Game of Thrones cookout

For this Game of Thrones watching party, Jeff fired up the grill. I choose the Gardein burger because I hadn’t had it before. Really “meaty.” Probably the closest in texture to real meat that I’ve had. Although how would I know at this point, really. It’s been at least 16 years since I’ve had meat.

Simon made a poblano potato salad which was delicious, we brought a cabbage crunch salad, Jeff made tots and a toppings bar and Star made mac & cheeze. We make it so hard not to over eat with all these goodies.

And I didn’t help that situation at all by making a cheesecake for dessert.

Banh Mi and spring rolls

Time for a little lunch at Lee’s Bakery. We hadn’t tried their spring rolls yet, so got an order of them. Tofu, noodles and fresh basil wrapped in rice paper with a peanut dipping sauce. They could’ve used a little more fresh herb inside the rolls but I forgot about that once I shoved it into the bowl of sauce.

Their soup is good, but I was really craving a banh mi, and needed a whole one, not half. We didn’t bring vegan mayo with us this time, so it was lacking that, but it really didn’t make a huge difference. Still tasty.

ATL Vegan Drinks at Urban pL8

April’s ATL Vegan Drinks was at Urban pL8 and Kevin made it back in town just in time for us to bust it over there. Since we didn’t make a reservation, I didn’t want to steal slots at the allotted table, so we sat separately with the Gunns.

It’s Friday, let’s start of with a Manhattan.

They had a special menu for ATL Vegan Drinks and they also have a couple of vegan or veganizable items on their regular menu. I had the roasted beet sandwich because I like them and Kevin doesn’t so I don’t cook them much at home.

It was a very nice sandwich, but the real star was the Sunflower Seed Crusted Tofu on a squash purée. It totally needs to be on the regular menu.

We also got a side of kale and shared it. They also have kale chips.

Of course I saved room for dessert. This is what they call a paleo chocolate cake. I didn’t pay attention to what was in it but it seemed like dates, nut flour and coconut were involved. It was almost like a raw dessert. Keep that in mind if you ever see it on the menu. Just so you’re not expecting a regular cake. But don’t discount it. It was really good.

 

Bibim Bap

Our last visit to Hankook Taqueria, I was craving more vegetables than the tofu tacos were going to provide, so I got the Bibim Bap instead. Fried tofu and various veggie piles over steamed rice with spicy sauce all over. I wasn’t feeling mushrooms that day, but downed everything else. And through some miracle of self restraint, I only pilfered a couple of Kevin’s sesame fries.

A return to Ipanema

My last day in Virginia, after dragging my mom around Maymont Park, I made her eat vegetarian food at Ipanema Cafe. Kevin and I went last time we were in Richmond and had a lovely brunch. Tofu or tempeh benedict, I think. And pie, glorious pie!

Now it was lunch time. And there was a BBQ Jackfruit sandwich on the specials board. I’ll take it! Even my mom liked the jackfruit. Which reminds me, I need to send her some cans. They topped it with tangy slaw, with sides of sweet potato fries and salad. Perfect!

My mom had a hummus wrap which she really liked, and then strawberry rhubarb pie which was outstanding. Since I’d had their pie before, I decided to try the Coconut Creme Brûlée. Because how often does a vegan get that chance?

It did not disappoint. But I did find myself with pie envy and kind of wished I’d order a slice to carry away. What was I thinking?

Afterwards, I walked over to Harrison Street Coffee Shop for a coffee. Because they’re awesome.