Happy New Year! 2024, wow. I am trying to feel a sense of optimism for the year ahead, but struggling with that a bit. This time of year can be gloomy after all the cheer and excitement of the holidays. But we did wrap up 2023 with a fun vegan party at Vegan Fresh 2 U with great food, company, and music.
The 6 course meal was insanely good and filling starting with the Saigon Crepe Roll and Pan Seared Gyoza and moving onto the All Day Banh Mi Sandwich and Pho Miso Soup.
There were 2 choices for the main dish, Lemongrass Rice or Udon Seafood Pasta, and we tried both and loved them both! The lemongrass rice dish included smoky and sweet grilled eggplant and potatoes with vegan shrimp for a hearty combo. The seafood pasta included asparagus with vegan shrimp for another delightful treat.
And for dessert, a simple Mango Sweet Rice dish that was delicious with sweet coconut cream.
We’ve been eating out a bit over the holiday break after getting burned out on leftovers such as kicky Thai tofu dishes, the vegan Impossible Taco Salad from Mendocino Farms, and vegan sandwich from Ike’s Love & Sandwiches.
The Super Salad from Amy’s Drive Thru and more vegan Thai food.
I have been trying to eat healthy when not eating out with simple turmeric soy curl soups, Thai leftovers, and simple veggie noodle dishes.
As well as work through items in our freezer to free up space and trying this Wholly Veggie Cheezy Cauliflower & Broccoli meal at work one day I picked up on sale awhile back. It was good and very cheezy for a comforting winter meal.
I have also been trying to add more quinoa into dishes at home with simple sautés. And keep things simple with veggie stir fries, more quinoa, and hearty soups.
And back to the grind tomorrow for a busy week. It will be a good week, right? I hope it is for everyone starting with the list.
- Best vegan pizza in the US.
- Vegan apps to start a plant based journey.
- Creative dishes for Veganuary.
- Mild peppers and the best way to eat them.
- Best Trader Joe’s vegan products.
- 31 tips for going vegan.
- Inspiring vegan transformation stories.
- Vegan diet could save money now and in the future.
- Healthy vegan snack ideas.
- Takeaways from You Are What You Eat documentary.
- A beginners guide to going vegan.
- Favorite recipes made vegan.
Laura says
The food looks so yummy in the post, making me hungry. Agree- gloomy time of year. I’m glad I added two Guinia pigs to our family, they are such a bright spot! I never thought we were rodent people, LOL, but I guess so. They do add happiness and warmth during dark, snowy days though!
christine says
Thanks and it is, overcast and rainy week here. Very cool on the Guinea pigs! I bet your kids are so happy, how fun!
Hannah says
Sounds like a wonderful and delicious start to the year! It’s been a bit tough on my end, but at least I did get to enjoy Ike’s recently too. I miss Amy’s and Mendocino Farms, but I’m glad we have some of the same chains in Austin. Gotta keep working on that!
christine says
Yes and I am so, so sorry for the tough start for you. Thinking about you and hoping for a speedy recovery. Ike’s is great, we recently got a location near work.