Here at WanderFood this week we’re exploring healthy options and how to keep eating fresh, delicious things without going overboard. For WanderFood Wednesday today, it’s all about vegan cuisine. Be sure to enter a link to your blog below and join in the WanderFood Wednesday foodie link love!
Last weekend I was in LA and found my way into a yummy looking diner called Hugo’s in West Hollywood. Not realizing that many of their menu options are vegan, I sat down to treat myself to an early brunch before my day began. They are well known for homemade lemonades and teas so I tried a ginger lemonade laced with a lot of interesting spices, such as cumin, and garnished with rosemary. It tasted heavenly. I always think lemonades like this can sometimes have an odd “sandy” quality. They just don’t sit well with my taste buds, but this was clearly made with care. Beautiful flavors, strong ginger taste with beautiful acidity from the lemonade.
Ginger Lemonade
To eat, I ordered Huevos Rancheros (non vegan, though that option was available by substituting tofu in for eggs). It was absolutely delicious, and as I ate I found myself contemplating the vegan movement and how it has entered the mainstream more and more.
I’ve certainly noticed more vegan-centric restaurants and vegan recipes that go way beyond tofu, making those who live day to day on the vegan diet less alienated. I was impressed looking through Hugo’s menu at how prominent they made their vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. Questions and alterations that can make an entire restaurant staff cringe and roll their eyes, are welcome here.
I’ve never understood how one can sustain a vegan lifestyle, but I know a number of people who do, as well as people who practice what I’ll call “fair-weather” vegan-ism as a way to keep their health and well-being in check. It seems to work out pretty well for them. And in the past I’ve always turned up my nose pretty quick when people gave me the “it’s a vegan recipe, but it’s actually really good!” Now I can say with absolute certainty that I would try it.
In continuation of Monday’s healthy eating challenge, today I went to a farmers market held in historic Sonoma Square on my way home from work and bought some gorgeous cherry tomatoes to munch on as I wandered through the stalls, all exhibiting that wonderful awakening that happens to our gardens in Spring. Bright colors of the fresh produce jumped out everywhere and I felt like this “focusing on what I eat” thing could turn out easier than I thought.
Eat Well, Travel Well ~ Samantha
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