livin' the [vegan] life

Fiesta Foodies

As I mentioned briefly, I birthday was over the weekend and I could not have enjoyed more delicious food. Here’s the rundown:

Friday lunch: Dined at P.F. Changs for lunch with my mom and gma. True, it’s a chain, but a very good one at that. My first time there as a vegan, the floor manager actually came out and read with me their large book of ingredients to make sure that I knew all the vegan options (all the vegetarian options are vegan, by the way!) And this time, my mom kept telling everyone who would listen that it was my GOLDEN BIRTHDAY. The floor manager on duty heard her, oohed and ahhed and laughed with us, then gave me this tiny cat statue that is meant to represent wealth and prosperity. Or health and prosperity, I can’t really remember. Either way, it was an extremely nice gesture and I’m always amazed at how nice everyone is when I go there. I had some spring rolls for an appetizer and the coconut curry vegetables as an entree. Could not have been more satisfied.

Friday dinner: Eric took me out to Seasons 52. It’s a newer restaurant that opened up near us a few years ago, and it is absolutely divine. They have a seasonal menu that changes with what’s in season. They also try to be as local as possible, which is always a plus. They are also a chain (owned by Darden) however, you would never be able to guess it. This is not your neighborhood Olive Garden. There was live music playing IN the bar (yes, in the bar) and Eric and I enjoyed some fine wine and spirits while eating edamame. I got their grilled vegetable plate with tofu as an appetizer, and I am always surprised at how amazing their food is. You are not just eating grilled carrots, you are eating grilled carrots that are somehow infused with sage and other yumminess and you are forgetting that carrots could ever taste any differently. Every vegetable had it’s own uniqueness and was prepared in a way that took what could be seen as bland vegetables and made them extraordinary. The servers are also very friendly and knowledgeable every time that we come in, so it’s favorite among us.

Saturday lunch: Leftover P.F. Changs. Score!

Saturday dinner: Dinner was rather early, considering I had lunch at around 10. We drove to Milwaukee and visited the staples: Lakefront Brewery and Beans & Barley. It was fabulous (as usual) and I scarfed down a sweet potato and black bean burrito, washing it down with some Lakefront Klisch.

Saturday dessert. Eric’s brother’s birthday is the day after mine, and this year was Adam’s 21st birthday! Eric’s parents bought him a cake and got me some Swirlz cupcakes from Whole Foods. Four different kinds to be exact. Want to see a picture?

The left side is red velvet while the right side is double chocolate (why yes, those are chocolate chips mixed in the frosting!). Looking at this picture, I get the feeling that it’s good vs. evil, angel vs. devil, etc. etc. etc. However, both went in my belly quite nicely and were equally delicious.

Sunday dinner: Whole Foods! Our Whole Foods has a great selection of different bars (salad bar, hot bar, diner, sushi..) so it’s great for a group of people who have totally different taste buds/cravings (aka Eric’s family and I). Everyone got something they wanted and partook in some craft beer (Founders Cherry for me and Two Brothers Hopjuice for Eric and his dad).

All in all, it was a successful weekend :) Next weekend is going to be just as fun, too! Cubs/Sox game at Wrigley on Saturday (which will most likely include some beers at the nearby Goose Island brewpub and a stop at the never disappointing  Chicago Diner. It’s also our first 4th of July weekend with Molly, so lots of holiday spirit and grilling planned!