Dining In - Curry Mustard Seitan with Yellow Rice (Vegan Version of Chicken Kitchen Chop-Chop® and Pollo Tropical TropiChops®)

Curry Mustard Seitan with Yellow Rice

This is a first for this blog, but I am finally posting a recipe that was not prepared by me! My loving and skilled non-vegan boyfriend did all the cooking on this one. It's also an original recipe, handcrafted by him! The photo doesn't do it any justice - it was a knockout.

The inspiration for this dish came from a homemade dinner he cooked just a couple of nights earlier, a non-vegan copycat version of his favorite meal in Miami, where he lived for many years...Chicken Kitchen's Chop Chop dish. The original dish consists of chopped chicken breast, yellow rice, and an addictive curry mustard sauce (you could drink this stuff it's so good). He was so proud of his work in recreating a dish he never thought he would get to enjoy up north so he wanted me to enjoy it, too!

It was adapted from the non-vegan version he created for himself - recipes for that can be found here.  I totally gorged on this, it was tasty!

Serves 2 (really hungry people!) to 4

Yellow Rice
1 cup yellow rice
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable broth (we used, organic, low sodium)
2 tablespoons Earth Balance margarine 
1/2 packet of Goya Sazón with Azafrán seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt (or skip if trying to keep the sodium down)

Curry Mustard Sauce
4 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise (we used Whole Foods brand)
1 tablespoon non-dairy creamer (try Silk or So Delicious brands)
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 teaspoons yellow mustard

Vegan "Chicken"
Seitan strips or Chickenless Strips (from Trader Joe's)
1 teaspoon salt and pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Seitan, Vegan Mayo & Vegetable Broth

To Prepare Yellow Rice:

In a medium pot, bring water, broth, seasoning, margarine, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat. 

Add rice and stir. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Remove from heat and leave covered when the rice is tender.

To Prepare Curry Mustard Sauce:
 
Combine all ingredients in medium bowl and use a whisk to blend. Stir vigorously until well combined. Add more or less water depending on how thick you want your sauce.


To Prepare Vegan Chicken:

In a medium frying pan, heat oil on medium-low heat and then add your choice of vegan protein.

Sprinkle on salt and pepper and allow to warm for approximately 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the vegan protein heats evenly and does not burn.

To Prepare Dish:

Start with a portion of yellow rice,  layer on a helping of vegan protein (in this case chopped seitan), and pour a generous amount of curry mustard sauce on top. Serve and enjoy a Miami tradition!

Vegan Chicken Kitchen Chop Chop!

Dining Out in Boca Raton - Darbster

Meatloaf - Darbster

The last time I visited Boca Raton on vacation, this vegan restaurant didn't exist, and that was only 2 years ago! Needless to say, I was excited when my boyfriend's mother told me she made reservations for us to try it out for dinner on our recent trip. We went on a rainy night, but sat outside on the covered patio area. We were accompanied by a handful of other families, so it looks like a popular place, despite the not so desirable location in a small shopping plaza.

As the "vegan queen" I requested that my boyfriend's family try as much of the menu as possible so I could get a good sense of the food and taste test it all ;). With drinks in hand, we started with appetizers. We ordered one special which was the Nacho Flatbread Pizza and the popular Palm Cakes. I preferred the Flatbread over the Palm Cakes, but both were delicious. The Palm Cakes were similar to a crab cake, but made with hearts of palm, caper remoulade, tahini served over baby greens. The special Nacho Flatbread Pizza had all the fixings of (vegan) nachos served on a flatbread split into four servings, vegan queso, black beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream. I would definitely get this again; it was creamy, crunchy, and filling.

Palm Cakes - Darbster

Nacho Flatbread (Special) - Darbster

Cordon Bleu - Darbster

For entrees, my boyfriend ordered the dish highly rated by Yelpers (and non-vegans) the Cordon Bleu. From his cleared plate and the one and only bite I was allowed, I think it was a winner, with lots of yummy things going on: soy ham with crispy Gardein roulade, spinach, Daiya mozzarella, roasted tomato béchamel, mashed Yukon potatoes, and tarragon broccoli. His father, also a meat lover, ordered the Meatloaf. He also cleared his plate and from my bite of this, it's something I would order next time. It was a bacon and cheese meatloaf as the core, served with smashed potatoes, garlic haricot vert, crispy leeks, with a vegetable demi glaze. My boyfriend's mother ordered the Avocado Curry Stew, one I had been eyeing. It's served cold because it's raw, and was made up of avocado, almond milk, ginger, garlic, lime, raisins, crunchy sprouts, carrots, onion, cayenne, and spiced cashews. She enjoyed it. I also went with a gluten-free, raw dish because I was on a health kick that week (up until dessert... when I spiraled out of control), although the name of my dish doesn't really suggest it's healthy, Bacon Cheeze Burger. This was an herb burger, topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion, cashew cheese, dill cashew mayo, eggplant bacon, on sprouted buckwheat bread, with a mixed green salad on the side. It was flavorful, hearty, and easier to eat than some other veggie burgers I've tried that are mushy and fall apart. I loved the creamy dressings on it and was immediately full.

Avocado Curry Stew - Darbster

Strawberry Layer Cake - Darbster
Heavenly!

Now onto dessert, the Strawberry Layer Cake is to die for! The serving was enormous, like shockingly enormous, and even more so when I shockingly almost finished it, leaving only a crumb on the plate! I admit I had a little help from my boyfriend and his dad, but let's face it I was hoarding it. What I loved was the dense, moist cake that wasn't overly sweet with layers of subtle strawberry-flavored frosting. My boyfriend's mother ordered the special, it was Mexican Horchata Chia 
Pudding, a chia seed pudding, with burnt cinnamon, raisins, black figs, coconut flakes topped with coconut whipped cream. I took a few bites of this beautiful looking, gluten-free dish and loved it. She did as well, and noted the next morning that the chia seeds really do give you energy, unfortunately it kept her up all night!

Horchata Chia Pudding - Darbster

We almost went back just a couple days later, but instead dined in. With so much variety and a satisfying experience that left my taste buds happy, I will be back for sure!

Darbster

6299 N Federal Highway

Boca Raton, FL 33487

Darbster Website

Dining Out in Boca Raton - 4th Generation Organic Market

Organic Vegan Tempeh Reuben - 4th Generation Organic Market

I was so happy to find this "mini-Whole Foods" near where I was vacationing in Boca Raton. Despite it being rather expensive, it's the kind of place I would go back to again and again. When I walked in and saw the variety of prepared vegan foods I was overjoyed! Sandwiches, wraps, salads, side dishes, desserts, packaged foods, beverages, frozen food, produce, you can find it all. 

Sandwiches & Wraps - 4th Generation Organic Market

I ordered an Organic Vegan Reuben with Tempeh Bacon, Sauerkraut, and 1001 Island Dressing on Hemp Bread, heated and pressed on a panini grill. I had to try some desserts, too. I got the Lemon Blonde, a raw macaroon, made with unsweetened shredded coconut, agave syrup, coconut oil, lemon oil, raw cashews, vanilla, and salt. I also ordered an Oatmeal Sandwich, made with some interesting and healthful ingredients - teff, sorgum, quinoa, millet, agave syrup, baking powder and soda, vanilla, powdered sugar, potato flour, oats, raisins, soy butter, lemon, and coconut oil. 

Everything was delicious, my sandwich was flavorful and filling, the desserts were satisfying and sweet. I really loved the Oatmeal Sandwich - crunchy cookies with the perfect creme filling! I only wish the prices were a little easier to digest. I was surprised at how small my $10 sandwich was. The bite-sized Lemon Blonde was $1.69 and the Oatmeal Sandwich was decent-sized and $2.49. 


If this was near me in Boston, I'm sure I'd frequent it for a quick lunch or to satisfy my sweet tooth. There were so many things I wanted to try, so I hope I can return in the near future!

Dessert Case - 4th Generation Organic Market

4th Generation Organic Market

75 SE 3rd Street
Boca Raton, FL 33432

4th Generation Organic Market Website

Dining Out in Miami - Green Gables Café

 Sautéed Vegetable Wrap - Green Gables Café

I stumbled upon this café while driving around the area. I was on the hunt for a lunch that would suit my vegan needs, as well as keep my boyfriend happy. Yelp led me to Green Gables. 

Green Gables Café serves organic and locally sourced food with a focus on sustainable practices. It's a small restaurant with a decent number of tables. As more of a lunch spot, they are closed in the evon the weekends. The menu has labeled vegan options, but unfortunately there aren't too many and they are the typical things you could pick out at a normal restaurant. Oatmeal, hummus, soup, vegetable wrap, and vegan burger make the list. I was impressed that they offer fresh fruit and veggie juices, like carrot, cucumber, beet, apple, orange.

I ordered the sautéed vegetable wrap with zucchini, red peppers, onions, tomatoes, arugula, and hummus on a wheat wrap, served with a side of greens dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. The size was decent and it was very tasty. For $12 I would expect a bit more, although you're paying a price for the organic ingredients and it was certainly fresh. If I lived in the area I would likely visit again and give the juices and vegan burger a try. 

Green Gables Café

327 Alhambra Circle

Coral Gables, FL 33134

Green Gables Website

Dining Out in Fort Lauderdale - Sublime Restaurant

Mushroom Ravioli - Sublime Restaurant

I spent a long weekend in Boca Raton, FL this month visiting my boyfriend's family. As with any travel, I do my research before boarding a plane to find great vegan places I want to try. This special restaurant wasn't even on my list! My boyfriend's mother found it and booked us a reservation. Sublime is a decent sized restaurant located along North Federal Highway in Ft. Lauderdale. It took a little while to get there, but in my opinion it was well worth it. 

Sublime Restaurant is 100% vegan which makes for a carefree and exciting sit-down meal. They also donate all profits to organizations that promote animal welfare and veganism. That is tough to find in the restaurant business. The owner Nanci is detail-oriented and strict with keeping the menu and the actual restaurant completely vegan. It's gotten good press and attention from some famous people, too. Pamela Anderson, Paul McCartney, and model Joanna Krupa have all dined here. 

Vegan dining with my boyfriend's family made me a little nervous since none of them are vegan. I've fed my boyfriend enough vegan food to not have to worry about him, but his father is a meat and potatoes guy. Despite not having your typical beer selection (all local breweries), and service that was a tad bit slow, it went well. We left the meal on a high note - the fabulous dessert! 

Sliders - Sublime Restaurant

We started with two appetizers, the raved about Frito Misto and the Sliders for the carnivores at the table. The Frito Misto is cauliflower battered and fried with a delicious sweet and sour chili sauce topped with sesame seeds. It was out of this world! I could have easily had it for a meal but of course that's because it was fried. The Sliders were Gardein patties with "cheddar", onion, romaine, and special sauce. The mock meat patties were tasty and left the meat-eaters at the table satisfied, but the wheat buns were tough and dry. 

Frito Misto - Sublime Restaurant

Thai Red Curry - Sublime Restaurant

For our entrees we ordered two of the waiter's recommendation of Mushroom Ravioli, along with Sublime Picatta (the "meat and potatoes" dish) and Thai Red Curry. The Mushroom Ravioli is house-made mushroom-filled raviolis, cashew cream, tomato butter sauce, and basil. These are popular for a reason, the pasta was delicious and the filling creamy. I loved the roasted tomatoes. My order of Thai Red Curry was huge! The flavor was excellent - Asian vegetables, grilled tofu, red pepper, onion, broccoli, celery, bean sprouts, and jasmine rice in a creamy coconut red curry sauce. I had this for lunch the next day and it was just as good cold. I didn't try the Sublime Picatta, but this was the dish that our waiter recommended for the meat-like flavor and texture - it's a Gardein cutlet served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a lemon-caper sauce. My boyfriend's father cleaned his plate.

Sublime Picatta - Sublime Restaurant

Coconut Cake - Sublime Restaurant

The highlight of the meal was the Coconut Cake! We devoured it in minutes. I'll be craving this cake for a while until I can find or bake something similar. Rich, moist cake layered between creamy sweet coconut frosting, served with toasted coconut garnish and a delicious delicate almond cookie.

I would go back in a heartbeat and wish it was closer to home so I could!

Sublime Restaurant

1431 North Federal Highway

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Sublime Website

Dining Out in South Beach - Pizza Fusion

Very Vegan Pizza on Multi-Grain Crust - Pizza Fusion

During my stay in South Beach, I was determined to get to this vegan-friendly pizza place. I researched vegan spots in Miami before my trip and Pizza Fusion showed up on a few sites. They have consistent messaging about being eco-friendly and clearly noted they served vegan pizza! There is even a page on their website for more details on Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Vegetarian options (check it out here). Pizza is one of those delicious treats that is not nearly as readily available for a vegan (most of the time this is positive), so I get excited when I can spoil myself. I ordered the obvious choice Very Vegan on multi-grain crust - with crimini mushrooms, roasted garlic, tomato sauce and Daiya cheese. They didn't skimp on the "cheese." There is another vegan-labeled specialty pizza, Spinach & Artichoke and the option to create your own vegan pizza. I really enjoyed it, so much in fact that I wolfed down my whole personal pizza in about 5 minutes. Oops!

 Check out my post on the best Italian in South Beach at Osteria del Teatro!

Pizza Fusion

1115 5th Street

Miami Beach, FL 33139

Pizza Fusion Website

Dining Out in South Beach - Osteria del Teatro

Vegan Penne Pasta with Mushrooms and a Tomato, Basil, Truffle Oil Sauce
Osteria del Teatro

I spent a few days in South Beach, Miami recently and did my usual pre-travel research to find places that offer vegan cuisine. This one was not on my list, but it should have been! Osteria del Teatro tops the list for best service and it doesn't hurt that the food is delicious too.

My boyfriend wanted to go out for a nice romantic meal and chose this Italian restaurant based on high reviews on Yelp. He made a reservation and verified that they could make a vegan meal. We arrived early and they greeted us by saying "vegan?" ha, I loved it! They were so attentive from the start. The owner Gilbert Gonzalez immediately came to our table and mentioned he just started taking vegan cooking classes and he would make sure I got a great meal. He was so knowledgeable about what was vegan and what was not, it put me at ease.

I ended up having Bruschetta (which wasn't even on the menu, but he said he'd make for me) - it was fantastic! For my entree I had Penne Pasta with a tomato, basil, truffle oil sauce with mushrooms - also delicious! My boyfriend (non-vegan) had the tomato burrata cheese appetizer and bolognese with homemade pappardelle pasta. When it came time for dessert I had to pass, mainly because I was so full but also most options had dairy. My boyfriend was hoping to try the famous tiramisu, but didn't want a full order and said no. When the waiter brought our check over he brought him a plate of tiramisu on the house. That was the cherry on top! I highly recommend this restaurant, you will be well taken care of by the wonderful staff.

Osteria del Teatro

1443 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Osteria del Teatro Website