do my comments work? not that I am CLAMOURING FOR ATTENTION or anything, but I've had no comments in the last two weeks and I have been tweaking, so leave me a comment if you can please!
If you try and have problems, you can email me on yiduiqie at gmail etc.
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
red curry noodles
Our friends J and dB have been away for a few weeks, and before they went they turned off their fridge and freezer, so we ended up with a whole lot of stuff. Amongst these surprises included half a jar of red curry paste and several containers of homemade vegie stock, so I decided to use some of it up by making some red curry noodles.
This curry paste had a much sweeter flavour than what I am used to in my curry paste (which I would ordinarily make myself), but the idea is sound!
And just this morning, dB and J returned home! What a timely posting.
red curry noodles
This was really fast and really easy. Quick dinner or lunch idea, I think!
ingredients
dried thick rice noodles - not a lot, only 200g or so
three or four tablespoons of curry paste
1 or 2 chillis, sliced
1 carrot, julienned
1 bulb bok choy
1 clove garlic, minced
1 short stalk of lemon grass
half a red capsicum, julienned
some firm tofu
half a cup of coconut milk
cup or one and a half of vegie stock
method
Soak the noodles in hot water for a minute or two, to soften, then drain and set aside. Slice the tofu and fry it in some peanut oil until it is puffy and fried. Set aside.
In a wok, throw in the carrot, capsicum, garlic and chilli. Fry in a little oil until the garlic is fragrant and the carrots are softening, then add the lemongrass and the curry paste, then the coconut milk, vegie stock, and the bok choy stalks. Put the lid on and allow to simmer for about four minutes, then add in the noodles and the bok choy leaves. Mix through, and allow to simmer until most of the liquid has been soaked up by the noodles. Serve topped with tofu.
This curry paste had a much sweeter flavour than what I am used to in my curry paste (which I would ordinarily make myself), but the idea is sound!
And just this morning, dB and J returned home! What a timely posting.
red curry noodles
This was really fast and really easy. Quick dinner or lunch idea, I think!
ingredients
dried thick rice noodles - not a lot, only 200g or so
three or four tablespoons of curry paste
1 or 2 chillis, sliced
1 carrot, julienned
1 bulb bok choy
1 clove garlic, minced
1 short stalk of lemon grass
half a red capsicum, julienned
some firm tofu
half a cup of coconut milk
cup or one and a half of vegie stock
method
Soak the noodles in hot water for a minute or two, to soften, then drain and set aside. Slice the tofu and fry it in some peanut oil until it is puffy and fried. Set aside.
In a wok, throw in the carrot, capsicum, garlic and chilli. Fry in a little oil until the garlic is fragrant and the carrots are softening, then add the lemongrass and the curry paste, then the coconut milk, vegie stock, and the bok choy stalks. Put the lid on and allow to simmer for about four minutes, then add in the noodles and the bok choy leaves. Mix through, and allow to simmer until most of the liquid has been soaked up by the noodles. Serve topped with tofu.
Monday, 29 March 2010
aduki vegan bake off
Saturday saw the Vegan Aduki Bakeoff at Kindness House! I wasn't able to attend until quite late, so Danni took my entries and entered them for me. I'll blog about my adventures and misadventures in pandan later, but I just wanted to quickly mention that Danni took a lot of pictures of delicious vegan baked goods, which you can see in full in our flickr!
Congratulations to Kristy and Em who both won categories! (exciting!)
Congratulations to Kristy and Em who both won categories! (exciting!)
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
the ability to make choices
In the post Elitism and the Movement, Prof Susurro discusses the idea that veganism as a movement has played a role in perpetuating a classist discource. She interrogates this idea, which was a riff off a post at Vegans of Colour asking does second-hand figure into your ethics equation. Prof Susurro's point was that questions that position 'choice' as the key element imply that all vegans have this choice, ie, can afford to/have the ability to make this choice. Framing it in this way erases vegans who don't fit into a middle/upper class position.
Prof Susurro's entire post is very interesting, as are the comments on both posts. The comments especially really interrogate a lot of intersections with veganism, including transphobia and feminism and racism. I know that when I write my blog, my assumption is that my audience are middle-upper class, well-educated, and (based on who comments) primarily white. And for the most part, vegan or vegetarian. I tend to assume that we are all operating from certain privileges regarding free time and class and available cash, but I acknowledge that whilst that is my reader base, that is not the reality of all vegans or vegetarians (or people who would like to be vegans or vegetarians but cannot make that choice).*
A lot of what I read around the blogosphere is about people making 'wrong' choices, and about how veganism is cheaper than other, animal-exploitative options, but statements whose base message is that fail to recognise that for some people, there is no option in there to choose.
Anyway, Prof Susurro's post really got me thinking about the ways that I can a) enable people less privileged than me to be able to make a vegan choice if they want to, and b) make veganism more accessible. It's also got me thinking about the assumptions that I make, and how judge-y I can be as a vegan sometimes. Lots of thinking. It's an interesting post! I really recommend reading it, and the comments (though some of the comments get very deraily and defensive). And if you've never encountered intersections before, it's not a bad post in which to get an introduction.
*an aside: I mostly know Malaysian and Chinese non-vegans! So if you have any Malaysian or Chinese vego buddies, please feel free to hook me up.
Prof Susurro's entire post is very interesting, as are the comments on both posts. The comments especially really interrogate a lot of intersections with veganism, including transphobia and feminism and racism. I know that when I write my blog, my assumption is that my audience are middle-upper class, well-educated, and (based on who comments) primarily white. And for the most part, vegan or vegetarian. I tend to assume that we are all operating from certain privileges regarding free time and class and available cash, but I acknowledge that whilst that is my reader base, that is not the reality of all vegans or vegetarians (or people who would like to be vegans or vegetarians but cannot make that choice).*
A lot of what I read around the blogosphere is about people making 'wrong' choices, and about how veganism is cheaper than other, animal-exploitative options, but statements whose base message is that fail to recognise that for some people, there is no option in there to choose.
Anyway, Prof Susurro's post really got me thinking about the ways that I can a) enable people less privileged than me to be able to make a vegan choice if they want to, and b) make veganism more accessible. It's also got me thinking about the assumptions that I make, and how judge-y I can be as a vegan sometimes. Lots of thinking. It's an interesting post! I really recommend reading it, and the comments (though some of the comments get very deraily and defensive). And if you've never encountered intersections before, it's not a bad post in which to get an introduction.
*an aside: I mostly know Malaysian and Chinese non-vegans! So if you have any Malaysian or Chinese vego buddies, please feel free to hook me up.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
nacho cheese nachos
After all that talk of nacho cheese dip, we finally made nachos and nacho cheese dip at the same time!
It was basically the greatest. Making both the nacho sauce and the nacho cheese at the same time doesn't add anything to the cooking time, as the nacho cheese is easy to cook whilst simmering, but I would suggest perhaps making it in advance, otherwise the nacho cheese is a bit runny. But still delicious!
I am really loving this nacho cheese dip. It goes with everything!
nacho cheese nachoes
half a red onion (diced)
one clove garlic (minced)
four tomatoes (diced)
one can refried beans
handful mushrooms (diced)
1 can kidney beans if that's your thing
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
a few shakes of oregano and parsley
two squeezes of tomato sauce
corn chips
rice if that's your thing
method
In some oil, fry the onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, parsley, and tomato sauce. Don't let the spices burn! Fry until the onion softens, then add the tomatoes and kidney beans, and leave to simmer, lid on, for ten minutes. Then add the mushrooms, and simmer lid on for another six or seven minutes. Add the refried beans and allow to heat through, then serve, topped with delicious nacho cheese.
It was basically the greatest. Making both the nacho sauce and the nacho cheese at the same time doesn't add anything to the cooking time, as the nacho cheese is easy to cook whilst simmering, but I would suggest perhaps making it in advance, otherwise the nacho cheese is a bit runny. But still delicious!
I am really loving this nacho cheese dip. It goes with everything!
nacho cheese nachoes
half a red onion (diced)
one clove garlic (minced)
four tomatoes (diced)
one can refried beans
handful mushrooms (diced)
1 can kidney beans if that's your thing
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
a few shakes of oregano and parsley
two squeezes of tomato sauce
corn chips
rice if that's your thing
method
In some oil, fry the onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, parsley, and tomato sauce. Don't let the spices burn! Fry until the onion softens, then add the tomatoes and kidney beans, and leave to simmer, lid on, for ten minutes. Then add the mushrooms, and simmer lid on for another six or seven minutes. Add the refried beans and allow to heat through, then serve, topped with delicious nacho cheese.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
adventures in kaya
One of my favourite things to eat is kaya. It's a coconut jam that is super common in Malaysia and Singapore (and under different names in other parts of SEA). It's really great in breakfast bao, and spread on toast. It's really easy to find in shops, and it's cheap, which is good because it's time consuming to make.
It's also chock full of eggs!
So it has been my ambition for some time now to perfect a vegan kaya. And I will admit, I am not quite there! But I have been having some adventures along the way.
I finally defrosted my pandan leaf. Asula claims someone in Melbourne sells them fresh, but doesn't know who or where. Does anyone know of any fresh pandan leaf for sale in the Melbourne metro area?
I made some pandan juice, and was hit with the smell of freshly mown grass, which was a little off-putting!
I whisked together a sort of eggy concoction, which is my trial and error section. I think I've got everything else down pat, it's just the working out what is a good egg replacement that is a problem! Then into the pot, eggy concoction, sugar, coconut milk, and pandan leaves!
There was lots and lots of stirring, first over water and then, when I got bored, very carefully over direct heat. And then there was kaya!
And then it SOLIDIFIED IN THE FRIDGE. Which, given it's a jam, means it didn't really work the way it should. Tasted good in the cupcakes I made later in the week, though! But not really spreadable.
Further kaya updates as they occur, so stay tuned!
It's also chock full of eggs!
So it has been my ambition for some time now to perfect a vegan kaya. And I will admit, I am not quite there! But I have been having some adventures along the way.
I finally defrosted my pandan leaf. Asula claims someone in Melbourne sells them fresh, but doesn't know who or where. Does anyone know of any fresh pandan leaf for sale in the Melbourne metro area?
I made some pandan juice, and was hit with the smell of freshly mown grass, which was a little off-putting!
I whisked together a sort of eggy concoction, which is my trial and error section. I think I've got everything else down pat, it's just the working out what is a good egg replacement that is a problem! Then into the pot, eggy concoction, sugar, coconut milk, and pandan leaves!
There was lots and lots of stirring, first over water and then, when I got bored, very carefully over direct heat. And then there was kaya!
And then it SOLIDIFIED IN THE FRIDGE. Which, given it's a jam, means it didn't really work the way it should. Tasted good in the cupcakes I made later in the week, though! But not really spreadable.
Further kaya updates as they occur, so stay tuned!
Sunday, 14 March 2010
nacho cheese dip
I made a nacho cheese dip for the recent gluten-free cheese picnic. The nacho cheese dip was very tasty, and I made it again on Friday, because I had the genius idea that I was going to put it in pizza pin wheels to take to roller derby on Saturday.
This recipe is super simple, and very versatile. I've modified it a little bit from the original recipe, so I reproduce it below, with pictures! Please note that I have followed the original recipe exactly before, and it works super fine.
nacho cheese dip, originally from schmooed food.
ingredients
one and a half cups of water
one third of a cup of raw cashews
four or five cherry peppers (or pimentos, I found this in the jar section of my IGA)
1 approximate cup of savoury yeast flakes
1 tablespoon cornflour (make sure this is gf!)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
half teaspoon salt
half teaspoon onion powder
half teaspoon garlic powder
lots of cumin, four or five shakes
method
Take the stems off the peppers, but keep the seeds in. This adds a nice bite! You don't need to measure out everything in advance, but with this recipe I like to, to make sure I have everything I'm supposed to have.
Then blend it all together! I like to blend the cashews first, to ensure that they're smooth, before adding the rest all at once.
After blending, dump the whole mixture into a small saucepan and stir constantly over medium heat for about five minutes. I like to use a fork for this, but a wooden spoon would be okay also.
After simmering, it should have thickened a bit. Remove from the heat and leave to cool, and it will thicken a bit more! If you find that it is too thick, then add a bit more water during blending or simmering stages. I, however, wanted it thick more like a spread so that I could use it for:
Vegan toasted cheese sandwiches, and pizza pinwheels! This was my first vegan cheese toasted sandwich attempt, and it was awesome! The cheese went perfectly - so perfectly in fact that I am thinking about making another lot of it this afternoon to keep in the fridge for emergency sandwiches during the week!
This recipe is super simple, and very versatile. I've modified it a little bit from the original recipe, so I reproduce it below, with pictures! Please note that I have followed the original recipe exactly before, and it works super fine.
nacho cheese dip, originally from schmooed food.
ingredients
one and a half cups of water
one third of a cup of raw cashews
four or five cherry peppers (or pimentos, I found this in the jar section of my IGA)
1 approximate cup of savoury yeast flakes
1 tablespoon cornflour (make sure this is gf!)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
half teaspoon salt
half teaspoon onion powder
half teaspoon garlic powder
lots of cumin, four or five shakes
method
Take the stems off the peppers, but keep the seeds in. This adds a nice bite! You don't need to measure out everything in advance, but with this recipe I like to, to make sure I have everything I'm supposed to have.
Then blend it all together! I like to blend the cashews first, to ensure that they're smooth, before adding the rest all at once.
After blending, dump the whole mixture into a small saucepan and stir constantly over medium heat for about five minutes. I like to use a fork for this, but a wooden spoon would be okay also.
After simmering, it should have thickened a bit. Remove from the heat and leave to cool, and it will thicken a bit more! If you find that it is too thick, then add a bit more water during blending or simmering stages. I, however, wanted it thick more like a spread so that I could use it for:
Vegan toasted cheese sandwiches, and pizza pinwheels! This was my first vegan cheese toasted sandwich attempt, and it was awesome! The cheese went perfectly - so perfectly in fact that I am thinking about making another lot of it this afternoon to keep in the fridge for emergency sandwiches during the week!
Friday, 12 March 2010
mixed vegetable and lentil curry
After several weeks of eating at a lot of restaurants, I'm trying to do a similar thing to Jess, and eat mostly at home for the next little while.
I started before Danni's parents even left, kneading the pizza dough as they loitered waiting for Danni to take them to the airport. But you have seen my standard pizzas before, so I don't really need to blog them!
Tuesday I slacked off, and we had scrambled tofu for dinner (but I made it!).
Wednesday I had the day off work, so I spent the afternoon experimenting with kaya, and then decided to cook a curry before I hurried out the door to my class. We have a lot of chillis growing on our balcony (it's awesome!), and the weather is growing colder, so I'm starting to cook a lot more curries.
mixed vegetable and lentil curry
This is sort of based on the Sindhi vegetable and lentil curry in The Asian Vegan Kitchen (pg 23). I took the basic idea and then modified it to suit what I had and what I wanted.
ingredients
half cup yellow lentils
half cup red lentils
1 teaspoon ground cumin
half teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 clove garlic
a little bit of ginger
3 fresh red chillis from my garden! (these were quite hot)
1 brown onion (diced)
4 tomatoes (diced)
2 potatoes (peeled, washed and diced roughly)
1 carrot (peeled and diced)
quarter head of cauliflower (wash well! then chop into small florets)
1 bushell spinach (wash super well, and roughly shred)
2 cups water
2 cups stock
method
Rinse the lentils, then soak in a little hot water. Saute the onion (in some oil) with the cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper and ground coriander, then add the ginger and garlic (both minced), as well as the chillis. Chillis should have been chopped, with their seeds.
After the onion starts to soften, drain the lentils and add them, as well as the tomatoes, potatoes, carrot, cauliflower and spinach, preferably in that order. I like to let the tomatoes, potatoes and carrot cook for a couple of minutes before I add the cauliflower and spinach, but you may not!
Add the stock and the water, and mix, then leave to simmer on medium to low, covered, for about 25 - 30 minutes.
This is a tiny bit spicy! Also very liquidy, perfect for rice and roti.
I started before Danni's parents even left, kneading the pizza dough as they loitered waiting for Danni to take them to the airport. But you have seen my standard pizzas before, so I don't really need to blog them!
Tuesday I slacked off, and we had scrambled tofu for dinner (but I made it!).
Wednesday I had the day off work, so I spent the afternoon experimenting with kaya, and then decided to cook a curry before I hurried out the door to my class. We have a lot of chillis growing on our balcony (it's awesome!), and the weather is growing colder, so I'm starting to cook a lot more curries.
mixed vegetable and lentil curry
This is sort of based on the Sindhi vegetable and lentil curry in The Asian Vegan Kitchen (pg 23). I took the basic idea and then modified it to suit what I had and what I wanted.
ingredients
half cup yellow lentils
half cup red lentils
1 teaspoon ground cumin
half teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 clove garlic
a little bit of ginger
3 fresh red chillis from my garden! (these were quite hot)
1 brown onion (diced)
4 tomatoes (diced)
2 potatoes (peeled, washed and diced roughly)
1 carrot (peeled and diced)
quarter head of cauliflower (wash well! then chop into small florets)
1 bushell spinach (wash super well, and roughly shred)
2 cups water
2 cups stock
method
Rinse the lentils, then soak in a little hot water. Saute the onion (in some oil) with the cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper and ground coriander, then add the ginger and garlic (both minced), as well as the chillis. Chillis should have been chopped, with their seeds.
After the onion starts to soften, drain the lentils and add them, as well as the tomatoes, potatoes, carrot, cauliflower and spinach, preferably in that order. I like to let the tomatoes, potatoes and carrot cook for a couple of minutes before I add the cauliflower and spinach, but you may not!
Add the stock and the water, and mix, then leave to simmer on medium to low, covered, for about 25 - 30 minutes.
This is a tiny bit spicy! Also very liquidy, perfect for rice and roti.
Thursday, 11 March 2010
high tech burrito, hawthorn
I have got to go to less restaurants for a bit! I know, I know. And I have stopped! In my defense, a) ate this two weeks ago, and b) am feeling a bit unwell so want to make an easy post!
After you bookmark this post, and then try this burrito, you will thank me for it!
disclaimer: burrito pictured belonged to Danni, some weeks before I visited
High Tech Burrito is just down the road from my office! Usually I try to take leftovers for lunch, but after all the hanging with parents and stuff this wasn't really possible, so I went to High Tech Burrito.
They have a range of things (mostly burritos), and you can mix and match and they know what vegan means! Tofu can be swapped in to replace any meat. Under pressure, I went for the California, which had lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo, black beans, brown rice and salsa. It was delicious!
It is a little bit of a hike from my office (ten minutes walk) but it is worth it. Will nom again!
I am not sure about their gf status!
High Tech Burrito
838 Glenferrie Road
Hawthorn
After you bookmark this post, and then try this burrito, you will thank me for it!
disclaimer: burrito pictured belonged to Danni, some weeks before I visited
High Tech Burrito is just down the road from my office! Usually I try to take leftovers for lunch, but after all the hanging with parents and stuff this wasn't really possible, so I went to High Tech Burrito.
They have a range of things (mostly burritos), and you can mix and match and they know what vegan means! Tofu can be swapped in to replace any meat. Under pressure, I went for the California, which had lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo, black beans, brown rice and salsa. It was delicious!
It is a little bit of a hike from my office (ten minutes walk) but it is worth it. Will nom again!
I am not sure about their gf status!
High Tech Burrito
838 Glenferrie Road
Hawthorn
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
out and about over the long weekend
I've already blogged about the delicious lasagna at the vegie bar, but we ate at a few other places over the weekend!
After the storm on Saturday, we didn't want to venture too far from home so we popped on over to the EBC.
Trashy and familiar, I elected to eat the classic vegan parma at the EBC. Danni went for the shepherd's pie (TVP and potatoes and vegan cheese, I think) from the specials board. This was really tasty!
We shared a cherry ripe cheesecake. Who could go past such a delight?
I know several people have had some terrible service at the EBC lately, but Saturday night our service was prompt and friendly, some of the bar staff were even cheerful!
Maybe it was the weather?
Went to Shakahari, had the Kali Tunis, which was delicious (oh Malaysian curries, I love you), light but with a chilli bite that didn't hit until after. I know it's hard to see, but it's at the back of the photo! Oh, composition! My strawberry daiquiri was a bit light on with the alcohol, but my mango crumble was delicious, and Danni's highlight of the meal.
Also went to Lord of the Fries (Melbourne Central), I have got to stop ordering a burger and sharing a box of chips just with Danni, it is too much delicious trashy food, and I feel uncomfortable for ages.
Failed to get a seat at A Minor Place, this is what happens when you try to do brunch on a public holiday in Brunswick.
Meal lowlight of the weekend: going to Sugardough with J and dB just before Danni's family arrived, and the vegan cake sitting there on display, but not being allowed to eat it. Just cut the cake for me! LET ME EAT IT, SUGAR DOUGH.
We actually considered buying the whole cake, and in hindsight, probably should have. Because they're DELICIOUS.
East Brunswick Club
280 Lygon Street
East Brunswick
Shakahari
201-203 Faraday St
Carlton
Lord of the Fries
Knox Lane
Melbourne Central
Sugardough
163 Lygon St
Brunswick East
After the storm on Saturday, we didn't want to venture too far from home so we popped on over to the EBC.
Trashy and familiar, I elected to eat the classic vegan parma at the EBC. Danni went for the shepherd's pie (TVP and potatoes and vegan cheese, I think) from the specials board. This was really tasty!
We shared a cherry ripe cheesecake. Who could go past such a delight?
I know several people have had some terrible service at the EBC lately, but Saturday night our service was prompt and friendly, some of the bar staff were even cheerful!
Maybe it was the weather?
Went to Shakahari, had the Kali Tunis, which was delicious (oh Malaysian curries, I love you), light but with a chilli bite that didn't hit until after. I know it's hard to see, but it's at the back of the photo! Oh, composition! My strawberry daiquiri was a bit light on with the alcohol, but my mango crumble was delicious, and Danni's highlight of the meal.
Also went to Lord of the Fries (Melbourne Central), I have got to stop ordering a burger and sharing a box of chips just with Danni, it is too much delicious trashy food, and I feel uncomfortable for ages.
Failed to get a seat at A Minor Place, this is what happens when you try to do brunch on a public holiday in Brunswick.
Meal lowlight of the weekend: going to Sugardough with J and dB just before Danni's family arrived, and the vegan cake sitting there on display, but not being allowed to eat it. Just cut the cake for me! LET ME EAT IT, SUGAR DOUGH.
We actually considered buying the whole cake, and in hindsight, probably should have. Because they're DELICIOUS.
East Brunswick Club
280 Lygon Street
East Brunswick
Shakahari
201-203 Faraday St
Carlton
Lord of the Fries
Knox Lane
Melbourne Central
Sugardough
163 Lygon St
Brunswick East
Sunday, 7 March 2010
vegie bar ii
I've been to Vegie Bar three times in the last fortnight! This is more than I ever have previously!
The first visit was because I was working in the area, and feeling a little unwell I had their soup of the day. 12pm on a Wednesday afternoon, the service was good and it was kind of quiet, and the pumpkin soup was just what I needed to get through the day. No photos, but thanks for the soup.
The second visit was with T, who met me after my FOE shift last week to borrow a book and to hang. We wandered in to Vegie Bar because I knew there'd be desserts I could eat, and it was close by. This crumble was lovely! Not the greatest crumble ever, and a bit runnier than I like my crumbles, but the rhubarb was tart and it was quite nice.
The third visit was this morning with Danni's parents and one (1) sibling, who are here visiting. We've eaten other places whilst they've been here, which I will review in a bit (they're all the standards that we visit quite often), but I needed to mention what I had for lunch:
Let me describe this piece of magnificence for you. This vegan lasagna (at only $12 from the specials board) featured seitan and smoked tofu bolognaise (OMG), with a bechamel sauce, and was covered in vegan cheese and more of the bolognaise. It was served with a light, crisp garlic bread, and a fairly average garden salad. But this lasagna was amazing. The best I've eaten in an absolute age. I would eat it again tomorrow, definitely.
Danni ordered the tofu wrap, and she was totally jealous of my lunch, though she says hers was perfectly fine. Fine but not AMAZING WOW.
Don't fear! I'm not suddenly in love with the Vegie Bar. But it was good. Maybe I think more highly of it than I used to.
Previous visit to Vegie Bar here.
The Vegie Bar
378 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy
The first visit was because I was working in the area, and feeling a little unwell I had their soup of the day. 12pm on a Wednesday afternoon, the service was good and it was kind of quiet, and the pumpkin soup was just what I needed to get through the day. No photos, but thanks for the soup.
The second visit was with T, who met me after my FOE shift last week to borrow a book and to hang. We wandered in to Vegie Bar because I knew there'd be desserts I could eat, and it was close by. This crumble was lovely! Not the greatest crumble ever, and a bit runnier than I like my crumbles, but the rhubarb was tart and it was quite nice.
The third visit was this morning with Danni's parents and one (1) sibling, who are here visiting. We've eaten other places whilst they've been here, which I will review in a bit (they're all the standards that we visit quite often), but I needed to mention what I had for lunch:
Let me describe this piece of magnificence for you. This vegan lasagna (at only $12 from the specials board) featured seitan and smoked tofu bolognaise (OMG), with a bechamel sauce, and was covered in vegan cheese and more of the bolognaise. It was served with a light, crisp garlic bread, and a fairly average garden salad. But this lasagna was amazing. The best I've eaten in an absolute age. I would eat it again tomorrow, definitely.
Danni ordered the tofu wrap, and she was totally jealous of my lunch, though she says hers was perfectly fine. Fine but not AMAZING WOW.
Don't fear! I'm not suddenly in love with the Vegie Bar. But it was good. Maybe I think more highly of it than I used to.
Previous visit to Vegie Bar here.
The Vegie Bar
378 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy
Friday, 5 March 2010
plush pizza iii, hawthorn
I keep forgetting to blog about our most recent visit to Plush Pizza!
This was Tuesday last week, after my parents and my sister went back to Perth. I was not feeling well, and considered suggesting that some errant family member had left me with a cold!
So anyway, as I wasn't feeling very well we only shared one large and one small pizza between the three of us. We picked the primavera pizza for the large, and (OF COURSE) the garlic for the small.
The primavera was okay, but nothing special. A perfectly servicable pizza, but if I'm going to go to a vegetarian pizza place I don't really want pizza that I can get at any old pizza place.
Still want to try the chunky and the aztec. And some other things.
Previous visits: one, two.
Plush Pizza
85 Burwood Road
Hawthorn
GF options (including bases) available
This was Tuesday last week, after my parents and my sister went back to Perth. I was not feeling well, and considered suggesting that some errant family member had left me with a cold!
So anyway, as I wasn't feeling very well we only shared one large and one small pizza between the three of us. We picked the primavera pizza for the large, and (OF COURSE) the garlic for the small.
The primavera was okay, but nothing special. A perfectly servicable pizza, but if I'm going to go to a vegetarian pizza place I don't really want pizza that I can get at any old pizza place.
Still want to try the chunky and the aztec. And some other things.
Previous visits: one, two.
Plush Pizza
85 Burwood Road
Hawthorn
GF options (including bases) available
Monday, 1 March 2010
last day of chinese new year / out at enlightened cuisine
The foods we eat at Chinese New Year are important: there is a symbolism there, we don't just eat them for tradition, we eat them because of superstition. That's not to deny that custom is involved, because it is, but its primary function is symbolic in nature.
We eat fish(鱼), for prosperity, and abundance.
We eat chicken(鸡), for happiness.
We eat noodles to bring us a long life.
We give oranges as a symbol that we wish our friends to be wealthy.
We eat peanuts for long life.
We share these dishes, passing them back and cross the table, dipping in with our chopsticks, to indicate that we wish these things for one another, that we want to share these things with our loved ones.
This is part of the reason why the hardest part about my veganism for my mother was not veganising foods, but coming to terms with the fact that we could no longer share in this way during Chinese New Year. And this is why mock meats exist, you know, for exactly this reason.
Yesterday was the last day of Chinese New Year, so Em and Jo joined us at Enlighted Cuisine for one last CNY noodle sharing. The table across from us had yee sang, and oh I considered it for half a second, but put it aside for next year - next year we'll go to EC for yee sang, and lo hei it all up.
We ordered the lemon chicken, and we ordered an assam fish (the fish was deliciousness, though could have done with more sauce). Of course (of course) we ordered noodles, Em and I would have it no other way. We ordered some gailan, which was beautifully gingery, and we loaded up with chillis, both fresh and otherwise, which were tangy and spicy (in the case of the sambal, very spicy).
I wanted yee mee, but we went for the mee goreng, which was gently flavoured with curry powder (my favourite way of serving mee goreng).
EC was full of people doing both 15th day of the month stuff, and last day of CNY stuff, and it was nice. Sad it was so cold!
We eat fish(鱼), for prosperity, and abundance.
We eat chicken(鸡), for happiness.
We eat noodles to bring us a long life.
We give oranges as a symbol that we wish our friends to be wealthy.
We eat peanuts for long life.
We share these dishes, passing them back and cross the table, dipping in with our chopsticks, to indicate that we wish these things for one another, that we want to share these things with our loved ones.
This is part of the reason why the hardest part about my veganism for my mother was not veganising foods, but coming to terms with the fact that we could no longer share in this way during Chinese New Year. And this is why mock meats exist, you know, for exactly this reason.
Yesterday was the last day of Chinese New Year, so Em and Jo joined us at Enlighted Cuisine for one last CNY noodle sharing. The table across from us had yee sang, and oh I considered it for half a second, but put it aside for next year - next year we'll go to EC for yee sang, and lo hei it all up.
We ordered the lemon chicken, and we ordered an assam fish (the fish was deliciousness, though could have done with more sauce). Of course (of course) we ordered noodles, Em and I would have it no other way. We ordered some gailan, which was beautifully gingery, and we loaded up with chillis, both fresh and otherwise, which were tangy and spicy (in the case of the sambal, very spicy).
I wanted yee mee, but we went for the mee goreng, which was gently flavoured with curry powder (my favourite way of serving mee goreng).
EC was full of people doing both 15th day of the month stuff, and last day of CNY stuff, and it was nice. Sad it was so cold!
Sunday, 28 February 2010
vegan + gluten-free picnic potluck
So, I don't want to be the Spaminator or anything, so I've been holding off waiting for other people to post to Planet VeGMeL, but I am impatient and eager and cannot wait! And so I bring to you now:
THE STORY OF A GLUTEN-FREE VEGAN PICNIC POTLUCK
(please come back for updates as I link to other bloggers and posts)
On Friday afternoon I hurried out of work and jumped on the train, impatient to arrive home. I dashed off the train and to the house, straight up the stairs and into the kitchen, pausing only to kiss Danni hello.
I had important cooking to do!
But before all this: I woke up and marinated some tempeh in a mixture of tamari, garlic and sesame oil.
And before this: I cooked dinner Thursday night, and as the beans simmered, I prepared a nacho cheesy dip.
We were going to a potluck!
Kristy is new to the world of gluten-free living. Prior to this, she had been planning a cheese-themed picnic potluck for Friday afternoon, so she modified it to a gluten-free and maybe cheesy (vegan OF COURSE) picnic potluck. So keep in mind as you look at these delicious foods that everything that follows is vegan, gluten-free, and VERY TASTY.
So, you may be thinking, in what did all Steph's rushing about result? Well, I am glad you asked! It resulted in an amazing nacho cheese dip, about which I will blog (in detail) shortly. It tasted just like nacho cheese doritos, it was excellent! I do wish that we'd perhaps allowed it to soften a bit before we'd served it, as it was a bit on the solid side. And, since we were a bit time poor, Danni made a guacamole to accompany it.
We rounded out with a quickly thrown-together set of sushi - it's the perfect picnic food, though admittedly not very cheesy!
Cindy and Michael astounded us with these cheese and sausage stick things - they were pretty nifty! I really enjoyed both their taste and the novelty factor (cheese and sausage on a stick! Reminds me of primary school).
I know (because she told me) that Jo really wanted to stick with the cheese theme, so went with 'things you might find on a cheese platter.' I think she should be commended for commitment to accuracy, because the mushroom pate she made included a thin film of oil across the top, similar to one you might find on actual pate. (gross but) Awesome! :o) The recipe she used was this one here.
Her submission also included an olive tapenade, no opinion on its awesomeness because I can't stand olives.
Vicki managed to track down the mysterious and elusive (and expensive) vegan and gluten-free pastry, rumoured to exist somewhere in the supermarkets of Melbourne. With this critical item in hand, she rocked in with spinach and 'cheese' sausage rolls! The pastry was a bit crumbly (to be expected, as Vicki reported it was falling apart as she tried to roll it), but the filling was delicious and it was an excellent and tasty addition to our picnic! She has blogged the recipe here.
In VERY delicious news, Bec and Craig turned up with some amazing potato products. Craig made some potato cakes, which I am going to attempt to replicate ASAP, and because Craig refuses to blog, I am also going to replicate the recipe here shortly, so that everyone else can try them. They were deep-fried battered fatty potato goodness, they were so tasty. I want to make these for Amanda immediately!
Then Bec produced this mashed potato. "So what?" you might say. "Anyone can do mashed potato." Well, anyone can do mash potato, but this mash potato included some Tofutti sour cream, and I have never done that before but I am totally going to do it from now onwards. It added something awesome to the potatoes (I love potatoes).
Kristy and Toby made some cheese-related items. Toby made a goat's cheese sort of thing, that a lot of people declared was more like a loaf, and Kristy made this cheesy dip - I didn't try either of these, they were on the wrong side of the blanket and I was too full! Hooray picnics!
I didn't manage to sample everything savoury, nor did I get close-ups of everything. Some of the stuff I missed: a beetroot salad; crumbed tofu (actually I tried this, it was like fish fingers); strawberries; more chocolate things; olives; more chocolate things; a rice salad; crackers; and apparently my feet. And apparently also whatever Johanna made, but I'm sure I ate it. Hmm.
I am really enjoying this obsession with ice cream. Every picnic, every gathering, it seems we have amazing ice cream with which to contend. This potluck, fantastically, was no different! Cindy pulled out a raspberry ripple coconut ice cream, constructed at Craig's request. What an amazing idea! This idea, plus the execution of the potato cakes, may possibly have made Craig the winner of the potluck, but that is open to a vote and he would have to contend with Kristy's blueberry cheesecake ice cream! BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE ICE CREAM. My word, we may be vegans but we do not sacrifice taste and deliciousness, I hope that is obvious.
There were other dessert things, some of which I tried, many of which I did not. I made the tactical error of trying the chocolate goods before any other sweets (aside from the ice cream, of course, which had to be eaten first before it melted, oh the horror). I really have to remember that chocolate, in bulk, does not agree with me, and there was a large number of chocolate sweets with which to contend, including chocolate balls and a number of slices (not all of which are pictured below, mostly because my camera skills - and the fading light - failed me).
Other sweets included carrot muffins with cream cheese frosting by Vicki, buttery cupcakes by Carla, and a pear torte by Bec (the latter of which was so rich). Also pumpkin cheesecake brownies.
There should be more picnics. Because they're awesome.
all photos here
THE STORY OF A GLUTEN-FREE VEGAN PICNIC POTLUCK
(please come back for updates as I link to other bloggers and posts)
On Friday afternoon I hurried out of work and jumped on the train, impatient to arrive home. I dashed off the train and to the house, straight up the stairs and into the kitchen, pausing only to kiss Danni hello.
I had important cooking to do!
But before all this: I woke up and marinated some tempeh in a mixture of tamari, garlic and sesame oil.
And before this: I cooked dinner Thursday night, and as the beans simmered, I prepared a nacho cheesy dip.
We were going to a potluck!
Kristy is new to the world of gluten-free living. Prior to this, she had been planning a cheese-themed picnic potluck for Friday afternoon, so she modified it to a gluten-free and maybe cheesy (vegan OF COURSE) picnic potluck. So keep in mind as you look at these delicious foods that everything that follows is vegan, gluten-free, and VERY TASTY.
So, you may be thinking, in what did all Steph's rushing about result? Well, I am glad you asked! It resulted in an amazing nacho cheese dip, about which I will blog (in detail) shortly. It tasted just like nacho cheese doritos, it was excellent! I do wish that we'd perhaps allowed it to soften a bit before we'd served it, as it was a bit on the solid side. And, since we were a bit time poor, Danni made a guacamole to accompany it.
We rounded out with a quickly thrown-together set of sushi - it's the perfect picnic food, though admittedly not very cheesy!
Cindy and Michael astounded us with these cheese and sausage stick things - they were pretty nifty! I really enjoyed both their taste and the novelty factor (cheese and sausage on a stick! Reminds me of primary school).
I know (because she told me) that Jo really wanted to stick with the cheese theme, so went with 'things you might find on a cheese platter.' I think she should be commended for commitment to accuracy, because the mushroom pate she made included a thin film of oil across the top, similar to one you might find on actual pate. (gross but) Awesome! :o) The recipe she used was this one here.
Her submission also included an olive tapenade, no opinion on its awesomeness because I can't stand olives.
Vicki managed to track down the mysterious and elusive (and expensive) vegan and gluten-free pastry, rumoured to exist somewhere in the supermarkets of Melbourne. With this critical item in hand, she rocked in with spinach and 'cheese' sausage rolls! The pastry was a bit crumbly (to be expected, as Vicki reported it was falling apart as she tried to roll it), but the filling was delicious and it was an excellent and tasty addition to our picnic! She has blogged the recipe here.
In VERY delicious news, Bec and Craig turned up with some amazing potato products. Craig made some potato cakes, which I am going to attempt to replicate ASAP, and because Craig refuses to blog, I am also going to replicate the recipe here shortly, so that everyone else can try them. They were deep-fried battered fatty potato goodness, they were so tasty. I want to make these for Amanda immediately!
Then Bec produced this mashed potato. "So what?" you might say. "Anyone can do mashed potato." Well, anyone can do mash potato, but this mash potato included some Tofutti sour cream, and I have never done that before but I am totally going to do it from now onwards. It added something awesome to the potatoes (I love potatoes).
Kristy and Toby made some cheese-related items. Toby made a goat's cheese sort of thing, that a lot of people declared was more like a loaf, and Kristy made this cheesy dip - I didn't try either of these, they were on the wrong side of the blanket and I was too full! Hooray picnics!
I didn't manage to sample everything savoury, nor did I get close-ups of everything. Some of the stuff I missed: a beetroot salad; crumbed tofu (actually I tried this, it was like fish fingers); strawberries; more chocolate things; olives; more chocolate things; a rice salad; crackers; and apparently my feet. And apparently also whatever Johanna made, but I'm sure I ate it. Hmm.
I am really enjoying this obsession with ice cream. Every picnic, every gathering, it seems we have amazing ice cream with which to contend. This potluck, fantastically, was no different! Cindy pulled out a raspberry ripple coconut ice cream, constructed at Craig's request. What an amazing idea! This idea, plus the execution of the potato cakes, may possibly have made Craig the winner of the potluck, but that is open to a vote and he would have to contend with Kristy's blueberry cheesecake ice cream! BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE ICE CREAM. My word, we may be vegans but we do not sacrifice taste and deliciousness, I hope that is obvious.
There were other dessert things, some of which I tried, many of which I did not. I made the tactical error of trying the chocolate goods before any other sweets (aside from the ice cream, of course, which had to be eaten first before it melted, oh the horror). I really have to remember that chocolate, in bulk, does not agree with me, and there was a large number of chocolate sweets with which to contend, including chocolate balls and a number of slices (not all of which are pictured below, mostly because my camera skills - and the fading light - failed me).
Other sweets included carrot muffins with cream cheese frosting by Vicki, buttery cupcakes by Carla, and a pear torte by Bec (the latter of which was so rich). Also pumpkin cheesecake brownies.
There should be more picnics. Because they're awesome.
all photos here
Saturday, 27 February 2010
out and about; or, CNY noms with my family
The first thing we did with my family, of course, was go in hunt of some noodles to share. We wanted to go to Idea Fine Foods for their excellent combination of CNY and noodles but, alas, they have closed! Warm and hungry and slightly grumpy, we turned around and went to the Thai restaurant across the road, Sawasdee.
Up the stairs we found the mezzanine busy, but were quickly seated even without a reservation. Our waiter claimed that there was no fish sauce or shrimp paste in the vegetarian curry, so we took him at his word and ordered a green tofu curry and a dish of noodles. The curry was spicy but quite flavoursome, and it was a good meal. And there was a guy playing a piano! Which made me laugh.
On Sunday we jumped on the train and ventured out to Box Hill for yum cha. We were excited! I love going to Vegie Hut for a nice combination of yum cha menu and lunch menu, but upon our arrival we were disappointed to find out that, due to CNY, there was no lunch menu available! Only limited yum cha, and a special Chinese New Year menu. We can eat a CNY menu anywhere, we were there for yum cha! No radish cakes, no taro cakes, which was a bit disappointing, and if you can't order noodles than what is the point? Still, the grilled dumplings were good, as was the sticky rice, and we finally tried the four seasons buns. A word to vegans - the green bun is definitely kaya, which always contains egg (it is next on my list of Malaysian treats to veganise).
We ended up at Penang Affair on Brunswick Street for dinner. The uncle there was delighted to meet my mother, with whom he immediately started chatting (in Hokkien) to work out if they knew any of the same people (they did not, although they did remember the same restaurants of the streets of Georgetown some forty years ago).
My parents started with some popiah (vegatarian but contains egg so not vegan), which mum declared 'okay, not quite soft enough.'
Of course (of course!) we ordered a CKT, because I love the CKTs available at Penang Affair. We also ordered a couple of serves of roti, a sayor campor, and a really great gulai campor. The gulai campor was seriously delicious, and went perfectly with the roti. I also ordered a spectacular cocktail, containing a whole lot of fresh chillies, that was a little too much for me to finish.
Monday morning saw us at Grigons and Orr, to which I have been eager to return since our first visit in December. I ordered the pan-fried tofu in soy sauce, with a side of baked beans. It was delicious, but I'll be honest - it was nowhere near as delicious as the cous cous porridge of my previous visit. Orange juice was pretty tasty, and Julie really liked her mushrooms and toast (and her hashbrowns, which are not suitable for vegans).
We adventured out to St Kilda, where we had lunch at Lentil As Anything. My mum had watched a documentary (or something?) on Lentil as Anything, and was saddened to hear he was running out of money so was particularly interested in going. There were a lot of things not on the menu on Monday, and we suspect it's because their vegetable delivery had yet to arrive (it turned up as we were leaving). So my parents shared the mixed curry plate, and Julie and I both ordered the okonomiyaki. It was massive! Delicious, but massive, I had to grab a container from the Spud Bar next door and take the remainder home!
For Monday dinner we hit up Shakahari, dressing up and ordering cocktails. Danni and I shared the potato gnocci which was served in a tamari sauce with snow peas - it was odd but tasty. My parents shared the soup of the day, it had almonds and broccolini which didn't appeal to me but was apparently very good.
For mains I tackled the 'memory of medina,' cous cous with an eggplant curry. My mother, Malaysian to the core, picked the Malaysian curry. Danni and my sister both opted for the pie, filled with mushrooms and accompanied by giant garden salads. All verdicts were good, and my father decided that this was the best vegetarian restaurant I had brought him to all weekend, which is a compliment I suppose.
Then on to dessert, for which I was glad I had kept room, for Danni and I shared the mango rice pudding and it was delicious, oh so lovely. My parents had the fruit crumble which was light and tasty, and my sister the mango sorbet. Mangos all around! As it should be.
On Tuesday I took them to the airport, and that was the end of our CNY adventures with my parents (not, of course, the end of CNY adventures as there is yet time!)! It was super awesome that they were able to come across to share noodles and traditions with us, and bring us CNY goodies and an adorable tiger, as is custom.
There could have been more noodles, though.
Sawasdee
Level 1 139 Little Bourke Street
Melbourne
Vegie Hut
984 Whitehorse Rd
Box Hill
Penang Affair
325 Brunswick St
Fitzroy
Grigons & Orr
Corner of Queensberry St and Chetwynd St
North Melbourne
Lentil As Anything
41 Blessington St
St Kilda
Shakahari
201-203 Faraday St
Carlton
Up the stairs we found the mezzanine busy, but were quickly seated even without a reservation. Our waiter claimed that there was no fish sauce or shrimp paste in the vegetarian curry, so we took him at his word and ordered a green tofu curry and a dish of noodles. The curry was spicy but quite flavoursome, and it was a good meal. And there was a guy playing a piano! Which made me laugh.
On Sunday we jumped on the train and ventured out to Box Hill for yum cha. We were excited! I love going to Vegie Hut for a nice combination of yum cha menu and lunch menu, but upon our arrival we were disappointed to find out that, due to CNY, there was no lunch menu available! Only limited yum cha, and a special Chinese New Year menu. We can eat a CNY menu anywhere, we were there for yum cha! No radish cakes, no taro cakes, which was a bit disappointing, and if you can't order noodles than what is the point? Still, the grilled dumplings were good, as was the sticky rice, and we finally tried the four seasons buns. A word to vegans - the green bun is definitely kaya, which always contains egg (it is next on my list of Malaysian treats to veganise).
We ended up at Penang Affair on Brunswick Street for dinner. The uncle there was delighted to meet my mother, with whom he immediately started chatting (in Hokkien) to work out if they knew any of the same people (they did not, although they did remember the same restaurants of the streets of Georgetown some forty years ago).
My parents started with some popiah (vegatarian but contains egg so not vegan), which mum declared 'okay, not quite soft enough.'
Of course (of course!) we ordered a CKT, because I love the CKTs available at Penang Affair. We also ordered a couple of serves of roti, a sayor campor, and a really great gulai campor. The gulai campor was seriously delicious, and went perfectly with the roti. I also ordered a spectacular cocktail, containing a whole lot of fresh chillies, that was a little too much for me to finish.
Monday morning saw us at Grigons and Orr, to which I have been eager to return since our first visit in December. I ordered the pan-fried tofu in soy sauce, with a side of baked beans. It was delicious, but I'll be honest - it was nowhere near as delicious as the cous cous porridge of my previous visit. Orange juice was pretty tasty, and Julie really liked her mushrooms and toast (and her hashbrowns, which are not suitable for vegans).
We adventured out to St Kilda, where we had lunch at Lentil As Anything. My mum had watched a documentary (or something?) on Lentil as Anything, and was saddened to hear he was running out of money so was particularly interested in going. There were a lot of things not on the menu on Monday, and we suspect it's because their vegetable delivery had yet to arrive (it turned up as we were leaving). So my parents shared the mixed curry plate, and Julie and I both ordered the okonomiyaki. It was massive! Delicious, but massive, I had to grab a container from the Spud Bar next door and take the remainder home!
For Monday dinner we hit up Shakahari, dressing up and ordering cocktails. Danni and I shared the potato gnocci which was served in a tamari sauce with snow peas - it was odd but tasty. My parents shared the soup of the day, it had almonds and broccolini which didn't appeal to me but was apparently very good.
For mains I tackled the 'memory of medina,' cous cous with an eggplant curry. My mother, Malaysian to the core, picked the Malaysian curry. Danni and my sister both opted for the pie, filled with mushrooms and accompanied by giant garden salads. All verdicts were good, and my father decided that this was the best vegetarian restaurant I had brought him to all weekend, which is a compliment I suppose.
Then on to dessert, for which I was glad I had kept room, for Danni and I shared the mango rice pudding and it was delicious, oh so lovely. My parents had the fruit crumble which was light and tasty, and my sister the mango sorbet. Mangos all around! As it should be.
On Tuesday I took them to the airport, and that was the end of our CNY adventures with my parents (not, of course, the end of CNY adventures as there is yet time!)! It was super awesome that they were able to come across to share noodles and traditions with us, and bring us CNY goodies and an adorable tiger, as is custom.
There could have been more noodles, though.
Sawasdee
Level 1 139 Little Bourke Street
Melbourne
Vegie Hut
984 Whitehorse Rd
Box Hill
Penang Affair
325 Brunswick St
Fitzroy
Grigons & Orr
Corner of Queensberry St and Chetwynd St
North Melbourne
Lentil As Anything
41 Blessington St
St Kilda
Shakahari
201-203 Faraday St
Carlton
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
