After a week long vaca in San Diego, my top three favorite things about our trip were the weather, the food and…oh yeah, the food.
As great as it was seeing Jim’s family, spending our days relaxing on the beach and absorbing some much needed Vitamin D, nothing compared to my giddiness over the prospects of being in a city that is completely vegan-friendly. Most places we vacation have the old veggie pasta or boring salad option available at most restaurants that usually leave me starving. But in California? Nearly every block has a cruelty-free cafe and it was pure bliss.
Don’t believe me? Then, I HIGHLY recommend making travel plans to the west coast immediately. No, really, look at some flights, take off of work and GET OUT THERE, because there is truly no other place like it.
OK, so I’ve heard Denver and Portland are pretty awesome for vegan eats too, but just take my word for it and go to San Diego.
But if budgetary or time constraints are keeping you put, then fantasize about these seriously mouth-watering dishes we had the privilege of eating during our time out there.
FAVORITE: Buffalo Chick’n Sandwich at Evolution
Hibiscus Tea & Acai Shots at Fig Tree Cafe
Heirloom Tomato, Corn & Arugula Salad, Cauliflower Gratin and Avocado Fries at Cafe 21
Crab Rangoons, Jalapeno Garlic Fries and Spicy Crispy Tofu & Broccoli Bowl at Sipz
Daiya Whole Wheat Quesadillas and Carne Asada Tacos at Ranchos Cocina
Mock BLT at Swami’s Cafe
Tofu Burrito (and they have awesome fresh organic juice for cheap!) at Lotus Cafe
Asparagus & Roasted Tomato Pasta at Pacific Coast & Grill (boring option, but it was DELISH)
Vegan Breakfast Medley at Poseidon
Phew. Did we do anything out there other than eat? If pictures say a thousand words, then my camera proves I gained about 20 lbs by the time I got home. Don’t let vegan food fool you-just because the sweet potato fries, tofu burritos, mock buffalo chicken sandwiches and avocado fries are cruelty-free, doesn’t mean it’s flattering for your figure.
That being said, I went from being spoiled by all these amazing restaurants to coming home and feeling like a fatty. A fatty with little motivation to get back in the kitchen.
So my first meal back home was simple, uber healthy and as raw as I could make it. And honestly, it was just as delicious as my favorite burger from Evolution. And that’s saying alot.
2 cups cooked brown rice
2 cups shredded carrots
2/3 cup frozen organic white corn
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
3/4 cup fresh cilantro
Zest and juice of 2 limes
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 cayenne pepper, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cook corn and cayenne pepper in 1 tbsp oil over medium heat for 10 minutes or until beginning to brown
- Meanwhile, toss together rice, carrots, green onions, red onions and lime zest
- When corn is cooked, stir in paprika-stir into rice mixture
- In a blender, blend cilantro, 2 tbsp oil, salt and pepper until smooth
- Pour over rice mixture and stir together before sering
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