Written October 3, 2012

During our drive to Salt Lake City, a few days earlier, mom and I had noticed the squeaky brake sound had turned into a grinding brake sound. So, this morning we took Gerty in for a check-up before continuing on. It worked out well because we were able to walk to a nearby post office to mail out some bumper stickers, and then hang at Nostalgia Coffee to do some work for a bit. It was a happy surprise to learn that the cinnamon rolls at the coffee shop were from City Cakes, so we indulged in a couple of those while waiting for the your-van-is-ready call from Firestone. Oh and by the way, the Firestone in downtown SLC is wonderful. The men working were extremely helpful, friendly, and worked quickly. Come to think of it, I’ve only had one (out of dozens, given all the oil changes and random repairs) not so great experience with a mechanic while on the road. The majority have been super helpful!

Once Gerty’s new front brake pads were in place we headed to Buds/Union Street for lunch, where we enjoyed a spicy meatball sub and a taco salad with jackfruit, medium spiciness. The meatball sub was exceptionally delicious for what, at first glance, appeared to be a few “meat”balls, some sauce, and a bun. It was popping with flavor and the bun was wonderfully fluffy, touched by the grill to give it just a slight crispy texture on the inside.

Buds had just opened the week we were in town so it was very lucky to catch them before we left. For having just opened I must say they were very well organized, loved the clean and simple decor inside, and the outdoor patio seating, along with great food.

Then it was time for Cakewalk. Mom and I indulged on some carrot cake, a red velvet “Dillo” (aka, twinkie-like cake), and an eclair. Oooooh my GOODness! Cakewalk’s eclair is one of the best sweets I’ve ever had! It was so much like the traditional version in terms of texture and flavor. The fluffy outer vanilla cake layer that flaked apart with each bite, coated with a sweet layer of chocolate ganache, and filled with a decadent lust-worthy creamy custard. This is one not-to-miss next time you find  yourself in SLC.

We had a lovely chat with the kind fellah workin’ that day. Aww nuts, I wish I had written down his name. Well, if you’re reading this friendly Cakewalk employee, my mom and I say “Hello!” and thank you so much for the treats! :)

While on our sugar high we swung by Cali’s Natural Foods (owned by Ian Brandt – the man behind Vertical Diner, Sage’s Cafe, and Cafe Suprenatural) to check out one of the only vegan grocery stores in the country. Initially created as a supply source for Ian’s three restaurants, Cali’s Natural Foods also serves as a local health food store. I love the exposed crates, bins, and barrels. It felt so homey and warm, and the woman working that day was very kind and helpful.

Finally we close out our vegan foodie tour of Salt Lake City with dinner to-go from Frisch – another new restaurant that had opened only shortly before we arrived. I really loved the colorful decor and unique use of utensils for artwork. They’ve got a great location with a parking lot to the side, and plenty of seating. I also enjoyed their table signage. w00p!

Unfortunately I didn’t get any photos of the food. We might have eaten it too quickly when we returned to Eric’s place for the night. :) But I do remember enjoying the wraps and desserts very much!

Once we arrived back at Eric’s place, we settled in with our Frisch yums and watched a documentary called Speciesism: The Movie (which I highly recommend checking out, btw!). Then it was time to shower, decompress, and get some rest because tomorrow we drive to Colorado!

Always remember to eat well and travel often, my friends. <3

It’s your turn! I’d love to hear from you – what’s your favorite vegan meal or restaurant in Salt Lake City?! :)

Anywhoozies, I had a chance to try a handful of their flavors whilst staying with a friend in Berkeley, CA a few months back. Hence, the doggy nose in the pic below.

That’s Harley. He couldn’t keep his cutie little nose outta the cookie jar!
Do you recognize that schnoz from anywhere else? Hrrmmmmm?! ;)

Things you should know about Om Nom Nom Cookies that makes them super cool:

• Their packaging is adorable (simple yet effective).
• They’re abundantly creative (check out their snazzy website).
• The founder’s name is Anthea (Um, rad!).
• They’ve been spreading their cookie love via social media, and doing it well (smart!).
• Their cookies are REALLY delicious (chocolate chip is my favorite).
• Their cookies are handmade in small batches (total commitment right there).
• Their name is OM NOM NOM COOKIE!

Seriously though, these cookies are great. They’ve got a nice little crunch, are packed with flavor, and are heftily sized made with whole grain flours, natural sweeteners, and no preservatives and no hydrogenated oils.  Also, the packaging is eco-friendly. Get ‘em while they’re hot – and for an awesome sampler package deal – over on Vegan Cuts.

Now look at more pictures and then go buy ‘em! :)

Check out Om Nom Nom Cookies online:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

At the time that I visited his restaurant Jay would have only been seventeen or eighteen. And yet he had designed a full vegan menu for the family restaurant which, by the way, marked the first restaurant on Long Island to offer vegan cuisine. Since that glorious, grease-filled afternoon I’ve peeked in on Jay’s career every so often, out of admiration. He’s since refined his skills even further, having graduated from the Natural Gourmet Institute and is working on developing his own restaurant – Jay Kitchen, a vegan fine dining establishment, which will open this fall.

So what has Jay taught me about Italian food? Um… well… that it’s awesome! Okay, maybe I just used that first line to get you on over here, and if you’re still reading along then, I guess it worked. ;) But the big news that I REALLY want to share with you is that you can try Jay’s sophisticated cuisine BEFORE his restaurant opens! This is a two night only event and will be your only opportunity to get in on the goods before everyone else does. Where, when, what, how:

> The Old Bowery Station – 168 Bowery, NYC 10013
> April 25th & 26th @ 7PM
> Featuring an EIGHT course tasting menu with complimentary wines
> Reserve your seats here: Jay Kitchen

Are you ready for this? Take a look at the menu – and try not to drool. Or do. ‘Evs. Oh – and keep in mind that there are limited seats so if you want in be sure to reserve your ticket(s) ASAP.

JAY KITCHEN, VEGAN POP-UP RESTAURANT - 8 COURSE MENU
This menu is inspired by organic spring vegetables, using a modern and innovative approach.

king oyster mushroom scallop
aged balsamic caviar and green pea puree

spring crostini duo
pickled ramps & cashew chèvre `
sorrel-mint pesto, pea tendrils, green peas, cashew parmesan

chilled potato and leek soup
olive oil foam and chives

ravioli with asparagus and ricotta
house made cashew cream butter, cashew parmesan
*GF option spaghetti with asparagus and ricotta

smoked cauliflower steak
sunchoke puree, morels, fava beans, snap peas,
green garlic, truffle vinaigrette, shaved black summer truffles

housemade cheese plate
aged cashew cheese and brie, strawberry-rhubarb compote,
orange scented vegan honey, rosemary-almond crackers

“dragon breath” caramel popcorn
a fun suprise

grand marnier infused chocolate tart
pistachio gelato, raspberry coulis, pistachio tuile,
raspberry pop candy, fleur de sel salted caramel powder

>>> CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR SEAT(s) <<<

If that doesn’t convince you that you NEED to be at this exclusive, schmancy, schmoozy event, then also know that I will be there. So at the very least you can hang with yours truly, and “pretend” to enjoy your meal. ;)  If you’re not yet convinced check out this awesome behind the scenes video that Sparrow Media put together, special for Jay’s pop-up restaurant.

>>> CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR SEAT(s) <<<

Hope to see you there!
xo, Kristin

1. In November took a mini “break” from the road because my body was completely exhausted and I felt overwhelmed by California’s total 134 vegan restaurants that I was about to tackle. During that break the website crashed and I spent the entire month working with Green Vegan Media to get a new and improved version up. My intention during that month was to write my tooshie off, but with the website down, it wasn’t possible.
2. Once I got back on the road, it took me a few weeks to get back into the swing of things and then California defeated me with it’s luscious vegan landscape. I mean that in a good way, of course. :) It ended up taking me six weeks to get through the state of CA. And yes, I do miss it already!
3. As I continued on I had some friends and family join me for short periods of time, here and there. When I have company on the road I’m less likely to sit in front of my computer for hours between every meal (which is what I usually do). Add in the occasional overwhelm of all I have to finish writing for the blog, the driving, and the eating, and the planning, meeting up with wonderful you’s for meals, and planning upcoming projects, events, and the like.
4. So now, here I am halfway back across the country. This drive is much different than the one I made out, mostly in that it’s a straight shot back – no restaurant-specific stops, just overnights and a few intended locations to visit friends along the way. Also, I’m driving anywhere from 5-10 hours a day and taking one-day breaks between, sometimes. So that means even less time spent on getting even a single blog post done (which can take me between 4-6 hours to write).

Rest assured, the promise I made to the restaurants I visit, to you my incredible cheerleaders, and to myself, I will endeavor to write about every single restaurant (unless otherwise stated on the site). I give you my word. No matter how long it takes, I’ll write my fingers off. :)

Anywho, I just wanted to give y’all a little update. I still can’t believe that the trip itself is nearly over. Buuuuut stay tuned because there is actually a lot more coming up in the next year, for Will Travel For Vegan Food. I’ll be posting updates right here on Facebook, so you won’t miss a thing.

I just want you to know that I appreciate you all so much. Thank you for your love and support, and always remember to eat well and travel often. ♥
- Kristin