Vegan Weekend in Seattle

Sometimes we don't appreciate what's in our own backyard (or neighborhood, or city) until we see it through someone else's eyes...

This weekend, my good friend Shaun came for a visit. Being that he's one of the few vegans I know in real life, it's always fun to cook meals and/or go out to dinner with him. Being that he's from Albuquerque, the vegan choices in town are vastly different than what he has available.

So of course, we checked out some of his favorite destinations here in Seattle - great ALL VEGAN spots that I sometimes take for granted. I know I've mentioned them before, but couldn't help posting some of the yumminess we enjoyed...

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Breakfast one morning at the ever fun and funky Squid & Ink.

We had a Monte Cristo Sandwich, Cajun sweet potato fries and their famous Poutine. (Which is a huge favorite in Canada but not so well-known around these parts... basically cheese curds and gravy over fries. Only vegan. And SOOOO yum. )

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Personally, I'd go just for their gravy. Cover anything in gravy and I'll eat it.

Just doing my part to dispel the "Skinny-Sickly-Anemic-Vegan" stereotype, one gravy-covered meal at a time...

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We also went shopping for vegan groceries (and for curiosity's sake) at SideCar for Pigs Peace. Not that we specifically needed any groceries. But they're an all-vegan grocery store that supports a Pig Sanctuary and we found all kinds of fun stuff that you may see in featured in future blogs. Cheezely Cheese, Bacon Salt (which totally tastes like bacon but is vegetarian!), and on and on... if you're ever in Seattle, check them out.

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I'm so getting one of their cloth shopping bags next time I'm there. I just never remember to go unless I have out-of-town guests! Besides, they're right across from Pizza Pi, which sells vegan pizza, if you're craving that sort of thing. (which we weren't)

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After groceries, we hit Mighty-O Vegan Donuts. Another MUST TRY if you're on Shaun's tour of the town.

Applaud our self control. We resisted buying out the entire store. In fact we limited ourselves to six.

Some of which went back on the plane to Albuquerque today...

Shaun's like a kid in a candy store when we go to Mighty-O. See how delighted he is with his choices?

Last but not least, supper at Teapot Vegetarian House. Check out the "Bobo Platter Sampler" (and this is just the half we hadn't eaten!!!) the thing is huge; filled with spring rolls, fried seaweed wraps, satay (toasting over the little fire - woo - cool!!) , tofu fritters and realistic rose "chicken" drumettes complete with a bit of sugar-cane as the "bone". Insane. Delicious.

The boy would totally fly here from Ab'q. just for those mock-chicken drumettes. Yes. They are that good.

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After dinner, our dessert was almost too pretty to eat. Beautifully presented Mango "cheese"cake with mango-berry sauce. I seriously considered licking the plate clean.
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This concludes our Vegan Tour of Seattle for today. Yes, I could go to these places on my own, but it's always nice to share them with friends. If you're ever in town, let me know!

And stay tuned. A little excitement coming up in a few days.