remember Chamomile Cafe & Bakery in Carpinteria - a great vegan-friendly place close to the ocean, but it was closed a while ago.

Lucky for all of us, the genius behind Chamomile Cafe has opened a new restaurant called Adama. All-vegan and delicious, I only wish I lived there again so I could try everything.

The inside layout's a bit unexpected, like it used to be a house, and decorations are minimal, but I loved it - it kept the focus on the food.

Coffee for both of us.

I got the Protein Scramble - seitan, tofu and veggies with a side of quinoa served with liquid aminos and topped with pumpkin seeds. Christina was even brave enough to try the seitan: I give her honorary vegan status.

Christina picked the Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes, served with Earth Balance, maple syrup and fresh banana.

They were very different flavors, and it was great to be able to have some bites of both.

There's lots more on the menu I want to try. Road trip anyone?

 It's Labor Day weekend - what are your plans?

Vegan at Melting Pot

No, not the United States, the restaurant.

Anyone with unique dietary needs has probably had this experience, but I find that eating out is one of the hardest parts about being vegan. It's far from impossible, but sometimes it just takes some planning ahead.

So I mentioned that dinner I got back quite late from right? It was at the Melting Pot. For those of you that haven't been, it's basically a dining extravaganza involving fondue pots at the table. It's typically 4 courses (if you order the full meal) - cheese fondue with bread, apples and veggies, then a salad, then broth for cooking meat, veggies, tofu, ravioli etc, then chocolate for fruit and other desserts.

I had perused the menu on-line, so in the afternoon I called up the restaurant to ask my questions.
1. Did the tofu on the vegetarian option have any eggs or dairy?
    Yes: It comes pre-marinated. So that was a no.
2. Did they have any other pasta besides the two types of ravioli mentioned?
     No. Both contain cheese, so that's a negative as well.
3. Did the breading on the onion rings contain eggs or dairy?
    Yes.
4. Did the chocolate all contain milk?
    (I didn't actually ask this question because I'm limiting my dessert consumption right now anyway, but I suspect it does.)
5. Which salad dressings are vegan?
    Raspberry walnut vinaigrette and house.
6. Are the broths vegan?
   Yes, they all use vegetable broth as a base. (This actually surprised me. Way to go melting pot.)

So after getting these answers, I was able to eat very healthfully, but quite well. I didn't have much choice with the cheese fondue course, but the salad was great.

California salad with no cheese. 

Delicious veggies. Edamame, asparagus, mushroom, artichoke hearts. I also got some broccoli and red potato as sides. Our waiter was very accommodating, but kind of laughed at me too.

Getting cooked up. 

Dessert tray. I had some (undipped) strawberry and banana. The waiter handed my little fruit side and called me "the fruit lady." Perfect dessert. 

Katie, Me, Jenny - modeling the skewers. Happy birthday Jenny!

Do any of you have good tips for eating out at non-vegan restaurants?