Sage Organic Vegan Bistro - Part 2

It was my last day in LA (for now), before flying to the UK and I'm looking at SAGE'S website over and over, hoping for a miracle that I'd read it wrongly and the actually were serving brunch every day.....sadly, my efforts to telepathically alter their reality was a flop and it is only a weekend treat....hey, ho, all the more reason to rev up Air New Zealand to fly my ass back over to the States A.S.A.P!  It was a Wednesday so my last meal in Cali for a while was to be lunch. 


Noon, and I was practically helping them to open up I was so on time and EAGER as an eager thing.  Stan had returned with me too.  His enthusiasm for the food as great as mine...(or perhaps it was the lure of more gorgeous staff for him to tease!).  Stan wasted not a nano second when the waiter arrived and demanded that wontons be bought to our table with the swiftness of a forward breeze in a wind tunnel.  The flavour of the crispy, hot little critters, from only 16 hours before, still lingered on my tongue.  Damn, I was excited.

Jalapeno Wontons to start...

Stan, proudly brandishing a kick ass jalapeno wonton.  I had to refrain from snatching it from his grasp and stuffing it in my boca!

Revisit my post from yesterday to read about these puppies....Jalapeno wontons....want tons!

After casting an eye over the menu, my eating partner decided, in double quick tempo, to give the Tacos a go.  In an attempt to be as easy going and laid back as him (in regards to food selection) I managed to decide the fate of my tastebuds in a record time (pour moi) of only ten minutes! 

Stan's tacos were reportedly v.good. He raved about the slaw.  'best ever', now there is a declaration for a man whose been around the block once or twice! I took a cheeky sample of the taco 'meat', fashioned from Jackfruit (taste, texture reminiscent of artichokes).  I do declare I bloody love vegans.  They are ALL given gold stars and sent to the top of the class for inventiveness.  OUTSIDE OF THE BOX, baby!

I was to covet and demolish the soul bowl.  What a fascinating journey that plate was!  I pulled up along side the deep fried Mac n Cheez and let the engine idle....gooey, cheezy, chewy, salted to perfection..HA HA!  Deep fried okra..eiuww, ladies fingers are usually the subject of a detour for me, slime not being at the top of my mouthfeel greats, but, dear reader...they were delicately crunchy and earthy.  CONVERT!  Those yellow fingerlings in the pics are deep fried babino corn.  GENIUS.  YUM.  The roasted sweet potato was candied goodness and married perfectly with the garlicky polenta that I stabbed as a duo on my silver wear.  I must admit, yesterday's Jamaican Jerk Burger takes some (a lot..can't be done..) beating but the Soul Bowl was utterly delish, a riot of flavour (and colour).

I took no prisoners and ate the bloomin lot.  Threw down my napkin as a gesture of me being spent, done, satiated.  My soul fed and watered.  Purse a tiny bit lighter.  My smile broader.  I delivered a million thanks to the food God, and the smashing staff, and bowed out of this US adventure, a bunny of much happiness.    'Say it with me Arni...', hasta la vista, sugar!   kisses to Sage.

Sage Organic Vegan Bistro - Part 1

So, finally, I'm unpacked.  Back in my own kitchen.  Coveting my Magimix, stroking my spiralizer, polishing my pans and gazing lovingly at my hand blender.  As soon as the jetlag wears off, and I can stay awake long enough to broil, bake, stir fry, chop, dice and read a few steamy cook books.... I'll be back in the game.  Meanwhile, as promised, I want to talk Sage.

I'd planned two days stay in Silverlake, my favourite neighbourhood of LA, on my way out of LAX. I had two places to visit..... SAGE ORGANIC VEGAN BISTRO and NATURE MART bulk bin in Los Feliz (apparently owned by one and the same).  I wanted to stock up on American goodies to stash at my house in the UK.....an attempt to appease my pining for California and stuff myself silly with good vegan fayre for the journey home... just because I could. 

My friend Stan, more colourful than a paint catalogue, and I hot footed it down to super hip and trendy ECHO PARK and arrived just as they were opening at 5pm (I was too impatient to wait any longer).  I have to say the staff were exceptionally attentive, sweet and fun.  Stan is an unrestrained flirt and he got to work on the staff, simultaneously shocking and charming them...meanwhile,  I was floating in my own little piece of heaven, deliciously agonizing over the menu.

I asked the waitress's advice and she suggested buffalo croquettes or jalapeno and  DAIYA CHEEZ wontons to start.  We ordered both.  Stan decided on the falafel bowl entree and I plumped for the Jamaican jerk burger.  The restaurant was light, bright and airy, good for people watching (if you are able to take your eyes off the food and menu... unlike me).  The place was full of the most amazing smells and I was wriggling in my chair in anticipation.  Just as well Stan was conducting a dazzling performance teasing the staff, to avert my attention, or I may have gone a little bit doolaly with hunger.

The chefs knocked up the food super quick; the wontons and croquettes arrived, looking 'prom night' gorgeous, and I was ready to plunge right in.  The wontons were perfectly crisp, the cheez was deliciously tangy and rich, the jalapeno delivered a playful kick.  They were so damn tasty, the horseradish dip with fennel tops added a fun layer of flavour.  The heat made our noses tingle.  Wooohoo!  Fabulous.  Food to make you giggle.





The buffalo croquettes were so good too.  Interesting...akin to a falafel with a luscious buffalo sauce and a sour 'cream'.  At this point my face was a picture, I looked like I'd won the Lotto...

Once Stan had restrained me from licking the plate, I finally released my grip and let the waitress take our empty dishes back to the kitchen.  In no time the mains were hot footing it over to our table.  What followed, for me, was a food equivalent to a religious experience.  Jesus...the Jamaican Jerk burger was, in Stan's words, 'TO LIVE FOR'! 

Like an eye popping country scene or the vast expanse of the grand canyon, I just couldn't get the photo's to do it justice.  Believe me...this is the BEST burger I've tasted.  Black bean and walnut patty, jerked portobella mushrooms and on top luscious caramelized onions and leeks.  Cavorting alongside was a glamorous mango saffron aoli. The burger was so flavoursome, so rich....the texture....I'm lost for words.  Some people weep with joy at the sight of a Venus de Milo, or when they hear the orchestra play Bach, or watch a ballet..me, I could of wept with joy at the taste, the unami of this entree. BRAVO, BRAVO! The kale and potato chips were icing on the cake..so to speak.  I didn't even want to sully my mouth with any other flavours, so refused Stan's offer to try his falafel bowl.  He did report that the flavours were good, especially the red pepper hummus, but the falafel a little dry.  He did tell our waiter so perhaps this may have been addressed. 

For dessert I couldn't resist the ice cream.  All vegan, made by KINDKREME.  Once I'd had a tiny sample of all of them I decided to have a scoop of the one with oats and raisins in (can't quite remember the name), made glossy and delectable with a drizzle of raw salted caramel topping.  Lovely. Lovely, lovely!

I LOVE SAGE ORGANIC VEGAN BISTRO SO MUCH I WANT TO MARRY IT!  Before we'd even got out the door to head home I'd decided to return the next day.....  .  Watch out for Sage Vegan Part Deux!

India Abroad

I keep a budget, a feathery idea, a dollar or pound sign floating in the either.  I live by it when I can, to prolong my travelling lifestyle.... until I'm done.  Unfortunately, this does not allow me to eat out as often as I'd like.  Swanky joints are a rare treat.

A river of curry! Sweet & Spice at Atwater Village

I went to an Indian canteen situated right at the end of my street.  India Sweets & Spices.  Their menu listings go on for reams, the meal combo seems to be the most popular choice.  I opted for a dosa at $5.48  I peered at the glass cabinet for a few moments at the India sweets, before 'Dosa, Dosa', sounded out the arrival of my meal.  It was served on a paper thali plate.  My cutlery was plastic.  Lucky for me it is all about the taste.  The spicy potato filling was strangely mashed, the spices subtle.  Duo chutneys, one red one green.  The tamarind was good, the coconut was bitter...almost an 'off' taste to it.  I troubled with the latter no more.  The sambhar (the curry gravy) was excellent.  Dense with veggies and with a mother of a kick.  I dallied over each mouthful.  I was stuffed as I scraped the plastic fork into near unreachable corners of my paper plate.  All I left was an ochre stain. 
My laden tummy was in no fit state for anymore food..so I ordered the samosa against my better/slimmer judgement.  It was the shape of a teepee. 

Taste o vision would be a boon for this pic!

 The pastry was crisp, chewy and delicious.  The filling was less so.  Mashed potato and a few lonely peas.  A watery date and tamarind chutney livened it up and I scoffed the lot. A bargain at 99c Whilst eating myself to an uncomfortable state of stuffed I read one of the newspapers, stacked underneath the largest TV I have ever seen.  Statueque, over -made up Indians danced across the screen in formation.  India Abroad.  Flicking through a few things caught my eye.

Eye opening...parents rally for suitors for their 'talented, rich, successful, handsome,' children...shouldn't prove too much of a bother then!

A Jain (vegan Indian) headed for the Deutsche bank?!

So much to explore in this world...I know only a mere scraping from its surface.  I get cross at myself when fear or comfort holds me back from venturing more.  I bless the Internet, its only failing is my lack of imagination.  I curse myself for every moment I let slip by not researching rare chamelions or learning a floor shaking tribal dance.  Kick myself for playing it safe when vast deserts and steamy jungles remain a 1D image in a dusty encylopedia packed away in box somewhere waiting for my return.  I vote for 48 hour days, teleportation, and lottery wins!  Utlised, of course, with a humble respect for the planet and zero carbon footprint.  Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream...

Getting steamy in the kitchen....Tamales you HAVE to try!

Even though the food in San Francisco had been keeping my mind pretty much occupied I still hankered after sampling the organic, vegan tamales I'd picked up a flyer for in Silverlake,  LA.  If fact, I carried it around in my bag and would re-read it over and over imagining the flavours!  Sad but true.

The first morning of my return to Silverlake I fished out the flyer and rang La Guera Tamalera.

 Deborah, the 'White girl tamale maker' as her business name translates, remembered me instantly, which of course made me feel fab.  I begged her yet again to teach me how to make tamales but she said she had no time right now, but in 2011, 'exciting new plans' were being cooked up.  I thought well, hey, let's not jump the gun anyway, her tamales might not be anything to write home about.  I ordered the vegan choices; sasquash,  sesame kale and  spinach shitake.  They arrived in a huge foil tray, still piping hot from the kitchen, the lovely Deborah greeted me like an old friend (notice I mentioned the food first! naughty me....but the way I see it, you can get to know people through their food..see I'm not just all about the tucker you know!) 

It was 10am, breakfast not yet digested, but I'd waited for five weeks to taste these babies so I figured it was ok to try one whilst it was still hot.  I grabbed my camera and carefully unwrapped the husk.  Inside was a smooth tube of masa, the colour of caramel, the rising steam scented with corn and cinnamon. I took a few hasty mug shots, for which it posed quite happily as you can see, and sat down to try my first 'white girl tamale maker' tamale.  It was light, spongy, soothingly sweet, the flour and the baked yam and butternut squash spiced just right. 

The red bean filling was subtly sweet, salty and delivered a teeny tiny chilli kick.  I kept lifting it to my nose to breathe in the steam.  Dense enough to be filling, light enough to be savoured and so bloody perfect that it rendered me a very happy (and full) turtle!

That day I ate three.  For research purposes and not because I was being a pink porky.  The spinach and kale was my favourite savoury, it has seasoned well and married SUBLIMELY with a bowl of hot black bean soup.

Deborah is a GENIUS tamale maker.  Her tamales ignite a burning flame of happiness. If everyone in the world ate one of her tamales everyday there would be world peace.  Amen.

Vegan foods of extreme convenience

I know, when I am travelling, as I often am (The whole enchilada travel journal my blog link) I have to budget so don't eat out every night and I don't always stay in places with access to pans and a stove so I have to make do.  There are some TASTY options out there and I'm going to share some of them and hopefully get to find out about your hints and tips too.

In my suitcase I always find room to carry a few basics to tide me over for when I arrive at a new destination, and need something quick and easy to eat before grabbing my bag and hitting the streets to start exploring.  We all have our own comfort foods and mine is SOUP.   It makes me feel grounded and settled and fills me up.  Squirrelled in my suit case I have bags of dried SPLIT PEA SOUP and CURRIED LENTIL flavour too.  I stock up at BULK BINS whenever I can.  They are vegan, low fat, yeast and sugar free and DELICIOUS!  They are made by TASTE ADVENTURE and are super cheap.  A BIG bowl will cost only about $1.  I add crumbled nori strips and cayenne pepper for nutrition and a kick.   Once I've found my feet, and the food store, I may mix it up a bit I sometimes add a scoop of tomato paste or peas and a few fresh herbs.  Whole Foods usually stock these soup,as do smaller independents such as Rainbow Grocery San Francisco.  I always have a tiny pouch of curry powder, pink salt, pepper and chilli flakes.

For my breakfast I carry Green Protein Powder from Trader Joes or Brown Rice Protein Powder which I mix with fennel seeds, ginger powder and freeze dried fruit (adding fresh when I've settled in my new surroundings) or sometimes freeze dried sweetcorn.  This gives a really nice sweet/salty thing going on.

For snacks hummus with popadoms or brown rice wraps is tasty, cheap and handy pouches have been dreamed up by Wild Garden and they are DELISH.

Trader Joes has some tasty dinner options.  I've not tried them all YET, but some I have and rate are;

Black bean enchiladas
Chickenless stuffed cutlet
Canned Split Pea Soup
Cooked brown rice pouches
Garlic rice noodle soup bowl  99c

In the frozen section  ANYTHING vegan by Amy's Kitchen  My current favourite is the TAMALE  

I've also come across an AMAZING flavour packed Mayan Harvest Bake with plantains, beans, kale, squash on a bed of polenta, it is a perfect fusion of flavour   texture (I love the crunchy seed sprinkled on to).  My only gripe is it needs to be larger!  Add a heap of salad and your tastebuds are booming! 

Enough already!  I'll post more soon and tell you about the NO CARB gluten free pasta I've found too.  In the meantime, please share with us your convenience food treasures.

Back in LA...let the food party commence!

How do I cope with torrential rain, delayed departures and touching down in a new city?.....I go get me some food. Good food.  I dropped in my bags, grabbed the key to my new rental and headed out.  First stop....Flore, a vegan haven, situated, bang smack, a little off centre, of the hip hang-out, Sunset Junction, Silverlake.  I'd practically ran there to fill up my empty belly.  No puddle could dissuade me, no overflowing pot hole could dampen my ardour.  I was set on a course like an missile, a bullet, a.....ok, sorry... the FOOD.

I ordered the Reuben, partly because the waiter recommended it and partly because I'd seen a review for the Radical Reuban from the Chicago Diner on http://www.portlandveganreubans.blogspot.com/ and I had salivated upon seeing the images on the web, even though I couldn't imagine what it tasted like. For those who have not had the good fortune to try it, it's Tempeh, sauerkraut and cashew cheese inside toasted spelt bread.  It came out in super quick time, though this may have been because the rain stopped all but the hardy from venturing out to feast.  The toast was warm and buttery and the guts of the sandwich was a heady mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet and sourness and it was DELIGHTFUL.  It was subtle.  More contented 'Sunday morning easy' type of a vibe than a 'crash..bang..whallop, street party' kind of a sandwich.  Any gripes I hear you question?... I wished they'd been more generous with the salad (3 slices of cucumber, some alfa sprouts and a few leaves).  It seemed a bit pricey for a sandwich too, but maybe I'm just being tight from the downturn in the exchange rate of my quids and dollars? 

The decor is a bit like they can't be bothered and leave it all to the food to do the talking, which is fair enough but I do think the display counters seem to dominate the room and they are not even that pretty....needs a womans touch!  The ambiance wasn't setting off any fireworks for fun and bonhomie either but it did the job and reached the spot, as they say. 

I sampled the wheat-free apple and cinnamon cupcake which sat looking at me alluringly all throughout dinner.  The sponge was moist, not too sweet and the icing was ok, I'd prefer more of a frosting but...hmm, I'd give it 2.5 out of 5 as far as cupcakes go.  I polished off though and left my plate with a mere smear, not even a crumb...just a smear.  I'd eat at Flore again, but not before I've crossed out the places on my long and lovely list!  If you have any 'must try' vegan Meccas let me know please.

With my tummy pleasantly full and an added bounce to my step, I trudged back through the rivers of water running off from the Silverlake hills, and back to my room. I thanked God for inventing taste buds and called it a night.

postscript...I was so hungry, that in my rush to get fed I didn't take my camera to Flore, so I borrowed the snaps of the food from Google.  My thanks to those who took the pics. x