NYC Day 1: Dim Sum, Donuts, MooShoes, and Candle Cafe!

Steve and I spent an epic three days in NYC two weeks ago, and it's high time I share our adventures!

In case you missed it, we were in New York because we won the NYC Getaway + Engagement Photoshoot contest hosted by Rose Pedals Vegan Weddings. The highlight of our trip was meeting the wonderful vegan vendors that participated in the giveaway, all of which went above and beyond to make sure that our NYC experience was special. More on that on the day 2 and day 3 posts!

Our first full day in NYC we went out and explored the city on our own. Steve had never been to New York so we went a day early to have our own mini-tour of Manhattan. Our morning started in Battery Park, followed by a stroll through the financial district, and up into Chinatown for lunch. In one of my previous visits to NYC I dined at Vegetarian Dim Sum House and knew this would be something that Steve would really enjoy. Enjoy we did!

Hot and Sour Soup

We started lunch with a "small" hot and sour soup. So spicy and delicious, and a generous portion of two bowls each!  

Tea

We also enjoyed a complimentary pot of tea.

Rice Flour Rolls with Mock Ham and Cilantro

We ordered six different dishes from the dim sum menu, and the first to arrive to the table was the rice flour rolls with mock ham and cilantro. This was one of Steve's picks, and he loved it. I was never a big fan of ham and I'm not wild about cilantro, so these were just okay in my opinion. I suspect I would love the rice flour rolls featuring kale!

Mock Shrimp Dumplings

About halfway through our rice flour rolls the rest of our food arrived. The mock shrimp dumplings are front and center in this shot. I've never had mock fish of any kind, and this was surprisingly authentic and tasty.

Mock Roast Pork Buns

Steamed buns in all of their doughy glory are my favorite dim sum offering. The mock roast pork buns did not disappoint, and was my favorite dish of the day.

Treasure Balls

In several yelp reviews I read that the Treasure Balls are a must-try. Neither the reviews nor the menu offer any description of what they actually are, but based on the reviews alone we were confident ordering this dish blindly. These turned out to be deep fried balls of mashed potatoes, um, yes please! Another favorite of the day.

Fried Turnip Cakes

Our last dish was the fried turnip cakes. These were a bit on the bland side on their own, but the super tasty dipping sauce fixes that right up. I'd love to try to recreate these at home!

With bellies full of dim sum we hit the streets again and walked up to the lower east side. Our first stop was MooShoes, a vegan shoe and accessory shop.

 

My attention was drawn to this section!

And these vegan Saucony's!

And this kitty sleeping in a shoe box. Awww to the max!

Babycakes donuts

Right around the corner from MooShoes is the famous vegan bakery, Babycakes. We picked up a mini lemon donut and regular strawberry coconut donut to go.

Babycakes cookie sandwich and donut

We also got a chocolate chip cookie sandwich and a coffee donut. We are both coffee lovers, but neither of us cared much for the strong flavor of the coffee donut. Everything else was excellent! Our favorite was the strawberry coconut donut. It's no surprise that they feature this one on the cover of their newest cookbook.

Next stop, Times Square! We were looking for tickets for a show later that night and were bummed to find that all of the shows we were considering were sold out (okay, well I was bummed, haha!). My spirits were lifted when we saw the big Silk promotion going on in the heart of Times Square.

There were guys walking around with these funny Silk dispensers on their backs, pouring samples for the masses. The different flavors that I saw walking around were vanilla, very vanilla, chocolate, almond, and COCONUT. Do you know about this new flavor? I tried it, and I approve! Very tasty.

In addition to the funny backpack dispensers they also had several serving stations like this one with all of the same flavors listed above.

Tuscan Lasagna

After wandering around the theater district a bit we headed uptown to Candle Cafe for dinner. There was a tasty looking Indian platter on the specials menu that I had all but decided on until I saw a server walk by with a slice of lasagna. I had to try it! This was one seriously good lasagna.

Aztec Salad

Steve went for the Aztec Salad. This salad features bbq tempeh, quinoa, black beans, pumpkin seeds and toasted cumin dressing, YUM!

After dinner we took a stroll through central park while the sun was setting. It was gorgeous, and the perfect ending to our first day in NYC. Stay tuned for two more NYC posts coming your way!

Mexican Zucchini Lasagna

Super Veggie Lentil Taco "Meat" has a new gig, and just in time for Cinco de Mayo! Layered between thinly sliced zucchini, Mexican rice, spicy tomato sauce, and topped off with some vegan cheddar, this is one mean Mexican Zucchini Lasagna. The only thing that this dish is missing is a margarita on the rocks to wash it down with!

Zucchini stands in for lasagna noodles, keeping this dish very light (more room for margaritas!), as well as gluten-free. This lasagna is also oil-free, and optionally soy-free (watch the vegan cheese and sour cream toppings). If lentils don't float your boat try this with some chipotle-style seitan or seasoned black beans instead.

Perfect mile-high slices are achieved by layering this lasagna in two standard loaf pans lined with parchment paper. Once cooled remove each lasagna by gripping the parchment paper on both sides and lifting, transferring to a cutting board to slice. Do not try this with hot lasagna -- if serving immediately simply cut and serve directly from the pan. The slices won't be as pretty this way, but no less delicious. You may halve the recipe and make only 1 loaf pan (4 servings), but I promise you that you will wish you hadn't. This is one that leftovers taste even better, and also freezes well. So clear out some space in the freezer, fill up that margarita pitcher, and get cookin'!



Mexican Zucchini Lasagna
Serves 8

1 batch Super Veggie Lentil Taco "Meat"
2 large zucchini
1 cup cheddar style vegan cheese (optional)
1/2 cup sliced olives (optional)

Rice
1 cup short grain brown rice
2 cups vegetable stock or water
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
1 tbsp tomato paste

Sauce
Large can (28 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (plain diced, crushed, or whole peeled are also OK)
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp ground chipotle
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder


Rice: Get the rice and lentils going at the same time, starting with the rice. Combine rice, stock, and spices in a medium sauce pan fitted with a lid. Bring to a boil, and reduce to low and simmer covered for 45-50 minutes or until all of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir in corn (don't worry about thawing), tomato paste, and nutritional yeast, if using. Partially cover and set aside.

Lentil "Meat": Start the lentils while the rice is simmering. Follow recipe here. When done stir into the pot of rice and set aside. (You may choose to make the lentils and rice a day ahead and cut an hour of prep time).

Zucchini noodles: While the lentils and rice are simmering start prepping the zucchini noodles. Start by trimming the ends off of the zucchinis. Slice 1/4" thick slices the length of the zucchini (mandolin slicer works great here), until you have 16 total noodles. Line a colander with paper towels. Lightly salt each zucchini noodle on both sides and put into the colander with paper towels between the layers. Set aside to allow some of the moisture to be absorbed, while you finish preparations on the other components.

Sauce: For the sauce, simply blend all ingredients in a blender and set aside until ready to assemble the lasagna.

Assembly: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line 2 loaf pans with parchment paper. Spread 1/4 cup sauce in the bottom of one pan. Take 2 zucchini noodles and gently wipe the salt and excess moisture from both sides. Lay the 2 noodles side by side on top of the sauce to create the first layer. Spread 1 cup of the lentil/rice mixture over top of the noodles, and then 1/2 cup of sauce. Repeat for two more layers, noodles then lentils/rice ending with sauce. Top the third layer with 2 more noodles followed by 1/4 cup of sauce, 1/2 cup of shredded vegan cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup sliced olives, if using. Repeat process in the second pan. Bake lasagnas for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the sauce is bubbling.

Allow the lasagnas to set for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. The longer the lasagnas set, the cleaner the slices will be (see notes above the recipe). Garnish with avocado, vegan sour cream, cilantro, and/or hot sauce. 

Happy Easter!

Oh the horror.. and the she-mullets!

Happy Easter from the 1990 version of my little brother and I! 

Hope you have a good one!

I'm currently away, gallivanting around NYC. Looking forward to sharing our adventures with you when we return!

Soul Vegetarian East

Soul Vegetarian East is a vegan soul food restaurant that has been rocking the south side of Chicago for thirty years. Steve and I have tried their food at various festivals, but it wasn't until recently that we made it out to the restaurant for the first time.

Soul Veg is in an unexpected neighborhood, a hidden gem among a sea of fried chicken restaurants (seriously, I saw 3 in 1 block!). In an area where there is no shortage of payday loan establishments and liquor stores, it was so encouraging to see a vegan restaurant thriving.

Soul Veg is no frills dining at its best. Upon entering it wasn't clear if we should seat ourselves or wait to be seated. We were seated, but it is still unclear if that is the norm. The environment is laid back and the customers are diverse. The service was very friendly but not the most attentive. The tablecloths are covered in plastic for easy cleanup, and the dishes are what you might expect to see in a cafeteria. Like I said, no frills, but no complaints from us!

The menu leans heavily towards what most would consider the less healthy vegan fare, after all this is soul food! Lots of seitan, and plenty of deep frying! On the other hand there are soup and salad selections for those that want to keep things lighter, along with many fresh juices and smoothies.

BBQ Twist Platter

Steve knew right away that he wanted to try one of the bbq specialties, and decided that the BBQ Twist Platter fit the bill. I kept sneaking bites off of his plate, this was the best vegan bbq I have ever had!

Breaded Tofu Sandwich

I was craving tofu and decided to try the Breaded Tofu Sandwich (aka Filet of Tofu). This cornmeal battered tofu is served with tartar sauce and pickles on a bun. Memories of fast food fried fish sandwiches came flooding in at first bite. It was one of those almost-too-real taste experiences, and I had to remind myself that it was just tofu!

Down Home Greens and Cornbread

Steve and I also ordered the Down Home Greens and Cornbread to share, because, well, our soul food experience would not have been complete without it! I never pass up on greens when I have the option!

Lemon Cake

Something else I never pass up on? Lemon cake. Soul Veg, how did you know my weak spot?!



















Overall it was a fun and satisfying first visit to Soul Vegetarian East. We are excited to have this wonderful option for soul food in our area, and we will definitely be returning!

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HEY! I have a giveaway winner to announce, don't I? I've kept you waiting long enough! There were 63 qualifying entries and a random number generator chose lucky number 11. Congrats to Amber Shea @ Almost Vegan. Email me your address and I will ship out your NYC vegan care package after I return from NYC later this month! (sarah [at] ordinaryvegetarian [dot] com) Thanks again to everyone that entered!

Madison Visit and Contest News!

I am in Madison for the weekend enjoying the company of old friends...

Spicy Tofu Scramble @ The Sun Room

..eating delicious tofu scrambles..

..and even witnessing a bit of protesting. 

But that isn't what I am here to tell you about, the purpose of this quickie post is to let you know that Steve and I won the NYC Getaway + Engagement Photoshoot! It was a close race all week, and in the final 24 hours we shot ahead thanks to the dedication of friends and family who spread the word on our behalf. We closed out the race with nearly 600 votes, WOW! We owe a lot of people thank yous and hugs, including several of you! I will be announcing the winner for the NYC Care Package Giveaway on Monday. Thank you again for supporting us, we are so grateful! 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Juicing, French Pressing, Contests, and Giveaways

First off I want to say thanks to all who have entered the "Not Your Everyday Giveaway" so far! To update you on the NYC vegan engagement weekend contest that Steve and I are finalists in, we are currently neck and neck with another couple for first place, so keep those votes rolling in! We are so touched by all of the support we are receiving, and think we have a really good chance at winning this thing! If you missed my post about this exciting contest on Saturday, be sure to check it out.

Despite spending quite a bit of time this weekend hitting the refresh button to see how the contest is progressing, I did some other exciting things this weekend! My family gave me a juicer for my birthday a couple weeks ago and I finally busted that bad boy out and gave it a whirl. This ruby glass of yum is a combination of celery, kale, ginger, apple, carrot, lemon, and you guessed it, BEETS! Oh yes, I could get used to this. It was no surprise that this juice was super refreshing and energizing, but it did surprise me how filling it was.

Even though I was brimming with energy from the juice I was dying to try my other new toy, a French Press! I finally got my hands on some highly recommended beans, and ground them up fresh for brewing. Wow, was this ever delicious! I don't think I'll ever be able to drink drip coffee again! This was much easier and less laborious than I imagined it would be. I still hope to avoid becoming a daily drinker, reserving it for just occasionally on weekdays and mostly to be enjoyed on the weekend. I try to get my daily boost from green or black tea (and now juice!).


And perhaps the most exciting news from this weekend, I FOUND MY DRESS! I have many things left to check off of my to-do list, but this was the one thing I wanted to get done the most. Now for those save the dates...




Don't forget you have until this Friday to enter the "Not Your Everyday Giveaway"!

Not Your Everyday Giveaway!

Image Source

Here's the scoop. Steve and I are in the running for a vegan engagement weekend in NYC later this month, and you can help! (There are prizes in this for you as well, so be sure to read all of the details!) Our weekend would involve fine vegan dining, vegan manicures, makeup, and styling, finished off with an engagement photoshoot! Wow, a dream come true!

The story behind all of this awesomeness is that we are one of four finalist couples in Rose Pedals Vegan Weddings' NYC Getaway + Engagement Photoshoot! This final round has moved to facebook and your vote is needed!

In order to vote you must first become a fan of Vegan Weddings on facebook (hit "like" at the top of the page). Then go into the FINALISTS photo album and click on our photo (the 4th one) and "like" it as well! Once you've "liked" our photo, your vote is locked in! Easy peasy!


We appreciate you taking the time to vote for us, and to express our appreciation we would like to do a giveaway of our own! Once you have voted for us, comment on this post letting us know that you have done so. You will then be entered to win a NYC themed vegan care package! We will stuff our suitcases with as many vegan goodies as we can find and ship them off to one lucky winner wherever in the world they might be. (Hey, a giveaway that isn't restricted to North America only, SCORE!)

In the unspeakable event that we do not win, and we do not go to NYC, the winner will then receive a Chicago themed vegan care package. ;) So head over and become a fan of Vegan Weddings on facebook, and then like our photo in the FINALISTS album! Voting ends at 11:59PM ET on April 8th, so that is when my giveaway will end as well.


Extra credit opportunities (leave one comment for each):

• Tweet this giveaway: "Not your everyday #giveaway! Enter to win a NYC #vegan care package from @ordinaryveg! http://tinyurl.com/3ll5nwj"
• Post about this giveaway on your blog or facebook.
• Ask your significant other, sibling, parent, cousin, or friend to vote, for each person that you get to vote personally you get THREE extra credit entries. (leave only 1 comment for each person you got to vote)

Thanks for your efforts everyone! As you can probably tell, we really want to go to NYC! Total. dream. come. true. <3 Thanks to Rose Pedals Vegan Weddings for this amazing giveaway and also for sharing our engagement story!