- To some of you this place may look familiar, but if this is a strange land…
I paid the well-known Angelica Kitchen a little visit awhile ago. This vegan establishment has been up and running since 1976, and gets credit for being mindful in aspects going beyond conscious food. They recognize the environmental and economic impact we [can] make, and incorporate that into their overall approach.
- We ordered their “special appetizer”: Agrarian Salgado
“Baked rounds of mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and herbed seitan, with a parsley-almond pesto center; topped with dill-tofu sour cream & garnished with piquant marinated kale.”
This is called a “special appetizer” because:
A portion of the proceeds from this appetizer goes to FRIENDS OF THE BRAZILIAN LANDLESS WORKERS MOVEMENT (MST) to support their implementation of agrarian reform and widespread development of sustainable agriculture.
The dill-tofu sour cream was on point with the baked rounds. I also happily munched on the kale since I’m a vegetable lover.
- Angelica Cornbread–Rustic, whole grain slice (wheat free)
I was a bit disappointed by the flavor since I think this is the cornbread that Angelica Kitchen is known for. Luckily, the miso-tahini spread was there to save the day (or this bread anyway). I believe that the recipe for this spread is in their cookbook… aka recreate ASAP. We also tried the Sourdough Bread, and Hummus platter that came with the most delicious zahtar pita crisps and crudités.
- That day I was feeling the ‘Si Se Puede’ salad.
“Balsamic marinated beets, & chickpeas seasoned with kalamata olives, on a bed of local greens. Dressed with extra virgin olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice & coarse sea salt; paired with tofu ricotta on crisp garlic crostini; orange zest garnish“
Everything sounded great about this salad except for the olives… if you know me, you know that I don’t like olives. Okay, okay, with the exception of olive tapenades. I decided to give them another chance though, and you know what? I loved them in this salad! The tofu ricotta was so delicious, and something I want to remake at home.
- Someone ordered the “Three Bean Chili”… 3 out of the 4 of us were considering ordering this dish actually.
“Piquant chili made with homemade seitan, kidney and pinto beans & lentils; slowly simmered with sun-dried tomatoes and a blend of chiles; topped with lime-jalapeño tofu sour cream. Served with fluffy Southern style cornbread & butternut squash-red onion salsa“
THIS is the cornbread I hope Angelica Kitchen is known for, at least that’s what I’ll remember it for.
- The ‘Wrapsody’
“Seasonal selection of roasted vegetables, balsamic marinated beets, creamy hummus, dill pickles, sunflower sprouts & arugula, folded & wrapped in a soft whole wheat tortilla“
- My mom ordered the “Still Special” from their Daily Specials.
I can’t remember what it was exactly, except that it had polenta, beans, and some sort of sauce. I remember thinking for some reason that something redder… more reminiscent of tomatoes would come out. Nevertheless, because it was my mom’s dish I got to try some of it, and I’m glad she didn’t mind sharing.
- This is usually a good sign.
Either someone will finish their plate out of politeness or because they straight up loved it so much that they couldn’t stop themselves till there was no more to be had. I was the latter. I also just love the way beet juice looks on a white plate.
- That’s not all, that’s not all.
We also ordered dessert(s)! A pecan-date cookie, a fig newton, and the coconut tapioca pudding with raspberries and housemade brittle.
- This was the shining star of the desserts, and not because of its looks.
- All in all, I enjoyed what Angelica’s Kitchen had to offer and the calm vibe.
Note: they take cash only and here’s why:
- Eggless hibachi-style fried rice with tofu
- You must try me.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice , cooled
- 1 tbl extra virgin coconut oil or ghee
- ½ cup onion , chopped
- ¼ cup peas
- 1-2 carrot(s), grated
- 1 block tofu, drained pressed and cubed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional)
- 2 tbl vegan butter spread
- 2 tbl soy sauce
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Sauté the onion, peas and carrots in oil.
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Move vegetables to side of pan and lightly “scramble” the tofu. Add in the onion powder, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, and turmeric.
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Add rice and butter spread, and sauté for five minutes.
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Add soy sauce and cook for 1 minute.
I stayed away from eggs for a few years after having trouble digesting them, but now I’m incorporating little by little for health reasons (remember I went off birth-control?). Actually, I want to do a series on things I’m going through now. I started seeing an acupuncturist again, and I’m incorporating the philosophies of TCM and energetics of foods in my life. I really have so much to share about this!
On the non-food related front…
- My room coming together
- I like to have my comfort zones.
- And a place to store my secrets.
What are some things that are comforting to you?
In my last post I asked about trying something unknown to us, and it seemed that Eastern cuisines intrigue most of you who answered. What about readers living in the East–which cuisines intrigue you?
Mmm that three bean chili looks fantastic!!
Love your room space as well, very cosy! With regards to mindful eating I have recently started to eat slowly (or slower at least!) with no distractions, really focusing on exactly what I am eating. It’s too easy to rush food, making for a less than perfect relationship with the edible stuff! It will take time but I’m sure it will soon become a habit rather than something I have to remind myself to do. 
I’m working on doing the same as well! Making sure I properly chew my food too, and giving myself that time. Such a simple thing but it can really make a profound difference in our lives
Angelica’s Kitchen looks so tasty! The dessert sounds incredible
A big sofa and mug of tea in some bright winter sunshine is the most comforting thing I can think of…
That sounds SO comforting
Angelica Kitchen looks like a wonderful place! I’d love to visit when I get to travel to New York one day
I also love your fried rice recipe! As a Korean, I grew up eating kimchi-fried rice all the time. I would always pour ketchup all over and eat it! haha
I poured ketchup on my rice when I was little too… and over my eggs :p Yes! When you do visit New York you should go there (and lots of other places!)
ahhh i love angelica kitchen. actually i like both their cornbreads a lot but found that the one made from brown rice – when i made it at home using their recipe – tasted it a lot better, mainly because it was so fresh!! i like their other cornbread a lot as well, and nothing is more comforting to me than having that and their chili (with tofu sour cream!) on a cold day!!
currently in new york but sad that we prob won’t see each other! until next time!!
Next time! Also, Candle Cafe is opening up just a few blocks from my place so you know what means
I should try making it at home because it did sound so wonderful! I was just disappointed when I had it. Maybe it was a “meh” batch that day.
Eggs, like women, are most agreeable when coddled. They are good with buttered toast points, wild strawberry jam, a little juice, and lots of brewed Colombian coffee.
I am craving Chilli Crab, the national dish of Singapore. I may try it this spring with some Maryland soft-shells, if I can get them, or some Dungeness. I doubt that I can do as good a job as the street vendor in Singapore.
Jim
can’t believe i never went there even when i lived in NYC!
When you come back you should go, and don’t forget to call me!
great post, fun read, and that’s a cool room.
“Hello?..Is this thing on?”..”The mic is ready Mr.Potato.”Good work Clyde!”"HUHHUn!”…..”Now that you can hear me,hello Katharina..Wave..Damn that food looks fine.”..”I was wondering if the food would last in a FedEx package?…”1 day delivery,it should be fine after twenty four hours!”…”It is hard to say how I would pay you?”…Hmmmm….”Anyway,,just sleep on it,i’m just tossing it out there.”My favorite part of the blog is (of course the food.)But,It was your little comfort zone/s…are they not magical to have?They’re a place to dream,and feel at peace….P.P. too S.P…A humble thank-you for sharing…mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmbye!
Actually…. it just might! I know people do food deliveries all the time, and if I cook with spices then it should hold up. Depends on what I make :p Also, I agree–comfort zones are wonderful for the soul. Lots of love to you P.P.!
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