Monday, June 30, 2008

Blue Corn Cafe - Latin American - Durham (Ninth Street)

Too full from Twisted Noodles and Soy Cream from Francessca's, we were unable to try Blue Corn Cafe, but strolled by it and stopped to read the menu and were intrigued.

They have a separate Vegetarian section on the Dinner Menu, with the disclaimer that the items are not vegan, but that they can be prepared vegan. A few appetizers appear to vegan also, and any place with fresh Guacamole is worth a try to me.

It may just be a contender for our next Date Night.

http://www.bluecorn-tosca.com/bc_home.asp

Thai Spices & Sushi - Thai - Cary

This restaurant is the one that has gone into the space where Mama Wok was once located.

It looks like they've expanded the Vegetarian menu item selection since they first posted a basic menu before they opened.

We have yet to try it but it looks like they did a nice renovation to the interior and if they are as good as their website claims, hopefully we'll have a new favorite place in Cary for takeout (although it's still not Chinese and we're still, still searching - suggestions welcome!).

http://www.thaispicesandsushi.com/ThaiSpice_Test/vegetarian.php

986 High House Rd.
Cary, NC
(919) 319-1818‎

Francesca'ss Dessert Caffe - Durham

Fun place to visit on Durham's 9th Street, with vegan soy ice cream. We tried the hazelnut and chocolate flavors, with some tasty decaf to go with it.

http://francescasdessertcaffe.com/

Saladelia Cafe - Breakfast/Sandwiches/Salads - Durham

We didn't try this place but saw it on our way into Twisted Noodles - it's in the same shopping center. I noticed the "Vegemeaty" logo truck in the parking lot and was curious. They even have a Vegetarian Resource Group sticker on their door by the entrance.

We grabbed a menu and peeked inside. It looked to hold a fairly large amount of tables and the atmosphere was nice. It was almost completely empty though since it was about 8pm on a Saturday night and I'm guessing this is more of a lunch spot. They also do catering.

According to the menu:
-They use free range eggs and claim to use "fresh/homemade/Organic" ingredients
-They always have a Vegetarian Soup option on the menu
-You can get Soy Milk in your coffee (I know it's not THAT exciting, but not every place offers this - Panera and Bruegger's and other cafes like it usually don't, so it's something at least)
-Juices on the menu, like the Orange Juice, are always squeezed fresh
-They offer Free Wireless in the cafe

From what I can tell, they are very Vegetarian Friendly, but if you are a strict Vegan you might have trouble finding too much. Although, they do have a Greek Sampler platter that you could easily pick 3 vegan items to include in the platter.

* My suggestion to the Owner would be to add Scrambled Tofu to the Breakfast Menu. Anyone in NC is hard pressed to find a breakfast place if they are vegan and a cute cafe to have a leisurely breakfast or brunch is a much-needed niche to fill.

I'd be all over any place I could get a vegan breakfast burrito and a soy espresso drink on a lazy Sunday morning (when I'm too lazy to make it all myself!)

4201 University Dr # 100
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 489-5776

http://www.saladelia.com/home/

Twisted Noodles - Thai - Durham

We tried this place for "date night" and found ourselves at a run down strip mall, a little overdressed and left with too much time on our hands due to the insanely quick service, but hey, who's complaining? We had a nice time (in the 30 minutes we were there!)

They do have a beautiful fish tank with pretty blue and yellow tropical fish, and fast service is a good thing. We were just hoping for a little more I guess. It is lacking in decor and ambiance though and we noticed they weren't playing any music either.

But despite all that, I give this place a high rating. The location doesn't matter, the food was tasty and it's good to know it's a casual place we can grab a quick bite at in the future.

The menu used the words "vegetarian" and "vegan", which is a HUGE plus. The menu also says most dishes can be prepared with tofu or vegetables subsituted for meat.

We tried the "Vegan Delight" and "Potato Corn Cake" for appetizers. Both items are deep fried and much like a tempura. I suggest getting one or the other, otherwise it's too heavy before your meal.

For entrees we tried the Thai Spicy Salad (with Tofu instead of chicken)and the
Tom Yum Chili Oil Noodles (served as an entree and not a soup and with Tofu for the "meat") - Rice noodles, bean sprouts, cilantro and scallion in lemon grass and chili oil soup broth with your choice of meat or summer style with no soup

I suggest giving this place a try for a dinner out with friends you need to catch up with or lunch on the run. If you ARE planning a date night here, make sure you either have a LOT to talk about or a Plan B as to where to go next, or the date might over with in the same time it normally takes you to get through the Drive-Thru at Taco Bell. :-)

4201 University Dr
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 489-9888
www.twistednoodles.com

P.S. We went to Francesca's Dessert Cafe afterwards (review posted as a separate entry - http://francescasdessertcaffe.com/)

Monday, June 9, 2008

Raleigh Times Bar - American Menu - Downtown Raleigh

We haven't tried this place, but I just thought I'd note that if you are Downtown, but away from Glenwood (by the Imax/Moore Square area), this place at least has a veggie burger (but not much else on the menu for veggie people).

http://www.raleightimesbar.com/

Satisfaction Restaurant - Burgers/Pizza - Durham

Sports Bar/Restaurant with Pizza, Burgers, Salads etc. and a separate vegetarian menu.

http://www.satisfactionrestaurant.com/NEW%20DINNER%20MENU%20FINAL_files/page0006.htm

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Spinner's - Veggie Burger - Wake Forest

A reader named Laura wrote us:

Hey,
I love your blog. Thank you so much for the great info! I just wanted to let you know that Spinner's in Wake Forest will let you substitute a veggie burger for any of their burgers (8? choices).

There have been a couple of times that I have gone and they were out, so people might want to call ahead and ask if they have veggie burgers ready. It's great to have a local place to grab a burger. :)

Do you happen to know of any way (website, local store) to purchase Worthington products? (Wham, Chickettes, Fripats,etc)

Thanks,
Laura



Thanks, Laura! We'll have to give Spinners a try!

I haven't seen Worthington products in local stores. I think we bought some Skallops in Wilmington, but that isn't exactly local. I searched online and found them at Amazon. You might also check Pangea or VegeFood.