HookedOnPlants

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Breakfast

Matcha Date Overnight Buckwheat Oats | 2 Ways

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If easy is what you’re lookin’ for. Search no further.

This bowl of goodness is just a few easy steps away.

It’s packed with nutrients and energizing pizzazz!

Plant protein, antioxidants, and lots’a fibre make this a fantastical breakfast to fuel what ever your day has ahead.

You can even make this into grab and go Jules Fuel balls.

For those of you who don’t know, I’m a cereal entrepreneur, literally.

I started Jules Fuel in 2012 after I retired from 6 years on the Ski Cross World Cup tour with the National team. I used to bring a similar breakfast blend on the road with me, so I knew that I’d at least have a healthy breakfast. I decided to bag it up, hit up Farmer’s Markets and grocery stores to share my cereal with those in search of a healthy, quick, delish breaki!

The original (on the left) is the Quinoa Breakfast Blend aka quinoa oatmeal packed with superfoods!

If you want to make it yourself here’s what’s in it: quinoa, oats, goji berries, chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and raisins, that’s it.

This one needs 10 minutes of cooking, and you’re good to go (I always make the whole bag, or a week’s worth, so it’s ready to bowl up in the morning with my fave toppings).

The 2 new Jules Fuel cereals on the block are Matcha Date or Blueberry Cacao Overnight Buckwheat Oats.

These buckwheat oats bring the base of buckwheat, oats and a tiny bit of coconut sugar, and they’re topped off with either blueberry powder and cacao nibs, or matcha powder and date chunks (my personal fave).

There’s no cooking needed for these ones! Just soak these power oats overnight in your favourite plant milk (I love unsweetened vanilla soy or oat milk) and see ya in the AM!

I mean…. it’s too easy not to!

Of course, you can cook them if you want!

I’ve got both recipes for you here.

  1. Soak it
  2. The quick cook featuring bananas

Happy Breakfasting!!


Matcha Date or Blueberry Cacao Overnight Buckwheat Oats | 2 Ways
 
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An easy, nutritious, energizing breakfast to fuel your day!
Author:
Recipe type: breakfast
Serves: 2-3
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Jules Fuel overnight buckwheat oats (or your own mix of oats, buckwheat, a little coconut sugar and favourite superfoods)
  • ¾-1 cup plant milk
Instructions
  1. Add oat mixture and milk to a mason jar or tupperware. Shake it up.
  2. Keep in the fridge for at least 1 hour or over night.
  3. Top it with your favourite toppings: coconut yogurt, fruit, maple syrup, or nuts!


Banana Matcha Buckwheat Oats
 
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Buckwheat oats to fuel your day with energizing nutrients, fibre and antioxidants! The matcha gives you a natural caffeine boost, and the dates with the banana sweeten up these superfood oats. Eat this and you won't need your coffee!
Author:
Recipe type: breakfast, snack
Serves: 1-2
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Jules Fuel Matcha Date Buckwheat Oats
  • 1 cup plant-milk of choice
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed

  • Toppings options:
  • Molasses
  • Maple syrup
  • Berries or any other fruit
  • Coconut flakes
  • Coconut (or almond/soy/cashew) yogurt
  • Nut butter
  • Chopped pecans/walnuts/brazil nuts
Instructions
  1. Heat the Jules Fuel, milk and banana up on the stove at medium heat. Stir and cover for 5 minutes.
  2. In the meantime, get your toppings ready to party.
  3. Serve the buckwheat oats up in your favourite bowl, and top it to the nines. Indulge.

Tag @hookedonplants and @julesfuelyum if you make this! I love to see your creations.

Top 12 Vegan Recipes of 2018

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It’s almost 2019!

Which means, second to the top vegan recipes of 2018… you may be looking back on the ebbs and flows of the last year…your successes, your learning experiences, your highlights, your epiphanies… Life is full of change and it is truly a game if you learn to accept that.

Never take things too personally to too seriously… Live with acceptance that you don’t know all the answers… Give that direction you’re weirdly pulled to a chance… Put time into the passions you know you have, and if you haven’t found your passion, then be patient, have an open mind, and follow your gut…

Do things that make you happy and be with people who bring you up to be your best you.

Whew, where did that come from!?

Pretty much, life is ever-changing, you are ever-growing. Annnnnd, without getting too deep and rambly, let’s bring it back to the light vibe of this blog and get into the most popular recipes of 2018!

12 days of Christmas… or top 12 fricken awesome vegan recipes of always and forever?!

2nd, please.

Vegan Omelette + Hollandaise Sauce

Vegan Egg Nog ~ Whole Food Creaminess

Sweet Potato Toasts

BBQ’d Cheezy Sweet Potato Perogies

Spinach Artichoke White Bean Dip

Grateful Fred Stuffed Tofu Turkey  ~ Holiday Main

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Curry Tahini Sauce ~ Holiday Main

Maple Dijon Pecan Hasselback Butternut Squash ~ Holiday Main

Hemp Pesto Pasta Salad

Carrot Cake ~ oil-free

Sachertorte ~ dense chocolate cake

Chewy Chickpea Coconut Cluster Cookies

There you have it! Lots to choose from here, and more through out the site.

There’s something for everything when you eat plant-based.

It’s definitely NOT just carrot sticks and lettuce, but an abundance of textures, colours, flavours, concoctions and delicious tastes.

Tag me if you make any of these! (@hookedonplants on instagram)

I LOVE seeing your recipes.

… and if you want more:

Sign up to my emails for weekly inspiration, recipes, plus a free PDF on How to Get Hooked On Plants!

 

Try the #PlantsForAWeek challenge by grabbing my brand new E-Book!

On sale until Dec. 24!

Hello Christmas presents and Veganuary!

The Ultimate Whistler Vegan Dining Guide

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Looking for vegan goodness in Whistler?

This vegan dining guide features my favourite dishes throughout Whistler.

I’ll keep adding to this, so check back for updates!

The order of things: breakfast-y spots at the top to lunch and dinner spots as you scroll!

The green ones are must-tries…

The Green Moustache 

(breakfast & lunch) ~ Village and Function Junction

Whistler’s only 100% vegan cafe with juice, smoothies, salads, bowls, amazing desserts, and soups of the day. Nicolette Richer, the creator of Green Mo, is one inspiring woman! She specializes in disease prevention with her patients through the Gerson Therapy, and it shows through her healing foods in the ever growing Green Mo. The original space is in Marketplace, and now there’s one in Function Junction too, so you can grab some healthy treats for the road trip back to Van.

What to order:

Everything!

  • Collard green wrap
  • Buddha bowl
  • Healing Kitchari
  • Any of their raw desserts

The Naked Sprout

(breakfast & lunch) ~ Village

The majority of the food from Naked Sprout is vegan, and the vibes are high. Just being in the presence of the creator, Shandy Rae, makes you feel more energized! This is a great spot to grab some health in the form of a juice, smoothie, salad or bowl, and be on your way.

What to order:

  • Any juice or smoothie, or a Solfeggio dessert (by Olympian, Kristi Richards)
  • The Vegan Ramen Bowl (they sub in avo for the egg) with spirilized carrots, mushrooms, miso broth and GF rice + millet noodles (YUM)
  • Miso Quinoa Bowl

Hunter Gather

(Lunch & Dinner) ~ Village

Created by Whistler Cooks, this casual dining restaurant is airy, easy for big groups and delicious, with a focus on local food, craft beer and VQA wines…plus they have a whole part of the menu dedicated to veggie lovers 🙂

What to order:

  • Thoughtful Falafal Wrap (with hummus instead of the garlic sauce)
  • Pemberton Bowl: local beets, dried fruit, crisped organic vegetables, fresh herbs, chickpeas, sprouted legumes and miso chili vinaigrette
  • Lentil Burger: with coriander mango chutney, house pickles, on a Portuguese bun or greens

  • Harmony Bowl: tamarind miso broth, lotsa veggies, shiitake mushrooms, house seasoning, rice noodles

Fifi’s Bistro 

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Cuteness overload. The space (that opened for biz in August) is beautifully decorated by the owners Kara and Max. They’re open for dinner on Friday’s and Saturdays, and are well-known for their yummy food, big portions and breakfast platters.

What to order:

  • Vegan Breakfast Platter for 2 (or Vegan Breaky for 1): a smorgasbord of falafel, hummus, sautéed spinach, warm olives and tomatoes, beans, berry chia pudding, sourdough, avo, spring salad and potatoes.
  • Smoothies: tropical mango pineapple, banana coconut, or peanut butter oat date smoothies
  • Avocado Bruschetta with pea shoots and chili salt

Ingrid’s Cafe 

(breakfast & lunch) ~ Village

The grab & go spot in the heart of the village.

What to order:

  • Garden Burger (ask to veganize it with no cheese)
  • Fantastic Falafal Burger with cous cous (sub the tzatziki for hummus)

Raven’s Nest (Breakfast, Lunch, Apres) ~ Whistler Mountain

The place for vegetarian grub on the hill! A veggie meal with a wicked view.

What to order:

  • Most things!
  • Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwich
  • Vegan Sub
  • Vegan Chocolate Cake
  • Superfood Salad

PureBread Bakery  

(coffee & snacks) ~ Village and Function Junction

Known for the amazing aroma, to-die-for treats and one of a kind breads! Paula and Mark started Purebread in Function Junction, and once people caught on to their delicious breads, they expanded to the Village and now Vancouver. Walking into Purebread with their simple and beautiful decor just makes you feel so… good!

 What to order:

  • Bread!! Seriously Seedy, Rustic Sourdough, Buckwheat Sour Cherry Pecan, Dinkel
  • The Pure Bar (omg)
  • Vegan Scones of the day
  • Banana Loaf
  • Vegan Chocolate Chip cookies

Ed’s Bred

(Breakfast/Lunch, Treats, Lattés) ~Creekside

A new 100% vegan cafe with delicious fresh bread, cookies and sometimes flatbread too.

What to order:

  • Everything!
  • Their cookies
  • Their dirty chai (so spicy and flavourful)
  • Any of their breads

Velvet Underground 

(Breakfast, Lunch, Café, Consignment store) ~Function Junction

A 100% vegan cafe that serves as a consignment store, and sells Black Sheep Vegan Cheese too!

 What to order:

  • Arabian Nights sandwich with crispy cauliflower, roasted squash, cilantro hummus, cashew yogurt on 200 Degrees focaccia

Functional Pie Pizzeria

(Lunch, Dinner) ~ Function Junction

A pizza place that will veganize any pizza with melty mozzerella (Daiya) to the edge of the crust, and the Beyond Meat sausage!

What to order:

  • The Vegan Mos Def (I always add extra peppers and olives)

HandleBar Aprés (Lunch, Aprés, Dinner) ~ Upper Village

A local favourite! Nestled in the upper village, this hot aprés spot was created by locals and features craft beer, delicious aprés and really good vibes.

 What to order:

  • Deep-Fried Pickles
  • Fried Brussel Sprouts without parm
  • Vegan Sausage!

Stonesedge Kitchen 

(brunch & dinner) ~ Village

Brunch hour or cocktail hour… this place has good vibes and yummy grub too.

What to order:

  • Granola bowl: maple toasted oats, sunflower seeds, dried fruits, pumpkin seeds, toasted almonds with blueberry chia seeds, coconut yoghurt, strawberry, banana, waffle cone
  • Vege Toast without the egg
  • Grilled carrots with cashew cream
  • Vegan Burger: black bean quinoa and mushroom patty with lettuce, tomato, pickle, Gibbons après lager bbq sauce on multigrain bun
  • Spanky’s Bowl: quinoa, sweet potato, spinach, grilled red pepper, carrot, curry cauliflower, crispy chick peas and curry cashew sauce

Harajuku Izakaya 

(lunch & dinner) ~ Village

“Izakayas” are informal Japanese gastropubs popular throughout Japan known for quick, tapas-style food. Chef Yutaka Shishido has brought it to Whistler and knows how to whip up some vegan goodness!  Harajuku’s interior is inspired by a Japanese village in the early 1900s for romance and booths for birthdays.

What to order:

  • Appies: Spinach Gommae, Fried Brussels, Agadashi Tofu
  • The Green Bowl: fried rice + veggies
  • Rock n’ Roll Roll (so good!): tempura yam, avocado, cucumber, carrot, beets, Shiitake, soba noodle
  • Avocado Osho Sushi (minus the mayo): like vegan nigiri!
  • Creamy Vegan Ramen Bowl (one of the best Ramen bowls around!) : creamy veggie broth, shiitake, corn, rape blossom, bean sprouts, onion chips, garlic oil, kale noodles

Splitz Grill

(lunch & dinner) ~ Village

This long-time Whistler burger joint has a great vegan burger! Choose your patty, and customize with toppings (gluten free bun, or lettuce wrap options are available, too).

What to order:

  • Beyond Meat Patty with vegan mayo (love the chipotle mayo)! Maybe add a hash brown, caramelized onions, and mushrooms? 
  • Lentil Burger with Babaganoush, maybe with a grilled pineapple and some breaded pickles ?!) 
  • Vegan Hot Dog

Aura & The Cure & The Fix at Nita Lake Lodge 

(breakfast & lunch & dinner) ~ Creekside

A beautiful spot right on the lake that has MEATLESS MONDAYS (Yesssss). The head chef, James, is vegan and so creative (found that out from the incredible food he created for my bridal shower!).

 

Go try their 3-course vegan meal on Mondays at Aura.

Go with 1 other and order everything on the vegan menu.

You won’t regret it!!

Otherwise, hang at the Cure and eat some of their vegan options, all while listening to my friend and favourite DJ, Rob Cutler aka DJ-Surgeon playing chill tunes on Friday eves, alternating with local pro photographer Eric Berger aka DJ Smokey!

What to order:

  • The Fix: the spot for juice and smoothies in creekside!
  • The Cure: Aprés spot that starts anything off with popcorn (my fave). Veggie burger!
  • Aura: Meatless Monday 3 course vegan goodness

Dusty’s Bar & Grill: Bar & Grill (lunch, aprés, dinner) ~ Creekside

One of Whistler’s original aprés spots with history on the walls and good old school vibes!

What to order:

  • Vegan Wings !
  • The Creekside Power Salad (minus the feta)
  • The Ultimate Veggie Platter (extra hummus, no ranch)

Pizzeria Antico 

(lunch & dinner) ~ Village

Their pizza dough!!! So good. They have such a hot pizza oven that a pizza takes just 90 seconds. Cool atmosphere in here too, and their back section is great for birthday group resos.

What to order:

  • Insalata di Funghi without ‘burrata’ cheese: butter lettuce, radicchio, microgreens, raw mushrooms, oven-dried tomato, with a truffle lemon dressing (love this dressing)
  • Ortolana Pizza (replace the cheese with avocado and I like adding artichokes!): Tomato base, roasted veggies and basil

La Cantina 

(lunch & dinner) ~ Nesters Market and Village

The sister restaurant to Pepe’s Mexican Corner, in a quicker, more casual style. These taco/burrito spots (in the Village and by Nesters) have added more delicious vegan-ness to the menu since this summer.

What to order:

  • Luchador Salad (switch out the honey-based dressing)
  • Jackfruit Picadillo (with potatoes, carrots, celery) Tacos or Burrito or Bowl minus the feta or sour cream (my fave)
  • Portobello Tamarind Tacos or Burrito
  • Tofu (with nutritional yeast, tomatoes, celery) Tacos or Burrito minus sour cream/feta
  • Mestizo Rice + Black Beans with avocado sauce Tacos or Burrito or Bowl minus sour cream/feta

Peaked Pies 

Village

An Australian couple opened this one up a few years ago, and they just came out with vegan pies!

What to order:

  • Vegetable Medley Pie
  • Berry Dessert Pie

The Raven Room

Whistler’s newest cocktail bar created by locals, for everyone, with lots of delicious vegan options from Chef Erin Stone

What to order:

  • Aquafaba Sour ~ ask to sub out the egg white for aquafaba!
  • Jackfruit Bao Buns
  • Mushroom Pate
  • Shaved Vegetable Salad
  • Meatless Balls with vegetable noodles
  • Blueberry and Lavender ‘Cheese’ Cake

The Mexican Corner 

(lunch & dinner) ~ Village

Pepe created the awesome mexican vibe by bringing decor from his hometown in Mexico, up to his new Whistler hometown. Step into Mexico and enjoy their veg options!

What to order:

  • Vegan Chorizo Tacos
  • Ensalata Di Frijoles
  • Flautas (crispy potato tacos), minus the feta and sour cream
  • Tortilla Soup, minus the feta and sour cream

Creekbread

(dinner) ~ Creekside

They’re into local, organic ingredients, and know their pizza. Thin crust, flavourful, and the oven smack dab in the middle of the restaurant. Cool vibes.

What to order:

  • No Boundaries Salad with all the veggies and no cheese (so good with potatoes and seaweed!)
  • The Vegan Pizza (I go for extra caramelized onions and roasted red peppers)

Misty Mountain Pizza (lunch & dinner) ~ Village

This place has been around for a coon’s age! Annnnd it has vegan cheese (applause!!).

What to order:

  • Any veggie pizza with vegan cheese instead! I love the West Coast Veggie

Tandoori Grill 

(lunch & dinner) ~ Village

This Indian restaurant has a full-on vegan/vegetarian section on the menu! There’s 6 completely vegan items, and a whole lot more that you can easily make vegan. Plus, the Roti is vegan too. Just be warned… level 5 on the spice-o-meter is super sizzzzzlin’.

What to order:

  • Papadom (lentil wafer) instead of naan (which isn’t vegan)
  • Channa Masala ~ chickpeas cooked with tomatoes, fresh ginger, onions & exotic spices
  • Aloo Gobhi ~ cauliflower and potatoes cooked with onions, tomatoes & exotic spices
  • Palak Aloo ~ chopped spinach cooked with potatoes, onions, tomatoes & exotic spices
  • Eggplant Bharta ~ eggplants roasted over charcoal, mashed with onions, tomatoes & paprika

Alta Bistro 

(dinner) ~Village

Run by Whistler local, Eric Griffith, this good-vibe, casual, yet fine dining restaurant puts emphasis local, seasonal and organic ingredients. There are a few amazing vegan dishes on his dinner menu!

What to order:

  • Slow cooked celeriac & apple soup with garam masala popcorn
  • Crispy Brioche & Mushroom Walnut Paté
  • Vegan Portobello Burger with a delicious house-made coconut bun
  • Peaches & Cashew Cream Cheezecake with bbq’d amaretto peach, toasted almonds, oat granola and basil

Earl’s

(Brunch, Lunch, Dinner) ~ Village

This chain just added a full vegan menu, with 7 entrées !!

What to order:

  • Cauliflower wings with vegan ranch
  • Vegan Hunan Kung Pao
  • Beyond Burger

Table Nineteen Lakeside Eatery 

(Lunch, Dinner) ~ Nicklaus North

A beautiful patio with a view of green lake in the summer, with a cozy vibe in the winter.

What to order:

  • The Beyond Burger!!! Pick any burger toppings on the menu, and replace the meat patty with the Beyond patty. The only restaurant in Whistler that serves Beyond Meat!

Garibaldi Lift Co 

(Lunch, Aprés Ski, Dinner) ~ Village

The spot for a good dance at night, good aprés in the afternoon, and a nice sit-down lunch to avoid crowds during a ski day.

What to order:

  • Vegan Tempeh Burger without mayo
  • Vegan Caeser Salad (add tempeh!)
  • Vegan Poke Bowl !!! With the sought after Ahimi poké from Ocean Hugger Foods (made from tomato!)

Mongolie Grill 

(lunch & dinner) ~ Village

A fun place to go with a group. It’s super interactive while you go up to make your own mega-stirfry bowl, and watch the chefs whip it up right in front of you. If you’re not into eating off the same surface that meat was just cooked on, this may not be the place for you. But, it’s a fun way to get in a ton of veg!

What to order:

  • Load up your bowl with every veggie, douse on some of their vegan sauce options, and enjoy with the rice or rice paper wraps they bring to your table!

RimRock Cafe

(dinner) ~ Creekside

A rustic, fine dining experience. One of Whistler’s original restaurants, nestled in the woods of Whistler Mountain. This place isn’t known for their vegan food (they’re more about the seafood and meat dishes), but they have some great vegan options – especially if you know what to ask for! The ambiance in here is so lovely, and perfect for a special occasion.

What to order:

  • Mushroom Salad with sesame vinaigrette and crispy onions (SO good)
  • Grilled Vegetable Mushroom Risotto
  • Vegan Chickpea Curry with Cauliflower Steak (ask for this – not be on the main menu!)

Olives Community Market 

(grocery, breakfast, lunch) ~ Function Junction

A cute, organic grocery store packed with vegan goodies, grab & go lunches, a salad bar, and smoothies.

What to order:

  • See what’s in the fridge for lunch, and what the soup of the day is! Most likely it’s vegan, nutritious and delicious.
  • Their desserts, smoothies, lattés, and a big salad from the salad bar

If you want to eat in, Whistler Dine In delivers most of these delicious meals!

Simple Tofu Scramble + Breakfast Taters | Plant-Based Weekend Brunch

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When your tastebuds are demanding you to chomp down on something savoury, eggy & satiating, PRONTO…here’s the cure-all.  This super simple tofu scramble with all the fixin’s is a 10 on the brunch-o-meter.

After a busy first week of September action, Saturday is the day to take a moment in the kitchen to whip up this yumminess.

These breakfast taters satisfyingly pop in the mouth.

Adding the hummus to the scramble helps soak up those spices to create a flavourful smorgasbord.

I used to love cheese eggs before I became vegan. You know that melted cheese all over a scramble? It was our go-to on camping trips. If you like the cheese + egg combo, spruce this recipe up a bit by melting some vegan cheese over the scramble in the pan for the last few minutes with the lid on (drooling just thinking about it).

 

The meltiest vegan cheeses? Gusta block (grated), Violife cheddar, or Sheese Cheese.

Vegan food is not a compromise.

Let’s get into it!


Simple Tofu Scramble with Breakfast Taters | Plant-Based Weekend Brunchin'
 
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A simple tofu scramble you can whip up this weekend to cure that savoury breakfast craving!
Author:
Recipe type: breakfast, brunch
Serves: 3
Ingredients
  • ½ large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 6 white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp Hawaiin black salt (for sulfur/egg taste!)
  • ¼-1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 block of organic medium or soft tofu (about 350g)
  • ½ cup hummus of choice or this Roasted Garlic Hummus

  • Taters:
  • 4-5 russet potatoes, scrubbed clean then diced (into small ¼ inch cubes)
  • 1 tsp avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt

  • Extras:
  • Sliced tomato
  • Sliced avocado
  • Hot sauce
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 425°F
  2. Coat the potatoes with avo oil, onion and garlic powder. Then lay them out on a parchment-covered (or silicone sheet-covered) pan, making sure they're barely touching each other (you may need 2 pans).
  3. Bake potatoes for 20-30 minutes, flipping half way. They should be golden on all sides.
  4. Oil-free sauté your onions: Bring pan to medium heat, throw onions on and let heat until they brown. Then add a bit of water to de-caramelize the pan. Do this until they are translucent (about 5 minutes, adding water if they stick).
  5. Add mushrooms, pepper and garlic. Let sauté a couple of minutes.
  6. Add the spices and a bit more water (about ¼ cup)
  7. Crumble the tofu with your hands (trying to get the tiniest crumbs possible) into the pan.
  8. Add the hummus.
  9. Mix it all together and let sauté for a couple more minutes.
  10. Serve it up with the potatoes, avocado, fresh tomato, and Sriracha hot sauce!

Want more?

Sign up to my emails for weekly inspiration, recipes, plus a free PDF on How to Get Hooked On Plants!

This week’s email was all about eating this, not that for weight loss on a vegan diet.

 

NYC Vegan Dining Guide | What I Ate in New York City

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The Big Apple! Vegan cafes, restaurants, grocery stores and shops are hard to miss in NYC… I tried to hit them all, but obviously I’ll just have to go back over and over again! I hope this NYC vegan dining guide will help you make the most of your eating adventure while you’re in this incredible city.

A couple small town girls ripping around the city

The purpose behind my NYC trip was to become a Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Educator through Main Street Vegan Academy. Mission accomplished, I came home with a new certification and beautiful piece of paper, but more importantly an incredible fire burning inside of me for this plant-based revolution. The 5 days was full of vegan restaurants, plant-based doctor presentations, vegan chef demos and the creation of a passionate community who fuelled off of each other’s good energy!

Thanks to the inspiring Victoria Moran for creating such an amazing week.

I was welcomed to NY by Dan and Keziah with some delish vegan pasta, and after the 5 day course, a glorious friend made the trek down and we explored more arts, culture, food and views.

Urban Vegan Kitchen Brunchin’

Some inspirational peeps who’ve sparked my vegan fire over the last week:

Vegan Mos (influencers Michael and Ethan of NYC Vegan)

Martin Rowe (Brighter Green – ALL about the environment)

JL Fields (podcaster + culinary coach)

Dr. Milton Mills (as seen on What the Health)

The Discerning Brute (Brave Gentle Man vegan fashion brand owner)

Mariann Sullivan (Our Hen House- Animal law pro)

Tatiana Ferero Puerto (lifestyle coaching)

Robert Ostfeld, MD. (Forks over Knives, Cardiologist)

Marty Davey Dietician

Fran Costigan (Vegan Chocolate guru)

For a behind the scenes look of my week in New York, check out my saved instagram story at @hookedonplants

Main Street Vegan graduates

On to the guide.

I made it to most of these, but added some that I couldn’t fit in…this trip. Until next time NYC!

RESTAURANTS

Beyond Sushi

What: 100% Plant-based sushi take-out with 5 spots in Manhattan

Known For: Chef Guy’s (a Hell’s Kitchen chef) incredible whole food flavour creations with rolls, soups, dumpling and salads

Social: @beyondsushinyc

Personal note: One of our dinners at Victoria’s Main Street Vegan Academy was catered from these guys. The sushi came with a variety of amazing sauces, and a delish seaweed side salad.

Champs Diner

What: Classic diner! For breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner!

Known For: Mozzerella Sticks, Hangover Hippie dish, S’mores Sundae, Tempeh Wings and Tater Tots

Addy: 197 Meserole Street, Brooklyn

Social: @champsdiner

Personal note: If you’re worried about being deprived of your favourite foods by going vegan, just eat at this place and you’ll be blown away. Serious comfort food. I had the waffle with fresh berries, and tried some of the hangover hippie tofu scramble …YUM. Ohhh and those tots. So crisp and delish. 

‘Crawfish’ @ Seasoned Vegan

Raw Walnut Nori Roll @ Seasoned Vegan

‘Gravy smothered chicken’ + Mac & Cheese


Seasoned Vegan

What: Vegan Louisiana soul food in the heart of Harlem

Known For: Their crawfish, hot cakes, + mac & cheese

Addy:  55 St Nicholas Ave

Social: @seasonedvegan

Personal note: I tried their raw walnut sushi (so good), and shared some hot cakes with vegan butter (amazing), and had to try bites of their famous crawfish, gravy-smothered chicken and the deeply delicious mac + cheese! The restaurant was bustling with a constant stream of hungry New Yorkers, and yup …. Mind = blown.

Ayurveda Cafe

What: Ayurveda is all about that balance, and quite literally the ‘knowledge’ (veda) ‘of life’ (ayur). It goes back over 5000 years of traditional holistic system of well-being from india. By including all 6 tastes (sour, sweet, bitter, astringent, pungent, salty) it’s incredibly satisfying and rejuvenating. Here you can take the decision making out of the equation because the set menu changes daily (fun). Tapa’s style!

Known For: They’re balanced meals and a new menu daily. Ordering seconds for free is encouraged:) Just ask for it.

Addy: 706 Amsterdam Ave

Social: @ayurvedacafe

Personal note: I loved this place. It’s super casual and welcoming and so fun to have mini dishes of a variety of food that you know is balanced with healing herbs and spices. Cauliflower carrot curry, brown rice, spicy lentils. The naan was the only gluten-containing part of the lunch.

Zoma Ethiopian

What: Ethiopian in NYC! It’s not a completely vegan restaurant, but has a handful of delicious vegan options.

Known For: Their teff sourdough bread is somethin’ else (stretchy and yum, perfect for dipping), and the veg dishes are raved about.

Addy: 113th and Frederick Douglass  

Social: @zomanyc1

Personal note:  I love dipping, so this was right up my alley. No utensils needed, just tear the bread and dip away. Order a few different veg options and get those taste buds in a higher state! The 3 of us shared the 4 veg dish sampler of Shiro Wett (chickpea/lentil/roasted peas), Gomen (collard greens simmered in veggie broth, onion + garlic), Atakakilt Wett (carrot, potato, cabbage, onion tomato dish), and Misir Wett (spicy red lentils).

Raw Platter @ Caravan of Dreams

Caravan of Dreams

What: An incredible vegan cafe with a 1970’s, low-key, hippie vibe with a massive menu full of options from raw, to macrobiotic, to comfort food. Walking into this place feels like you’re walking into a dream land. Founded in 1991, by Angel, it’s considered to be one of  NYC’s leading vegan restaurants combining, food, culture, entertainment and healthy vibes.

Known For: There’s something for everyone! Their elixir drinks are packed to the brim with crazy superfoods.

Addy: 405 East 6th Street, East Village

Raw Sushi @ Caravan of Dreams

Social: @caravanofdreams405

Personal note: One of my favourites. I had the raw food platter, and it was the most colourful dish I’ve seen with beet carpaccio, raw lasagne, strawberry cashew bites, raw meat balls, house made sauerkraut and mango somethin! So flavourful, bright and energizing. I started the experience off with their ‘Good Mood Tonic’ with ashawagandha, skullcap flower, macuna prurient, shilajit, cordiceps, St.John’s wort flower, prickly ash bark, lucuma, cacao, mesquite, chug and mulberries (I know… amazing right?!).

Nori Crusted Tofu + Asian veggies with Black rice @ Candle Cafe West

Candle Café West

What: 1 of the 3 Candle Restaurants. These creative restaurants have something for everyone and are known for their celeb guest sightings. Candle Cafe West is a more casual sister restaurant to the fancy-vibe, well known Candle 79 restaurant. It’s 100% organic, kosher and vegan with a full bar!

Known For: Seitan chimichurri appy, avocado tomato tartare and their artichoke heart happy.

Addy: 2427 Broadway, Upper West Side

Raw Lasagne @ Candle Cafe West

Avocado Tomato TarTare @ Candle Cafe West

Social: @candlecafewest

Personal note:  It was tough to decide, but I chose to share the avocado tomato tartare + cheesy seitan nachos to start, and topped it off with the Nori Crusted Tofu main dish with black rice, asian veggies and sake-miso sauce. It felt like I was ordered the catch o’ the day! Incredibly satisfying and flavourful. Candle restaurants are on the pricier side, but a nice experience with super creative veg dishes! Total worth it.

Tandoor bread + 3 dips @ Nix

Nix

What: A vegetarian restaurant (still serves egg and cheese), with a ton of creative vegan dishes.

Known For: The creativity with their veggie dishes (roasted sunchokes + wok-fried cactus). People come for their Tandoor bread and smoky caramelized onion eggplant dip.

Addy: 72 University Pl

Cauliflower Buffalo Wings @ Nix

Social: @nixny

Personal note: Love this place. Beauty aesthetic with white brick walls, green plants and patterned seats. Mandy and I shared the Cauliflower Tempura Wings (great crunch), Tandoor Bread and 3 dips (avocado mint, eggplant, and hummus) that I could have easily eaten for eternity, plus the miso soup with pickled veggies…and rosé of course, being our last meal in the Big Apple.

Chickpea Fries + Duxelle Mushroom Pizza @ Peace Food Cafe

Peacefood Cafe

What: Super cute, sit-down, 100% vegan cafe with an extensive menu and baked goods.

Known For: Their 2 bite brownies (VegNews winning dessert), cookie sandwiches, their chickpea fries, and layered sweet potato, cashew quiche!

Addy: 460 Amsterdam Ave

Social: @peacefoodnyc

Layered Kale Cashew Sweet Potato Quiche @ Peacefood Cafe

Personal note: After renting bikes and doing a big loop around Manhattan in the sunshine, we found our way to this gem. We shared the chickpea fries, and they were all they were worked up to be (must try!!!). We also enjoyed the rainbow-layered Sweet Potato, Cashew Kale Quiche which was up there for the best dish of the trip. So gorgeous and packed with beautiful colour.  Plus…. the Mushroom Duxelle pizza with a base of roasted sweet potatoes, onion and beans, all topped off with zucchini and red peppers. NOM.

On our way out the door, the torrential down pour moved in, and we were forced to stay in the cafe for a house-made Cashew Milk Latté, their famous 2 bite brownies and the Grasshopper Cookie Sandwich with mint filling, and the Chocolate Chip cookie sandwiches with chocolate cream. Everything happens for a reason right?:)

Urban Vegan Kitchen

What: Hip vegan restaurant with a DJ booth, full bar and comfort-style breaki, lunch and dins. The menu was created by @mississippivegan and owner, @bigapplevegan ! She’s the same owner of Blossom and Blossom Du Jour (vegan fast food with 4 spots in NYC)

Known For: Their Chick-Un & Waffles made from southern fried seitan with maple mustard aioli.

Addy: 41 Charmine Street

Social: @urbanvegankitchen

Funky vibes of Urban Vegan Kitchen

Personal note: So good, I had to go here twice. Walking into this space immediately made me feel excited for the food. Photos of animals everywhere with hidden words on the brick walls, with a bright graffiti-covered wall behind the DJ booth and a downstairs perfect for groups. Dinner for me started with the Jackfruit Quesadilla with numu mozzarella, grilled peppers and vegan sour cream, followed by the Urban Macro Bowl with garlic mustard marinated tempeh, sautéed kale, herbed quinoa, arugula, roasted carrots, and beautiful creamy cashew beet dressing. It did not disappoint!

We had to come back from brunch that brought on the Seitan Buffalo Wings to start (why not), the Tofu Scramble with maple mushroom bacon (oh my) for me, and the BLT for Mandy. Seriously savoury deliciousness.

Oyster Mushroom Escargot @ Delice & Serrasin

Delice & Serrasin:

What: French Vegan Food! The cutest little restaurant you’ll ever see. Seats only 22, so reservations are a good idea. It feels like you’re taking a trip to France in the middle of NY, but vegan.

Known For: Their incredible french dishes! HOW do they do it?

Addy: 20 Christopher Street

Social: @delicesarrasin

Personal note: My Mom used to make the most amazing Coq Au Vin (after living in Europe for 7 years in her Freestyle competitor days, she picked up on the local cuisine and perfected her SacherTorte and Coq Au Vin recipes to match the true french flavours). But, it was far from vegan. Now both of us are vegan, so I didn’t expect to taste Coq Au Vin like up to my Mom’s par ever again. I had to order it here and… MAGIC! The seitan ‘chicken’ and deep, french flavours brought me back, I couldn’t believe it!!! We also shared Oyster Mushroom Escargot. Wow. This place is top-notch, quaint and a place you simply must experience.

Bar Verde

What: A 100% vegan mexican + latin, Mathew Kenney restaurant.

Known For: Vegan share plates and sustainable tequila!

Addy:  65 2nd Ave

Social: @barverdenyc @mathewkenneycuisine

Personal note: Mathew Kenney is a powerhouse plant-based chef, creating the future of food in the form of plant-based cuisine! He has multiple restaurants all over the world (including Plant Food + Wine in LA) His others in NYC are Plntmade and Double Zero pizza.

Jajaja Plantis Mexicana

What: Vegan Mexican. Beautiful, happy, light decor!

Known For: Their immensely flavourful jackfruit taco’s that taste exactly pulled pork.

Addy: 162 E. Broadway

Social: @jajajanyc

Personal note: It was so busy that we couldn’t get a walk-in table, so this is one for the next trip (make a reso!).

Avant Garden

What: A small, elegant foodie’s dream from the famous Ravi DeRossi, an esteemed NYC restaurateur who went vegan! He’s in the process of turning all of his restaurants (close to a dozen) vegan: YAY. Reserve well in advance.

Known For:  Paella + Hen of the Woods (made with mushroom puree and kohlorabi!)

Addy: 130 E. 7th St

Social: @avantgardevegan

Blossom + Blossom Du Jour:

What: Restaurants by @BigAppleVegan (Pamela Elizabeth)

Known For: Blossom, with 2 locations, is a sit down restaurant, and Blossom Du Jour, with 4 locations, is a grab n’ go ‘fast foody’ kind of place. Fun, healthy, quick and delish. That’s her moto. Blossom has become an NYC leader in the vegan restaurant movement.

Social: @blossomnyc @blossomdujour

Personal note: I made it to her sister restaurant, @urbanvegankitchen,  twice! But did have the time to check out the Blossoms (I’ve heard so many great things about them though). Guess I have to go back!

By Chloe

What: Vegan Sweets, Vegan Fast Food

Known For: The amazing Chef Chloe can be found all over instagram and youtube, veganizing old favourites. Her ice cream, cookies, burgers, and fries bring people in from around the globe.

Addy: 7 Locations in NYC! 

Social: @eatbychloe

Cocoa V

What: Vegan Chocolate & Wine!

Known For: Decadent chocolates paired with vegan wines.

Addy: 174 Ninth Ave

Social: @cocoavnyc

SHOPS

Fanciful Fox

What: 100% vegan, toxin-free, cruelty-free soap + beauty product dispensary started by Amanda Fox and her mama Kathy! Amanda is a Main Street Vegan graduate who followed her passion and created this beautiful store with magical branding.

Known For: Her mystical, creative vibes throughout her whole store! All of her products are ‘tested on dirty vegans, not animals’ 😉

Addy: 204 Irving Ave, Brooklyn

Social: @thefancifulfox 

Personal note: Majestic. This beautiful Mama/Daughter duo has created something really special. My favourite is the ‘Fire Dance’ air freshener, ‘Unicorn Dream’ candles, and ‘Dirty Hippie’ hand sanitizer. This shop oozes passion from the Fox’s.

Fanciful Fox Soapery

Dual Spice

What: An emporium of spices, herbs, superfoods and Ayurvedic products. What seems like a little hole in the wall has an incredible variety of allllll the things!

Known For: It’s abundance of powders, tonics, essential oils and superfoods. It’s pretty much a pharmacy in the form of plants.

Addy: 91 1st Avenue

Personal note: I could have spent hours in this place. I came home with an extra carry-on packed with superfood mushroom powders, essential oils, Amla powder (one of the highest antioxidant and highest vitamin C superfood powders available), cordyceps and reishi powders, beet powder (for unicorn hummus :), digestive tonic, black Hawaiian salt, turmeric golden milk powder … to name a few

High Vibe Health

What: The first ever raw-food store in America to open up, run by raw food guru and health coach, Dagger and his wife. This place has all the raw vegan goodies, and prides themselves on the local vibes by supporting local vendors and creating an inclusive community of high vibers

Known For: Their array of goodies! Raw vegan chocolate, desserts, cheeses, crackers, and natural body care products.

Addy: 138 E 3rd St

Social: @HighVibeNYC

Personal note:  Just walk into this place, and you’ll feel right at home. Owners Gay and Dagger say their philosophy is to treat every customer as if they were they’re Mom or Grandma; with respect and like a queen! We were lucky enough to get a run down of some high vibe products, and just before heading out, a serenade from Dagger on his guitar. He sees his store as a 2nd home, and a place for creativity, fun, comfort and high vibe raw foods.

Moo Shoes

What: Vegan Shoes, Bags & Accessories

Known For: Fashionable vegan shoes and bags

Addy:

Social: @Mooshoes

Orchard Grocer:

What: 100% vegan grocery store, deli and gelato shop (a door frame away from Moo Shoes and owned by the same awesome people)

Known For: New vegan cheeses, their delish gelato and vegan snacks!

Addy: 78 Orchard Street

Social: @orchardgrocer

Erin McKenna’s Bakery

What: Vegan Bakery! Erin has been on the Martha Stewart show, the Today Show, and has a bakery in Disney World too.

Known For: Her gluten-free, soy-free, non-gmo, 100% vegan cupcakes, cookies and cute outfits.

Addy: 248 Broome St

Social: @erinmckennasBakery

Riverdel Cheese

What: 100% Vegan Cheese Shop created by Main Street Vegan alumni, Michaela Grob.

Known For: Look forward to sampling pretty much every vegan cheese you’ve ever heard of, and some you haven’t. Toasted cheese sandwiches anyone?

Addy: 820 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn

Social: @riverdelcheese

Personal note: If I was to go back to NYC and all I could do is visit this shop, I’d go in a milli-sec.  I’m drooling just from reading about the array of vegan cheese she has!

I hope this NYC vegan dining guide helps you make the most of your trip to New York!

Or, at least I hope it inspired you to eat more plants in a creative way:)

Other things to do in NYC?

Go see a Broadway show

Walk the HighLine

Run in Central Park

Rent a bike and go along Hudson’s River

See a Burlesque Show at House of Yes!

Check out a Speak Easy like Please Don’t Tell or The Back Room

Want more?

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A sign at Times Square on a Friday night! #GoVegan 🙂