adventures with daiya

grilled daiya with tomato on sourdough, lime roasted brussel sprots

adventures with daiya: the first in a series of musings on vegan cheese.

The excitement of a new vegan cheese hitting the market cues nondairy lovin' drooling, eyerolls and quite possibly more hype than a red carpet event. I'm usually guilty of all three of these reactions.

I mean, holy crap, this cheese won the VegNews Product of the Year endorsement. If anyone knows vegan products, it's the VegNews staff, right? Totally. Last year, they awarded the title to Dr. Cow's Nut Cheese. It's their duty to be on top of these things and that rules.

I've tried Daiya a handful of times now, and can only say I actually enjoyed it once.

So far.

I think it's super great that it's:

a) a new vegan cheese

b) soy-free

c) um, becoming available everywhere

d) being embraced by the public, including restaurants & chains, faster than any nondairy cheese before (seems like it!)

e) specifically, available for bulk purchase through the Food Fight! store in Portland

f) melty, or something that resembles melting

It's been openly available in the US since Spring '09, and so many East Coast and California vegan bloggers seemed to be loving it. That is, until I noticed one vegan friend mention they didn't like it. I was shocked, even the processed vegan cheese haters seemed to be down. I highly respected this person's culinary opinion, and my anticipation to try it grew into sheer curiosity.

I finally tried Daiya while in Laguna Beach, CA from zpizza, and returned to see it hit Food Fight's fridge. I'll talk more about my zpizza experience as soon as I locate my photos of that pizza - but know this, I despised it. I had to double check it was actually Daiya, and told myself it had to be a fluke.

It reminded me of a stick-to-your-mouth, coat-your-teeth, get-it-away experience I had with rice cheese at Seattle's Pizza Pi a few years ago (under previous, previous management, I'm told). I didn't like the Italian blend melted, and I didn't like it firmed, and the taste...I didn't hate the taste, but I didn't love it. But, I'm not desperate for a soy-free vegan cheese, or a new vegan cheese, I'm just excited and curious.

I'm used to the buttery Follow Your Heart, Teese and Tofutti singles, and Daiya channels something different. Cheddar Daiya really seems to go the Velveeta look and taste route. I was looking forward to the zpizza and falling in love with the best vegan cheese ever, and I didn't. I hyped myself too hard.

Anyway, since then, I've tried it a few more times. I truly enjoyed it from the Savor Soup House cart downtown, pictured below. Nancy knows grilled cheese...

You can see how this one achieves a level of gooey-ness mine did not.

My grilled cheese at the very top didn't achieve this goo, and I suppose I should give it another go with cheddar. I know this is all so ridiculous, but it's an adventure. I think it wanted a little more time to melt, because the one at the top became........fluffy. And I'm not saying that in a delicious way.

Final Thoughts:

• I'm a vegan cheese supporter, and I'm trying to like this one, a second time.
• I think this might be a great vegan cheese for new vegans to try.
• Maeve says I should try it over pasta, so I will.
• I thought the Cheddar was almost vile on nachos.
• Both Native Bowl & Whiffies have had specials involving Daiya, that I've yet to try. I feel left out of a vegan craze.
• Every time I come across a random vegan on the internet stating they dislike it, it makes me feel a little less alone.

I ask you, what's your take on Daiya? What's the tastiest way you've experienced it?

I <3 The Hungry Tiger Too

There is so much I could say about their tempeh bacon sandwiches, tator tots, all day sippers, giant pancakes, butternut squash wontons, and mushy, tasty tofu scrambles. There is quite a bit I have said.

So, short on time, nearing the end of VeganMoFo, I bring you a recent dinner-for-breakfast at my favorite really-vegan-friendly greasy spoon in SE Portland.

The Greek Tofu Scramble with rye toast, soy margarine and hash browns.

..because I really, really like kalamata olives. And the Hungry Tiger Too. I mean, they have $1 vegan corn dog and $1 Pabst Tallboy Wednesdays. That's grown into hip madness and I don't find myself weekly anymore (and I pass on the corn dogs and head to half a vegan caeser with tempeh bacon, mostly likely), but it's awesome to know it's happening in this city.

And borrowing this, to truly honor her creativity, that squash and the establishment -

Millie's Halloween Pumpkin - modeled after HT2's mascot!

HT2's mascot:

Next up: Karla and I share some favorites!

And Vegan Eating in Spokane, WA

An Exquisite Vegan Dinner at Belly Timber.

Last month, I attended an Exquisite Vegan Dinner at Belly Timber on SE Hawthorne. The dinner was the first in an ongoing series of exclusively vegan, multi-course dinners at restaurants specializing in fine dining, that aren't exactly leaping with vegan options across their menu.

The arrangement of the dinner at the highly rated Belly Timber is what inspired this new tradition. Belly Timber's chef, David Siegal, had introduced a few vegan options onto their daily menu and the enthusiasm grew for a full vegan dinner party. This venture had its root at Whiffies Fried Pies, when David first developed an all vegan pie as one of two signature pie

specials.

I adore Portobello and must make it to the new Blossoming Lotus location soon or I'm going to go nuts, but I don't like to give up hope when I'm at a non-vegan restaurant, especially one that specializes in artisan fare. I cherish seeing the same creative energy put into vegetable dishes as there is with meat.

Note: While there is no foie gras on the menu at Belly Timber, there are very non-vegan dishes using a whole lot of our friend, the pig, on their regular menu, and I understand why folks would pass on this. I personally believe it was a step in the right direction for the hip, meat-obsessed restaurants in Portland, and for the sake of respect and development of artisan, vegan cuisine at these restaurants.

Besides the poor photos of the cocktails, all photographs are courtesy of Isa Chandra Moskowitz.

Without further adieu, the photos from the first Exquisite Vegan Dinner and some commentary.

Easy on the Eyes

This was a carrot juice and vodka based cocktail that both my friend Liz & I ordered. It was really pleasant and refreshing, and I was delighted by the cocktail suggestions on the menu.

Watermelon basil skewers with black olive puree

Avant-Garde Appetizer!

Grilled Seasonal Vegetables and Walnut Banga Cauda

Classy grilled vegetables & a tasty accompaniment.

Cauliflower Rillette, chili powder, cocoa nibs, juniper & sage

This is a key example of a chef taking a dish (rillette) that is

typically starring meat, and embracing a vegetable in it. The cauliflower rillette itself

had a mellow, warm flavor and the complex texture of this pate spread onto toast

remains on my mind, despite the almost distracting garnishes. This is hands down the dish I wanted

to recreate at home.

Salad of carrots, parsnips, currants & herbs with a vanilla bean vinaigrette.

This salad was obviously gorgeous, and my friend Millie didn't stop raving about it. I swear, through the vanilla and the fluffy shreds of everything, it channeled marshmallows...

Corn Pudding & Picalilli

This dish showcased one of Belly Timber's signatures - pickled vegetables. There were both onions and tomatoes surrounding my round of spicy corn pudding. While I could have gone for it in a smaller portion since there was such much to try all evening, the spicy corn pudding ranks up with my favorites of the night- the bold flavor it captured was impressive.

Roast Autumn Squash, Apple & Farro

This farro stuffed squash was the biggest patty pan I have ever seen. Thank you, Portland rain! Each of these was shared by a few guests.

Pear fritters with housemade nutella & muscavado almond butter

Unfortunately, we were all pretty stuffed by this point. However, who can turn down a pear fritter? Or warm, homemade nutella?

It seemed on a different page from the rest of the meal, but again, I'll repeat myself. Who can turn down a pear fritter? Or warm, homemade nutella?

B.T. White Russian

This was made with almond milk and house-infused Stumptown vodka. Yes.

Thank you for this adventure, Belly Timber!

And thank you, my fellow vegans, for the company and fine conversation.

FYI, The dinner at Belly Timber consisted of both individual servings and family style offerings. It was sold out with 22+ guests in their private upstairs dining room, at $25/person, not including gratuity or beverages.

Stay tuned for announcements about future exquisite dinners.

The Portland Vegan 100

100 Great Vegan Foodz in Portland, OR!

This list was inspired by Melissa Bastian's Vegan NYC 100 Listing for VeganMoFo, which was inspired by Hannah of Bittersweet's Vegan's Hundred.

This was a collaborative effort, I received feedback from vegans on the Post Punk Kitchen forums, via Facebook, Twitter and from straight up conversations in person with my friends.

If you're in the Portland area or familiar with our vegan scene, what are you waiting for?

Here's how it works:

1) Copy this list into your own blog, facebook or website, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Post a comment here once you’ve finished and link your post back to this one.
5) Pass it on!

The PDX Vegan Hundred: 100 Great Foodz in Portland, OR

psst - the original version for copy/pasting is here.

1. Fries with spicy tofu sauce at Dots
2. $1 Corndog from Hungry Tiger Too I've gotten to the point where I order one, but I can't bite into it.
3. Chick-o-Stick doughnut from Voodoo Doughnuts
4. Tiramisu from Portobello
5. Vegan Mulita from Gorditos or Gorditos II
6. Nanotear Ham and Cheeze sandwich from Tube
7. Milkshake from Sip
8. Gnocchi from Portobello
9. Caramel Nut Bar from Sweetpea Baking Co.
10. Soft serve from Blossoming Lotus
11. Local cherry tomatoes from a farmers market
12. Dong Po Tofu from Bay Leaf
13. Jerked chickun from Assase Ital
14. A Big Big Lunch Special from an Indian cart
15. Soy latte made with Stumptown espresso
16. A crappy tofu scramble
17. Cornmeal pizza from Dovi Vive.
18. Weeping Tiger sandwich from Bye & Bye
19. Bye & Bye or Floor Punch from Bye & Bye
20. A Bowl meal from a cart
21. vegan nutella from freddy's hazelnuts
22. soy curls in bulk from food fight or proper eats
23. buffalo wings from Vita
24. the weekday vegan pancakes from Laurelthirst
25. Maple vegan sausage waffle from flavourspot
26. Drunken noodles with pepper steak from Thai Food Cafe
27. Macnocheeto from Homegrown Smoker Too much for me to handle!
28. Veggie platter from an Ethiopian restaurant
29. Blackberries picked from a public place
30. Baba Ganouj from Ya Hala
31. Coconut Mashed Yams from Papa G’s
32. Butternut Squash Wontons from Hungry Tiger Too
33. Vegan slice from Bella Faccia
34. Apple pie from Whiffies
35. Chili dog from Zach’s Shack I'm just not into fake hot dogs or eating them covered with chili..
36. Vegan poutine from Potato Champion
37. Missionary Chocolate Truffle
38. Apron Activists 4-Course Dinner
39. Hot Wok at New Seasons
40. Che Guevara Burrito from Laughing Planet
41. Bryan’s Bowl from Por Que No?
42. Pad Thai from Pad Thai Kitchen
43. Cupcake from a stand at Last Thursday
44. The Giant Pancake at Hungry Tiger Too
45. TLP from Red & Black Cafe
46. Cornmeal tempeh plate from Proper Eats
47. Tofu Po Boy at Palm State Gumbo
48. Maple Walnut Scone from Back to Eden
49. Vegan Mezza platter from a Lebanese restaurant
50. Crispy eggplant from Fujin
51. Lemongrass Tofu Sticks from Van Hanh
52. Tofu Salad Bun at Pho PDX
53. Cocktail made with local liquor
54. Biscuits and Gravy from Paradox
55. Smoky soy curls from Homegrown Smoker
56. Field Roast sausage
57. Secret Aardvark Hot Sauce
58. Toddbot's Triangles
59. Local microbrew
60. Hot Lips soda
61. Herb Crusted Tofu with Mushroom Marsala from The Farm Cafe
62. had a picnic in Laurelhurst Park
63. burrito from Shelley's Honkin Huge Burritos
64. Eggplant tibs from Bete Lukas
65. Tator Tots before noon or after midnight
66. Lone Ranger from Chaos Cafe
67. Sunday brunch at Sweetpea!
68. Tofu at a BBQ place (for example Derby Mustard Sauce Tofu at Russel Street BBQ)
69. Mint Fava Falafel at Nightlight Lounge
70. An unexciting hummus plate at a bar.
71. Vegan meatball sub from Aalto Lounge
72. Koi Fusion spicy tofu tacos
73. Veggie dog from the Vegi dog stand
74. Sesame chicken from a vegetarian chinese restaurant
75. Bagel with Bacun Scallion cream cheese from Sweetpea I hate scallions.
76. Vegan savoury crepe
77. Veggie kibbeh
78. Club Vegan at Backspace
79. ice cream sundae from Back to Eden
80. Raw fudge from Blossoming Lotus
81. Tempeh reuben I'm not a sauerkraut fan, sorry!
82. Pause vegan burger
83. vegan ribs
84. something baked with local marionberries
85. Veggie bento box
86. Dave's Killer Bread
87. Higher Taste Buzzitos
88. Thai food that the server swears is vegan, but you taste fish sauce.
89. Elephant ear from the Saturday Market
90. Dovetail sticky bun
91. savoury pie from Nicholas restaurant
92. Salad rolls from the Just Thai cart
93. Vegan torta from Gorditos II
94. Nutritional yeast on your popcorn at a movie theater
95. Vegan grilled cheese from The Grilled Cheese Grill
96. Pasilla burrito from El Nutri
97. Something from the vegetarian menu at Andina
98. Vegan Steak and Cheese from D.C. Vegetarian
99. Dragon Noodles at Red & Black Cafe blame the cilantro.
100. Falafel from Wolf & Bears

So, where do you stand on this list?

What is it missing?

P.S. I ran out of time with the links, more links to photos, websites & reviews will be updated.

Anatomy of a Grocery Trip: Limbo

I'm still coming down from the high of being in the front row for Alicia Silverstone's talk about her book, The Kind Diet, last night at Powell's. So, if I start chanting about the beauty of kale in this post, you know why.

A trip for spices & tea.

This past weekend, I hit up Limbo for bulk spices, tea and a couple other goodies. It had been far too long. They usually have crazy deals on $1 produce bags ready for smoothies and juicing, and random vegetables, like 2 bell peppers for a $1, and of course, local and organic produce, but I was all set at home so I stuck to bulk shopping. I tend to go there more regularly come late fall and winter in Portland - tea weather!

Their selection of bulk herbs and tea is massive. If you're in Portland and and appreciate buying in bulk, and having a huge variety of chili powders to choose from, you must go.

My teas included herbal chai, blackberry black and a citrus based dental health herbal tea.

I am constantly drinking tea at work in my Bodum teapot, there's a pot of the blackberry by my side as I type this.

Garlic is $3.49/lb at Limbo, so I grab many. The tiny lemons were 10 cents a piece, and being out of organic lemon juice at home, I went for five.

Spices: The return of smoked paprika into my life. If you read What the hell does a vegan eat anyway? you know it rules. I was on a huge roasted potatoes with smoked paprika kick a few years ago, myself, I couldn't make them enough! Cumin - it took me a few years to realize this, but I dig it. Coriander - I plan on baking falafel soon. Paprika & Ginger - of course. I like to keep fresh ginger at home, but powdered comes in handy. And last, but not least - Ancho Chili powder. It's superb and used in a few of Isa Chandra Moskowitz's recipes. I've already used it in a cheezy sauce this week and I want to bake kale chips dusted with it!

More...Vegan....Donuts

I know, right?

All the way in far out SE Portland....er, SE 29th and Powell, across from Hopworks Urban Brewery.

In a strip mall! The location warmed my suburban raised, all-vegan heart.

Not a far off walk in my neck of the woods. Acme Donuts apparently realized most of their donuts were nearly vegan, so they went for it. There were at least six different types of vegan donuts on their shelves, it seemed like 3/4 of their offerings were marked vegan.

I went with Maple Glazed and Berry Filled. Honestly, all their donuts were cute but were flatter than you normally see, like, almost deflated. I was raised on big, bold Dunkin Donuts in New York, and yeah, I measure everything against 'em. But hey, I dig homemade, cute's good.

Maple Glazed and Berry Filled.

The Berry filled was dusted with a coat of powdered sugar and lightly filled with a moist, sherbert-like berry filling. Personally, I'm not enthusiastic for jelly donuts and I remember eating around the filling as a child when faced with one. My favorite part here was the filling. Yes, sherbert-like: it wasn't stuffed with jam or crappy jelly, but a dollop of creamed jam? Something like that. I liked it. See below!

The dough looked like it was going to have some spice, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, in it, but I didn't taste any. That would have been something! It tasted more like an airy, soft roll than a donut, to be honest.

Fortunately, not greasy or yeasty, two things vegan donuts can be guilty of.

The maple glazed had a similar dough feel and taste, but the icing was delightful. Just look at that thick, maple icing. I mean, put that on pizza and someone would eat it.

Berry.

I know, I like to picture Portland as all parks and coffeeshops, but it can look like this!

Look for a full review in the future on Stumptown Vegans, after our resident donut expert stops by, too!

PDX: Native Bowl in Mississippi!

The newest vegan cart in town.

Time to dust off the ole Vegan Friendly Food Carts in Portland list! Oh wait, it doesn't collect dust. Julie and Jay Hasson, two of the coolest vegan parents in Oregon, opened their food cart, Native Bowl, earlier this month.

Surely, you know Julie already, or you should, her list of culinary acclaims astounds me - to name some: cookbooks (with a new vegan diner book in the works!), the Everyday Dish cooking videos, teaching cooking classes for The Cancer Project, her own blog, being an awesome person

and now, an all vegan food cart!

The Native Bowl is all about the "mix" of ingredients. Their bowls are topped with house made exceptional sauces and are filled with vegetables, sushi rice and soy curls or tofu, and named after NATIVE areas -i.e. the Alberta bowl, Mississippi bowl, etc. Get it? I do!

They're also serving grilled sandwiches, wraps and baked goods. Because you know, Julie rules.

There was a vegan reuben with Daiya as a special the day I visited.

Be Advised: This is a high quality lunch visit, bring more than $5 with you! A large bowl (which is served in a Chinese style carton) will run you $7.50, though I did have sauced leftovers that were great with my dinner!

Onwards to the photos!

My Alberta Bowl with a spicy Korean Srichacha sauce

The sauce had me wondering if there were tears in my eyes - in a good way! A great way!

They'll happily turn down or up the heat for ya, I'm sure - I'm a wimp these days.

My friend had the hummus wrap - and remarked that "she knows what she's doing". It seemed like the bread as well was homemade.

For dessert - a coconut macaroon. Look, I've had a lot of vegan macaroons, and this was the best one I've ever put into my mouth.

The new tables at the cart lot are...vintage. Check out the helpful notes on them, below.

On the topic of carts, winter is slowly approaching, and there's a bit of chatter about covered seating, indoor escapes, heat lamps, carts closing for the season (Wolf & Bears soon being one) and where to store your cart going blankets. Let's see if cart going thrives through the rain, or we find ourselves inside actual restaurants more often.. The Mississippi Marketplace and Cartopia at 12th & Hawthorne, in particular, seem to be preparing for the colder weather well.

All Photos by Lucas DeShazer.

PSA: It's Pumpkin Milkshake Season at Sip.

Sip, Portland's organic juice and smoothie cart, has one last thing to say before it retires its milkshake machine for the winter:

PUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKIN

PUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKIN

PUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKINPUMPKIN

I went with some friends after lunch at Green Wok, and it was one of the most delicious and filling afternoons of my life. My third visit to Green Wok so far!

Our friend, Sip.

I assume they'll be making the switch to my beloved tea lattes again. Please.

Matcha Green Tea Latte

Squash land outside People's Coop!

Roast, Roast, Roast.

Dinner for the Chimps

On Friday night, I attended the Apron Activists' latest presentation: a 4 Course Benefit Dinner for the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. I've dined at a couple of these previously and volunteered as well, and I was delighted to see them back in action with the support of the Portland vegan community.

It was an evening of great food, great friends, great conversation and fairly good wine (BYOB).

I sat at a communal table with the sweet representative from the Sanctuary, and she told us tales of the chimps, like how she intended to buy one of them cowboy boots for her birthday because she loves shoes so much!

Here's the spread, pretend everything isn't mellow yellow. The room was filled with smiles.

Mushroom Walnut Pate & Curried Carrot Spread

Baguette, Matzoh and Flatbreads

Must make this pate asap! Divine! I think it's the one from Vcon..

Root Vegetable & Caramelized Fig Salad

Mixed greens, endive, creamy garlic dressing, cilantro pesto drizzle

That's how it was supposed to look. I was in the No Cilantro, Please club.

The figs were so lovely!

Here's our super awesome and super adorable waitress, Karla, aka Veganshizzle.

Butternut Risotto

Sweet cashew creme, roasted brussel sprouts, toasted hazelnuts

Love brussels & hazelnuts!

Apple Pie with Peanut Butter Caramel with Coconut Bliss. Wonderful!

Thank you, Apron Activists!

Vegan Friendly Food Carts in Portland, OR!

Yo! I've moved to a new domain:

getsconedpdx.com

It has pages of information, in addition to normal posts! Oh my gosh!

Please update your bookmarks.

<3

jess sconed.

The Vegan Friendly Food Carts List Lives There!

Grilled Vegan Cheese (apparently Tofutti Mozz. and CC!)

with Jalapenos and Tomato from The Grilled Cheese Grill

BBQ Tofu pie from Whiffies. Photo by Lucas DeShazer.

Case in Point: Bombay Chaat House

T-G-I-Tubesday.

This week brought on the casual return of Tubesday, a semi-regular tradition in my Portland life since 2006. A hodge podge of friends visits Tube bar, orders $2 well drinks and their cheapo, infamous mini vegan ham and cheeze sandwiches. They used to be called the McGonnigle, and they're now called the Professor Nanotear, and are two for $5 or $3 each. The menu is mostly vegan, with spaghetti and homemade vegan meatballs, tofu scramble tacos, a big vegan ham & cheese with salad, vegan pasta salad and a handful of other things.

But everyone I know goes for the vegan ham and cheeze.

Behold, the awesome.

The pathetically awesome.

Here's what I wrote about it for a Veggie Thing entry:

The thing to realize about the cheap grilled ham and fake cheese sandwiches at the Tube is that they’re pathetically awesome. No one gets just one, so throw down $5 for 2 at happy hour (5 till 10pm daily!) and enjoy your guilty pleasure at this hipster bar in Old Town. Behold the tiny piece of bright orange cheeze, the sometimes slathered, sometimes sparse, always tasty chipotle sauce, imitation ham, soft English muffin and surprisingly crisp pepperocini accompaniment. It’s a must try.

I have to say, I'm pretty devastated there was no appearance of pepperocinis this past visit, but so it goes.

Last year, as the legend goes, shenanigans were plotted, and my friend Kevin made and shared the first vegan ham tube doughnut sandwich. He used a maple Voodoo doughnut, and the rest is history. It was recently mentioned in the online edition of Women's Day Magazine. I don't mean to brag, but that is my crappy photo showcased. Alright, that's crappy bragging.

The new Tubesday tradition was kept alive.

This time, Jeff upped the game with cake and yeasted vegan maple donuts from Voodoo. Yes, you read that right - the local 24 hour doughnut shop has yeasted and cake vegan donuts.

Whaaaaaaaat

Jeff and Simon, vegan heros of the night.

The point of the story? I like greyhounds.

This one is circa 2008.

Farewell, tomatoes.

I'll miss you. I'll pretend you only exist in non-gmo cans until late spring once more. Watery, pale tomatoes are pointless.

I suppose I can think of it this way, instead of new episodes of LOST to keep my life exciting, I get flavorful, local tomatoes during the rest of the year. It doesn't exactly pair up, but you get the idea...if you adore Benjamin, like I do.

In Denial Cherry Tomatoes

Just look at them. I noticed they were in denial about the season the first moment they came into view. Somehow, inside, I knew this would be my last chance, my last hope, for tomato sweetness. Truly, they were sweet. They had flavor. They were in denial about the oncoming Autumn.

Only two more weeks of my precious downtown farmers market! [weekday]

Here's my haul from last Wednesday:

I've been throwing green cabbage and peppers into everything I've been cooking!

And creeping my sister out by eating raw corn. Over the phone.

Till we meet again, peppers...

Don't fret, I'll be stalking the farmars until tomatoes and peppers are truly pathetic/not present.

The dramatic black & white stand I bought my cabbage from.

You can feel the mood of this post.

Happy Hoodie weather to all!

I hope you're prepared with a new Herbivore sweatshirt!