Veg Out Plant Based Burgers and Shakes - Veganuary

The Port Moody Winter Farmer's Market is a pleasant little outdoor market with a lot of vendors of produce and products leaning towards the organic and whole foods end of the spectrum. So you can imagine that a food truck specializing in plant-based menu items might fit in well.

The fact that they serve burgers and fries and shakes is not startling in itself but the quality of the product (especially considering that it is plant-based) is!

We started with an order of Wings and we chose the sweet and spicy sauce. I'm going to come right out and assume that they are using seitan as their near chicken product and say that it is quite tasty. I've played around with seitan at home (the vital wheat gluten product and not the dark lord). The texture is pretty good, the flavour 'meaty' and it fries up nice and crispy! These were some pretty decent vegan wings!

We went all out and ordered a Veganator! This sandwich includes a deep-fried 'chick'n' patty as well as their beyond patty (I'm not sure if they are referring to the commercially available Beyond Meat or their own recipe). At any rate, it came with really good veg bacon, cheese, and sauce not to mention, lettuce, tomato and onion. This was an amazing sandwich! Way on the messy side, I could hardly get my paw around it to hold it for a picture! Find these guys to get yourself a Veganator!

The fries were good too and come with your choice of sauces. These are the type of fries that are coated with something (rice flour?) and so are extra crispy.

Finally, knowing that we would pay as it was a cold morning, we had to try a shake. Plant-based shakes can be challenging and this one was coconut-based. We ordered Cookies and Cream and enjoyed it greatly! Note the biodegradable straw. Veg Out makes sure that all its containers are environmentally friendly. We did notice that there was no place at this community park where things could be properly recycled or separated for composting. If a business is being conscientious at its own expense, we need to make sure that our public spaces are doing the same.

Definitely worth your while to find the Veg Out Food Truck.

Food                 4 out of 5

Comfort            NA (really....its a truck...you make your own comfort)

Service             4 out of 5 (pretty quick to get the order ready)

Value                4 out of 5 (not cheap but good value all the same)

Copper Branch - Veganuary

You may not have heard of Copper Branch. I hadn't either until I Googled "vegan eats in Vancouver" and there it was. They have heard of this place in Eastern Canada where they are based and there are a dozen outlets in Montreal alone.

C.B. is located on Nelson in Yaletown and it is likely only the first of many Metro Vancouver locations (just a hunch). This may well be the largest vegan chain in the world. It s a casual place where you order at the counter, they bring you your food when it's ready, you get your own water and bus your own table when you're done. As for the menu, it is varied and on the creative side with a lot of the usual bowls, burgers, sandwiches and other warming and healthy fare.

We started with a bowl of chili which was tasty enough if not startling. There was a good helping of quinoa in with the other usual ingredients which we enjoyed. We were surprised by the price which was only $5.95 leaving us expecting the serving to be much smaller. This seemed like a good value.

Also surprising price-wise was the Aztec Bowl which we ordered in the"mini" size at only $10.95 which to our thinking was not mini at all. You have your choice of bases and we asked for Konjac Noodles. Konjac is a root from which Japanese style noodles are made. They were almost clear with just a nice light chew. You also chose a protein and we opted for carrot keftedes a sort of carrot meatball. This was all topped up with a bunch of nice beans and vegetables including salsa, some tortilla chips and sour cream to make it Aztec. This could almost be lunch by itself. BTW, this was some of the best vegan sour cream that we have had.

We were a little disappointed with the Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie. A little like the experiences you may have had at MacDonald's, the website picture did not represent the actuality. It was served cold which was just wrong. The texture was not what we expected (again the website photo was what set up our expectations). So not a great dish but the side salad was at least more than an afterthought. Presumably, just a dish being tried out on their menu.

Finally, we ordered a Copper Deluxe Combo (yes, we had leftovers for dinner later) which came with oven-baked fries. I am a big advocate of plant-based restaurants having deep fryers but that doesn't seem to be the case here. The oven fries were, however, quite good. They came with a nice bit of charring and were coated in the house spice which was salty and just a bit middle eastern, I think.

The burger itself starts with a beet patty which was very beet forward and worked well! A really decent bun, caramelized onions and fixin's including potato chips. Very nice! 

So as far as we're concerned, all hits and one miss. We liked it here. Being Yaletown, the heavy timbers and wood floors created an enjoyable rustic surrounding. I think we should get used to seeing Copper Branch around. They serve comforting healthy food at a reasonable price. It is a direction that we should all be moving in even when it is not Veganuary.

Food                     3 out of 5

Comfort                4 out of 5

Service                 4 out of 5

Value                    4 1/2 out of 5

Down 2 Earth - Veganuary

Does the "7th most popular city in the world for vegans" include the burbs? You can tell that I am excited that Vancouver has received that recognition by 'Chef's Pencil' as this is the third straight post in which I have referenced the award. And vegan and plant-based joints are popping up all over the place in the whole of Metro-Vancouver. Down 2 Earth is one example of that found in Walnut Grove just off 88th Avenue on 202nd.

I arrived in the afternoon just around 4 so I could hopefully order from their lunch menu but also off of Nonna's Italian dinner menu. To my chagrin, the arancini was not available (it happens) so on that first visit, I tried their Grilled Cheese from the lunch menu.

This was an excellent toasted sandwich with smoked provolone, bacun jam and pear slices. On the side was a nice assembly of seasonal greens that was supposed to come with apple miso vinaigrette (I didn't get mine but I did go back and ask for dressing). I enjoyed this crunchy and rich sandwich but I am not sure that I would pay $19.50 for it again. I expect that sometimes vegan items are expensive because for example, the cheese is made in small quantities and probably by hand but still, $20 seems a little steep even compared to our recent vegan adventures.

On a second visit, a week later (this time I knew the arancini was only going to be available on Friday), I was again anxious to try something from Nonna's menu but the Lasagna D'Constructo was not available. They are keeping the Nonna's menu items limited at the moment and that is understandable and admittedly, restaurants must do what they can to survive. That being said, communication is key and that is what websites are for. Anyway, I had the Mac Daddy from the lunch menu instead. This was impressive for vegan fare, creamy and cheesy without any hint of brewers yeast, that ingredient that seems to be fairly omnipresent in vegan cheese. With a nice side salad again (this time dressed) and an impressive side dish of house-made ketchup. I could not quite nail down the earthy mild spice in the ketchup but it may have included turmeric or cumin? I rarely go on a ketchup tangent but this was tasty! At $19 for this, I again feel like the pricing is on the high side. Maybe the inclusion of a salad which was clearly not just an afterthought, makes it right.

I did order one item from Nonna's menu. The Garlic Knots were salty, cheesy, warm and very enjoyable. Nicely done on the bread which came with marinara and a sort of pesto, it was very comforting.

D2E is a wonderfully designed comfortable space. Attention to detail, even in the washrooms is warm and inviting. Someone can be proud of their effort. The food here is not unimpressive but it would be nice to have some smaller plates available as the garlic knots and only occasionally available arancini leave room for something else. What about soup? There are really nice people running this place and they have a nice gracious vibe that is reflected among other places in the plant-based menu. Still a little on the pricey side but I suggest that you should give it a try.

Food         4 out of 5

Service     3 out of 5   (servers are great; unavailability of Italian menu items less great)

Comfort    4 out of 5

Value        3 out of 5

The Acorn Restaurant - Veganuary

Since we are now eating vegan in the "7th most popular city in the world for vegans" (Chef's Pencil), we thought that it was about time that we ate at the "best vegan-friendly restaurant in the world" (Big 7 Travel) which is located in said 7th most popular city in the world for vegans. It is sort of a pinnacle, isn't it? Although on the one hand,  I worry that it will be all downhill from here, on the other, I know that we will never really enjoy our food less after this just because it comes with fewer accolades!

Located at 24th and Main, The Acorn is open for dinner only and you will want to make a reservation. Although the small restaurant was fully occupied (according to the rules) and seemed a little bit crowded, we felt safe as they are as serious about social distancing as any place that we have been in recent history.

The Acorn offers a three coarse dinner for $49 per person which as you will see, is very reasonable considering what they put together. We still opted for a sharable starter in addition. This was essentially pumpkin with lobster mushroom 'fish sauce' vinaigrette, hazelnuts and a taste of cayenne. It was our first amazing moment of many. Delicious! The menu lists the ingredients for each dish in exhaustive detail which felt a little annoying and confusing at first but as we got into our meal, we found ourselves referring back to the menu as "Oh my God, that was amazing! What was that exactly?" moments came.

Mharie's first course was called Romanesco. It was cauliflower in 5 forms with a goat gouda fonduta (her meal was vegetarian but not vegan) and a lemon leaf vinaigrette. I didn't even realize there were 5 kinds of cauliflower (including the romanesco) nor 5 ways to prepare it. Grilled, pureed, pickled etc., the result was that each bite was different and needed to be savoured and appreciated.

I started with the Shitake. If I understood the menu, 2 types of shitake mushrooms prepared 3 ways (including a house-made X.O. sauce) with leeks, kelp and lemongrass! The surprising combination of textures and flavours made us very happy. The kitchen likes to use pickling which cuts through the richness of other elements to provide a balance.

Mharie's main course was called Corn and featured house-made pasta. The pasta was not surprisingly very good and was supported (or the other way around) by radicchio, garlic, chanterelles, preserved corn, buffalo ricotta and something called crosnes. This is also known as Japanese artichoke and the root was pickled for this dish. We did not isolate this ingredient at the time but we're convinced that everything contributes to the whole.

By ordering the Brassica, I did not initially realize that I was ordering the barbeque plate! Buttermilk ranch slaw, burdock molasses-baked navy beans. maple syrup collard greens and sour pickles were the give away (and all a step above the usual and perfectly fine barbeque sides) but the Savoy cabbage and quince were the stars here. Brined, rubbed and smoked, and served with Kumbuccha barbeque sauce (which was more than a little piquant), we would never have expected the cabbage (which in no way mimics brisket or any other barbequed meat) to be such a perfect 'viande'. 

For dessert, I had Peach. Peach and a sort of peach tuile over Gin and peach sorbet and served with sorghum popcorn. Another dish where each detail was an enjoyable surprise.

Mharie had one of the day's specials, western larch tip and squash ice cream topped with squash pearls, oat crumble and candied jelly tooth mushrooms. Wow! As you probably have been able to tell, the creativity in the kitchen here is on a different plane from our usual forms of sustenance. They have proven once and for all, that a big old slab of meat is not necessary.

Small, romantic and dimly lit (made photography challenging and I came close to walking into plexiglass) this is a very nice space. Service is very good and our servers were quick to answer our many questions. The Acorn should definitely be on your bucket list whether you are vegan or not.

Food                5 out of 5

Comfort           5 out of 5

Service             5 out of 5

Value                5 out of 5 (did you know that you can pay $200 for a steak in Vancouver?)

Chau Veggie Express - Veganuary

I have wondered why several of the best plant-based menus in Metro Vancouver (now the 7th most popular city in the world for vegans according to 'Chef's Pencil') were Vietnamese or Vietnamese leaning. Take Do Chay, Chi Vegan and Chau Veggie Express, for example. All are vegan restaurants. It's not like the French influence in Vietnamese cuisine has led to this. Maybe the opposite would be true as while French cooking treats vegetables with respect, it is still quite meat and dairy-centric. What I have learned is that the influence of Vietnamese Buddhism seems to have led to the availability of eating 'chay' (Sorry. I'm probably using that word in the wrong way) or plant-based food. So while Chau Veggie Express sounds a little like a salad bar, it actually has a fairly sophisticated but reasonably priced vegan menu.

Located on Victoria Drive near 33rd, this place gets quite busy around noon (at least on Saturday). Order at the counter, find a seat and you will be brought your food as it is prepared.

We started with Bai Sao Beach Chips (hand-cut taro chips) with a paprika garlic tofu dip. These were very good. It is the first sign that CVE has a deep fryer which is an absolute must for a plant-based restaurant. The dip was also very good and very close in texture to a mayo-based dip. Crispy but not greasy, make sure you try these.

Refusing to give up despite my previous meh experiences with tempeh, we tried the Fresh Tempeh Roll. Given the green pea tempeh option, we went with that and we were not sorry. Classic Vietnamese in nature, these were refreshing and tasty with a nice crunch. The tempeh contributed to the veggie and noodle roll as did the orange coconut sauce. 

The menu features a variety of bowls and soups which were perfect for a rainy day including the pho like Red Sand Dunes Soup. The peanut sate broth provided a rich base for noodles, tofu (including tofu skins), and veggies. With basil and sprouts on the side, we loved this.

We also chose a Tropical Rainstorm Bowl. Vermicelli noodles were served with a toasted coconut sauce, veggies, peanuts, coconut flakes and a vegan fish sauce.  Another winner in our books. We felt very good about all of this meal including the leftovers which served for lunch the next day! 

There is seating for maybe 16 inside and a few tables outside (weather permitting). With social distancing protocols in effect, friendly service and a nice vibe, we felt pretty comfortable and enjoyed our visit. You won't miss your steak!

Food             4 out of 5

Comfort        4 out of 5

Service         4 out of 5

Value            4 1/2 out of 5

Planetary Burger - Veganuary

To me, the burger is not a huge challenge in the vegan world. I don't feel 'meaty' is the critical flavour but if you do, then there is Beyond Meat or something similar. I think that it is as much about the bun and condiments and the whole package and at Planetary Burger, the whole package is pretty decent.

Located on Main Street near 15th, PB is next to another vegan place you might know, Kindness Cafe. We arrived early and ordered for take-out.

At PB, they offer 4 different burgers (plus all the possible variations) each of which has appeal. Starting with the 'meaty' Faux Real made from pea protein to the Shroom dip served with gravy, we found them all to be pretty creative and tasty.

They have started with a really good bun. It is buttery and soft but doesn't fall to pieces on you. They give it a quick toast on the grill. Pictured above are the Cauli and Shroom Dip.

They continue with mayo (garlic or chipotle depending on which burger) onion, tomato, lettuce and relish and we ordered ours with Cheese for 1$ (coconut-based but as close to processed cheese as I have encountered). You can order them with guac or gravy as well. They are all hearty and a nice burger leaving you with a clean conscience!

We decided to try their Sweet Potato Fries. Realizing that they wouldn't survive the trip home without getting soggy, we ate them on the road. They were nicely crispy and sweet and were served with chipotle mayo.

We also consumed a Blueberry Milkshake on the drive home. The milkshakes are coconut-based and that is the dominant flavour so that even this blueberry tasted like a coconut milkshake. We enjoyed it but if you are not a fan of coconut, be aware of what you're getting. The texture was surprisingly ice cream like though and did not lack for not having dairy products.

They have some upstairs seating and a couple of outside tables as well. They are following the appropriate protocols from what we could see. We are fans of the concept and the results and recommend PLanetary Burger if you feel that craving but prefer to keep your footprint under control!

Food                    3 1/2 out of 5

Comfort               3 out of 5

Service                3 1/2 out of 5

Value                    3 out of 5

Bandidas Taqueria - Veganuary 2021

I am happy to be entering the new year with Veganuary. After the foodological excesses of the "season", I feel like this is a way to get tuned up for what I assume will be a much better year than the last. However, after "World Vegan Month" in November of 2020, I worried that there could not be enough new places to try and review for another month. At this point though, it seems like there will be an abundance of planet-friendly, plant-based meals to indulge in and enjoy this month. I would like to see the people behind Veganuary and the people behind World Vegan Month come together and set an example for the people and governments of the world by compromising and spacing out their vegan months a little bit!

Bandidas is at the corner of Commercial and 12th and has a Mexican menu which is all vegetarian or all vegan if you prefer. They have some outside seating for the non-faint of heart who are able to eat bundled up against the weather and socially distant indoor seating. We arrived on Sunday in the a.m. before the lunch rush and the good news is that everything on the menu was available and not just the brunch items.

Whenever there is a menu item that is only served in limited quantities or on certain days I feel obliged to order it (assuming it is available). It often means that a more than average amount of effort is involved to provide the item. I'm not sure why the cornbread at Bandidas is only available at certain times but it was spectacular! The muffin itself had some texture from a coarse type of cornmeal and the outside leaned towards the slightly crispy! Excellent!

Mhaie orderd the Black Bean Enchiladas which were drowned in tasty sauce and cheese and baked (not vegan but available as such as are all menu items). This was very good! She asked for the side salad which was pretty spectacular in itself. With avocado and pumpkin seeds and topped with what seemed to be either feta or cojita.

I ordered 5 tacos. I didn't obsess too much over which of the 7 that are available to order. I just pointed at numbers 3 to 7 and left it to fate (not a real thing). Even in this photo, I am not entirely sure which is which. I ordered them vegan which was an extra dollar (for the whole plate, I think). They were all variations on vegetables and sauces and some spicy tofu etc. They were all nice combinations and something provided some heat! Very good!

It's comfortable inside except for the occasional blast of cool air. I expect we are being careful about recirculating the air regularly which explains the chill that we seem to feel at a lot of places these days. These folks are very nice and careful with their social distancing rules! Feel confident giving them a try during Veganuary or any other time!

Food                4 out of 5

Comfort           3 1/2 out of 5

Service            4 out of 5

Value               4 out of 5