tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44046211204439634312024-03-05T17:01:28.152-06:00Everyday TastinessIn search of tastiness - an odyssey of wholesome, healthy, hearty, TASTY food.EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-8103207708407549922016-06-20T13:56:00.000-05:002016-06-20T13:56:02.100-05:00Tasty Food<p><img title="IMG_-j3t7ec" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_-j3t7ec" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CNDkwkUrdII/V2ckTtiH8eI/AAAAAAAABKY/vSxueR3bxgQ/IMG_-j3t7ec%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>I have some great friends. They made all of this <a href="http://everydaytastiness.com">tasty</a> food to share with me. The cupcakes above were decadent and delicious.</p> <p><img title="IMG_-vvyguz" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_-vvyguz" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JS9I35s5Gq8/V2ckUKhfS8I/AAAAAAAABKg/FjCWYx_nFFE/IMG_-vvyguz%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>The sushi above was good and I am not a sushi fan. </p> <p><img title="IMG_15surk" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_15surk" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h9SWmFFUdhk/V2ckUZqgIdI/AAAAAAAABKo/w66B1i5TmWw/IMG_15surk%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>My favorite however was the deviled potatoes. Wow! They are liked deviled eggs but vegan and with potatoes instead. The potatoes were cooked perfectly and then the insides were scooped out and filled with, I think, cashews, mustard, and turmeric. I couldn’t stop eating them even after being completely stuffed. I need to collect some recipes. </p>EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-56250021114595489662015-08-18T21:52:00.001-05:002015-08-28T12:48:11.746-05:00Chai-less Chai aka Turmeric Milk<p><img title="Chai-less Chai aka Turmeric Milk" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Chai-less Chai aka Turmeric Milk" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mT3V5WDmstY/VdPvbCk95II/AAAAAAAABJE/bwSOmLSySgA/x500-Chai-less%252520Chai%252520aka%252520Turmeric%252520Milk-3%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="500"></p> <p>Turmeric milk or what I like to call Chai-less chai is a delicious drink I’ve recently discovered. I like to call it chai-less chai since there is no tea or caffeine in it, but it still has all the great flavors from the spices. It’s so quick and easy; you should make some now! </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>It is popular in India and there are many variations on the theme. Some use fresh ingredients and others ground powders. Some use lots of ingredients and some only one. I find using the powders a fast and easy way to make it. While it could be made with any non-dairy milk, I prefer using almond milk. I also like making it in a jar, so I can shake it up as I slowly drink it. Some of the spices tend to separate out over time. The jar with a good sealing lid makes it easy to remix. </p> <p><img title="Chai-less Chai aka Turmeric Milk" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Chai-less Chai aka Turmeric Milk" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k6HtDhdiySc/VdPvbeGFeTI/AAAAAAAABJI/VKkgmI40XTg/x500-Chai-less%252520Chai%252520aka%252520Turmeric%252520Milk-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="376"></p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>2 cups (475ml) almond milk (or other non-dairy) <li>1 teaspoon (5ml) ground turmeric <li>1 teaspoon (5ml) ground cinnamon <li>1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground cardamom <li>1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground ginger <li>1 Tablespoon (15ml) agave (heaping)</li></ul> <p><img title="Chai-less Chai aka Turmeric Milk" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Chai-less Chai aka Turmeric Milk" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRiF2lFe_ZgAU0SzIkTi6q4AmzMBU9-0CY3VUJPOJ0mSgzzmb9WZKA63KGh4wKcCf8VxwIDc6h4ANPYxOLUVqjMnsjz5M0oE807IA5BQSK9rx_vRezEJg9DX23NntkRIGB6Gc_qReIe5b/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="310"></p> <p><strong>Method</strong></p> <ol> <li>Mix the ingredients in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&keywords=blender&tag=tastiness-20&index=aps&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325">blender</a> or shake vigorously in a jar. <li>Drink and enjoy!</li></ol> <p>Makes 2 cups. </p> <p><img title="Chai-less Chai aka Turmeric Milk" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Chai-less Chai aka Turmeric Milk" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IoZjnEopza4/VdPvcdUDPcI/AAAAAAAABJY/ybooyEhXZ7Y/x500-Chai-less%252520Chai%252520aka%252520Turmeric%252520Milk-4%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="500"></p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-20096285086378331702015-08-12T12:06:00.001-05:002015-08-12T12:06:02.867-05:00Rouxbe Professional Plant-Based Course Task #5<p><img title="Rouxbe Task #5" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Rouxbe Task #5" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lpW4okpdgSE/Vct884EcXVI/AAAAAAAABIQ/0aGHDxIaKuM/x500-Rouxbe%252520Task%252520%2525235-3%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="352"></p> <p>This week I started my <a href="http://rouxbe.com/plants/professional-certification" target="_blank">Rouxbe Professional Plant-Based Certification Course</a>. It is going to be intense. There are over 400 tasks to complete in about six months. It has started off with a lot of reading and background information along with learning to use the class platform. I am really excited to be taking the course!</p> <a name='more'></a> <p><img title="Rouxbe Task #5" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Rouxbe Task #5" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Gs3HzOzSVg/Vct89TrOpCI/AAAAAAAABIY/e1APJGPQMso/x500-Rouxbe%252520Task%252520%2525235-1%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>I hope the course will improve my cooking skills and give me some new inspiration for recipes. I switched from the Forks Over Knives course to the Pro course. I am excited to get a deeper education, however they weren’t kidding when they said to expect 12-15 hours of homework a week! It is a lot of stuff. </p> <p>This post has some photos from my first cooking assignment. It was to learn t use the photo upload feature. They wanted us to make a “go-to dish”. Something we make often. I nearly made my <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2011/11/black-bean-groundnut-stew.html" target="_blank">groundnut stew</a>, but then realized I didn’t have any bell pepper. </p> <p><img title="Rouxbe Task #5" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Rouxbe Task #5" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--BonbfswjwY/Vct891mdQCI/AAAAAAAABIg/mmZxnXQL_IM/x500-Rouxbe%252520Task%252520%2525235-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="337"></p> <p>I make this peanut butter and chocolate roti a couple times a week, so it also seemed like a good fit. The task was to take three photos and upload them for review. One Mise en Place, one in progress, and one finished product. </p> <p>The next few sections are about setting up the kitchen and learning about plant-based nutrition. The nutrition section is a bit of a review because of my plant-based nutrition certificate I completed at eCornell a few years ago. I am liking the review. It’s good to get those positive messages reinforced from new sources. One of the extra readings in class is from a public paper. You can read it here: <a title="http://www.thepermanentejournal.org/files/Spring2013/Nutrition.pdf" href="http://www.thepermanentejournal.org/files/Spring2013/Nutrition.pdf">http://www.thepermanentejournal.org/files/Spring2013/Nutrition.pdf</a></p> <p><img title="Rouxbe Task #5" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Rouxbe Task #5" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-swiYK4E7ZFg/Vct8-UeCoxI/AAAAAAAABIk/hR9mv6SiXv0/x500-Rouxbe%252520Task%252520%2525235-3%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="352"></p> <p>Stay tuned, I will be posting more of my experiences with the Rouxbe class as I progress. The next assignment is all about kale. Yum!</p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-78734569369468611962015-08-03T09:57:00.001-05:002015-08-03T09:57:33.819-05:00Tree House Restaurant–Saint Louis, MO<p><img title="Tree House Restaurant" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Tree House Restaurant" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8xKsEAoiLdY/Vb-BUdPlHeI/AAAAAAAABHc/BV4Pbd7viOs/x500-Tree%252520House%252520Restaurant-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="287"></p> <p>Tree House is an all vegetarian restaurant on Grand Blvd in Saint Louis. They are just down the street from Lulu’s and several other good spots. I found this one on <a href="http://www.happycow.net/" target="_blank">happycow</a> and was excited to try their brunch menu. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>I wanted some Chai, but they didn’t seem to have any. They did have dozens of coffee flavors and some adult beverages. My server was new, and he did a fantastic job. </p> <p><img title="Tree House Restaurant" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Tree House Restaurant" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8l3a5SDK_LY/Vb-BVYDxT7I/AAAAAAAABHk/lGUDczQBh9Y/x500-Tree%252520House%252520Restaurant-7%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>I ordered the desayuno latino with vegan cheese. It is a black bean and vegetable stuffed masa cake with house made escabeche, malagueta, and chimichurri. I don’t know what half those things are, but it was very delicious. To make it vegan they swapped the eggs for tofu and topped them with some roja salsa. I liked the flavors of this dish a lot. The potatoes were a touch oily, but still very delicious. The masa cake was excellent. </p> <p><img title="Tree House Restaurant" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Tree House Restaurant" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zA3bCV5kExw/Vb-BV63_ItI/AAAAAAAABHs/A0BPBcEGPbM/x500-Tree%252520House%252520Restaurant-8%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>I wasn’t planning on ordering a donut, but our server talked them up a ton. When he mentioned they had a key lime donut, I was sold. It was awesome. So fresh and <a href="http://everydaytastiness.com">tasty</a>. The outside was lightly crispy with a sugar glaze on top. A little lime zest for some color. Inside was the key lime filling and it was one of the best I have ever had. It was like they took the pie and stuck it inside. So, so good. </p> <p><img title="Tree House Restaurant" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Tree House Restaurant" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9UwA38cMVqY/Vb-BWvyRKhI/AAAAAAAABH0/YfOsoIq9pjk/x500-Tree%252520House%252520Restaurant-9%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>I took a cinnamon roll to go. I was meeting a friend later, and I thought it would be a great treat. We both enjoyed them. So soft and sugary. Make sure to get a glass of almond milk to eat it with or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EQ5PWW?ie=UTF8&tag=everyridin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001EQ5PWW">chai</a>. </p> <p>I enjoyed my visit to Tree House and would definitely get the baked goods again. </p> <p>Tree House Restaurant<br>3177 South Grand Blvd<br>Saint Louis, MO 63118<br>314-696-2100<br><a href="http://treehousestl.com">http://treehousestl.com</a></p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-4935462739921913782015-08-02T08:56:00.001-05:002015-08-02T08:56:33.149-05:00Lulu’s Local Eatery–Saint Louis, MO<p><img title="lulu's local eatery" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="lulu's local eatery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f4gCXu64tPY/Vb4heb4NFvI/AAAAAAAABGM/TFFFmDmyq3U/x500-lulu%252527s%252520local%252520eatery-7%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Lulu’s Local Eatery came highly recommended by two friends with experience in the Saint Louis area. Reviews on <a href="http://www.happycow.net/" target="_blank">happycow</a> were also very positive. I made it my first food stop in the area. I was torn which entrée to get, so I ordered two. No regrets. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><img title="lulu's local eatery" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="lulu's local eatery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MgiXIf12chA/Vb4hfGERy9I/AAAAAAAABGU/6ArLh890734/x500-lulu%252527s%252520local%252520eatery-3%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Lulu’s is 100% plant-based aka vegan. I really like the ethics of their business. They compost over 95% of their waste, local and organic when possible, grow some of their ingredients in the space and on top of the food truck, and structuring their menu around the seasons. They have a beautiful patio area, so we couldn’t resist sitting outside. The inside was welcoming as well. Meters were free after 7pm, which was another bonus!</p> <p><img title="lulu's local eatery" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="lulu's local eatery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NmUI6tKi_hg/Vb4hf1iFBUI/AAAAAAAABGc/LQVpFvBKctk/x500-lulu%252527s%252520local%252520eatery-2%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>The first entrée that caught my eye was the sweet potato black bean burger with chipotle sauce on a pretzel bun. I am such a sucker for a pretzel bun. </p> <p><img title="lulu's local eatery" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="lulu's local eatery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HCys7OsLS3M/Vb4hgXcVPtI/AAAAAAAABGk/2yK3uoE6k_k/x500-lulu%252527s%252520local%252520eatery-4%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>It was fantastic. I want another one right now. The textures and flavors blended together perfectly. I also enjoyed the fresh red onion and greens. </p> <p><img title="lulu's local eatery" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="lulu's local eatery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kLEj2SgOU2w/Vb4hhSA0QXI/AAAAAAAABGs/ktGvGW8hog0/x500-lulu%252527s%252520local%252520eatery-5%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="397"></p> <p>My second entrée was the Buddha Bowl. Made with udon noodles, marinated tofu which is then stir-fried with shredded carrots, broccoli, green onion, and cilantro. Some peanuts and black <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&keywords=sesame%20seeds&tag=tastiness-20&index=aps&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325">sesame seeds</a> on top finish it off. Oh yea, the best part. The housemade peanut sauce. I am also a sucker for a good peanut sauce, and this one was one of the good ones. I also enjoyed the different textures and flavor blending together in the bowl on this one. </p> <p><img title="lulu's local eatery" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="lulu's local eatery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jVSvJzWJ3TM/Vb4hh3wsakI/AAAAAAAABG0/BY7aNzYxFJc/x500-lulu%252527s%252520local%252520eatery-6%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>I also enjoyed a Bushelhead Cider which was slightly dry while still somehow remaining sweet. I really enjoyed it as well. </p> <p><img title="lulu's local eatery" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="lulu's local eatery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bLmxYVtwyqE/Vb4higxN4LI/AAAAAAAABG8/JVQKc0TkP4U/x500-lulu%252527s%252520local%252520eatery-8%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"><img title="lulu's local eatery" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="lulu's local eatery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bq4tQ8ECPWk/Vb4hjkn7pwI/AAAAAAAABHE/frOLFkL3Hbo/x500-lulu%252527s%252520local%252520eatery-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="500"></p> <p>If you are in the area or just passing through, make a point to find their food truck or visit the restaurant. Oh seriously, get one of their pretzel buns. The servers were super friendly. On the way out I got a high-five from both of them for finishing both entrees. </p> <p> </p> <p>Lulu's Local Eatery<br>3201 South Grand<br>Saint Louis, MO 63118<br>314-300-8215<br>http://www.luluslocaleatery.com</p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-68531916231395335322015-08-01T18:30:00.001-05:002015-08-01T19:08:17.313-05:00Trumpet Blossom–Iowa City, IA<p><img title="Trump Blossom Iowa CIy, IA" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Trump Blossom Iowa CIy, IA" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0yhgKopK5aDnFCVEvzhp04RvUckWOOZgKeIDVBkXhBZH9rzkKanSRIX221ZLENsCKYAA5P2RzCGHO0uU4ltZg0KdpFRCxuFQIzl__NS0bU75tkOvT4ufYgN4SKsOoZiiPHhII5OocFmS/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>While discussing my current road trip with a friend, he mentioned a 100% vegan place in Iowa of all places. I had to check it out. This morning, I left MN around sunrise and made it the 250+ miles for Trumpet Blossom’s opening at 11am. It was worth it.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p><img title="Trump Blossom Iowa CIy, IA" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Trump Blossom Iowa CIy, IA" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-41HvLeGufRI/Vb1WfDBikRI/AAAAAAAABFc/2N0pkYcrPjc/x500-Trump-Blossom-Iowa-CIy-IA-23.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>I love checking out 100% vegan places, and this one didn’t disappoint. Since I arrived when they opened, I had my choice of table. I found one next to an outlet, so I could charge my phone. I quickly ordered a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EQ5PWW?ie=UTF8&tag=everyridin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001EQ5PWW">chai</a> to get me started. It smelled delicious even if it was a bit weaker than I would normally make. It was still good. </p> <p><img title="Trump Blossom Iowa CIy, IA" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Trump Blossom Iowa CIy, IA" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z3OQjOQ0kP8/Vb1WfhM8W_I/AAAAAAAABFk/CmDEHEaUzFA/x500-Trump-Blossom-Iowa-CIy-IA-53.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>After chatting with the server, I decided on the house red bean and oat veggie burger. I was also tempted by the vegan florentine. The “burger” is a grilled sandwich with maple-bourbon BBQ aioli, caramelized onion, some greens, and pickled veggie slaw. I really liked the slaw addition. The bread was grilled to a perfect golden brown and had a very satisfying crunch. </p> <p><img title="Trump Blossom Iowa CIy, IA" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Trump Blossom Iowa CIy, IA" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bBDPMYINqZA/Vb1WgBZdh3I/AAAAAAAABFs/cucxnONXlkA/x500-Trump-Blossom-Iowa-CIy-IA-73.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="312"></p> <p>For dessert I had the chocolate cake with chocolate frosting drizzled in an orange sauce. It was moist and scrumptious. I really could have used a second bite. </p> <p><img title="Trump Blossom Iowa CIy, IA" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Trump Blossom Iowa CIy, IA" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JIrha8HHTMI/Vb1Wg1baI2I/AAAAAAAABF0/G_48Z1YlwgQ/x500-Trump-Blossom-Iowa-CIy-IA-83.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="342"></p> <p>They have a great space which includes a patio, full bar, and a stage for live music. I am going to try to make the effort to go back. It was worth the drive. </p> <p> </p> <p>Trumpet Blossom Cafe<br>310 E Prentiss St<br>Iowa City, IA 52240<br>319-248-0077<br><a href="http://www.trumpetblossom.com">http://www.trumpetblossom.com</a></p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-80764246941200049852015-07-10T13:05:00.001-05:002015-07-10T13:05:13.428-05:00Minneapolis Vegan Ice Cream Crawl<p><img title="x500--5" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500--5" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gfi6CuOujYU/VaAJRpssHlI/AAAAAAAABDs/zhX_CG68czg/x500--53.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="500"></p> <p>A group of us were talking at dinner a few weeks ago about how we should do a vegan ice cream crawl in Minneapolis. Sample all the vegan ice cream places in Minneapolis in one day? Could we do it? <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a> and I really liked this idea, and this is the result. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>We focused on places that had a retail location and actually made vegan ice cream. We excluded restaurants, sorbets, and frozen yogurts. Those might end in a future post instead. </p> <p><img title="x500--1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500--1" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U-H_DhCifjU/VaAJSBhUZ9I/AAAAAAAABD0/zSBdDod9l7k/x500--13.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="180"></p> <p>Because of geography, we started with Izzy’s Ice Cream in Saint Paul. They make several flavors of vegan soy ice cream and sorbets. We focused on the soy flavors. The flavors rotate regularly we were lucky to get soy chocolate and soy peanut butter (my fave). </p> <p><img title="x500--2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500--2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vGrtR5iq-e8/VaAJStBR8gI/AAAAAAAABD4/lR3PohFeEcU/x500--23.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="286"></p> <p>Their sugar and cake cones are vegan. Sadly the waffle cone was not. </p> <p><img title="x500--3" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500--3" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_dzkNNM0v3k/VaAJTKTUQaI/AAAAAAAABEA/psVKkNDjX5A/x500--33.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="500"></p> <p>I ordered a scoop of the soy peanut butter with a free izzy scoop of the soy chocolate on top all jammed into a sugar cone. I really enjoyed it. The soy peanut butter has the right balance of sweet and creamy. I like they use real peanut butter in the ice cream. Laura got a scoop of the chocolate in a cup with an izzy scoop of their lime basil sorbet. </p> <p><img title="x500--4" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500--4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9ERp4zHwpsJEASSSogwQ6uoFD0sg5ZfEmW8EVdZ2IoxSZV8fNK1krtRi5A49rpef4OYjp7Oy8Gva4vn4IiSah_oL4bK-aFVxIkiKqFPBafbr7SWPTkVWxX5hatWmhFSEdIPYpceFypeS/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="339"></p> <p>Ok, what is this izzy scoop stuff? Check out the photo below. You can get one regular scoop and then an izzy scoop on top for free. Awesome way to try two different kinds. </p> <p><img title="x500--6" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500--6" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6AjjTF0vgEU/VaAJUJCSipI/AAAAAAAABEQ/vSZ4EkxrkwY/x500--63.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="500"></p> <p>The next stop was Franklin Freeze on Franklin Ave. I had heard they had vegan ice cream. We could even see it in the display case. Sadly, they were closed. We arrived during their posted business hours. The lights were on, but no one was home. The doors were locked. We waited around for a while to no use. Other people showed up as well; they were just as confused and disappointed as we were. </p> <p><img title="x500--7" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500--7" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f7JreVnrP50/VaAJUTXYPVI/AAAAAAAABEc/9aTvRehN66Q/x500--73.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Over to southern Minneapolis to check out Pumphouse Creamery then. </p> <p><img title="x500--8" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500--8" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BzTCy4C6V4Y/VaAJVFloJ9I/AAAAAAAABEg/5u5lvCkbYTI/x500--83.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="268"></p> <p>They have two flavors of coconut milk based ice cream. None of the cones were vegan, however, the employee working there was vegan. Very cool! </p> <p><img title="x500--9" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500--9" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GRLd6fizYHU/VaAJVR5dX0I/AAAAAAAABEo/uypmAzN6z9s/x500--93.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="500"></p> <p>We each ordered a scoop in a cup. Laura got the coffee flavor and I got the chocolate. The ice cream was good, and we were glad for choices. I thought mine wasn’t as rich as Izzy’s. It didn’t taste as creamy and the chocolate flavor wasn’t very strong. </p> <p><img title="x500--10" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500--10" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Grw5BBzh0Yg/VaAJV9X9H0I/AAAAAAAABE0/NQninO-kh6U/x500--103.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="305"></p> <p>I think our vegan ice cream crawl was a success. We found several places serving ice cream and were able to sample four different flavors. </p> <p>We are scheming what our next vegan food crawl should be. Pizza? Cake? Tacos? Leave a comment below with your suggestions! </p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-6644933251873839872015-07-09T09:00:00.000-05:002015-07-09T09:00:01.792-05:00Asian Noodle Waffles<p><img title="x500--1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500--1" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tPUxofvQ4Yw/VZ3iLue-vVI/AAAAAAAABCw/YAdaxIBX7aw/x500--13.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>Waffles are great, but I’m not always in the mood for something sweet. I’ve been playing with making savory waffles. I had a pile of flat asian noodles; I like making them in bulk. They ended up in the <a href="http://amzn.to/1LTdzKe" target="_blank">waffle iron</a>. <a href="http://everydaytastiness.com">Tasty</a> crispiness was the result!</p> <a name='more'></a> <p><img title="Waffle Iron" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Waffle Iron" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AA7tvlSxTkA/VZ3iL0j3tgI/AAAAAAAABC0/OQo70AFeTdY/x500-Waffle-Iron-314.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="439"></p> <p>Take one oiled <a href="http://amzn.to/1LTdzKe" target="_blank">waffle iron</a> and add a handful of cooked noodles. I kept mine on the highest setting to make sure they got crispy. </p> <p><img title="Noodles in Waffle Iron" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Noodles in Waffle Iron" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jh0jc-TPfSg/VZ3iMbEDIrI/AAAAAAAABDA/AnRM55L21O0/x500-Noodles-in-Waffle-Iron-46.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333"></p> <p>Let them cook for a cycle and check. Mine needed almost two cycles to get really crispy. For an added flavor explosion, mix in some red sauce with the noodles!</p> <p><img title="x500--7" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500--7" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RfaWXvcD6Oc/VZ3iM4M6VNI/AAAAAAAABDI/bWG2AbKm8I0/x500--73.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="350"></p> <p>I ate mine with red sauce, fresh basil, and some black and kalamata olives. </p> <p><img title="Noodle Waffles" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Noodle Waffles" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GWTAaWYTBHs/VZ3iNSD2vrI/AAAAAAAABDQ/lE3AYdb4soU/x500-Noodle-Waffles-53.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="351"></p> <p>Make something amazing with your waffle iron! If you don’t have a waffle iron, <a href="http://amzn.to/1LTdzKe" target="_blank">get one here for $25</a>. </p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-77291285836495316652015-07-06T09:00:00.000-05:002015-07-06T09:00:01.041-05:00Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins<p><img title="Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VpdMRkP1oG8/VZnDrfaj6AI/AAAAAAAABB4/V_tkRv-IJCw/x500-Applesauce%252520Oatmeal%252520Muffins-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>This recipe has been in the making for many months. I wanted to create a muffin that actually tastes good without using sugar or oil. The lack of refined sugar or oil makes this a healthy treat. The whole wheat flour and oatmeal will help keep you full longer. I use them for snacks on the go or a quick breakfast. Give it a try and let me know what you think. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>3/4 cup rice milk</li> <ul> <li>Make your own!</li> <li>3 tablespoons cooked brown rice + 2/3 cup water</li></ul> <li>1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar</li> <li>1 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce</li> <li>6 medjool dates blended</li> <li>1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour</li> <li>3/4 cups oat bran or 1/2 cup oat meal</li> <li>2 teaspoons baking powder</li> <li>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li> <li>1 teaspoon cinnamon</li> <li>1 teaspoon cardamom</li> <li>1/2 teaspoon nutmeg</li> <li>1/2 teaspoon sea salt</li> <li>1 cup raisin or craisins or chopped dried fruit</li></ul> <p><strong>Method</strong></p> <ol> <li>Preheat Oven to 350F.</li> <li>Mix milk and vinegar and whisk or just add everything to the blender.</li> <li>Mix rest of wet and dates in blender on high until smooth.</li> <li>Mix dry ingredients thoroughly.</li> <li>Mix blended wet ingredients from #2 and #3 into the dry. </li> <li>Pour into <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000T9I8OM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tastiness-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000T9I8OM">muffin tin</a>.</li> <li>Bake for about 29 minutes. </li> <li>Serve and enjoy! Makes about 12 muffins. <br></li></ol> <p><img title="Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KfBrrpBgBA8/VZnDr7b22YI/AAAAAAAABCA/lkqE88iUwp0/x500-Applesauce%252520Oatmeal%252520Muffins-1%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-13476921448976980732015-07-03T09:00:00.000-05:002015-07-03T09:38:09.620-05:00Mother Fools, Green Owl, and Pig Minds!<p>Last weekend we took a small road trip to Madison to attend <a href="http://www.veganfest.org/">Mad City Vegan Fest</a> with the goal of eating as much <a href="http://everydaytastiness.com">tasty</a> vegan food as possible. We managed to squeeze quite a bit in before and after. I also had the pleasure of showing a few of my favorites to some friends who came down with us. </p> <p><img title="Mother Fools Cafe" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Mother Fools Cafe" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TjwudijEHwk/VZYG5xTchpI/AAAAAAAABAg/cXRADnk0vsM/x500-Mother%252520Fools%252520Cafe-1%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="341"></p> <p>First up was <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/mother-fools-coffee-house-madison-wi.html" target="_blank">Mother Fools</a> for breakfast before Vegan Fest started. I was really hoping for some of their amazing cinnamon rolls. They didn’t have any, so I had an amazing apple Danish instead. Just after I finished the Danish, fresh made cinnamon rolls were delivered! Of course I had to get one! The sugar and cinnamon was caramelized on the bottom in a crunchy layer of sugary vegan goodness. I washed it all down with a vanilla chai which I seasoned with extra nutmeg and cinnamon. Sheesh, how many times can I write cinnamon in one paragraph?</p> <p><img title="Mother Fools Cafe" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Mother Fools Cafe" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kkhLpjEkrl4/VZYG6a6-umI/AAAAAAAABAk/21ocwJeW7oE/x500-Mother%252520Fools%252520Cafe-3%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>After vegan fest, we took a quick nap before making the hour drive south to Machesney Park, IL to visit <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/pig-minds-brewingmachesney-park-il.html">Pig Minds Brewery</a>. Our friends Steve and Clara joined us. We started with the very delicious pretzels and the coveted beer reduction. I am still a giant fan of the agave mustard. The pretzels were perfect. A slight crunch on the outside and soft inside. They were quickly devoured. </p> <p><img title="Pig Minds Brewery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; src: "file:///C:/Users/chris_000/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles719D7561/x500-Pig" border="0" alt="Pig Minds Brewery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-88Ktsj62nRM/VZYG6t846zI/AAAAAAAABAs/KF_wA6i8wU4/x500-Pig%252520Minds%252520Brewery-11%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="414" minds brewery-11.jpg?></p> <p>I ordered the special: loaded tostadas. The three tostadas were loaded with a well spiced TVP, shredded lettuce, pico, and fresh cilantro. They were covered in vegan sour cream and a jalapeno aioli. So Good. Steve ordered them as well. We both really enjoyed them. The crisp crunch of the tortilla was great. They were a bit messy to eat. Totally worth it!</p> <p><img title="Pig Minds Brewery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pig Minds Brewery" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DSJGAkdpeVYbx48KExwMoaND_7Qk5chSGLvsu4fP-MpGscmF37t2JklA0gacommNkM1AjO3MGeK3yK23e2Jykkck8Kdjef33ENen0bRkjyrjaXWj47GjcGFNRWt-G1EJe3VJtnRFU816/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="251"></p> <p>For dessert <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a> had the brownie special and I had deep fried strawberries. The strawberries were good, but the brownie was still better. </p> <p><img title="Pig Minds Brewery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pig Minds Brewery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yJKzlBXq0I8/VZYG7k0ToII/AAAAAAAABA8/LwHtwtGIL-E/x500-Pig%252520Minds%252520Brewery-15%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="279"></p> <p>While sipping our beer, some live music started. It was good background music while we played with our phones. Sad right? If the music was more engaging, we might have put our phones down. Steve and Clara being silly. </p> <p><img title="Pig Minds Brewery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pig Minds Brewery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KGmY94-SGJo/VZYG8HZl4rI/AAAAAAAABBI/tiKoGEyMMMo/x500-Pig%252520Minds%252520Brewery-16%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>The next morning we again visited Mother Fools for some chai and Danish while we waited for <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/the-green-owl-cafemadison-wi.html" target="_blank">Green Owl</a> to open. We also bought some snacks for the drive back. I bought an amazing olive bread which I totally forgot to take a picture of. It was loaded with kalamata olives. Delicious. </p> <p><img title="Pig Minds Brewery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Pig Minds Brewery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ht9sZZSgpXA/VZYG8ix6fHI/AAAAAAAABBM/U_j7z7qKrEg/x500-Pig%252520Minds%252520Brewery-19%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="283" height="500"></p> <p>We arrived at Green Owl just when they opened at 10am, and within minutes it was completely packed. The food took a while to arrive. I ordered the vegan nuevos rancheros off the brunch menu. Corn tortillas topped with black beans, <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2012/04/tofu-scramble.html">tofu scramble</a>, vegan chorizo, and teese cheese. They topped it with roasted jalapeno sauce, avocado, and pico de gallo. I really liked the jalapeno sauce as a nice change from the traditional red sauce. I would easily order it again and it rivaled my favorite vegan rancheros from Hard Times Café in Minneapolis. </p> <p><img title="Green Owl Cafe" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Green Owl Cafe" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hvY9F5ECeOI/VZYG9NfOsGI/AAAAAAAABBY/vxtGv0Z6pG4/x500-Green%252520Owl%252520Cafe-22%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-85900616697145374512015-07-01T09:58:00.000-05:002015-07-01T09:58:00.349-05:00Mad City Vegan Fest 2015–Madison, WI<p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6lszPY3LvBE/VZNX0nerz8I/AAAAAAAAA98/NLHAPi6s2_U/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-17.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="392"></p> <p>This past weekend we made the drive down to Madison from Minneapolis to attend the <a href="http://www.veganfest.org/">Mad City Vegan Fest</a> 2015. I had heard it inspired our own TCVegFest, so I wanted to experience it. It was also a good excuse for a small road trip to some delicious food. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OwLWeBEFWF8/VZNX1aDts-I/AAAAAAAAA-A/yuZHpPFx6r8/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-23.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p><a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a> and I arrived just after the event started at 10am. There wasn’t a line which was nice. They handed us some raffle tickets, but neither of us were clear what to do with them. It was great getting there early so we didn’t have to wait in any lines to try the samples from the vendors! </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zMGsTjKOipM/VZNX2Co1qCI/AAAAAAAAA-I/BTuf65-NAvg/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-33.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>One of the first was from Tex Tubbs Tacos. They had two salsas, guac, and chips. I tried the guac and hot. Yum! </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mFg5TGrfAIM/VZNX3VGYYKI/AAAAAAAAA-U/DA-3um340oo/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-43.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Upton’s Naturals was next with some seitan bacon flavored mac and cheese. The flavor was good, but I would have preferred the bacon to be a bit more crispy. </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w7P6DWKUM7g/VZNX4cnPQOI/AAAAAAAAA-c/LReqDXBbgMY/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-53.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>General Tso’s Chicken from Whole Foods. They apparently sell a vegan version of the sauce. I will have to look for this next time I am there. I liked the flavor. It also seemed like a super easy way to make some <a href="http://everydaytastiness.com">tasty</a> food for those lazy days. </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lVdibIZvxSQ/VZNX5vuUm3I/AAAAAAAAA-k/PK3jhOv1LW4/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-73.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="500"></p> <p>Yumbutter had three different flavors of their enhanced butters. I tried the sunflower and Laura tried the almond. The staff said the almond is the best. I wasn’t fond of either. They add gojis, chia seeds, and other superfoods to nutbutters. Maybe on something, like a cracker, it would have been better than just plain. </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B6RtW1BW40E/VZNX6mjQPfI/AAAAAAAAA-s/HyBGDBBZUC4/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-83.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Punk Rawk Labs, from Minneapolis, had some nutmilk cheeses to sample. I really like their nacho cheese. They were also very friendly and fun to talk to. </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c9DUpkbRj-I/VZNX7GF4iuI/AAAAAAAAA-0/duRQdBZ7DQQ/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-93.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p><a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/the-cheeze-factory-restaurantwisconsin.html">The Cheeze Factory</a> was there with some spicy tofu and a black bean soup. We visited their all vegan restaurant in Wisconsin Dells a few months ago. I wrote about <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/the-cheeze-factory-restaurantwisconsin.html">it here</a>. </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJyJXhpSh8aO-fxuC538YaEgr5ivHxXpGNTBuIxKZAF77wH_hnytARXAqUXcg9D30m5CJ9GD-zKEFCGonEbSqVVxAchyphenhyphenhDJKpOAruoT-5NHVq6dS2vKUM7e8BwfJI3-nqn4l2eCMnihUc/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p><a href="http://amzn.to/1NtZ8v4">Spiced and Infused</a> had four different flavors of vegan popcorn to sample. I really liked the <a href="http://amzn.to/1g9zvEG">bombay seasoning</a> flavor. The taste of Indian spices reminded me of curry. I really need to try this at home next time I make a batch! <a href="http://amzn.to/1NtZ8v4">They sell on amazon if you want to check them out</a>. </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2ptsfeDE-L4/VZNX9QEwWOI/AAAAAAAAA_E/qPNMTcdi_T0/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-163.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>After we sampled all of the vendors snacks, we realized there was a long line developing near the entrance. Somehow, we missed the goodie bag on the way in. The fifteen minute wait felt like an hour, but it was totally worth it. We got about a dozen different things including coconut trail mix and a can of soda. I don’t have a picture of the goodies as I ate most of them before I realized I should have taken a pic. Bad blogger… </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jfd1TW2GPUs/VZNX-ihO5iI/AAAAAAAAA_M/CO3hjNerghI/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-157.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>I have never heard of Starlite before. They had some nice corn taquitos filled with a chipotle black bean mix. I liked them. There is a coupon code below in the photo if you want to check them out. </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ydsk2XxP6S0/VZNX_dXyHKI/AAAAAAAAA_U/6YwanOTxBw8/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-193.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="336"></p> <p>On our last trip to Madison, we missed out on trying Ladonia Café. It was the first food I purchased in the food court area. </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UVJ3n5kkDqI/VZNYArK8h_I/AAAAAAAAA_c/By8xTVnxp_Y/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-223.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>I had heard their sweet potato tamales were really good, so I had to get one. It was warm and delicious. The sweet potato was wrapped inside the masa corn almost like a corn dog. I need to try making these at home sometime soon. </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eYMtEI-YT10/VZNYD08q6TI/AAAAAAAAA_g/ek_BmDCPtkM/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-233.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="500"></p> <p>Amazingly, after all the samples and the tamale, I was still hungry. Laura and I couldn’t resist the ice cream waffle cones from Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company. Look at all the flavors they had!</p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TLBB6nJHr2g/VZNYFBj8leI/AAAAAAAAA_o/fzgN0h6ULCE/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-273.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Laura got the espresso oreo and I got the ultimate oreo. They use a soy base loaded with oreo goodness for these two. The waffle cone was great and a real treat since most cones other places sadly aren’t vegan. We sat outside under the bright blue sky and slowly enjoyed our cones. The weather was just perfect. </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O0pO5QNOQck/VZNYFlb7s5I/AAAAAAAAA_s/P1dD3rIYKmc/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-283.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="225"></p> <p>We finished off our Mad City Vegan Fest with a cooking demo from Dama Wells-Foster the owner of <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/sol-dliciouskenosha-wi.html">Sol D’Licious</a> the 100% vegan restaurant in Kenosha, WI. </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3WI7tRwW98w/VZNYGGIwEGI/AAAAAAAAA_0/-L4VEJk_3F4/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-247.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="376"></p> <p>She made four different dishes during her 45 minute demo. They turned out pretty decent even though I felt like the food in her café was better. I am interested to play with the veggie burger recipe she demonstrated. Laura wants me to make the chocolate mousse. </p> <p><img title="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Madison Vegan Fest 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-niGuRCaAL5I/VZNYGq0XxBI/AAAAAAAAA_8/Ls65xRCU_aI/x500-Madison-Vegan-Fest-2015-303.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>I thought Mad City Vegan Fest was a great success. It was entertaining, full of tasty treats, and covered in loads of people. I’m happy we made the drive down to continue our exploration of the Madison vegan scene. Check out the <a href="http://www.veganfest.org/">Mad City Vegan Fest</a> website to see when 2016 will be scheduled and maybe I will see you there! </p> <p> </p> <p>Check out Laura’s post here: <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com/2015/06/30/mad-city-vegan-fest-2015/">Mad City Vegan Fest 2015</a></p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-45381767352565286572015-06-30T13:14:00.001-05:002015-06-30T13:15:30.227-05:00Forks Over Knives Cooking Course<p><a href="http://www.forksoverknives.com/"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/llnw.rouxbe.com/themes/3/primary/small_ForksOverKnives.png"></a></p> <p>I first saw the <a href="http://amzn.to/1T28wZM">Forks Over Knives</a> (FOK) film in the theater many years ago when it first came out. I really enjoyed it! Since then, I have been trying to better incorporate the good ideas in my own kitchen and life. I was gifted the <a href="http://amzn.to/1LADTbR">Forks Over Knives Cookbook</a> which I really enjoy using. Most of the recipes are really easy and all are health promoting. If you haven’t looked at the film or the cookbook, check the links above/below. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>FOK just started an <a href="http://www.forksoverknives.com/cooking-course/">online cooking class</a>. The <a href="https://forksoverknives.rouxbe.com/cooking-courses/fok/syllabus">syllabus</a> looks very interesting, and I am looking forward to how they deliver it online. I am looking forward to improving my cooking skills. If you are interested in taking the class with me, check out the link: <a title="http://www.forksoverknives.com/cooking-course/" href="http://www.forksoverknives.com/cooking-course/">http://www.forksoverknives.com/cooking-course/</a> My class starts September 9, 2015. </p> <p>Course description from their website:</p> <blockquote> <p>“This 90-day immersive online cooking course specializes in Forks Over Knives-style, whole-food, plant-based meal creation where you’ll learn not only what to cook, but how exactly to cook it. World-renowned chefs and educators Chad Sarno and Ken Rubin will serve as your lead instructors and introduce you to a whole new level of cooking. Bringing plant-based foods and flavor principles from all around the world, this course will teach you everything from cutting and prepping to using herbs and spices and all of the amazing things you can do without animal products or oils.”</p></blockquote> <p><strong>Links:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/1C5HCMC">Forks Over Knives Documentary</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/1LADTbR">Forks Over Knives Cookbook</a></li></ul> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-30753466520016264832015-06-24T12:59:00.001-05:002015-06-24T13:12:58.845-05:00Sovereign Estate Winery–Waconia, MN<p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUhWvSts0DI7xViUQ-N_qWEPp3h5VZc2vAr8E735gLNchjV8fXrWdv3DqO56xgAEwPU_oqI7_myKkG3QJt89n4sF0NMw0nrU5eZInPABgTIiIoCkxUiiJSoLpxrqpml5xbGC29KdQgIQA/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333"></p> <p>Last week, I was invited to <a href="http://sovereignestatewine.com/">Sovereign Estate Winery</a> to sample their wine and learn more about their new exclusive catering relationship with <a href="http://www.damicocatering.com/index.aspx">D’Amico Catering</a>. It was a short drive to Waconia, MN from Minneapolis through beautiful rolling hills and farms. The event took place on a Tuesday which created the perfect excuse to take the afternoon off to enjoy some delicious wine. I invited <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a> to come with. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>The winery is situated on a beautiful property right on Lake Waconia about 45 minutes west of Minneapolis. </p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r5xScsxcICE/VYrv6xS9tUI/AAAAAAAAA74/9iwttyzPb8Y/x500-Sovereign%252520Estates%252520Winery-42%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="449"></p> <p>They had eight different stations setup with wine and food pairings. They arranged the stations, so guests could walk the grounds and see the different areas and table configurations. Of course while sampling the different food and wine pairings. </p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AXUNwtvuo1s/VYrv7u7PDWI/AAAAAAAAA78/Vkrnvq3LWt4/x500-Sovereign%252520Estates%252520Winery-15%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="358"></p> <p>We enjoyed sampling all eight of the different wines. My favorite was a La Crescent from 2013. It won the Governor’s Cup as best wine in Minnesota. A slightly sweet white wine; I loved the hint of pineapple. </p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fj2pHX5cb30/VYrv8BFOoRI/AAAAAAAAA8E/WpTs5ijJ4vM/x500-Sovereign%252520Estates%252520Winery-10%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="312"></p> <p>We found a comfortable bench under a large tree and enjoyed some live music.</p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0wgpn9bcqyk/VYrv8xCpqGI/AAAAAAAAA8M/0wDjsQKp75E/x500-Sovereign%252520Estates%252520Winery-63%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="372"></p> <p>After sampling the wine, we took a leisurely stroll through the vineyard. It was great to see all the grape vines growing. Some of them with grapes just starting to form. </p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BxT80h6orkY/VYrv9QZid3I/AAAAAAAAA8U/IJxXT7se6FU/x500-Sovereign%252520Estates%252520Winery-61%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333"></p> <p>I liked the various table arrangements they had setup to demonstrate the varied options for hosting events. We both mentioned how we wished someone we knew would get married there, so we could come back for another event.</p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aCc4xqn2CvA/VYrv9xYXKVI/AAAAAAAAA8c/Wu_Pv2o-sTU/x500-Sovereign%252520Estates%252520Winery-21%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333"></p> <p>The have a very configurable, comfortable space from large corporate events to weddings or small more person options. They even had their own baseball diamond. </p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2LDoFfNjT48/VYrv-u6OutI/AAAAAAAAA8o/2TmmKgZ5IbA/x500-Sovereign%252520Estates%252520Winery-12%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="358"></p> <p>The <a href="http://everydayurbangardener.com">garden</a> was my favorite location of the tour. The flowers were all blooming and they were incredibly fragrant. We wished the live music could have been by the garden. Then we would never have left. I enjoyed the St. Therese Rose 2013 wine; it was a delicious dessert wine. They had it paired with chocolates. </p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNRupMvIP6rPBRXasvaQYPB173oW-2kIOcxXK91ceiBz7F5seXErsTWUdwLOMNAXEm6VLnPJDP4adzvjYCE7pma-fxsog6kVVkuC_RRRWu9g_7ydVwECp-7kdk_cyIgXjDPcv7cfd8Vw4/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333"></p> <p>This table looked very inviting sitting in the middle of the garden surrounded by an explosion of flowers. Did I mention how great it smelled? </p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_I50h6hwEXw/VYrv_5ZzNyI/AAAAAAAAA84/DuG0vH_D1bw/x500-Sovereign%252520Estates%252520Winery-26%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333"></p> <p>Laura spotted this little frog on one of the leaves in the garden. Very cool. He seemed to be enjoying the beautiful day as well. </p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TsgRL5VvpI8/VYrwAnUap3I/AAAAAAAAA88/igtXuONK-ZE/x500-Sovereign%252520Estates%252520Winery-27%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="404"></p> <p>We could see these chairs being really comfortable later in the evening with a nice fire going and a glass of wine. </p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-he0A-J5hjpo/VYrwBLD-0KI/AAAAAAAAA9E/5fmo8KE7JzQ/x500-Sovereign-Estates-Winery-143.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333"></p> <p>I liked this mural of what looks like Italy under one of the awnings. We sat and admired it for a while. </p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YB2lDSora-I/VYrwB_qmT8I/AAAAAAAAA9M/mD6KbNsEwZk/x500-Sovereign-Estates-Winery-163.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333"></p> <p>The wine in their store was reasonably priced. It was tempting to buy some, but we decided not to. We will just have to come back instead. </p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7dBquK_OoyM/VYrwCWDmB3I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/MYmV0hGHXmw/x500-Sovereign-Estates-Winery-353.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333"></p> <p>We had a nice day enjoying the lovely setting at Sovereign Estate and their <a href="http://everydaytastiness.com">tasty</a> wine. They clearly spent a lot of time and attention setting up their location for hosting events large or small. I look forward to visiting them again soon. Cheers!</p> <p><img title="Sovereign Estates Winery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sovereign Estates Winery" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0BEf-rFYpyk/VYrwDPDvGsI/AAAAAAAAA9c/hYGYyTr9hnk/x500-Sovereign-Estates-Winery-657.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="428"></p> <p> </p> <p>Sovereign Estate Winery<br>9950 North Shore Road<br>Waconia, MN 55387<br>952-446-9957<br><a href="http://sovereignestatewine.com">http://sovereignestatewine.com</a></p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong>Related Posts:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Laura: <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com/2015/06/24/cheers-to-sovereign-estate-winery/">Cheers to Sovereign Estate Winery</a></li></ul> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-20812627523389397522015-06-15T12:52:00.001-05:002015-06-15T12:52:37.080-05:00Nectarine Cobbler<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DOr4XQoAs48/VX8Q1sWIgHI/AAAAAAAAA6s/Bfduz0aak1k/s1600-h/x500-Nectarine%252520Cobbler-3%25255B3%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="x500-Nectarine Cobbler-3[3]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-Nectarine Cobbler-3[3]" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j6cwFnJtGak/VX8Q2T8_PII/AAAAAAAAA60/Rc3EzbURXMI/x500-Nectarine%252520Cobbler-3%25255B3%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></a></p> <p>What to do when you have extra ripe Nectarines laying around? Make some cobbler. We had purchased a large box of white nectarines from Costco earlier in the week and it became obvious we were not going to be able to finish them before they went bad. Give them away or make cobbler. Easy choice!</p> <a name='more'></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2SeHt43c3_g/VX8Q23CLvhI/AAAAAAAAA68/DE5wtwVfK20/s1600-h/x500-Yellow%252520Belly%252520Hard%252520Cider-1%25255B7%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="x500-Yellow Belly Hard Cider-1[7]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-Yellow Belly Hard Cider-1[7]" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WSfye75-_oc/VX8Q3l7GppI/AAAAAAAAA7E/tao6xV-f1fs/x500-Yellow%252520Belly%252520Hard%252520Cider-1%25255B7%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="500"></a></p> <p>While making this, <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a> and I started drinking some Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly hard cider. We both thought it would be a great idea to add some to the cobbler. It was a good idea! If you don’t want to use cider, you could sub in water or a non-dairy milk like almond or soy. Sprinkling a little cinnamon on top before serving was also <a href="http://everydaytastiness.com">tasty</a>.</p> <h6>Ingredients</h6> <ul> <li>Filling: </li> <ul> <li>4 cups sliced nectarines (about five) <li>1/2 cup hard cider <li>1/3 cup raw sugar <li>1 tablespoon cornstarch <li>1 tablespoon olive oil</li></ul> <li>Topping: </li> <ul> <li>1 cup whole wheat flour <li>1/3 cup rolled oats <li>2/3 cup raw sugar <li>1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder <li>1/2 cup hard cider <li>4 tablespoons softened vegan butter</li></ul></ul> <h6>Directions</h6> <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</li> <li>Mix the filling ingredients in a bowl. Place filling in a glass baking pan 9x13”.</li> <li>Mix the topping in a large bowl.</li> <li>Spread topping evenly over the filling.</li> <li>Bake for about 35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.</li> <li>Serve and Enjoy!</li></ol> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hujaQSSwc2k/VX8Q4V9fulI/AAAAAAAAA7M/iyzLRYkEOmc/s1600-h/x500-Nectarine%252520Cobbler-2%25255B7%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="x500-Nectarine Cobbler-2[7]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-Nectarine Cobbler-2[7]" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E9Rl5V9Tp_Q/VX8Q40dW0eI/AAAAAAAAA7U/wG_A-o-HSRs/x500-Nectarine%252520Cobbler-2%25255B7%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="378"></a></p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-46931109200830346682015-05-18T08:44:00.001-05:002015-05-18T08:44:20.157-05:00Last Week In Tastiness<p><img title="tacos" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="tacos" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RepcLHQ-omA/VVnspXT3X0I/AAAAAAAAA5o/F-64cLEGi0M/x500-tacos-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="301"></p> <p>This last week seems to have been inspired by Mexican themes. The tacos above were something we quickly whipped up at home using some cheap, locally made corn tortillas, spinach, black beans, salsa, and cilantro. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><img title="hard times cafe heuvos rancheros" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="hard times cafe heuvos rancheros" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8RqvxTgBfXyE_y5xxLRgLy9A5jcGwVBnFyc9qqn7sZDAOuti3egwTZw3xVktyggn0m0GtlJ3L-0J5jPPUkJUq-ZP8G_de2LRMIHyFy0a8Fbmb3-YJFWjkJtSZq01D9a4FOWUPd8EYtll/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Continuing the theme, above are heuvos rancheros from Hard Times Café. They are my favorite entrée there. I have had this dish so many times, I can’t count how many. They cooked the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&keywords=tortillas&tag=tastiness-20&index=aps&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325">tortillas</a> longer to make them slightly crunchy. yum! The tofu was also well done. </p> <p><img title="brownie" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="brownie" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2m35hGe6618/VVnsrKvEKzI/AAAAAAAAA54/GnlvquIuq9s/x500-brownie-5%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="397"></p> <p>A delicious vegan brownie from a co-worker. His wife baked, so he was kind enough to share. I am really enjoying having a co-worker who brings in treats I want to eat. It has been a long time. </p> <p><img title="hot indian indurrito" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="hot indian indurrito" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMDcUHhcDTTvK2oZpwLrgy6eaMo0Gv1qa6gilNUXPxwuYzaiDArVnLRPp7oiwOtlqwLTVDOjq3xVSqOGLyFIN-HVbmO5fsjGhQ7afLomAuF8SNaro3KOh_mSp9A9A_Ajtuyh05y_W2PGH/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="396"></p> <p>Indurrito from Hot Indian Food Truck. They made a burrito out of a roti and filled it with chickpea curry. Yum!! They are a bit pricey, but so worth it. I was on my way to chipotle when I spotted the truck; it was a pleasant surprise. </p> <p><img title="smoothie" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="smoothie" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMx_5vDPrF5x1Xdr9MgbsiylaLPun0ELRqI84RJ9qsMtatfN_b5ReqmbuwZkRZIXS5UaVUveKIrlecszRWo8326ZnXfo3kvL37rFnD3v2YikaLEQlP2kmeF2oqfPDsRVu6sfEBiZ5MLM-/?imgmax=800" width="441" height="500"></p> <p>My new favorite smoothie above. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, pineapple, and almond milk! The berries all work really well together. I am essentially combining three different bags of frozen fruit from Costco. The new kind has the blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries already combined. It is a nice mix even on its own. </p> <p><img title="strawberry shortcake kebab" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="strawberry shortcake kebab" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofwMNK8clprPSvKm3IrrH27A4euXGG1sa0migTjNsYPrHetU35Sc62X66JylAkhQqBO1c7Hrmks_qbBMTTqoZ0J9pfTCH_CgcR-2V8XSe33zPnZc4m4kE5rPHXz0owLLUE_AFFdlzzYTQ/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="472"></p> <p>Finally, this delicious and unique dessert from the <a href="http://www.exploreveg.org" target="_blank">CAA</a> banquet: strawberry shortcake kebabs. The shortcake was put into the container and it worked like one of those freeze pops. Push up from the bottom and the shortcake come out the top. It make them entirely too easy to eat. It was easily my favorite sweet treat of the week. </p> <p>What was your favorite dessert from this last week?</p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-11445165676272606582015-05-11T07:00:00.000-05:002015-05-11T07:00:01.636-05:00Last Week In Tastiness<p><img title="Peanut butter bar at Pizza Luce" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Peanut butter bar at Pizza Luce" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DX8xij6rD8Q/VVAaK5Jo_pI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/et1G_RMXCkA/x500-Peanut%252520butter%252520bar%252520at%252520Pizza%252520Luce-2%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="500"></p> <p>This last week was filled with lots of <a href="http://everydaytastiness.com">tasty</a> food! </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>The dessert above is from <a href="http://www.pizzaluce.com/">Pizza Luce</a> a local pizza chain. I usually order it as an appetizer. I thought it went nice with the Spring flowers on the table. </p> <p><img title="Huevos Luceros at Pizza Luce Brunch" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Huevos Luceros at Pizza Luce Brunch" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hQD5jcmcXfc/VVAaLOcSJUI/AAAAAAAAA4c/rN7wxmYkPa8/x500-Huevos%252520Luceros%252520at%252520Pizza%252520Luce%252520Brunch-1%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>We tried to goto another restaurant first for brunch, but they were closed, so we ended up at Pizza Luce instead. I had my heart set on some huevos rancheros, and they had huevos luceros instead. It was good, and it made a nice substitute for the rancheros. </p> <p><img title="Brussels Sprouts" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Brussels Sprouts" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OYtZ2ROLQ7s/VVAaLtsCzLI/AAAAAAAAA4k/nV_w9yQUfyQ/x500-Brussels%252520Sprouts-11%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Some brussels sprouts were roasted in the oven with a little salt and pepper for about 25 minutes at 400. Yum. </p> <p><img title="Chili "Cheese" Burrito at Ecopolitan" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Chili "Cheese" Burrito at Ecopolitan" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1lv6fYZkWhY/VVAaMB43T7I/AAAAAAAAA4s/YlmYWlVljQk/x500-Chili%252520-Cheese-%252520Burrito%252520at%252520Ecopolitan-9%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>The chili “cheese” burrito from the local raw vegan restaurant, Ecopolitan. I really like this dish. It has great texture using a giant leaf for the wrap. Inside is filled with spicy lentils and sprouts. The guac does a nice job brining the heat down. </p> <p><img title="First Strawberries of 2015" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="First Strawberries of 2015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1kO6AXtuWrQ/VVAaMefNopI/AAAAAAAAA40/-R5guaSijX8/x500-First%252520Strawberries%252520of%2525202015-10%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="500"></p> <p>The first strawberries of 2015! <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a> and I both enjoyed eating one. They fruited from some propagations I started last fall. The plant will be moved outside soon, so hopefully it can fruit again. </p> <p><img title="Ginger Lemon Lime Juice at Ecopolitan with Beet Coloring" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Ginger Lemon Lime Juice at Ecopolitan with Beet Coloring" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ozRH-LDTccE/VVAaM2wq5iI/AAAAAAAAA48/KRfVFZybdr4/x500-Ginger%252520Lemon%252520Lime%252520Juice%252520at%252520Ecopolitan%252520with%252520Beet%252520Coloring-8%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="500"></p> <p>Apple, Lemon, Lime, Ginger juice with a touch of beet juice just for color. It was really strong in the ginger department. Just how I like it. </p> <p><img title="Scalloped Potatoes" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Scalloped Potatoes" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AKPB-9XyLqg/VVAaNN9n0qI/AAAAAAAAA5E/HkJEbrSFRg0/x500-Scalloped%252520Potatoes-7%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Lunch one day I made <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2013/03/scalloped-potatoes.html">scalloped potatoes</a> from my recipe. I ran out of Italian seasoning, so I substituted a mix of other spices. </p> <p><img title="Spinach Salad with Cilantro and Basil" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Spinach Salad with Cilantro and Basil" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Msc8onpzg7k/VVAaNkAWJWI/AAAAAAAAA5M/5AgkNKDqzAo/x500-Spinach%252520Salad%252520with%252520Cilantro%252520and%252520Basil-3%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>A fresh spinach salad with some basil and cilantro mixed in for added flavor. It didn’t need any dressing it had tons of flavor all on its own. I like mixing fresh herbs into my salads. I can’t wait for my <a href="http://everydayurbangardener.com">garden</a> to start producing more herbs. Basil and cilantro are two of my favorites.</p> <p>What are some of you favorite herbs to add to salads?</p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-59025304882313541712015-05-05T12:15:00.001-05:002015-05-05T12:15:43.246-05:00Truce–Minneapolis, MN<p><img title="x500-92" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUZGB4sdOBnaDehR5oA3xDUQrKbiemQEwmX6corjZJ3Pk1VIC8vjzjPOSa1POcRSg-WsIBJZG-XFzKIZxQGVbqSxfRPYAjEA_w2IVytBrkBsxHw6jcgGCLhfpx5Bs7CedtsAnoVsn321K/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>Truce is a new all vegan, organic, and gluten-free restaurant in the Twin Cities. They are conveniently located in south Minneapolis on 32 and Hennepin. They were our last stop on our <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/vegan-road-trip-day-2.html" target="_blank">vegan road trip</a>. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><img title="x500-90" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-90" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zb8VQI-qDiE/VUj6ueuhHsI/AAAAAAAAA3k/qDnDpj2uw7A/x500-903.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>The little shop is located right on the corner. They have a few seats available inside, but not many. It feels like the are geared toward a takeout crowd. We weren’t super hungry, so we opted for just juice. </p> <p><img title="x500-91" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-91" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B_hTCccQ1pM/VUj6u7TN1xI/AAAAAAAAA3s/Ab4YIpeFMaE/x500-913.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>They offer a wide selection of juice that is made fresh daily with a hydraulic press. Each unpasteurized, 16oz juice will cost you $9. I ordered the immunity and <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a> got the glow greens. </p> <p><img title="x500-92" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-92" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wZxVoda6a-s/VUj6vcho3JI/AAAAAAAAA34/D-72bLbmBq8/x500-923.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>The immunity is made from apple, lemon, and ginger juice. The ginger and lemon were strong! I liked it. Laura thought it was a bit too much ginger. We agreed to disagree. </p> <p>The glow greens is made from grapefruit, pear, cucumber, dandelion greens, romaine, parsley, and orange juices. I found the grapefruit and cucumber flavors too strong for my tastes. Laura liked it a lot. </p> <p>While the juice was good, I would like to go back and try their smoothies or and food like the soups or salads. They offered us some freshly made hummus and veggies, but we were still full from our lunch. </p> <p>Truce<br>1428 West 32nd St, Minneapolis, MN<br>612-825-1684<br><a href="http://www.drinktruce.com">http://www.drinktruce.com</a></p> <p><strong>Related Posts</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Day 4: Chris: <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/vegan-road-trip-final-day.html">Vegan Road Trip: Final Day</a> <li>Day 4: Laura: <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com/2015/04/15/vegan-road-trip-final-day-recap/">Vegan Road Trip: Final Day Recap</a></li></ul> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-17156956186492947012015-05-04T07:00:00.000-05:002015-05-04T07:00:16.259-05:00Last Week in Tastiness<p><img title="Strawberry Pancakes and Fresh Orange Juice" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Strawberry Pancakes and Fresh Orange Juice" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fBULxIHEBDg/VUbee6PUX3I/AAAAAAAAA20/tbdAxVljM58/x500-Strawberry-Pancakes-and-Fresh-O.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="317"></p> <p>Last time, this post was hard to write because I had nearly 25 pictures of different things I ate. Choosing which ones to share was hard since they were all so good. This time, I only had four pictures. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>To start, the picture at the top was from a breakfast I made of strawberry pancakes and some freshly made orange juice. I chopped up a pile of strawberries and tossed them into the pancake batter. The orange juice was six cuties (clementines) in the vitamix. I love how smooth that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&keywords=blender&tag=tastiness-20&index=aps&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325">blender</a> makes everything. </p> <p><img title="Torta at Seward Cafe" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Torta at Seward Cafe" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uIM7Z42z-ro/VUbefam1D7I/AAAAAAAAA24/fTZvvQp-qUY/x500-Torta-at-Seward-Cafe-13.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Above is the vegan torta at Seward Café, a local restaurant. The torta is two thick slices of grilled bread with daiya cheese, black beans, tofu, and veggies. It’s a bit tricky to eat since it’s so thick, but the taste is great. Very savory. The chips and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&keywords=salsa&tag=tastiness-20&index=aps&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">salsa</a> add a nice bit of texture as well. At least half the fixing leaked out, so I ate them with the chips instead. </p> <p><img title="black sheep pizza #2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="black sheep pizza #2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eyyi8NKaWy0/VUbefpIUorI/AAAAAAAAA3A/BcdH14_ZPbk/x500-black-sheep-pizza-2-183.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Ah, the #2 with kalamata olives from the local pizza chain, black sheep. They have a thin crispy crust. The #2 is just sauce and basil which is good, but the olives add that extra kick of flavor and texture. The 12” suits me fine and I can usually finish it solo without feeling like I at too much, and at less than $10 is a <a href="http://everydaytastiness.com">tasty</a> lunch. </p> <p><img title="Chocolate Raspberry Bar from French Meadow" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Chocolate Raspberry Bar from French Meadow" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QZKTU0Bz8j4/VUbegN-9oWI/AAAAAAAAA3I/-Fw6zd1wSDU/x500-Chocolate-Raspberry-Bar-from-Fr%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Finishing up with a sweet treat. <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a> bought me a chocolate raspberry bar from French Meadow. The bar is has an oatmeal crust, a thick filling of raspberry with a crumble and chocolate chips on top. We both enjoyed it as a deliciously sweet snack. </p> <p>What sweet snack did you enjoy this last week?</p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-83450362479672898542015-05-01T13:46:00.001-05:002015-05-01T15:26:42.572-05:00Burr Oak Winery–New Lisbon, WI<p><img title="x500-84" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLBLF_pXORbcLPZBDPqZNVprvqgcHJfrKJW2toJ6JI1fba_Qhyphenhyphen3LWh-ov6Ge3wQ9jKw5SPJ6Gn06hSFSm6NyCkIg3qQ_YY7RS2LyaaJBIchu_lP9Dy_hnZUfoCkcGMZsXbOf_R3RPKCAX/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>While driving home from our <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/vegan-road-trip-day-2.html" target="_blank">vegan road trip</a>, <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a> spotted a sign on the freeway mentioning a vineyard. She asked if we could stop. We had plenty of time, so I said what the heck, lets check it out. While I don’t drink often, I do enjoy a good glass of wine. We pulled off I-94 in search of the winery.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p><img title="x500-83" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-83" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jTRk7Nz18q4/VUPJ-xfctMI/AAAAAAAAA18/ldMPhGX7NUM/x500-833.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>The winery was on the other side of New Lisbon from I-94 about ten minutes from the freeway. It was very easy to find right along the road. I have been to other wineries that are tucked several gravel roads away from civilization, but not this one. </p> <p><img title="x500-87" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-87" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6ZWv4-wn594/VUPJ_JA17kI/AAAAAAAAA2E/qY7pVzCrM6Q/x500-873.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>The main building is quite striking. Built entirely of wood and stone in a European style. I immediately liked the feel of the place. I could imagine, in warmer weather, this being a nice place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine with friends. </p> <p><img title="x500-86" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-86" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-76yUZKstDbQ/VUPJ_nRUmuI/AAAAAAAAA2M/90CUTqCxATQ/x500-863.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>Inside the European theme continued with beautiful wood everywhere. There was lots of nick nacks for sale in addition to the wine. As we entered we were greeted warmly by the owner and his staff. They invited us to try some samples. The first two tastes are free, and for $5 you can try eight wines. I was very tempted to try the eight, but it was my turn to drive, so I decided to stay responsible and just try two. Laura also had two, and we each tried each others. </p> <p><img title="x500-88" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokcic4hmYB86faH3gM03mhAmzqbDEJ4fPcueuQeVfEIJK2uM0i6lZuFVyxRFa_bZ4MUC-q2CQZBWzWt0-ONs9qETiIoi06C0OF0krC8OoWndJPJRURUtt6wcuByoiUEWp9LHTKOS0b4pM/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>All of the wine is grown from the grapes grown on the property. I was told there are well over four acres of grape vines. The first was planted in 1997, and he said they add more each year. There were some workers already tending to the vines. </p> <p>The wines ranged from sweet to dry in both white and red. We each ended up picking up a bottle for ourselves. They were very reasonably priced at $11 each. We also bought a dessert wine as a gift. </p> <p><img title="x500-94" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-94" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-blVYRZzWp1w/VUPKAQJ8VYI/AAAAAAAAA2g/2NUFEFGNoSQ/x500-943.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="500"></p> <p>I picked the Prairie Star a 2011 semi-sweet white wine described as “a body smooth as silk. a honey, apricot finish!” Laura picked the Seyval Blanc a 2011 semi-dry white described as “a crisp citrus finish” </p> <p>Check out Laura’s blog: <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com" target="_blank">One Girl, Two Cities</a> to see what she thought of the winery. </p> <p>I could see Burr Oak Winery being a regular stop as we pass through the area in the future. </p> <p>Burr Oak Winery<br>N5873 Hwy 12 & 16, New Lisbon, WI 53950<br>608-562-5271<br><a href="http://www.burroakwinery.com">http://www.burroakwinery.com</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related Posts</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Day 4: Chris: <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/vegan-road-trip-final-day.html">Vegan Road Trip: Final Day</a> <li>Day 4: Laura: <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com/2015/04/15/vegan-road-trip-final-day-recap/">Vegan Road Trip: Final Day Recap</a></li></ul> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-57616255935608731732015-04-30T16:04:00.001-05:002015-04-30T16:04:22.859-05:00The Cheeze Factory Restaurant–Wisconsin Dells, WI<p><img title="x500-72" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-72" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0W1jhphBCSA/VUKYwHypD1I/AAAAAAAAA0c/Rp0cCGDUcQU/x500-723.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="500"></p> <p>When I found the Cheeze Factory on <a href="http://www.happycow.net/" target="_blank">happycow</a>, I was surprised to find it in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The area is very touristy and dairy heavy. It was great to find a 100% vegan restaurant in the dells. Their vast menu alone is temptation enough to stay overnight in the area not to mention the bakery case. Oh, the bakery case!</p> <a name='more'></a> <p><img title="x500-57" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-57" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F10wnJngJ20/VUKYwlp3D_I/AAAAAAAAA0k/-vsvXEnQl0k/x500-573.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>The Cheeze Factory was one of the last restaurants we visited on our <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/vegan-road-trip-day-2.html" target="_blank">vegan road trip</a>. It was easily found a short drive from I-94 up the main drag. I have been in this area at least a dozen times and had no idea this place had been there the whole time. They are 100% vegan and GMO-free with many gluten-free options as well. They have been open since 1992. </p> <p><img title="x500-63" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-63" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FqgyY-fSR4U/VUKYxhJP4BI/AAAAAAAAA0s/3rBPNa0-QIU/x500-633.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>We came just after lunch and set about to reading the large menu. It was tough to choose what to order, so we decided to make it easy and start with drinks. <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a> ordered an espresso float; yup, vegan ice cream.</p> <p><img title="x500-67" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5BOR-N1SDLc9PHSbYnS-Q3YcPQGzTq5jqvjNvGvUnYzDnoKexE6eGbMR86nw2ltAzNBX0EHS1Trer0c5TS_qu_5TuGgI2ruN0b4A_IGBJ_tponnutIYLPsnbLlVVv4FXE7IutPvR7uwH/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>I decided to go for the “ice cream” soda and instead of root beer chose mandarin lime. It was refreshing and full of citrus flavor. It was hard to save some for my entrée. The hot chocolate with marshmallows was a tempting second choice. </p> <p><img title="x500-68" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-68" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UJdLMpFXim0/VUKYyrMTPfI/AAAAAAAAA08/0UDbEym8cwo/x500-683.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="500"></p> <p>They had a seasonal insert to the main menu, so I ordered from that. I had the black bean and chorizo tortada for $17. The food was delivered very quickly by their super friendly staff. </p> <p>The tortada is a <em>large</em> spinach flour tortilla stuffed with grilled veggies, sweet potatoes, a cheesy spread, chorizo sausage, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&keywords=salsa&tag=tastiness-20&index=aps&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">salsa</a> fresca, and black beans. They also served it with grilled plantain chips, greens, salsa, and coleslaw. I didn’t care for the coleslaw much, but I loved my entrée. I am a sucker for black beans and sweet potato, so I really enjoyed it. The tortilla was slightly crispy. The chorizo was nice, but I thought it was a bit unnecessary. </p> <p><img title="x500-71" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-71" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uh_tyZlQBxY/VUKYzKl51bI/AAAAAAAAA1E/n5dmXxrOgyk/x500-713.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>Laura ordered from the seasonal menu as well and had the fried chicken, bacon, and maple wafflewich. Check out her blog: <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com" target="_blank">One Girl, Two Cities</a> to see what she thought. </p> <p><img title="x500-74" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-74" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kcqt02k-D2E/VUKYz1C-irI/AAAAAAAAA1M/dPBFe1Z5AO8/x500-743.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>We were both completely stuffed after our entrees. While wandering around checking the place out, we discovered the bakery case. It was stuffed with amazing looking desserts. We couldn’t resist and ordered some. </p> <p><img title="x500-82" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-82" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2pk9BG5W7pc/VUKY0XOW7NI/AAAAAAAAA1U/Eu63OnSJcRo/x500-823.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="500"></p> <p>We ordered a slice of the chocolate cake. They put the cute hearts on it and the dust on the side. A nice touch. The slice was $7. We both really enjoyed it. I especially liked the chocolate ganache top and sides. The mousse filling was great too. We also ordered a slice of apple pie also $7 to take home with us and eat on the road. The pie looked great in the case, but wasn’t that great. I won’t be getting the pie again. </p> <p><img title="x500-76" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-76" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4CW3q9Az_PE/VUKY010K6zI/AAAAAAAAA1c/M75euZL4A7A/x500-763.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>They even had cute little vegan mints to go with the bill. </p> <p><img title="x500-77" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-77" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OAdui1qd07M/VUKY1S9ZDII/AAAAAAAAA1g/y2sFfgXfqu8/x500-773.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>The Cheeze Factory isn’t an inexpensive place, but I will be adding it to my list of places to stop when driving to Chicago. There are a few other entrees I would like to sample on their menu. I look forward to my next visit to the area. </p> <p>The Cheeze Factory Restaurant<br>521 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965<br>608-253-6065<br><a href="http://www.cheezefactoryrestaurant.com">http://www.cheezefactoryrestaurant.com</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related Posts</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Day 4: Chris: <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/vegan-road-trip-final-day.html">Vegan Road Trip: Final Day</a> <li>Day 4: Laura: <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com/2015/04/15/vegan-road-trip-final-day-recap/">Vegan Road Trip: Final Day Recap</a></li></ul> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-83135951014305584472015-04-29T12:07:00.001-05:002015-04-29T12:09:24.096-05:00Monty’s Blue Plate Diner–Madison, WI<p><img title="x500-12" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-12" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OcX4vUXLfqs/VUEP3sf4vKI/AAAAAAAAAzY/PmBXMdzv-Ag/x500-123.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>The last day of our <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/vegan-road-trip-day-2.html" target="_blank">vegan road trip</a>, we stopped for breakfast at Monty’s Blue Plate Diner. <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a> had found it a few days earlier when we were looking for a delicious vegan breakfast. It looked good, so we couldn’t pass it up. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><img title="x500-1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-1" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oVUuiF6snbU/VUEP4OsApOI/AAAAAAAAAzg/gVG892BjrDE/x500-13.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>It was easy to find, and we found space in their parking lot. We both liked the kitschy feel from the outside. The old gas pump completed the look and Laura might have posed for a picture with it. </p> <p><img title="x500-2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gvucDriNw7w/VUEP41nGHaI/AAAAAAAAAzo/MJBlzHTDMAw/x500-23.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="500"></p> <p>The inside followed suit along with classic American diner aesthetic. I liked the colors, brightness, and how it felt clean. I have been in a few other diners that felt dirty. We were seated promptly by the friendly staff and set about scouring the menu. </p> <p><img title="x500-3" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-3" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ens3t-k_ycA/VUEP5aTWJzI/AAAAAAAAAzw/lraV4btgHW4/x500-33.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>Our server was very familiar with the vegan options and answered our questions quite handily. I was disappointed they didn’t have a chai on the menu. I did like that vegan and vegetarian items were clearly labeled on the menu. It’s no fun playing 20 questions with the staff. </p> <p><img title="x500-13" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-13" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jNiwVTI6GFw/VUEP6KCPEzI/AAAAAAAAAz0/7OG1694NJVo/x500-133.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>I ordered the vegetarian hash as vegan. They substituted the eggs for <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2012/04/tofu-scramble.html">tofu scramble</a>. The has also included tempeh, peppers, onions, and potatoes all grilled together to perfection. It was a huge plate of food. It also came with three different choices of vegan toast. I ordered the rye. I enjoyed the side of fruit as well. It was a challenge to finish everything. </p> <p><img title="x500-14" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-14" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fgbe_L5janc/VUEP6hZkswI/AAAAAAAAA0A/z493evZ0Pnk/x500-142.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>Laura ordered the french toast. Check out her blog: <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com" target="_blank">One Girl, Two Cities</a> to see what she thought of her meal. I thought the toast was done just right.</p> <p>The service was good and the food was delicious. Both our meals and coffee came to $20 after tax.. Check out the fun poem on the bottom of the receipt. I especially like the yum yum yum. </p> <p><img title="x500-15" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="x500-15" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SxCd7oOE2uc/VUEP7bPgSQI/AAAAAAAAA0E/UtKAaVp5AIc/x500-153.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="500"></p> <p>If you are in Madison, WI and craving a great diner experience, check out Monty’s Blue Plate. </p> <p>Monty’s Blue Plate Diner<br>2089 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI<br>608-244-8505<br><a href="http://www.montysblueplatediner.com">http://www.montysblueplatediner.com</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related Posts</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Day 4: Chris: <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/vegan-road-trip-final-day.html">Vegan Road Trip: Final Day</a> <li>Day 4: Laura: <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com/2015/04/15/vegan-road-trip-final-day-recap/">Vegan Road Trip: Final Day Recap</a></li></ul> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-41442037579226539132015-04-27T07:00:00.000-05:002015-04-27T07:00:05.592-05:00Last Week in Tastiness<p><img title="Strawberry Pancakes" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Strawberry Pancakes" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9iaf5SjBnXY/VT2Z_aTJehI/AAAAAAAAAyI/bmzxhjvm1x8/Strawberry%252520Pancakes-x500-10%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Looking at the photos from this last week, there seem to be a few themes. I guess I didn’t have as much variety in my food as I would have guessed. I ate two things apparently nearly every day. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Before, I get into those two things, lets start with the delicious strawberry pancakes I made for <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a>. I think I have a new favorite pancake, it was seriously good and full of strawberry flavor. It may have unseated the blueberry pancakes as my favorite. </p> <p><img title="frozen veggies" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="frozen veggies" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ALaoiHS-JVo/VT2Z_xZm2oI/AAAAAAAAAyM/9quTYaSco3w/x500-frozen%252520veggies-22%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="500"></p> <p>Frozen veggies again for lunch. I really liked this variety, so easy and pretty affordable as well. </p> <p><img title="green from the garden" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="green from the garden" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GUVqqWRLYs0/VT2aAtUTZeI/AAAAAAAAAyY/XPWFgV4ykng/x500-green%252520from%252520the%252520garden-17%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>I finally got a small harvest from my <a href="http://everydayurbangardener.com">garden</a>. Not much is coming up yet since it is so early in the spring, but I did get three things. One was large sunflower <a href="http://www.everydayurbangardener.com/2015/02/starting-microgreens.html">microgreens</a> from my indoor grow operation. The second and third were actually from outside: dandelion greens and garlic chives. </p> <p><img title="roti, greens from garden, guac" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="roti, greens from garden, guac" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QbPZmNxeb2E/VT2aBZ_8epI/AAAAAAAAAyg/foPGLTS9JV4/x500-roti%25252C%252520greens%252520from%252520garden%25252C%252520guac-16%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>The combination was good, especially with the guac and roti. We turned them into little burritos. </p> <p><img title="pizza luce" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="pizza luce" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BTiTrXSsbdI/VT2aB2iAPdI/AAAAAAAAAyk/Oq-jLHTMLTk/x500-pizza%252520luce-24%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>Not roti, but more of the theme. The above is the large spinach salad with candied nuts and cranberries. Seriously good. </p> <p><img title="roti, carrots, guac" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="roti, carrots, guac" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iMidqY5o3G4/VT2aCZc8kGI/AAAAAAAAAys/Z6H59WXLhzs/x500-roti%25252C%252520carrots%25252C%252520guac-13%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></p> <p>More roti and guac. This time I julienned some carrots, and then made little burritos. The carrots provided just the right amount of crunch. </p> <p><img title="potluck" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="potluck" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VHk8OYwDRDs/VT2aDH4STbI/AAAAAAAAAy4/Ceritm1Gq2U/x500-potluck-4%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="398"></p> <p>I finished off the week with a large vegan potluck at my house. A pile of friends and good food. What more could you ask for? On the plate above we have potato salad, baked beans, veggie salad, diy kimchi, <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2013/03/scalloped-potatoes.html">scalloped potatoes</a>, mini dosa, chocolate chip muffin, and <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2011/11/black-bean-groundnut-stew.html" target="_blank">groundnut stew</a>. yum! There was a bunch more things to eat, but I forgot to take pictures of them. I was too busy eating I guess! </p> <p><img title="scalloped potatoes" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="scalloped potatoes" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dMv1Hy4EiUY/VT2aDy8wvxI/AAAAAAAAAzA/q9dGOh_IOcc/x500-scalloped%252520potatoes-6%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="357"></p> <p>Here is a close up on the <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2013/03/scalloped-potatoes.html">scalloped potatoes</a>. I haven’t made them for a while. I first posted <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2013/03/scalloped-potatoes.html">the recipe</a> a few years ago. Thanks to my friend Nicky for the suggestion to make them again. I should make them more often, they are really easy and quite delicious. My friends scraped the pan clean. </p> <p>I think I had roti six out of the last seven days. What did you eat really often this last week?</p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-89705935147988694892015-04-26T08:00:00.000-05:002015-04-26T08:00:05.437-05:00Nature’s Bakery Apple Cinnamon Fig Bar<p><img title="Nature's Bakery Apple Cinnamon Fig Bar" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Nature's Bakery Apple Cinnamon Fig Bar" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hh1FKptgehI/VTlLMQ3PHgI/AAAAAAAAAxs/o4WXiM43xfc/x500-Nature%252527s%252520Bakery%252520Apple%252520Cinnamon%252520Fig%252520Bar-1%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="266"></p> <p>I was craving for a snack, so I dug into my box of vegan goodies and pulled out an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006BHQUBO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006BHQUBO&linkCode=as2&tag=tastiness-20&linkId=VAJLJPSIOAOZBBDM" target="_blank">apple cinnamon fig bar</a>. I bought this fig bar as part of my vegan snack box. It tasted a lot like a fig newton, but healthier. I credit that to the whole wheat listed as the first ingredient. </p> <p><img title="Nature's Bakery Apple Cinnamon Fig Bar" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Nature's Bakery Apple Cinnamon Fig Bar" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-57izGrRlch0/VTlLM2Gek9I/AAAAAAAAAxw/f-wio528sg4/x500-Nature%252527s%252520Bakery%252520Apple%252520Cinnamon%252520Fig%252520Bar-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>There are two little cookies inside, and they hit the spot well. They weren’t overly sweet; the apple cinnamon flavor wasn’t overly strong either. I liked it and would get them again. They also have a lemon flavor that sounds really nice. </p>Get some on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=nature%27s%20bakery%20fig%20bars&linkCode=ur2&tag=tastiness-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=VSRDEI4JBTNVBTWC">Amazon</a>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006BHQUBO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006BHQUBO&linkCode=as2&tag=tastiness-20&linkId=YK7FDZL6MKFKMVTA">Nature's Bakery Fig Bar, Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon, 12 Twin Packs, 24 Ounce</a><img style="border-top-style: none !important; border-bottom-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; margin: 0px; border-left-style: none !important" border="0" alt="" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tastiness-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006BHQUBO" width="1" height="1"> <p> </p> <p>Nature’s Bakery: <a href="http://www.naturesbakery.com">http://www.naturesbakery.com</a></p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-37306533352311141522015-04-25T10:58:00.000-05:002015-04-26T20:47:47.120-05:00Mary’s Market Café & Bakery - Rockford, IL<p><img title="http://www.everydaytastiness.com" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="http://www.everydaytastiness.com" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDnqrHq_yirjzHeaT9sn7hYZnlDOEguqrpkkFvCel6ztqYndSplVmYH-7SMmp6DWSdbyRKwwVCwRkyIiFi8_8AaDqh8wNYNUb72Gojcc1WHlPi2wij1kfe1uNldXwzrnA0Ibfiqdj73ji/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>There are not a lot of veg* options in Rockford, so we were happy to find this one on <a href="http://www.happycow.net/" target="_blank">happycow</a> during our vegan <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/vegan-road-trip-day-3.html" target="_blank">roadtrip</a>. the reviews on the other locations set my expectations very low. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>The breakfast menu doesn't have veg* options marked. We tried to ask questions from the ordering staff. She was really confused and offered us a gluten free menu when we asked about vegan options. We insisted and received the lunch menu which had several options listed. </p> <p><img title="http://www.everydaytastiness.com" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="http://www.everydaytastiness.com" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V17r0QbielA/VTkXA1u9QfI/AAAAAAAAAxM/eM6dx7Cnsh4/500x-5%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>We picked the avocado tacos since they were marked as vegan. She asked us for a choice of side. We picked the beet salad. I had a very hinky vibe by now, so I asked if the beet salad was vegan. She said no, it had cheese. I asked for it to be removed. We were disappointed she didn’t suggest it when we ordered. We also ordered tea. </p> <p><img title="http://www.everydaytastiness.com" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="http://www.everydaytastiness.com" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rzns-F3tdgk/VTkXBQtmllI/AAAAAAAAAxU/trHU6LvpO2o/500x-6%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>The tea came promptly, but the food took well over 30 minutes for two small avocado tacos. The people behind us had received their food and finished it and were leaving by the time ours came. Maybe they didn't have the lunch stuff prepped since it was about 10am. </p> <p><img title="http://www.everydaytastiness.com" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="http://www.everydaytastiness.com" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MLKTNngLmv4/VTkXCFanvSI/AAAAAAAAAxc/6o-BGRCrRd8/500x-87.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>Tacos tasted good. I like the addition of the lime. I wasn’t thrilled with the beet salad, but <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a> really liked it. Neither of us are interested in going back. </p> <p>Mary's Market Bistro Cafe<br>2636 McFarland Rd<br>Rockford, Illinois 61107<br>815-986-3300 <br><a href="http://marysmarket.com">http://marysmarket.com</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related Posts:</strong></p> <li>Day 3: Laura: <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com/2015/04/12/road-trip-nicholas-conservatory-and-gardens/">Road Trip: Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens</a> <ul><!--EndFragment--></ul> <li>Day 3: Chris: <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/vegan-road-trip-day-3.html">Vegan Road Trip: Day 3</a> <li>Day 3: Chris: <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/marys-market-cafe-bakery-rockford-il.html">Mary’s Market Café & Bakery - Rockford, IL</a> <li>Day 3: Chris: <a href="http://www.everydayurbangardener.com/2015/04/nicholas-conservatory-gardens-in.html">Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens in Rockford, IL</a> <li>Day 3: Chris: <a href="http://www.everydaytastiness.com/2015/04/pig-minds-brewingmachesney-park-il.html">Pig Minds Brewing–Machesney Park, IL</a> <!--EndFragment--> <ul></ul> </li> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404621120443963431.post-11463336103071001532015-04-24T08:00:00.000-05:002015-04-24T08:00:02.869-05:00Hola Arepa–Minneapolis, MN<p><img title="Hola Arepa" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Hola Arepa" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6JAuZRorukg/VTg6BcJY0BI/AAAAAAAAAwA/MDRltFkt7GE/x500-Hola-Arepa-43.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>I first had arepas a few years ago at a friend’s house. I was immediately hooked on their delicious masa goodness. They are crispy and soft at the same time. On our recent trip to Mexico we had them again. I lamented that we didn’t have a restaurant serving them in Minneapolis. <a href="http://www.onegirltwocities.com">Laura</a> said we did: Hola Arepa. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><img title="Hola Arepa" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Hola Arepa" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sKwe6_8aO_g/VTg6B0kJTlI/AAAAAAAAAwE/zQoq1ZgdRBk/x500-Hola-Arepa-1110.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="314"></p> <p>Hola Arepa is both a food truck and a restaurant. It can be found conveniently on the corner of Nicollet and E 35th St in south Minneapolis. </p> <p><img title="Hola Arepa" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Hola Arepa" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T8NKbKsBdF8/VTg6CMkNGSI/AAAAAAAAAwM/wDhUN0KIVNo/x500-Hola-Arepa-106.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>They have their own parking lot and street parking is free. In the warmer months, they have a nice looking patio to enjoy. All the food is made fresh from scratch. It is also 100% gluten free. They have several veg* options available. </p> <p>When we entered, we were seated promptly. Our waiter arrived immediately and brought water. He suggested the chips, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&keywords=salsa&tag=tastiness-20&index=aps&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">salsa</a>, and guac. Note, this combination is $8.50. Chips + three salsas = $5 and guac is an extra $3.50. The red salsa on top is the hot, the middle green is slightly sweet, and the bottom is a medium salsa verde. The guac was good, but I feel a bit pricey at $3.50 for such a small bowl. I really enjoyed having all four available for use with our entrees. </p> <p><img title="Hola Arepa" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Hola Arepa" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kCV1DnYge8w/VTg6CkrLfCI/AAAAAAAAAwU/WlFGwRelaKE/x500-Hola-Arepa-57.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="500"></p> <p>We ordered two entrees, both of which came out very fast. The first was the black bean & sweet potato arepa ($11.50). It comes with tomato, citrus onions, green onion aioli and their queso fresco. Skipping the queso fresco makes it vegan. Our server was very happy to help us with vegan options. When the arepa came, the server mentioned a vegan arepa, but I noticed a white sauce on the bottom. We inquired and they said it was the queso, the kitchen made a mistake. They quickly took it away and remade it. A small mistake, that didn’t ruin our dining experience. </p> <p><img title="Hola Arepa" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Hola Arepa" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BzSp_Su6ut0/VTg6DBv9O0I/AAAAAAAAAwc/CPK-a0Ss6yE/x500-Hola-Arepa-37.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>We ordered the yuca fries which are amazing. They were quite hot, so Laura suggested breaking them in half to let them cool off. Good idea! The fries were a great compliment with the onion aioli and all the extra salsas we had from the chips. </p> <p><img title="Hola Arepa" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Hola Arepa" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KdoldpN8lBg/VTg6DfQQxKI/AAAAAAAAAwk/u0lvGHF6LhU/x500-Hola-Arepa-23.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>Our second entrée was the plantain tostadas ($9). The based of the tostadas was made from mashed fried green plantains. They normally serve it with beef and crema which they recommend subbing for guac and beans respectively. It is topped with a tamarind sauce, watermelon radish, and pickled onions. The crunch of the tostadas provided just the right amount of texture with the softer ingredients on top. The presentation was also pure food porn. </p> <p><img title="Hola Arepa" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Hola Arepa" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xgwZneISNRE/VTg6D3IoUZI/AAAAAAAAAws/qiLIWlIOeA0/x500-Hola-Arepa-47.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></p> <p>I liked both dishes, but I think the tostada just edges out the arepa slightly in flavor and texture. The arepa comes with yuca fries, so it is a hard choice for sure. I plan on going back to have them again. If you are craving some Venezuelan or Latin food, be sure to check them out!</p> <p>Hola Arepa<br>3501 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408<br>612-345-5583<br><a href="http://www.holaarepa.com">http://www.holaarepa.com</a><br>@holaarepa</p> EverydayTastinesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999942412888237631noreply@blogger.com2