Hello everyone,

I often find myself frustrated when grocery shopping as many stores simply won’t up vegan item inventories so they tend to run out very quickly. Many of my favorite vegan brands had their own shops online, but the shipping was expensive, and multiple websites meant, multiple shipping fees. Well, Mylk Guys apparently knew this was an issued and tackling the problem by creating an online vegan grocery store with reasonable shipping costs. The shipping fee covers transportation costs and packaging, including boxes, insulation, and coolants – ensuring that your order arrives fresh and ready to enjoy!

Get $10 off your first order by using my link!

Mylk Guys carries everything from faux meat to cheese to health products or even sweets. In fact, my favorite vegan cheese – Miyokos Creamery – closed their own online shop to sell on Mylk Guys. Now I can order Primal Jerky, Uptons Chorizo, Just Egg, and Miyokos all at once! It’s so simple! They also carry many brands I’ve never tried before, and the products look delicious! I’m so happy to see a company catering to the vegan market  and realizing that cost is a factor.

Get $10 off your first order by using my link!

Fun fact – they have the largest selection of vegan cheeses in the United States. Why not browse their selection and give it a try? You won’t be disappointed, but it might be hard to choose!

Cheers & happy shopping!

Jocelyn

* Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. All opinions are my own.

The post An Online Vegan Grocery Store appeared first on Vegan Hostess.

Hello everyone,

Ah, New Orleans. A town full of history, jazz, beignets, gumbo, beans and rice, and…vegan food? I have to admit, while planning my recent trip to The Big Easy, I was left wanting more. I couldn’t find an updated, honest and comprehensive vegan guide to New Orleans. Luckily, the dearth of information doesn’t actually correlate to a lack of vegan-friendly food in the city.

As always, I created a loose itinerary with whatever vegan options I could find—many of which were places that didn’t specifically cater to vegans or vegetarians. When given the option, I will always financially support the cruelty free venture. I am happy to report that while traversing the streets of the French Quarter an beyond, I stumbled upon some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants I’ve had the pleasure to eat dine in! Check out my top ten places to visit on your next trip to the Crescent City.

Have you been to New Orleans? What are your favorite places to grab a bite to eat or decadent dessert?

Cheers!

Jocelyn

Holy Crepes (at Shops of the Colonnade – French Market)

• Notes: I stumbled on Holy Crepes by pure accident. I was looking for a few souvenirs at the French Market, hungry and in need of some coffee. All of a sudden, I noticed a crepery sign out of the corner of my eye. Upon closer inspection, I saw a note that they had vegan and gluten free options. Well, I realize how rare vegan crepes are so I wasn’t about to pass up that opportunity! This fast, fresh walk up includes both sweet or savory toppings.
• Address: 1100 N Peters St #23, New Orleans, LA 70116
• Hours: Daily, 10am – 5pm
• Social: Facebook

Killer PoBoys

• Notes: We ended up here after visiting the Museum of Pharmacy and Museum of Death. Conveniently located and easy on the wallet, this is a good stop if you are looking for a fast service restaurant to try non-traditional poboys with your omnivorous friends. While the menu isn’t overflowing with vegan options, there are a few vegan sides including smother greens, and a variety of poboys that can be  made dairy free.
• Address: 219 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
• Hours: Wednesday – Monday, 10am – 8pm
• Social: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Mac and Moon

• Notes: Vegan french macaroons. Need I say more? This amazing food stall is located in a food court in the arts/ warehouse district and is a must visit. They serve up an overwhelming variety of flavors, and each delicate macaroon is beautifully crafted.
• Address: 801 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 7am – 10pm; Friday – Saturday, 7am – 11pm
• Social: Facebook & Instagram

Seed

• Notes: This 100% plant-based menu puts a vegan spin on comfort-food classics. The food is good from brunch to dinner, but the best part is that they serve vegan beignets. Yes, you read that right—vegan beignets! In fact, it was the only vegan spot in New Orleans where I found this special treat. Don’t miss this plant-based New Orleans taste.
• Address: 1330 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130 & 2372 St. Claude St., New Orleans, LA 70117
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 11am – 10pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10-am – 10pm
• Social: Facebook & Instagram

Shake Sugary

• Notes: This quaint, family-run bakery offers pastries, vegan treats & coffee. I highly recommend the orange roll!
• Address: 3304 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
• Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 8am – 3pm
• Social: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Slim Goodies Diner

• Notes: If you decide to go on a self-guided walking tour of the Garden District chances are you will get hungry. There are so many old homes to browse and even a New Orleans style cemetery. Unfortunately, the neighborhood is a bit of a food desert, especially when looking for vegan or vegetarian options. A quick 12 minute walk away from the residential district will lead you to the a shop-filled portion of Magazine Street. Tucked in between shops is Slim Goodies Diner – a cozy, casual spot for breakfast and sandwiches. While not chock full of veg-friendly options, there are a few, including a tofu breakfast scramble. Plus, the never ending coffee and atmosphere make this a great option.
• Address: 3322 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
• Hours: All week, 6am – 3pm
• Social: Facebook & Twitter

Small Mart

• Notes: Do not miss this hole in the wall that served up the best vegan poboy I had while in New Orleans! The signage indicates vegetarian market which is technically true, but step inside, and you’ll see a small but mighty menu of bagels from New York and street food inspired by Indian and Pakistani cooking. The tandoori-style marinated tofu poboy is a must try!
• Address: 1303 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
• Hours: All week, 8am – 8pm (hot food served noon – 6pm)
• Social: Facebook & Instagram

Sneaky Pickle

• Notes: This vegan-friendly spot has an ever-changing menu due to their farm-fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The cuisine is largely creole/ soul food inspired and packs a serious punch. You can tell it was good because the door was revolving the entire time I was there.
• Address: 4017 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
• Hours: All week, 10am – 9:30pm
• Social: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

St. Roch Market

• Notes: 1875 market reborn as a cool food hall with stalls selling eats & drinks, plus some outdoor seating. I drank fresh pressed juice and ate spring rolls from The Daily Beet while my partner opted for vegan steam buns from T2 Streetfood.
• Address: 2381 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans, LA
• Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 7am – 10pm; Friday – Saturday, 7am – 11pm
• Social: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Sweet Soulfood

• Notes: You simply have to visit this restaurant if you are seeking vegan soulfood in New Orleans. While the photos might not be the best (my fault, I was too hungry), the food was some of the best I had during my stay. Sweet Soulfood serves buffet style. You simply pick one, two, three or four items – one will be entree size and the remainder in smaller side portions. The menu includes everything from red beans and rice to chicken fried cauliflower to mac n cheese, and it changes daily. One thing that doesn’t change—big New Orleans flavor!
• Address: 1016 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119
• Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11am – 6pm
• Social: Facebook & Instagram

The post A Vegan Guide to New Orleans appeared first on Vegan Hostess.

Who knew being Vegan in Amsterdam was so easy? I just spent a week and a half touring my fair share of the Netherlands—even making a quick excursion to Ghent, Belgium. I was pleasantly surprised by how vegan-friendly most restaurants were, plus there were many vegan or vegetarian specific eateries AND vegan dominos. Yeah, that’s right. Vegan dominos. Boom.

It was a bit more difficult to find vegan milk alternatives when I ventured away from the major cities, but even then, the espresso is so good in Europe there is no need to drink anything else. It’s almost criminal how much worse espresso is at most coffee shops in the US. Honestly.

On one of our day excursions to Zaanse Schans, we stumbled into In de Gecroonde Duyvekater (a bakery & museum) located in an adorable 1658 home in the windmill village. Can you believe I found a vegan apple hand pie and vegan pizza bread?! I was stunned, and didn’t hesitate before purchasing both. They hand pie was warm and soft,  and the pizza bread was surprisingly fluffy!

I’m having a hard time picking out my favorite vegan excursion from this trip, but I will say, you do NOT want to miss the vegan cheese at Mr. & Mrs. Watson. They serve almond and cashew cheese, and both are phenomenal. I also thought the breakfast and coffee at Koffie ende Koecke was spectacular. I had oat pancakes with fresh jam that was like nothing I’ve experienced before. Check out my mouthwatering photos from a variety of visit worthy restaurants across the Netherlands below.

So tell me, where are your favorite places to travel while vegan?

Cheers and happy traveling!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own!

 

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Bagels & Beans

• Locations:
  • Multiple
• Times:
  • Varied by location
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bagelsbeans/

Looking for a quick cup-a-Joe? espresso? fresh squeezed juice? How about a toasted bagel with vegan cream cheese? or maybe you need something more filling, a mushroom burger perhaps? Look no further than Bagels & Beans. This franchise is scattered throughout Amsterdam and is a comforting, safe “go to spot” for your morning fuel. With over twenty locations, this is a name to remember when you’re lost, tired, and hungry. Bagels & Beans will likely be a hop, skip, and jump away!

The Dutch Weed Burger Joint

• Location:
  • Nicolaas Beetsstraat 47, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Times:
  • Wednesday-Sunday: 12:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedutchweedburgerjoint

I know. I know. But it’s not what you think. This quick service restaurant services up the famous Dutch Seaweed Burger. And it’s good, too! The menu is 100% plant-based, utilizing seaweed and micro algae from Seaweed farm Zeewaar in the Oosterschelde. Reservations can be made for groups of 8 or more. Give this famous burger a try. It’s nutricious and there are so many puns!

Golden Temple Vegetarian Restaurant

• Location:
  • Utrechtsestraat 126, 1017 VT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Times:
  • Monday-Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Golden Temple is a wonderful spot for fresh, Indian cuisine in Amsterdam. They are 100% vegetarian and also don’t use eggs. Many items are vegan or can be made vegan, and raw options are available. While Golden Temple seems like a small, intimate setting at first, there is a second floor that allows space for larger groups.

Koffie Ende Koeck

• Location:
  • Haarlemmerweg 175, Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Times:
  • Tuesday-Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koffieendekoeck/

This adorable patisserie was one of my favorite stops in Amsterdam. The cafe is quaint with natural wood and light blue paint. As soon as you walk through the door you’re hit with the aromas of strong coffee and fresh breads. Their menu is 100% plant-based and includes everything from oat pancakes to hearty seitan sandwiches.

Meatless District

• Location:
  • Bilderdijkstraat 65-67, 1053 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Times:
  • Daily: 10:00am – 11:00pm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meatlessdistrict/

Located in the heart of the Old West area in Amsterdam, Meatless District is an all vegan restaurant open for lunch and dinner. They have a hip, relaxed space with an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs prepare their exquisite, mostly organic dishes. MD takes reservations and I highly recommend making one before attempting to visit. This is a vegan hot spot so it can get busy during evenings and weekends.

Vegabond

• Location:
  • Leliegracht 16, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Times:
  • Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vegabondfood/

Vegabond is 100% vegan lunchroom and small store in the heart of Amsterdam. They have a deli with fresh bites for lunch such as quinoa bowls, wraps, spring rolls, soups and more. They also have a spread of cakes, donuts, juices and coffee. The veggie spring rolls and pockets tasted so fresh. That sugar donut wasn’t bad either ;). I also perused the tall shelves and refrigerators lining the walls of the shop. They sell everything from dry goods to frozen meat alternatives. I even found vegan caramels and stroopwaffels!

Vegan Junk Food Bar

• Locations:
  • Multiple
• Times:
  • Varied by location
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veganjunkfood/

Vegan Junk Food Bar is a self-proclaimed vegan hotspot in Amsterdam serving up vegan  burgers and other “junk food.” There are three locations, each offering a slightly different menu and atmosphere. I had a vegan burger with truffle fries, and I must say, the fries were some of the best I’ve ever had! There were ridiculously good. I highly recommend visiting one VJFB’s locations to satisfy your late night craving on your next trip to Amsterdam!

Watson Food Bar

• Location:
  • Linnaeuskade 3h, 1098 BC Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Times:
  • Tuesday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watsonfoodbar/

Watson is hands down, the best place for vegan cheese lovers to visit while in Amsterdam. With award winning vegan takes on brie, gouda and more, plus and their swanky, delicious cashew fondu, Watson is a must visit. Aside from the delectable cheeses, their chefs serve up comfort food with a twist in a warm, inviting setting. The menu is 100% plant-based.

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Cheers & happy travels!

Jocelyn

 

The post Vegan in Amsterdam appeared first on Vegan Hostess.

And happy long weekend! How are you spending it? Finally getting that household project done? Relaxing? Visiting with friends? I’ve been in cleaning mode, but it inspired me to rearrange my dining room and break out my sewing machine. I’m so excited to finally make something with the most adorable cat fabric I found at a small shop in Denver last fall. Wish me luck. One other thing Cory and I have been up to—making crackers! In the past we’ve made homemade pita bread and a simple crusty bread. Those are both wonderful recipes, but when you’re looking for something to go with your fresh bruschetta or faux cheese, nothing beats a crunchy cracker.

Last summer, I attended the Cleveland Vegan Festival. Not only was it an amazing day filled with food demos, vegan treats and free swag, but I also got to meet Miyoko Schinner! If this name is new to you, you are missing out. She is the queen of vegan cheese and even wrote the book on it!

I absolutely love her vegan butter and rustic “cheese” wheels. They are so good it will fool all of your non-vegan friends and family members! I was so excited to see Miyoko’s cheese demo and to meet her afterwards. Admittedly, I actually went a little speechless.

Once I snapped out of it, I purchased her classic book, “The Homemade Vegan Pantry: The Art of Making Your Own Staples.” This book is the perfect “how to” guide for anyone seeking to learn how to make classic staples right at home. I know, I know. Why make pantry staples at home? Especially, when you can go to the store and buy them for reasonable prices. But I have to tell you, it just isn’t the same. Homemade food is fresher, healthier, and you know exactly what you’re eating! Plus, Miyoko’s book is proof that homemade, rustic staples don’t have to be a pain. Anyone can make them with a little time and practice.

This  book is chock full of thick, smooth paper with beautiful color photos to accompany many of the recipes which will inspire you to get ready to roll up your sleeves and cook. The Homemade Vegan Pantry: The Art of Making Your Own Staples includes everything from homemade vegan butter or mayo to pizza dough or other breads, to granola and breakfast sausage. These recipes pack a punch, but don’t require a chef’s expertise. Most ingredients are common and can be found in your local grocery store, but a handful of recipes require some more unique finds like yuba, aka tofu skin.

Cory and I have made Miyoku’s cracker recipe no less than four times the past month! It’s so simple, with just five required ingredients! Plus, you can customize it according to your own taste preference. The first batch we made was spiced with oregano and thyme. For the next batch we went with a slightly cheesy taste by using nutritional yeast. The best part—this recipe takes under an hour to make from start to finish.

Why not check out The Homemade Vegan Pantry: The Art of Making Your Own Staples the next time you’re in the market for a cookbook? You won’t regret it!

In the mean time, what’s your favorite staple to make at home?

Cheers!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate and referral links. I may earn a commission or bonus if you click through to make a purchase.  All opinions are my own. I only work with companies and brands I personally support.

The post Cookbook Review: The Homemade Vegan Pantry appeared first on Vegan Hostess.

Staying warm? Enjoying the snow? I don’t know about you, but when it’s cold outside I crave comfort food. One of my favorite comfort foods is a hearty vegan “burger.” That’s right—a faux meat patty topped with gooey, melty vegan cheese, Heinz ketchup, banana pepper rings, and a dollop of Just Mayo. It always hits the spot! Well, I’ve been hearing buzz about the Impossible Burger for months and months, so I finally decided to find one nearby to give a try. Today I am here to finally provide The Impossible Burger: My 5-Minute Review.  

After years of research and $180 million in funding, the Impossible Burger debuted in the summer of 2016 in NYC at Momofuku Nishi. Now, this restaurant is not a burger joint. It’s an asian fusion restaurant. Possibly an odd place to launch a veggie burger, but it worked! People were lining up hours before the restaurant opened to get a bite of the Impossible Burger.

So why was everyone in a tizzy? Well, the Impossible Burger is a plant-based burger that looks and cooks like ground beef. These qualities are supposed to make it satisfy vegans/ vegetarians and omnivores alike. How does it achieve this? It includes heme—a molecule extracted from fermented yeast that mimics the same molecule that’s found in animal blood. This enables this meatless burger to “bleed” and sear, just like animal-based burgers.

Now, these qualities are off-putting for many vegans/ vegetarians, but considering I didn’t cook the burger, I didn’t mind it. The Impossible Burger looks like a medium cooked  regular burger, but so do many other veggie burgers. In fact, I found it to be similar to Beyond Meat’s Beyond Burger in both flavor and texture. The Impossible Burger tasted juicy and a bit greasy, with a slightly crispy exterior and soft center. I ate mine topped with pickles, vegan cheese, lettuce and ketchup, and boy, did it hit the spot!

Aside from the fact that the Impossible Burger looks and tastes great and is cruelty free, it uses 75 percent less water, 95 percent less land, and emits 87 percent fewer greenhouse gases than a burger from cows. Plus, nutritionally, it has slightly fewer calories than a regular burger and more protein and no cholesterol!

The Impossible burger is now available at hundreds of restaurants across the country from five star restaurants to local burger joints. I traveled to Burgatory in Pittsburgh, PA for my review. But soon after getting my first bite, I looked around my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and was pleased to see that the Impossible Burger is available at B Spot locations! I’ll certainly be heading there soon to treat my boyfriend to this awesome speciality.

So what do you think? Will you give it a try?

Cheers!

Jocelyn

The post The Impossible Burger: My 5-Minute Review appeared first on Vegan Hostess.