TGIF! And I couldn’t be readier for the weekend after this week and soooooo much going on at work. It was actually relaxing and therapeutic to step out to our backyard garden to water it and inspect all the growing loot. And even better that I pulled my first pumpkin from it!
Okay, it’s a puny, little pie pumpkin. But it’s my first time successfully growing a pumpkin. I’ve tried many times before while living in Florida and California, but have never had luck growing the monster pumpkins. Either pests would get to the vines or hubby would while mowing the lawn. This year I’m accidentally growing more pie pumpkins than I know what to do with! For Thanksgiving and Christmas, I made a few raw pumpkin pies (that’s an awesome pumpkin pie recipe, BTW :-)) and tossed the seeds into our composter. Apparently they survived and sprouted when I used the compost in our garden beds. Last I checked, I have about 15 more of these little guys growing. Anyone need a pie pumpkin?
But neither of us were feeling like cooking and, as we usually do on Friday evenings, stepped out for dinner. We initially tried to get into one of our favorite Mexican places where I know I can get a high-raw, vegan jicama salad. But that wasn’t happening due to an art festival in the area attracting massive crowds and no available parking. Instead, we found ourselves at Suede Blue, a nearby classy place. But there was a very limited vegan selection on the menu, just an appetizer and steamed broccoli in the side dish section – that’s it. I know, crazy I would even venture into such a place – right? But in Melisser Elliot’s The Vegan Girl’s Guide to Life, she recommends venturing into restaurants like this and making your desire for more vegan options known. I agree! And I’ve had great success with it before. I think every restaurant should have at least one vegan main dish on their menu, it’s not hard to keep pre-pressed tofu on hard and much cheaper than meat! Or at least a note on menus and websites that they can accommodate vegans.
Anyway, I politely explained to the waitress that I’m a vegan and she promptly offered many off-menu options like a baked potato topped with veggies, steamed veggies, etc. The artichoke pasta sounded most appealing to me, so I went with it and this is what I got.
It was wonderful packed with hearty steamed broccoli and artichoke hearts. Most enjoyable was the pasta though because it’s been ages since I’ve had traditional pasta and this was the perfect serving size of it, not too heavy or bloating.
For dessert we didn’t have to order off-menu because they had a lovely sorbet trio that was also vegan.
Orange, raspberry and lemon-lime sorbet topped with fresh mint – yum!
It was so nice to chat and vent about the week with a great bottle of wine, great ending to a hectic five days and a perfect start to a long weekend we’re taking.
How was your Friday? Any weekend plans?
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Wow the google adwords/ad right at the bottom of this post is so fitting : organic & vegan food education.
Clearly the waitress gets an A+ That’s wonderful!
and Melisser Elliot’s book, I have it and it’s SUCH a great little read!
christine says
I stayed away from Google ads for awhile because they were hit and miss for content, but they’re gotten much better.
Agreed on the waitress and glad she actually knew what vegan was! I’ve had salads brought to me topped with cheese that were supposedly “vegan”. :-P
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
That’s great that you got such a great meal. I’ve had pretty good success with really meat-heavy restaurants just by telling them I’m vegetarian– you’d be surprised what an arsenal of vegetarian/vegan recipes they often have up their sleeves!
Lia says
I have to say that that pasta dish, and the sorbets look soo yummy! I’ve had very successful experiences with off the menu ordering too. I’m still shy about it, but many places have very pleasantly recommended that I call ahead next time and they will have something nice prepared. I’ve only done this once in reality (shy) and it turned out great. The chef was excited to play with something new, and had the time to actually prep. Most people don’t really think that it is feasible to ask the chef to do something off the menu, or to call ahead, but it is something us vegans really gotta work into our lives more when eating out. Glad your result was successful!
christine says
Interesting on calling ahead, I haven’t tried that yet. So true on ordering off the menu, but I’ve been enjoying it and the unique creations I get.
Errign says
My weekend has been pretty nice – it’s back to work tomorrow, but only for a short shift. I’m crossing my fingers to get out a bit and be able to go to my favorite yoga class.
Jessie Ann James says
Hey there! just discovered your site! I love love love it! i’m also trying my best to adapt a vegan whole foods diet! someitmes raw as well! thank you for all of your recipe posts as well!
~Jessie
jessieannjames.com
christine says
Hi, thanks and welcome! :-) I’m loving your site too, it’s gorgeous! That’s great on going vegan, it’s a fun adventure and there are so many great vegan recipe sites.