Vegan Miscellanies

Review: Gravity Coffee House, Minden, Ontario

On our vacation, as short as it was, and while in Minden, Ontario at our little rented cottage, we discovered Gravity Coffee House. There was only one restaurant in town, as far as we could tell, aside from this coffee house that had veg*n options. It was a Thai restaurant located on the same street as our little cottage. Unfortunately, it was closed, the proprietors having gone back to Thailand for an extended visit.

So we were lucky to find the coffee house. It attracted us immediately for two reasons: firstly, it advertised a good selection of loose leaf teas, a matter close to Jihan's heart and a subject about which she knows a fair bit, and secondly, it listed vegetarian soups right on the board adjacent to its name.

Gravity Coffee House, utilizing the bottom floor of a good-sized house, is owned and operated by Gerald W. Wills and his daughter, Lila Sweet. It has a bright and tastefully decorated interior, seating perhaps twenty patrons comfortably, with a good-sized patio (closed during our visit because of the cool weather). The paintings on the wall are, if memory serves me, for sale by the artist.

Inside the coffee house, perhaps more aptly named a tea house, there was indeed a good selection of well-labeled loose leaf teas. These were situated on the wall, in glass jars, across from the sales counter so patrons can stop to read the labels, open the jars to take a closer look at and smell the teas, before deciding on a purchase. Unfortunately, tea was served in a tea pot or press pot, rather than a gai wan. Although these are fine for certain herbals and black teas, for more delicate greens and whites, they are not ideal. Precise timing for optimum steeping, keeping track of the proper temperature of the water, and doing multiple steepings become more difficult in regular tea pots and press pots.

But Lila, sitting down with us for a friendly chat, was happy to listen to Jihan discuss the use of the gai wan; the varieties of teas and tea plants and their origins; harvesting and preparation methods; different grades of tea; and optimum steeping times, depending upon the type of tea being prepared. We even brought in a gai wan of our own, and Lila was happy to sit through a short tea demonstration.

And while this establishment is not by any means a vegetarian or vegan eatery, they did have some good vegan salads, a vegetarian soup, and a vegetarian sandwich. Once again, after informing her that we were vegan, she was happy to make modifications. The soup, she informed us, had butter at its base. But the salads, and a wonderful grilled sandwich called the Roasty, she was happy to modify to ensure they were entirely vegan. And I did find some nice, organic, dark chocolate cookies, not unlike oreos, that were entirely vegan.

The friendliness, personal touch and willingness to learn from patrons and to adapt menu items accordingly were admirable. If you do to the Haliburton region, or are on your way to Algonquin Park, I recommend Gravity Coffee House as a stop. If more vegans stop by, there may well appear more distinctly vegan offerings.

Gracity Coffee House is located at the corner of Main and Newcastle Streets in downtown Minden, Ontario. You can call them at (705) 286-4002. Gravity Coffee House also has a seasonal, much smaller location, on Wards Island (part of the Toronto Islands).

Review: Guelph's Caribbean Cuisine

Jihan and I stopped by Guelph's Caribbean Cuisine today to have some vegetarian roti. For those familiar with Guelph, Ontario, it occupies the space previously used by the Salsateria. The latter did not shut down altogether, but rather opened a much larger restaurant/night club under the same name a block or two away.

Guelph's Caribbean Cuisine is a small, unassuming place with a brightly painted interior, large sidewalk-facing windows, and very limited bar-style seating along the sides and front (no individual tables). When discovering a new restaurant or cafe, especially if I intend to write about it, I pay close attention to the atmosphere of the place. I look around -- at the kitchen (as much as I can see), the dining area, the staff, the clientèle, the decor, etc. And I listen.

One striking thing I noticed as I ate (and listened) was that there was no music piped into the dining area. The only sounds filling that space were the whir of refrigerators, the sounds of cooking, and of people eating and chatting. I like that. As much as music can set the mood at a party or small social gathering, it can also be an unwelcome imposition in a public space.

I know, on to the food...

While this is by no means a vegetarian or vegan establishment, there are some delicious vegetarian items. We ordered a vegetarian roti each. The last time we had roti, we were at the Caribbean Roti Palace at 744 Bathurst Street in Toronto. They had set the standard for us. The roti we each ordered had mango curry (a new ingredient for us -- this place has more filling options), chickpea and potato filling.

The taste did not disappoint. The chickpea and potato tasted familiar, while the mango curry added a hint of sweetness.  The roti wasn't too dry either, as some can be. Very delicious! Go check them out when in Guelph if you like roti. They are located at 45 Cork St, right downtown.

Restaurant Review: Urban Herbivore

While in Kensington Market recently, my partner and I decided to stop for lunch at Urban Herbivore. We had passed by it before, but didn't have the time to eat there. Now, with plenty of time and a little money, we decided to go for it.

Urban Herbivore is a cousin of Fressen, a more upscale vegan restaurant located on Queen Street West in Toronto. Like Fressen, Urban Herbivore offers an entirely vegan menu that is largely organic. Unlike Fressen, however, Urban Herbivore, located at 64 Oxford Street in Kensington Market, a vibrant neighbourhood of modest old residential houses and an eclectic mix of corner stores, fresh fruit and vegetable markets, and small restaurants featuring foods from various ethnic/cultural traditions, as well as clothing and gift stores offering a diversity products from used and vintage to culturally specific and local designs, is comparatively cheap, cozy, and unassuming.

The restaurant is located in a nice little red-brick building. The inside, though relatively small, makes good use of space. The interior features exposed brick with a lot of window space, window and door frames painted a warm yellow, with a couple of small tables, one group table, and wooden boards running bar-style the length of the room, facing the windows. The arrangement makes wonderful people watching a part of a great dining experience. And of course, many a passersby seeing the live window dressing of sheer culinary delight will find the pull hard to resist. Great advertising!

We ordered a freshly made salad with leafy greens, vegetables, sprouts, seeds and nuts, topped with a wonderful herbal dressing and an enormous sandwich of avocado and seitan on freshly made seasoned flatbread. My partner ordered a tea and I a bold cup of coffee with soy milk and raw sugar. Although she probably enjoyed it as much as I, I will speak here for myself. I was lifted up into food heaven from which, whenever I chanced to open my eyes to take another bite, I observed the people outside like a sunny silent film. To complete the meal we each had a delectable and moist vegan chocolate chip cookie.

I think I haven't had a better sandwich in my life. I heartily recommend Urban Herbivore to anyone, whether carnivore, omnivore, or herbivore like me.

Originally Posted on Sunday, July 15, 2007

WOW (Wild Organic Way Cafe & Juicebar)

As if having an excellent, if not entirely filling, brunch at the Cornerstone wasn't enough, my partner and I decided, completely on a whim, to stop at WOW for dessert.  We'd wanted to go there for quite some time, but just never got around to it.

There was only one customer in the establishment when we took our seats. As soon as we had seated ourselves at a table near the window, a waitress arrived and asked us whether we'd ever been to WOW before. We answered in the negative and she proceded to explain to us, in a nutshell (an unroasted shell, if you pardon the pun), what the cafe & juicebar is all about.

After perusing the menu and ordering our drinks and dessert items, we took a moment to pay attention to the atmosphere. The walls are a nice dark earthy colour, displaying various paintings offered for sale by local artists. On the window sill and between the tables are tropical plants--cacti, palm, etc. And on the wall as well, between the paintings, appear the words 'Love' and 'Live'. The tropical theme is carried further by a faux patio roof made of some type of thatched palm or banana leaf above the counter separating the dining room from the kitchen. These visual elements, combined with the New Age vocals piped through the speakers, created an almost unbearable atmosphere of flakiness and idealism. Of course if you are into that sort of thing, it will make for a pleasant dining atmosphere.

All the food is made fresh from raw, organic, and completely vegan ingredients. We had already spent much this weekend, so after seeing the cost of the offerings on the menu we decided to stick with a small sampling of dessert today. My partner ordered a double chocolate cake, while I went for two hemp balls and one chocolate macaroon.

We were shocked when the items arrived at our table--they were so small, especially for the price. But oh the taste! We tried a little of one another's items and became momentarily lost in the exquisite taste. There was absolutely no disappointment when it came to taste! WOW!

I was born with an enormous sweet tooth, a fact that has put me in a real predicament since becoming vegan. Sweets are, as mentioned in my opening entry under the vegan cuisine section, pretty much my only temptation away from a strictly vegan diet. Aside from European dark chocolate, such as some Rittersport and Lindt chocolate bars, vegan sweets are so hard to find. If only WOW's dessert offerings were less expensive, my sweet tooth dilemna would be largely solved. And these are undoubtedly some of the healthiest and delicious desserts I've tried. Even their memory induces a steady drool!

While the price is prohibitive, especially for people on a tight budget, including many students and lower income people, we do want to try not only more of their desserts, but also their meal options. For us it is the atmosphere that will keep us out of WOW, at least for dining in. Fortunately for us they also do catering and takeout. We will most certainly take advantage of the wonderful food, when we can afford it.

I commend Carin & Thomas Reinhardt, the proprietors, for their efforts to bring a decent selection of nutritious, raw, organic, and entirely delectable food choices to market, and I recommend their food to anyone. It is a raw food/organic/vegan treasure. Too bad it is presented, through the visual and auditory environment, as a place for the privileged, upper-middle class, flaky, and idealistic demographic. I would love to see WOW enlarge its demographic appeal.

Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007

There was only one customer in the establishment when we took our seats. As soon as we had seated ourselves at a table near the window, a waitress arrived and asked us whether we'd ever been to WOW before. We answered in the negative and she proceded to explain to us, in a nutshell (an unroasted shell, if you pardon the pun), what the cafe & juicebar is all about.

After perusing the menu and ordering our drinks and dessert items, we took a moment to pay attention to the atmosphere. The walls are a nice dark earthy colour, displaying various paintings offered for sale by local artists. On the window sill and between the tables are tropical plants--cacti, palm, etc. And on the wall as well, between the paintings, appear the words 'Love' and 'Live'. The tropical theme is carried further by a faux patio roof made of some type of thatched palm or banana leaf above the counter separating the dining room from the kitchen. These visual elements, combined with the New Age vocals piped through the speakers, created an almost unbearable atmosphere of flakiness and idealism. Of course if you are into that sort of thing, it will make for a pleasant dining atmosphere.

All the food is made fresh from raw, organic, and completely vegan ingredients. We had already spent much this weekend, so after seeing the cost of the offerings on the menu we decided to stick with a small sampling of dessert today. My partner ordered a double chocolate cake, while I went for two hemp balls and one chocolate macaroon.

We were shocked when the items arrived at our table--they were so small, especially for the price. But oh the taste! We tried a little of one another's items and became momentarily lost in the exquisite taste. There was absolutely no disappointment when it came to taste! WOW!

I was born with an enormous sweet tooth, a fact that has put me in a real predicament since becoming vegan. Sweets are, as mentioned in my opening entry under the vegan cuisine section, pretty much my only temptation away from a strictly vegan diet. Aside from European dark chocolate, such as some Rittersport and Lindt chocolate bars, vegan sweets are so hard to find. If only WOW's dessert offerings were less expensive, my sweet tooth dilemna would be largely solved. And these are undoubtedly some of the healthiest and delicious desserts I've tried. Even their memory induces a steady drool!

While the price is prohibitive, especially for people on a tight budget, including many students and lower income people, we do want to try not only more of their desserts, but also their meal options. For us it is the atmosphere that will keep us out of WOW, at least for dining in. Fortunately for us they also do catering and takeout. We will most certainly take advantage of the wonderful food, when we can afford it.

I commend Carin & Thomas Reinhardt, the proprietors, for their efforts to bring a decent selection of nutritious, raw, organic, and entirely delectable food choices to market, and I recommend their food to anyone. It is a raw food/organic/vegan treasure. Too bad it is presented, through the visual and auditory environment, as a place for the privileged, upper-middle class, flaky, and idealistic demographic. I would love to see WOW enlarge its demographic appeal.

The Cornerstone

My partner and I went to the Cornerstone cafe/restaurant today for brunch. It is located right downtown at 1 Wyndham St. (at Carden), in Guelph, Ontario. Their phone number, if you wish to call ahead, is: 519-827-0145. They are listed, with a brief blurb, on Veg.ca by the Toronto Vegetarian Association, and on Cafespot.net.

We have been there a few times, since moving to Guelph, and are always impressed not only by the atmosphere, but also by how busy they are at just about any time of day, especially on weekends. It is not uncommon to get there and have to wait for a table for some time, settle for takeout, or return a little while later to get a table. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, with exposed stone and rugged beams and window frames. Despite the large windows, it still retains that warm, slightly dimmed lighting effect. At night it is even more cozy.

I've only been there once when live music was playing, another nice feature of the place that makes it even more difficult to find a table. My impression is that they mainly feature small, local talent. There really isn't much space to set up a band.

Back to the food! It is all vegetarian/vegan. Their menu is well balanced between vegetarian and vegan selections. I find no difficulty in getting a nice meal, be it for brunch, lunch or dinner, that is entirely vegan. Desserts are another matter, however. I think they have one vegan item on their dessert menu, and only sometimes.

Their prices are quite reasonable, even for people on a budget, like my partner and myself. Their vegan items range from scrambled tofu, to tofu omelettes and 'quesadillas', vegan chilli and soups to a delicious club sandwich.

Today we both had the vegan quesadillas. Perhaps 'quesadilla' should be in quotation marks because it is, of course, derived from the Spanish word queso, cheese, and this version doesn't even have non-dairy cheese. Instead it features--from our observation only--crumbled firm tofu, sauteed with a little onion, red and green bell peppers, a touch of finely diced tomato and mushrooms (it looked and tasted like portabello), and a little soy sauce. This mixture was served on a grilled, whole wheat tortilla, folded and cut into quarters, with a dollop of mild salsa (I am more for hot salsas, but it was otherwise good) and a salad of organic field greens with a light dressing.

Although the quesadilla was a little too crisp (almost burned at the edges, a complaint, by the way, we also have about some of Fressen's vegan items), it was delicious and quite satsfying. My partner had an earl grey tea on the side (tea bag, unfortunately, not loose leaf) and I had an organic, dark-roast coffee. We both asked for, and received, a little container of soy milk on the side.

We will both go back to try their other vegan options, and we heartily recommend it to you, whether a resident of Guelph, or just passing through. Just one more note: waiting times for food can also be a little long, so come when you are not in a hurry.

Originally Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007

We have been there a few times, since moving to Guelph, and are always impressed not only by the atmosphere, but also by how busy they are at just about any time of day, especially on weekends. It is not uncommon to get there and have to wait for a table for some time, settle for takeout, or return a little while later to get a table. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, with exposed stone and rugged beams and window frames. Despite the large windows, it still retains that warm, slightly dimmed lighting effect. At night it is even more cozy.

I've only been there once when live music was playing, another nice feature of the place that makes it even more difficult to find a table. My impression is that they mainly feature small, local talent. There really isn't much space to set up a band.

Back to the food! It is all vegetarian/vegan. Their menu is well balanced between vegetarian and vegan selections. I find no difficulty in getting a nice meal, be it for brunch, lunch or dinner, that is entirely vegan. Desserts are another matter, however. I think they have one vegan item on their dessert menu, and only sometimes.

Their prices are quite reasonable, even for people on a budget, like my partner and myself. Their vegan items range from scrambled tofu, to tofu omelettes and 'quesadillas', vegan chilli and soups to a delicious club sandwich.

Today we both had the vegan quesadillas. Perhaps 'quesadilla' should be in quotation marks because it is, of course, derived from the Spanish word queso, cheese, and this version doesn't even have non-dairy cheese. Instead it features--from our observation only--crumbled firm tofu, sauteed with a little onion, red and green bell peppers, a touch of finely diced tomato and mushrooms (it looked and tasted like portabello), and a little soy sauce. This mixture was served on a grilled, whole wheat tortilla, folded and cut into quarters, with a dollop of mild salsa (I am more for hot salsas, but it was otherwise good) and a salad of organic field greens with a light dressing.

Although the quesadilla was a little too crisp (almost burned at the edges, a complaint, by the way, we also have about some of Fressen's vegan items), it was delicious and quite satsfying. My partner had an earl grey tea on the side (tea bag, unfortunately, not loose leaf) and I had an organic, dark-roast coffee. We both asked for, and received, a little container of soy milk on the side.

We will both go back to try their other vegan options, and we heartily recommend it to you, whether a resident of Guelph, or just passing through. Just one more note: waiting times for food can also be a little long, so come when you are not in a hurry.