Vegan London: Hard Cocktails & Mushy Peas.

London, you have my soul.

We stayed at the best vegan hotel in London: My in-law's flat in Soho. They had stocked our bathroom with organic toiletries, plush towels, a London rubber duckie, and a flower. Our bedroom had a photo of the two of us on a trip to Germany on the bedside table. The courtyard and lobby had major 60's mod vibes, and the apartment itself was modern with lots of white and a balcony.

We quickly fell in love with their neighborhood of Soho, which was full of independent boutiques, pubs, and cafes and smartly-dressed folks.

London has some of the best cocktail bars in the world. In fact, we only made it to one pub, where I managed a few sips of Badger before suggesting that we leave.

Because we had cocktails to drink. We visited Purl and the Experimental Cocktail Club for some new school concoctions, and the American Bar at the Savoy for classics. American Bar was named World's Best Hotel Bar at the Tales of the Cocktails Spirited Awards.

The Experimental Cocktail Club in Chinatown was hands down the most special experience. While the American Bar is impressive and historical, and the barmen are extremely talented, the more provocative ECC really won me over with their drinks. Quite honestly, I thought the best drink of the night was a cumin and dill-infused vodka with aquavit and salt and pepper. We're already planning on making it at home with that one rare bottle of vodka that we keep tucked away in case anyone ever asks.

At the Borough Market, we refueled on superveg veggie burgers and sides of barley salad and vegan potato salad. I was drunk, but really, I remember it hitting the spot and somehow I managed photos.

And even though we didn't do the pub thing much, we still delighted in some traditional food at Mildred's Vegetarian: Mushroom & Ale Pie with mushy peas and fries. All vegan. The mushy peas were excellent. I feel sorry for Mr. Vedge, because he ordered this and I ended up eating half of his food.

What did I order? The "Organic Energising Detox Salad". Which was also very good, and how could I ignore so many buzzwords in one menu item?

Vegan London: Saf Restaurant & Sweets.

One of the highlights of last week's trip to London was our visit to Saf Restaurant in Kensington. I was skeptical,  considering that this vegan restaurant happened to be tucked inside an enormous Whole Foods Market, but I needn't have worried. It was well worth the jaunt, so we had two meals here during our stay. It didn't feel like we were inside a supermarket food court at all.

What intrigued me about the menu was the emphasis on raw food, with about half of the menu devoted to cashew cheese plates, raw pad thai, salads, and the like. After a 4 mile walk in drizzling weather (through Soho, St. James and Hyde Park) we were ready for green juice, a Cashew Cheese Trio with dehydrated crackers and raw quince jam, Curried Kale Crisps, and that was just the beginning.

The interior itself is calm and casual, with a bar that also serves organic wine and special pitchers of ionized alkaline water (so worth it). We had the sweetest server who gave us lots of winks and thumbs ups throughout our meals. I pretty much stole her gestures and have been doing her little thumb-wink here at home. It's fucking adorable, you should see it.

 I chose the Saf Bowl, a raw medley of parsnip rice, kimchee, avocado, smoky mushrooms, and zucchini noodles, all delicious and just what I needed.

Mr. Vedge went for the Maple Glazed Tofu Bahn Mi, with a side of odd and wonderful stir-fried carrots with kelp. And yes, more kimchee.

We could not skip dessert after eyeing the mostly raw dessert menu. I opted for a lucuma and pecan crusted Pumpkin Pie with cashew cream. Then I tried Mr. Vedge's dessert, and immediately developed a case of diner envy. His White Chocolate Jasmine Tart with Apricot & Cacao Nib Crust was the best vegan dessert in London, and I don't even need to try anything else to feel confident about that. If you know how I feel about the mint sundae at Pure Food & Wine, then know that this is up there in terms of SPECIAL.

On our second visit, which we did not photograph, we had a smoked tofu salad and a curry, which were both just okay. We had the tart again (it was haunting us) and a fudge-like Lavender and Chocolate Mousse, which I also really liked. I had preferred our lunchtime visit, but it was pretty great both times and I look forward to returning.

It being London, we ate our share of vegan sweets in addition to nights full of cocktail "research". We walked everywhere, hit up a Soho yoga studio, and went to Mr. Vedge's parents' gym (conveniently located next door) every other day. So yes, desserts were pretty much mandatory.

I found some amazing wheat-free vegan cupcakes at the Whole Foods, and also perused the selection of raw chocolates and macaroons. Surprisingly, I did not like most of the raw chocolate brands that I tried there. They were much too sweet and the texture was too soft. I could not find any chocolates that were sweetened without agave. Even the almond milk that we bought for the week was agave-sweetened. So odd.

The Cat & the Cream cupcakes were quite good. I liked the interesting flavor combinations. The one I tried was Pear Hazelnut Chocolate Chip.

Hip City Veg. First Bites.

I had my first taste of Hip City Veg, Philly's newest all veg eatery, today. I've gotta say, I'm totally smitten with what owner Nicole Marquis and chef Lauren Hooks have done with the space, concept, packaging and food. Clean, smart design gives off a modern gleam, and the "fast food" satisfies on all levels, offering up the salty/fatty/sweet flavors that the human body craves, with a leaner and greener take. This is fast food with some serious sex appeal.

Hip City's sweet potato fries with black bean dip make a major case for themselves as the superior tater. The compostable fry pouch stands so that you don't have to worry about spillage, they are crisp and perfectly portioned, and the SAUCE. The cilantro-black bean dip could arguably make cardboard taste good, and I can't quite figure out what else is in it, but, really, really wonderful stuff it must be.

The Crispy HipCity Ranch is not to be missed. Mr. Vedge and I could not decide between this sandwich and the Ziggy, a classic veggie burger with tempeh and special sauce, so we attempted to split both. We each took a bite or two and then passed the sandwiches back and forth, still undecided, and then we both realized we were lingering over the Crispy Ranch, and called it king.

Being the loving wife that I am, I lied and told him that I preferred the Ziggy, and let him finish the Ranch. Well, the Ziggy was pretty wonderful, too, and one of the better veggie burgers that I have had in my life. I've had thousands and I mean that. The patty itself seemed like the basic veggie patty, but it was the seedy, wholesome bun, dripping sauce, tempeh and pickles that gave this burger its personality. It held my attention for every bite.

Back on the Ranch sandwich, it was made from a crispy vegan "chik'n" patty. Say what you will about vegan meat substitutes, this one is highly delicious and this is that one sandwich that will convince people to eat vegan more often. It's like the more educated, not-as-bad-for-you, cleaner-tasting crispy chicken sandwich of your youth (yes, I used to love these as a kid) slathered in ranch sauce. And you know that even faux chicken is less processed than the real (barely) chicken that goes in those fast food sandwiches. All the more reason to sate that craving at Hip City Veg.

We sipped on a Green Lemonade (tart, not too sweet), nibbled on a Side Caesar (jicama, plantains, well-dressed), and left thinking about the Crispy HipCity Ranch. Chef Lauren said it was the most popular, and I think it just found a few new friends.

Nail Candy.

 

Raw chocolate and organic nails. What do they have in common? Now you can indulge in both of life's best pick-me-ups at Tierra Mia Organic Spa in Rittenhouse. 

The new Chocolate Tasting Menu is a must. The $1 tasting includes 3 samples of carefully selected craft chocolate from different regions, including raw and vegan varieties. Add that on to your mani or pedi, and the most relaxing spa in Philadelphia (or anywhere, if you ask me) turns into paradise. Along with an always charming staff, organic services, and a soothing atmosphere, it's easy to see why this is one of my favorite escapes in the city.

To me, what makes a stand-out business concept is when the owners fully embrace it, and Justin and Karina are so genuinely behind their belief of the healthy salon experience. I see so many people abuse the word "organic" and "natural" that it is refreshing to see a couple that have the highest of standards, from the materials they use in the decor, to the products they offer, to the laundry detergent that they use. And of course, a strong knowledge of fine chocolate!

Even better news? I've been visiting Tierra Mia for years, pleading with them to expand, and they are! Soon, Tierra will have at least one more new location. If not a few...

Now get on over there and do what's best for your fingers, toes and tastebuds, and in case you're wondering, the Amazonia was just wonderful.

[image via Tierra Mia]

London Calling

What I'm packing for a week in London: Comfy french sneaks, organic beauty on the go from Dr. Alkaitis, Brad's Raw crackers for the plane, Melissa plastic wedges for rainy day chic

[Image of Bensimon sneakers via Garnet Hill, Dr. Alkaitis Travel Kit via Spirit Beauty Lounge, image via Brad's Raw]

Green Crispies for Breakfast

Sunday brunch at Pure Food & Wine (cashew cheese & broccoli quiche, kombucha, and my dearly beloved mint sundae) led to daytime drinking in Brooklyn. It would be our last visit to NYC for many months, so we hit up my favorite haunts, along with Mr. Vedge's cocktail bar must-visits.

After too much sun (where did it go?), gin, and several miles, we had dinner at Caravan of Dreams. I'm a big fan of their raw sampler platter with various spreads and raw bread, and I like how casual it is there. The food is always very comforting. Afterwards, we walked down the street to Mayahuel, which is where Mr. Vedge's heart beats fast, and learned a few things about sherry.

As it was meant to be, we came home on the late bus and passed out.

My morning recovery? One Lucky Duck's Crispies are my breakfast cereal of choice, and a little goes a long way. I fill my bowl with fruit and then try to ration out my Crispies so that I get a few servings out of the bag. That's the downside: they are so good that they don't last long, and they don't sell them in bigger bags. An older photo of my obsessive stock:

But you can make your own if you don't mind waiting. Based on the Maple Cinnamon Buckwheat Crispies recipe from Raw Food/Real World, I made a batch of Crispies with a splash of green (spirulina powder) for kicks. That, and I'm working spirulina powder into whatever I can. These tasted just like the Cinnamon Crispies, except they were a funky green.

Green Crispies


2 cups buckwheat groats, soaked for a few hours and then rinsed
3/4 cup maple syrup
2-3 tsp spirulina powder
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cinnamon


Combine ingredients in a food processor until you have a thick oatmeal-like consistency, adding the spirulina last.

Spread mixture onto Teflex sheets and smooth out until 1/2 inch thick.

Dehydrate at 115 degrees for 8 hours, then flip. At this point, I break it into cracker-sized pieces and dehydrate for another 2-3 hours, until crispy like a flake cereal.

I store in a tightly sealed container in the fridge, which makes it even crispier. Serve with fruit and nut milk. I even love snacking on this from the jar, it's so good.

Makes 4-6 servings.

Bonus: Your entire place will smell like cinnamon all day.

Spread it out slightly thinner than this, onto two Teflex sheets