Nothing better than visiting a vegan restaurant you’ve already enjoyed for a second time. Or a fifth time.
So when my friend suggested I meet her for lunch at Lotus Vegan for some cruelty-free Asian fusion, naturally I was on it like white on rice.
Unlike my virgin trip to Lotus vegan restaurant, this time I actually remembered to take pictures before diving in so I could be a good blogger and share my tasty treat findings with you all. My sentiment is much the same, but food choices slightly elaborated upon.
Actually, come to think of it, that’s not entirely honest nor accurate– my potato kale soup appetizer was absolutely inhaled before a picture. But I’ll say this, it looked amazingly similar to Lotus’ other soup I’d tried albeit with some kale on top. Taste was still full of flavor and awesomely veggie-tastic with just a slight undertone of spice, but had it not been for the kale garnish, I’m not entirely sure I could have made discernment between the two soups.
One guest in our party ordered the seal-of-approval-given “orange soy protein” (pictured above) which is akin to a sweet and sour chicken type meal, with a homemade sauce including pineapple, onion, and orange. Unfortunately for me, this is not among the gluten free options, but kudos to all of you without glyphosate-buildup-poisoning intolerance who can eat such things. More options for you!
Being in a hurry to order as I arrived last to Lotus and slightly late to the party of four, I made quick skimming of the options but careful to look only at the ones clearly marked “GF” to indicate I wouldn’t inhale wheat-induced death and be spasming in pain 30 minutes later while enjoying lively conversation with my comrades. Not wanting to hold up the group any longer, I ordered last and asked the waitress what she recommended between a few of my picks– she suggested the Guru curry, which was something I’d had before, so at the risk of being turned down and only slightly saddened by not trying something new, I asked her if this time around they could turn up the heat and add some extra spice, to which she replied it was absolutely doable, and was done perfectly to my satisfaction.
Here is my curry bowl, with the side of rice not pictured:
I admit, the picture probably comes across a little more “orangey” and mischievous looking than it does in real life — capturing food with nothing but a smart phone camera either works really well, or makes things look like they came from a concoctions-of-yore apothecary lab. I assure you– this was the perfect curry blend of sweet and heat, and having had it already, I knew I wasn’t going to be disappointed. For those who prefer some heat, I definitely recommend asking for the spicier kick — it wasn’t overdone at all, and definitely packed more heat than the original version.
After my soup was gone, I only had room for about half of my rice and curry, which gave me enough extra for a to-go box for later. I’ve heard of some vegan restaurants coming under fire for producing tiny plates and minuscule portions that aren’t worth the coin, so it’s gratifying to see an establishment that doesn’t hold back on feeding its hungry patrons to their healthy, cruelty-free fill. Gotta love having leftovers for 4th Meal!
My other friend ordered the $6.99 lunch special, Eggplant Tofu (pardon the plated discord — she had already started diving in when I rudely reached across her to snap a photo mid-bite before it became more mixed around). This is made with the smaller, cucumber-esque shaped Chinese eggplants, and was SO flavorful, I almost was disappointed that I didn’t order it myself. Highlight? She couldn’t finish and I got two hearty pieces of eggplant to add to my takeout container and nosh later. 😉
For those who don’t necessarily plunge headfirst into worldly flavors, I think you can find a dish here you like whether it’s a take on old favorites like a panini or pizza, or the portabella burger (which I may try one day and simply ask for no bread), or for those who like ethnic cuisine, going a little more authentic with a rice-and-veggies Asian inspired dish or some spring rolls or wontons. Either way, I give yet another positive review to an establishment that is not only supporting vegan endeavors, but supports your local business owners who can always use a boost amidst all the corporate franchises out there trying to make a buck by adding spin-off “vegan” options on their otherwise cruel menus of animal-carcass items. Let’s keep it cruelty-free, let’s keep it as local as possible, right?
Take care of those taking care of you (and those taking care of our animal friends by keeping them OFF the plate).
Happy Eating!
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