Vegan Lunch Date in Syracuse

When it comes to my pixie cut, I'm willing to travel for a salon that uses naturally-derived hair products. Syracuse is about an hour drive from Ithaca, so we hopped in the car for a quick afternoon trip to Hair Habitat and Strong Hearts Cafe (I had to convince my partner that there was something in it for him, other than the satisfaction of pleasing me). Both businesses happen to be in the same large building, which also holds a spa and yoga center.

The building itself is charming and older, but Hair Habitat's space on the 2nd floor is airy and modern, and the staff is sweet and down-to-earth. I had a very relaxed experience, the hair color was gentle and buffered with essential oils, and my stylist did a great job taking my hair to a more honey-hued shade of blonde. I'm loving the slight change.

Downstairs at Strong Hearts, it reminds me of Grindcore House in Philly, with a far more expanded menu. Tattooed mommies, vegan milkshakes, enormous sandwiches, multiple tofu scrambles and all day vegan breakfast. Mr. Vedge first discovered it when he spent time in Syracuse for work last year and made a habit of visiting Strong Hearts for lunch. His co-workers quickly became fans of Strong Hearts also, and I was looking forward to finally visiting. 

The daily soup is not to be missed, and that day's was a sweet corn chowder. Sandwiches look like the thing to get at Strong Hearts, so I went with the TLT after careful consideration. Marinated tofu, walnut basil pesto, L&T&sprouts, vegan mayo, pickles & Daiya...pressed into a messy but delicious affair. He went for the Reuben, stacked with seitan, pickles, Daiya, sauerkraut, and 1000 Island dressing on toasted rye. The salads looked amazing, but hey, when in Syracuse...

We finished up our afternoon date with some shopping in Armory Square. Next time we'll have to hit up Alto Cinco or Lemongrass, two of Mr. Vedge's old haunts.