I recently discovered Darbster in West Palm Beach on my trip to Florida back in April. I don't think the restaurant has been around very long, but it is truly amazing. I dined there twice in April and twice again on my recent trip. What's even better is that Darbster has a fabulous newsletter they send out weekly that includes tons of discounts. My grandma and I took advantage of their mid-day discount and got a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees.
First, we had the "trees" wings ($5).
These were delicious. They were very crispy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. The accompanying sauces were delicious and worked perfectly with the wings. The buffalo sauce was spicy with a subtle tang. The other sauce was creamy, cooling and ranch-like.
Next, I had the palm cake sandwich with a side of onion rings ($6.75+2.50).
This sandwich was out of this world. The palm cakes had an amazing flavor and seemed to mimic crab cakes well. They were composed of deep fried artichokes formed into a fritter-like consistency. They were a little bitter and perfectly salty and had a slightly savory taste. The creamy aioli sauce was very scrumptious and complimented the palm cakes very well.
Lastly, we had an oreo creme cheesecake ($6) for dessert.
The cheesecakes at Darbster are seriously some of the best I've ever had. This cheesecake was no exception. It had a rich, cheesy flavor and was very creamy. The oreo bits added a wonderful crunch and gave it a lovely chocolaty flavor, made even better by the decadent covering of chocolate sauce. The whipped cream took the cheesecake over the top and was very light and airy.
Overall, I really enjoyed my lunch at Darbster and my grandma raved about it on our drive to the airport. What I love about their lunch, is that the portions are similar to the dinner ones, yet the prices are significantly dinner. With the free appetizer, our whole meal came out to about $25 (with tax and tip). This place ranks really high and can easily compete with Sublime. I am so happy to have discovered these two gems. It almost makes me consider moving to Florida and definitely makes my visits way easier.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
A Sublime Dinner
Since Sublime opened years ago, I have been dying to dine there. While it's only about 45 minutes from my grandma's house, in Fort Lauderdale, it is quite a trek and no one in my family has been willing to make it. During my visit to Florida, my grandma's vegan friend raved about how amazing Sublime is and described how innovative their food is. Thus, the three of us hopped in my grandma's car and braved the dangerous streets filled with elderly drivers.
The restaurant was not what I expected and quite larger than any vegan restaurant I've been to. The interior was beautiful, with a wonderful, spacious, modern layout and a waterfall against one of the windows.
My grandma's friend and I decided to each order a pre-fix menu that cost $35 and included a glass of wine, appetizer, entree and dessert. This was way cheaper than ordering items individually. My grandma wasn't very hungry, so she ordered an entree and tried some of our dishes.
First, a complimentary polenta dish came out.
This was delicious. The polenta was soft and had a savory flavor. It had a very delicate texture and was easy to chew.
Next, our glasses of wine came out. I ordered the chardonnay.
The wine complimented the food very well. It was slightly bitter and had a subtle sweet undertone. It went down easy.
Next, our appetizers came out. I ordered the Frito Misto and my grandma's friend ordered the Crispy Eggplant Rollatini. I first tried the Frito Misto.
This was very delicious. The cauliflower was deep-fried in a batter and coated with a sweet and spicy sauce. It was very crispy and had a lovely tanginess. The sauce was so scrumptious and was soaked up well by the fried cauliflower.
Next, I tried an eggplant rollatini.
I didn't think I would like this, as I am not a fan of eggplant. I did not notice the eggplant at all, since the creamy tofu ricotta dominated the dish. It was so rich and luscious and had a lovely saltiness. The appetizer was reminiscent of a crispy manicotti roll.
Next, I had my entree, the Quiche Lorraine.
As a vegan, I rarely get the chance to have a cheesy quiche that I loved in my vegetarian days. This quiche was very nostalgic for me, as it mimicked a non-vegan quiche so well. It had a wonderful, "eggy" texture and was so soft and creamy. It had a delectable cheesy taste and a savory flavor. It did not seem exactly like a ham quiche, but the crispy tempeh provided a meaty taste. The accompanying kale salad was fantastic. It was very light and refreshing and the kale was easy to chew.
For dessert, we shared the Chocolate Nirvana and Coconut Cake. I first tried the Chocolate Nirvana.
The chocolate cake was rich and had such a moist texture. It was not too sweet and not too chocolatey or dense. The frosting was very creamy and had notes of kahlua and buttercream. The chocolate ganache on top was very decadent.
Lastly, I had the Coconut Cake.
While I'm not a huge fan of coconut, I loved this cake. It had a rich flavor and such amazing textures. The taste of coconut was not overpowering, but balanced out by the buttercream. The accompanying almond tuille was delectable and was crispy and had a perfect sweetness.
Overall, the meal was phenomenal. This was some of the best food I've ever had. The customer service took the experience over the top, as the waiter was very attentive and frequently checked up on us and chatted with us. In addition, the owner of the restaurant came to our table to introduce herself. For the quality of the meal, the price was very reasonable. In addition, Sublime donated their proceeds to animal charities, so by dining there you are not only eating a delicious cruelty-free meal, but helping animals in need. Our meal came out to less than $100 total, with tax and tip. I cannot wait to return to Sublime on my next trip to Florida. Seriously, this place is a must!
The restaurant was not what I expected and quite larger than any vegan restaurant I've been to. The interior was beautiful, with a wonderful, spacious, modern layout and a waterfall against one of the windows.
My grandma's friend and I decided to each order a pre-fix menu that cost $35 and included a glass of wine, appetizer, entree and dessert. This was way cheaper than ordering items individually. My grandma wasn't very hungry, so she ordered an entree and tried some of our dishes.
First, a complimentary polenta dish came out.
This was delicious. The polenta was soft and had a savory flavor. It had a very delicate texture and was easy to chew.
Next, our glasses of wine came out. I ordered the chardonnay.
The wine complimented the food very well. It was slightly bitter and had a subtle sweet undertone. It went down easy.
Next, our appetizers came out. I ordered the Frito Misto and my grandma's friend ordered the Crispy Eggplant Rollatini. I first tried the Frito Misto.
This was very delicious. The cauliflower was deep-fried in a batter and coated with a sweet and spicy sauce. It was very crispy and had a lovely tanginess. The sauce was so scrumptious and was soaked up well by the fried cauliflower.
Next, I tried an eggplant rollatini.
I didn't think I would like this, as I am not a fan of eggplant. I did not notice the eggplant at all, since the creamy tofu ricotta dominated the dish. It was so rich and luscious and had a lovely saltiness. The appetizer was reminiscent of a crispy manicotti roll.
Next, I had my entree, the Quiche Lorraine.
As a vegan, I rarely get the chance to have a cheesy quiche that I loved in my vegetarian days. This quiche was very nostalgic for me, as it mimicked a non-vegan quiche so well. It had a wonderful, "eggy" texture and was so soft and creamy. It had a delectable cheesy taste and a savory flavor. It did not seem exactly like a ham quiche, but the crispy tempeh provided a meaty taste. The accompanying kale salad was fantastic. It was very light and refreshing and the kale was easy to chew.
For dessert, we shared the Chocolate Nirvana and Coconut Cake. I first tried the Chocolate Nirvana.
The chocolate cake was rich and had such a moist texture. It was not too sweet and not too chocolatey or dense. The frosting was very creamy and had notes of kahlua and buttercream. The chocolate ganache on top was very decadent.
Lastly, I had the Coconut Cake.
While I'm not a huge fan of coconut, I loved this cake. It had a rich flavor and such amazing textures. The taste of coconut was not overpowering, but balanced out by the buttercream. The accompanying almond tuille was delectable and was crispy and had a perfect sweetness.
Overall, the meal was phenomenal. This was some of the best food I've ever had. The customer service took the experience over the top, as the waiter was very attentive and frequently checked up on us and chatted with us. In addition, the owner of the restaurant came to our table to introduce herself. For the quality of the meal, the price was very reasonable. In addition, Sublime donated their proceeds to animal charities, so by dining there you are not only eating a delicious cruelty-free meal, but helping animals in need. Our meal came out to less than $100 total, with tax and tip. I cannot wait to return to Sublime on my next trip to Florida. Seriously, this place is a must!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Greatness At Pine Garden
At first glance, Pine Garden in Boca Raton seems like a typical Chinese restaurant. They don't even advertise having vegetarian/vegan options. And of course, when you walk in, they immediately hand you the meat laden menu. But like any good secret, there lies a hidden vegan menu, just as expansive as the main menu, carefully tucked away. This is only known by a technology savvy vegan, who has researched all the vegan options in the South Florida area, and has discovered the many vegan options at this establishment. For every meat option, there exists a vegan version, even more enticing.
My grandma and I ventured to this restaurant for their wonderful lunch special and were joined by her curious vegan friend. It was so exciting to be able to show her friend that there are in fact vegan options at restaurants. I had dined here on my last trip to the West Palm Beach area and found the food to be quite enjoyable.
The lunch special is only $8 and comes with a bowl of soup, egg roll, choice of entree and white or brown rice. We all opted for the crispy orange beef and the brown rice.
First, our soups came out. The soup of the day was wonton soup.
This wonton soup was very delectable. It had a rich, beef flavored broth with crunchy pieces of carrots and scallions. This noodle of the wonton was slightly doughy and very soft. The interior had a very savory taste and was filled with a vegetable mixture.
Next, I had the egg roll.
The egg roll was fantastic. It wasn't too oily or soaked in grease, as so many Chinese appetizers are. It was flaky and crispy and filled with a lovely vegetable mixture. The vegetables were seasoned very well and coated in a soy sauce.
Next, I had the entree, which was made of a wheat gluten.
This tasted nothing like beef, but was still very enjoyable. The sauce was very scrumptious and was very tangy and flavorful. It had a very mild spice. The faux meat was a little too chewy and difficult to eat. It could have been a little crispier, too.
Overall, I really enjoyed the meal. The food was not too greasy or oily and I did not feel sick afterwards, as I often do after eating Chinese food. This place is perfect, especially when dining with omnivores, as they do not feel forced to eat vegan food, but of course have that option. The waiters were very friendly and quick to answer our questions about how they make the food. This was a great deal, only costing $8 a person for a generous portion of food. I cannot wait to return on my next visit.
My grandma and I ventured to this restaurant for their wonderful lunch special and were joined by her curious vegan friend. It was so exciting to be able to show her friend that there are in fact vegan options at restaurants. I had dined here on my last trip to the West Palm Beach area and found the food to be quite enjoyable.
The lunch special is only $8 and comes with a bowl of soup, egg roll, choice of entree and white or brown rice. We all opted for the crispy orange beef and the brown rice.
First, our soups came out. The soup of the day was wonton soup.
This wonton soup was very delectable. It had a rich, beef flavored broth with crunchy pieces of carrots and scallions. This noodle of the wonton was slightly doughy and very soft. The interior had a very savory taste and was filled with a vegetable mixture.
Next, I had the egg roll.
The egg roll was fantastic. It wasn't too oily or soaked in grease, as so many Chinese appetizers are. It was flaky and crispy and filled with a lovely vegetable mixture. The vegetables were seasoned very well and coated in a soy sauce.
Next, I had the entree, which was made of a wheat gluten.
This tasted nothing like beef, but was still very enjoyable. The sauce was very scrumptious and was very tangy and flavorful. It had a very mild spice. The faux meat was a little too chewy and difficult to eat. It could have been a little crispier, too.
Overall, I really enjoyed the meal. The food was not too greasy or oily and I did not feel sick afterwards, as I often do after eating Chinese food. This place is perfect, especially when dining with omnivores, as they do not feel forced to eat vegan food, but of course have that option. The waiters were very friendly and quick to answer our questions about how they make the food. This was a great deal, only costing $8 a person for a generous portion of food. I cannot wait to return on my next visit.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
A Magnificent Meal at Mac 'N Food Truck
I cannot profess my love for food trucks enough. They are so convenient and have delicious, high quality food for a very reasonable price. I am so happy they are a huge fad right now and that vegan versions exist. I was delighted to discover the Mac N Food truck based out of Miami on my recent trip to Florida. I was even more excited when their schedule featured a stop at a festival in Delray Beach, not too far from my grandma's house. To top it all off, they had a deal on Yelp Deals for $5 for $10 worth of food. We took all the food to go, since there wasn't much seating at the event. They packed the food very well, so it stayed hot for a long while.
First, I had the Fried Green Tomatoes ($5).
These were delicious. The tomatoes were bitter with a subtle sweetness. They were deep fried in a wonderful batter and coated in a scrumptious, creamy mayo sauce. I normally don't like mayo, but I found Mac N Food's to be quite enjoyable and not overpowering.
Next, I had the Soyrizo and Pepperjack Mac 'n Cheese combo, which came with sweet potato fries ($10). We also added an extra order of sweet potato fries ($4).
The mac 'n cheese was some of the best I've had. The sauce was so cheesy and creamy and was perfectly salted. It had a light peppery taste. The soyrizo was wonderful, providing a savory flavor and adding a slightly chewy texture to the soft, well-cooked macaroni. The dish was moderately spicy and had a nice kick to it.
Lastly, I had the sweet potato fries.
The sweet potato fries were fabulous. They were not greasy or soaked in oil, as so many fries often are. They were nice and soft and easy to chew. The taste of sweet potatoes was dominant, having a very luscious flavor.
Overall, the meal was very enjoyable. I was a little disappointed that the menu was so small and they didn't have any dessert. Nevertheless, the food was top-notch and definitely restaurant quality. I'm sad this truck is in Florida and really wish they would open another in LA. With the discount, the meal only cost $14. This was a great deal, considering we were stuffed and our stomachs were very satisfied.
First, I had the Fried Green Tomatoes ($5).
These were delicious. The tomatoes were bitter with a subtle sweetness. They were deep fried in a wonderful batter and coated in a scrumptious, creamy mayo sauce. I normally don't like mayo, but I found Mac N Food's to be quite enjoyable and not overpowering.
Next, I had the Soyrizo and Pepperjack Mac 'n Cheese combo, which came with sweet potato fries ($10). We also added an extra order of sweet potato fries ($4).
The mac 'n cheese was some of the best I've had. The sauce was so cheesy and creamy and was perfectly salted. It had a light peppery taste. The soyrizo was wonderful, providing a savory flavor and adding a slightly chewy texture to the soft, well-cooked macaroni. The dish was moderately spicy and had a nice kick to it.
Lastly, I had the sweet potato fries.
The sweet potato fries were fabulous. They were not greasy or soaked in oil, as so many fries often are. They were nice and soft and easy to chew. The taste of sweet potatoes was dominant, having a very luscious flavor.
Overall, the meal was very enjoyable. I was a little disappointed that the menu was so small and they didn't have any dessert. Nevertheless, the food was top-notch and definitely restaurant quality. I'm sad this truck is in Florida and really wish they would open another in LA. With the discount, the meal only cost $14. This was a great deal, considering we were stuffed and our stomachs were very satisfied.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Snappers: Not So Snappy
It's not very often that you find a seafood restaurant that has an entire vegan menu. This is the case at Snapper's restaurant in Boynton Beach, Florida, along with their sister restaurant, Wave 2700 in Boca Raton. Apparently, the owner's wife is vegan, thus decided to implement vegan options in hopes of encouraging diners to try these items. My grandma and her vegan friend tried some of these items a few months ago and called me to tell me how delicious the food was. Thus, I was excited to dine there. I was even more thrilled to discover you can sign up for their e-club through texting and receive instant coupons. The first coupon I received was for a free appetizer. Snapper's only has one vegan appetizer, which is hummus and pita ($7).
First, the waiter brought out complimentary bread. We inquired if the bread was vegan and after quickly running back to the kitchen to find out, he told us it was. Unfortunately, they didn't have vegan butter, so we just dipped the bread in olive oil.
The bread was very good, as it came straight from the oven. It was slightly crispy and doughy on the inside.
Next, the hummus and pita came out.
The hummus was pretty good, but honestly not the best hummus I've had. It was very creamy and had a rich, chickpea flavor. The olives added a wonderful bitter taste. I would have liked it to have a little more olive oil, especially in the center.
Next, we had a salad that came with the entree. Since none of the dressings were vegan, we just used olive oil and vinegar.
The salad was very standard and not exciting at all. I would have loved if it had more substance or even if it was coated in a flavorful vinaigrette. I'm not a fan of standard green salads, so this was difficult for me to eat.
Next, the entree came out. We both had the Vegan Nut Loaf with Sage Gravy ($19).
This entree was very disappointing and such a letdown. The plate was filled with flavorless, steamed broccoli. There was also a huge glob of mashed potatoes that lacked seasoning and was also difficult to eat. The nut loaf was overcooked and very crunchy and felt like chewing on plastic. The gravy was very bitter and had a strong fungal taste from the mushrooms. I could barely eat this dish and was upset that it was so damn expensive.
Since we complained to the owner's wife about the dish, she brought us out some complimentary dessert, the vegan pumpkin pie ($5).
This was pretty good, but definitely not the best pumpkin pie I've had. It had a very jelly-like consistency and a strong pumpkin flavor. It was not very sweet and could have used more sugar. The whipped cream on top was a nice touch, but just seemed like soyatoo! from a can. I prefer when restaurants make their own whipped cream, as it has a better consistency and a richer taste.
Overall, the meal was very disappointing. I had strong hopes for this place, since they make such an effort to have an eclectic selection of vegan options. I really appreciate the effort and am hoping this was just an off day for them. I would be willing to give them another chance, however, as I know restaurants aren't always consistent. It's also extremely hard to find good vegan food in the area, so I welcome any restaurant that tries to change this. The meal was quite expensive at a little over $40 for two people, but we did get two complimentary items. The e-club seems like a great way to get discounts at the restaurant, although I really wish they would lower the prices of their menu items. The food really isn't worth the price and neither is dining experience. I am hoping this place improves by my next visit, as it has such potential.
First, the waiter brought out complimentary bread. We inquired if the bread was vegan and after quickly running back to the kitchen to find out, he told us it was. Unfortunately, they didn't have vegan butter, so we just dipped the bread in olive oil.
The bread was very good, as it came straight from the oven. It was slightly crispy and doughy on the inside.
Next, the hummus and pita came out.
The hummus was pretty good, but honestly not the best hummus I've had. It was very creamy and had a rich, chickpea flavor. The olives added a wonderful bitter taste. I would have liked it to have a little more olive oil, especially in the center.
Next, we had a salad that came with the entree. Since none of the dressings were vegan, we just used olive oil and vinegar.
The salad was very standard and not exciting at all. I would have loved if it had more substance or even if it was coated in a flavorful vinaigrette. I'm not a fan of standard green salads, so this was difficult for me to eat.
Next, the entree came out. We both had the Vegan Nut Loaf with Sage Gravy ($19).
This entree was very disappointing and such a letdown. The plate was filled with flavorless, steamed broccoli. There was also a huge glob of mashed potatoes that lacked seasoning and was also difficult to eat. The nut loaf was overcooked and very crunchy and felt like chewing on plastic. The gravy was very bitter and had a strong fungal taste from the mushrooms. I could barely eat this dish and was upset that it was so damn expensive.
Since we complained to the owner's wife about the dish, she brought us out some complimentary dessert, the vegan pumpkin pie ($5).
This was pretty good, but definitely not the best pumpkin pie I've had. It had a very jelly-like consistency and a strong pumpkin flavor. It was not very sweet and could have used more sugar. The whipped cream on top was a nice touch, but just seemed like soyatoo! from a can. I prefer when restaurants make their own whipped cream, as it has a better consistency and a richer taste.
Overall, the meal was very disappointing. I had strong hopes for this place, since they make such an effort to have an eclectic selection of vegan options. I really appreciate the effort and am hoping this was just an off day for them. I would be willing to give them another chance, however, as I know restaurants aren't always consistent. It's also extremely hard to find good vegan food in the area, so I welcome any restaurant that tries to change this. The meal was quite expensive at a little over $40 for two people, but we did get two complimentary items. The e-club seems like a great way to get discounts at the restaurant, although I really wish they would lower the prices of their menu items. The food really isn't worth the price and neither is dining experience. I am hoping this place improves by my next visit, as it has such potential.
Monday, November 14, 2011
A Stellar Meal At Sophie N Me
Let's face it. Florida is not known for their vegan cuisine. When visiting my grandma in the West Palm Beach area, I constantly struggle with finding vegan-friendly restaurants that have good food. The options are definitely increasing and this gives me hope that it will continue to improve. On my first day visiting my grandma, we ventured to a brand new restaurant called Sophie N Me. I was excited to see that about half their menu was vegan and the dishes sounded both healthy and delicious, my favorite combination. The restaurant was very small and intimate and had an upscale setting, with white table cloths. The menu was also a little expensive. Luckily, this place is featured on restaurant.com, so of course we had a $25 restaurant.com gift certificate.
First, some complimentary bread came out.
This bread was amazing. It was fresh out of the oven and warm to the touch. It was very soft, with a crunchy crust. The accompanying oily pesto dipping sauce was delectable. The waiter saw that we enjoyed it and brought us refills to enjoy with our meal.
Next, our appetizer came out. We ordered the Vegetable Summer Rolls ($7).
These were delicious. They were very gummy on the outside, and crisp and slightly chewy in the interior. The cooked tofu provided a savory flavor, which was a wonderful contrast to the sweet dipping sauce. The accompanying salad was coated in a light vinaigrette and the vegetables were very crunchy.
Next, my grandma and I each had the Quinoa and Pesto Salad ($9) as our entrees.
I really enjoyed this salad. It was composed of a lovely variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains and featured some of my favorites. The salad was coated in a rich, garlicky pesto sauce that had such a wonderful flavor. The quinoa was lightly seasoned and mixed well with the crunchy vegetables. The raspberry and lemon salad dressings provided both sweet and sour tastes to the dish.
Next, I had a side of vegan Macaroni and Cheese ($5.75).
This dish was so scrumptious. It was the perfect portion and was very rich and creamy. I love that the macaroni was bathed in a cheese sauce and then topped with melty daiya cheese. This is some of the best macaroni and cheese I've had, vegan or not.
Lastly, we had dessert. Normally, Sophie N Me has a vegan dessert option, but on our visit, they apparently ran out. I am really hoping this was true, as it gives me hope that people have actually been ordering it, rather than them not having a desire to make it. Nevertheless, they could see my disappointment and whipped me up a dessert with what they had in the kitchen. This ended up being a fruit salad with chocolate fudge sauce ($3.50).
The fruit was very sweet and juicy. The accompanying chocolate sauce was thick and very decadent. It worked perfectly with the fruit and was a very satisfying dessert.
Overall, I really enjoyed the meal. Since this restaurant had only been open for a week when we visited, they still had a lot of kinks that needed to be worked out. Nevertheless, the food was very tasty and it's evident this place really wants to please both omnivores and vegans alike. I love that all of their food is organic and they are striving to be as eco-friendly as possible. With our discount, the meal only cost about $24 total. I will definitely be back on my next visit and am really hoping they'll have some vegan cupcakes for me to try!
First, some complimentary bread came out.
This bread was amazing. It was fresh out of the oven and warm to the touch. It was very soft, with a crunchy crust. The accompanying oily pesto dipping sauce was delectable. The waiter saw that we enjoyed it and brought us refills to enjoy with our meal.
Next, our appetizer came out. We ordered the Vegetable Summer Rolls ($7).
These were delicious. They were very gummy on the outside, and crisp and slightly chewy in the interior. The cooked tofu provided a savory flavor, which was a wonderful contrast to the sweet dipping sauce. The accompanying salad was coated in a light vinaigrette and the vegetables were very crunchy.
Next, my grandma and I each had the Quinoa and Pesto Salad ($9) as our entrees.
I really enjoyed this salad. It was composed of a lovely variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains and featured some of my favorites. The salad was coated in a rich, garlicky pesto sauce that had such a wonderful flavor. The quinoa was lightly seasoned and mixed well with the crunchy vegetables. The raspberry and lemon salad dressings provided both sweet and sour tastes to the dish.
Next, I had a side of vegan Macaroni and Cheese ($5.75).
This dish was so scrumptious. It was the perfect portion and was very rich and creamy. I love that the macaroni was bathed in a cheese sauce and then topped with melty daiya cheese. This is some of the best macaroni and cheese I've had, vegan or not.
Lastly, we had dessert. Normally, Sophie N Me has a vegan dessert option, but on our visit, they apparently ran out. I am really hoping this was true, as it gives me hope that people have actually been ordering it, rather than them not having a desire to make it. Nevertheless, they could see my disappointment and whipped me up a dessert with what they had in the kitchen. This ended up being a fruit salad with chocolate fudge sauce ($3.50).
The fruit was very sweet and juicy. The accompanying chocolate sauce was thick and very decadent. It worked perfectly with the fruit and was a very satisfying dessert.
Overall, I really enjoyed the meal. Since this restaurant had only been open for a week when we visited, they still had a lot of kinks that needed to be worked out. Nevertheless, the food was very tasty and it's evident this place really wants to please both omnivores and vegans alike. I love that all of their food is organic and they are striving to be as eco-friendly as possible. With our discount, the meal only cost about $24 total. I will definitely be back on my next visit and am really hoping they'll have some vegan cupcakes for me to try!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Going Raw With The Rawvolution Box
It's not very often that you hear the words, "convenience", "healthy", and "laziness" in one sentence. So many people have this misconception that those three things can't co-exist. Therefore, they resort to greasy, fast food when they lack time to enjoy a proper meal. I really think these vegan meal delivery services are underrated and underused. Sure, people think they're too expensive for them, but with so many great deals out there, they really aren't that pricy. A few weeks ago, I purchased the Rawvolution box, as this is as healthy and convenient as it gets. I opted to pick it up at their storefront to avoid the delivery fee. Since I used a groupon voucher, it only cost me $60. The food lasted me well over a week, since it was very filling.
I first tried the Russian Borscht soup.
Raw soups are the best and Rawvolution does an amazing job theirs. I really enjoyed the borscht soup a lot. I was afraid I wouldn't, as the thought of a cold beet soup grossed me out. The soup had a slight bitterness that was equally matched with the sweetness of the beets. The consistency was very thin and slurpy.
Next, there was the Chili soup.
I had this soup with my last Rawvolution box and I enjoyed it just as much this time. The soup was very spicy and had a strong lentil flavor. It was thick and creamy and very luscious.
Next, I had the mushroom and cheese burger.
I must admit, the thought of this burger disgusted me and I honestly could not fathom eating it, as I cannot stand mushrooms. Since the mushrooms were in a container, I gave them away to my mushroom-loving friend and found that the burger had only a slightly fungal taste that was tolerable. The creamy cashew cheese was very dominant and the burger had a savory, beany flavor. The tomatoes also provided a sweet and juicy taste to the burger.
Next, I had the mock chicken salad.
This was very delicious. The cashew mayo gave it a lovely creaminess and the faux chicken was slightly chewy and had a wonderful bitterness. There was the perfect amount of salt, with just a hint of pepper.
Next, I had the spinach and cheese quiche.
While the portion for this seemed small, it was very dense and creamy. The spinach was mixed in well and the cashew cheese gave it a rich taste. It was very soft and easy to eat.
Next, there was the cucumber and dill salad.
I honestly did not enjoy this very much. The taste of dill was too strong and the sauce was too creamy and heavy, it actually upset my stomach afterwards. The cucumbers themselves were very soft and easy to chew, but were too soaked in the sauce to really enjoy.
Next, I had the couscous.
This was delectable. It had a bitter, salty flavor from the black olives and was soft with a slight crunchiness. There was a very subtle sweetness.
Next, I had the Greek pizza.
This was also wonderful. The flax seed bread was very crunchy with a slight bitter flavor. The olives added a lovely bitterness, while the sundried tomatoes added a contrasting sweetness. The layer of cashew cheese was very creamy and perfectly salted and seasoned.
Next, I had the tostada.
The tostada was one of my favorites. It included the crunchy flax seed cracker, along with a crispy lettuce, filled with a savory, crumbly walnut meat. The creamy cashew cheese took it over the top. The accompanying salsa added a fabulous spiciness and even more texture to the dish.
Next, I had the broccolini salad.
I wasn't a huge fan of this dish. It was merely pieces of broccolini, coated in a thin layer of salt. I would have loved there to have been an accompanying dressing to have given it more flavor. Nevertheless, the broccolini was soft and easy to chew.
Next, I had the pecan crumble.
I could not stand this dish, but I think it was because it's composed primarily of raisins, which I hate. It had a very sour, bitter taste, which was odd, since it was supposed to be eaten as a dessert. I think this would have worked better if they had blended a dried fruit that had a sweeter taste. On the upside, there was a slightly sweet puree of pecans on the bottom that were very delectable.
Next, I had the chocolate coconut macaroons.
I'm not a huge fan of macaroons either, but I enjoyed these more than the crumble. The texture was very hard and difficult to chew, but they had a rich, chocolaty flavor. The taste of coconut was also very dominant. I enjoyed that these weren't too sweet and only slightly bitter.
Overall, I really enjoyed the Rawvolution box. I really wish the box was more customizable, as there were dishes I would have loved to have more of in place of the ones I did not like. Nevertheless, the ingredients are very high quality and the food is very flavorful. I felt very healthy and uplifted after finishing the box and am so happy I ordered it. It was quite a steal at $60 and came out to less than $10 a day. I would definitely order it again with the deal, but I'm not sure I would pay full price, especially since it's not customizable.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Being Green At The Green Truck
A few weeks ago, my friend and I met at the Green Truck's stop in Culver City to discuss our Halloween plans. I had been wanting to dine at this truck badly since hearing about their amazing Mother Trucker vegan burger. I was also fascinated by their concept of being green not only through offering vegan options, but having a truck that runs completely on solar power. The truck is not actually a truck, but rather a mobile cart.
It was a gorgeous day to dine outside and of course use my groupon voucher for $20 worth of food that I paid $10 for. The Green Truck was also running a special that day, giving out their homemade watermelon fresca with every food order.
The watermelon fresca was very refreshing. It was fresh squeezed and a little pulpy and not too sweet. It washed down the food perfectly.
We both ordered Mother Trucker burgers with a side of beet and quinoa salad ($10).
The burger was delicious and evidently handmade. It was very dense and had a strong beany taste. It was well seasoned and spiced and had a savory flavor. The sauce on top was so scrumptious and tasted of beets. It was slightly sweet and had a lovely bitterness. The accompanying salad was also superb. Normally, it comes with feta cheese, but we requested it without. The beets were very soft and sweet, which worked perfectly with the slightly crunchy quinoa. The dressing on top was citrusy and creamy.
Overall, I really enjoyed the food. Unfortunately, the truck doesn't seem to make many stops during the week, although their schedule seems to be fairly consistent. The food was quite a steal at only $5 a person, along with a wonderful drink! I am really hoping this place offers another deal soon, but regardless, I'm sure I'll be back there in no time!
The watermelon fresca was very refreshing. It was fresh squeezed and a little pulpy and not too sweet. It washed down the food perfectly.
We both ordered Mother Trucker burgers with a side of beet and quinoa salad ($10).
The burger was delicious and evidently handmade. It was very dense and had a strong beany taste. It was well seasoned and spiced and had a savory flavor. The sauce on top was so scrumptious and tasted of beets. It was slightly sweet and had a lovely bitterness. The accompanying salad was also superb. Normally, it comes with feta cheese, but we requested it without. The beets were very soft and sweet, which worked perfectly with the slightly crunchy quinoa. The dressing on top was citrusy and creamy.
Overall, I really enjoyed the food. Unfortunately, the truck doesn't seem to make many stops during the week, although their schedule seems to be fairly consistent. The food was quite a steal at only $5 a person, along with a wonderful drink! I am really hoping this place offers another deal soon, but regardless, I'm sure I'll be back there in no time!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
A Sophisticated Dinner At Cafe Muse
Cafe Muse may serve as an amusing and inspiring place for artists and writers to create work, while enjoying a delicious, vegan meal, but at night, it transforms into a sophisticated fine dining experience. While the food maintains its simplicity, a full bar opens with boozy delights. This isn't your standard fine dining, but merely a casual, relaxing place to enjoy savory sandwiches with a luxurious glass of wine.
My friend and I ventured to Cafe Muse a couple weeks ago to use a groupon I had purchased for a dinner for two. This allowed us to each have a drink, entree, and dessert. We first had some glasses of wine.
I'm no wine connoisseur, but I found the glass of wine to be very enjoyable and it left me feeling relaxed. It had a slightly bitter taste with a subtly sweet undertone. The wine normally cost $7, so I imagine they use a high quality brand.
Next, our entrees came out. We decided to share both, so we could experience various flavors. I first tried the Mediterranean Wrap ($10).
The wrap was delicious. The tortilla was nice and soft and the hummus inside was rich and creamy. It had a lovely chickpea flavor and was a wonderful contrast against the crunchy vegetables. The sweet potato fries made a great accompaniment, as they were perfectly fried and crispy, but not soaked in oil.
Next, I had the Chicken Pesto Sandwich ($10).
I enjoyed this sandwich even more than the last. It had a more savory flavor, with the slightly chewy chunks of gardein chicken. The pesto sauce was delectable, having a garlicky taste and the perfect amount of salitness. The daiya cheese was melted very well and balanced out the sweetness of the tomatoes beautifully.
Lastly, our desserts came out. We both had slices of vegan cheesecake ($4.50).
This cheesecake was good, but definitely not the best I've had. It was very smooth and had a slight creamy consistency. The cheesecake was not too sweet, but still very tasty. I would have loved for their to have been more flavor to it, perhaps even a fruity compote to add more texture. Nevertheless, it still was a great way to end the meal.
Overall, I really enjoyed the meal. I love that Cafe Muse has a great mixture of sophistication, relaxation, and inspiration. It is a lovely place to wind down after a tiring day or to take a break from an exhausting project to refuel. Their food is excellent and thankfully, not too expensive. With the groupon I purchased, the whole meal only cost $16 ($8 per person). Cafe Muse seems to appear on groupon-like sites fairly open, so I am hoping they will have another deal very soon.
My friend and I ventured to Cafe Muse a couple weeks ago to use a groupon I had purchased for a dinner for two. This allowed us to each have a drink, entree, and dessert. We first had some glasses of wine.
I'm no wine connoisseur, but I found the glass of wine to be very enjoyable and it left me feeling relaxed. It had a slightly bitter taste with a subtly sweet undertone. The wine normally cost $7, so I imagine they use a high quality brand.
Next, our entrees came out. We decided to share both, so we could experience various flavors. I first tried the Mediterranean Wrap ($10).
The wrap was delicious. The tortilla was nice and soft and the hummus inside was rich and creamy. It had a lovely chickpea flavor and was a wonderful contrast against the crunchy vegetables. The sweet potato fries made a great accompaniment, as they were perfectly fried and crispy, but not soaked in oil.
Next, I had the Chicken Pesto Sandwich ($10).
I enjoyed this sandwich even more than the last. It had a more savory flavor, with the slightly chewy chunks of gardein chicken. The pesto sauce was delectable, having a garlicky taste and the perfect amount of salitness. The daiya cheese was melted very well and balanced out the sweetness of the tomatoes beautifully.
Lastly, our desserts came out. We both had slices of vegan cheesecake ($4.50).
This cheesecake was good, but definitely not the best I've had. It was very smooth and had a slight creamy consistency. The cheesecake was not too sweet, but still very tasty. I would have loved for their to have been more flavor to it, perhaps even a fruity compote to add more texture. Nevertheless, it still was a great way to end the meal.
Overall, I really enjoyed the meal. I love that Cafe Muse has a great mixture of sophistication, relaxation, and inspiration. It is a lovely place to wind down after a tiring day or to take a break from an exhausting project to refuel. Their food is excellent and thankfully, not too expensive. With the groupon I purchased, the whole meal only cost $16 ($8 per person). Cafe Muse seems to appear on groupon-like sites fairly open, so I am hoping they will have another deal very soon.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
A Childish Halloween Brunch
Last Sunday was a nostalgic day for me, as it combined two of my favorite childhood loves: Halloween and brunch. Halloween is my favorite holiday, since it allows me to feel like a little kid and connects me to my past. I love brunch for the same reason, and it reminds me of lazy sundays indulging in pancakes and french toast. I was excited when I heard about a pop-up brunch in Silverlake with a Mexican "Day Of The Dead" theme. I arrived in costume and received a free shot of limoncello.
The shot was intense and burned my mouth as I chugged it. Nevertheless, it left me feeling blissful and perhaps even helped me enjoy the brunch even more.
The brunch began with a "bread hour". Since the chefs were running super late, this hour turned into more than two hours.
There was a lovely assortment of breads, from a bitter chocolate loaf to a sweet crunchy slice to a lemony muffin. I enjoyed them all and they were a wonderful way to begin a meal.
Unfortunately, the brunch ended up being quite chaotic, with diners fighting for a place in line, in hopes of getting the food before it quickly disappeared. The food was replenished, but not fast enough for all the hungry vegans. Regardless, the food was amazing and worth the wait. I first tried some breakfast potatoes.
This was delicious and I loved the Mexican influence. It had a light spice and the potatoes were soft and well-cooked. The beans and corn added a lovely texture and the seasoning provided a savory flavor.
Next, I had some taquitos and a faux meat patty.
The patty was very savory and meaty and was heavily spiced. It was crispy and slightly chewy and would have worked perfectly in the interior of the taquitos. The taquitos were very crispy on the outside, with a luscious potato interior. I would have preferred a little more seasoning in the interior, but other than that they were fantastic.
My favorite dish was the tofu scramble, and I found myself refilling my plate with this at the end of the event.
The scramble was very eggy and had a cheesy taste. It was soft and crumbly, with an excellent seasoning. It had a very mild spice. The vegetables were cooked very well and were delectable.
Sadly, I missed out on the jackfruit dish, which I heard others rave about. This was very disappointing for me, as I had been looking forward to this dish the most.
Overall, I really enjoyed the pop-up brunch. I think they did a wonderful job, despite not being completely prepared for the overwhelming amount of hungry mouths. The brunch was quite a steal at only $10, and since I paid ahead I received a raffle ticket and won a prize! The food was such comfort food and the company was just as good. I really hope they do this brunch again, as I believe it has such potential. It was an excellent way to spend a lazy afternoon and reminisce about the past with some old and new friends.
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