tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49238216358287774782024-03-12T18:35:09.712-05:00The Traveling Austin VeganThis blog has a mixture of ingredients: lots of Austin restaurant reviews (from a vegan perspective), some vegan product & food reviews, the occasional recipe, and restaurant reviews from other places and stories of my travels (as a musician, I travel a lot!)April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-88847961900083502492015-01-02T15:15:00.000-06:002015-01-02T15:15:22.663-06:002015 Resolutions - Appetite For Reduction2014 was, for me, a pretty good year. Unlike 2013, I actually made a net profit from being a full-time musician, and, in traveling to all of the various Renaissance Faires, conventions, and SCA events at which I performed, I got to try so much delicious food! I took tons of pictures from the various places at which I ate in St. Louis and Kansas City, and I plan on getting those posted to the blog this year (Procrastination, thy name is musician.)
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Due to a combination of all of the delicious food I ate through 2014 and the fact that I messed up my right knee jumping on a trampoline in late August, I ended 2014 heavier than I started it. My goal weight is 140 lbs, and I'm currently about 176 or so. I have been using the <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">My Fitness Pal</a> app on my iPhone to track my calories, but eating out at restaurants is very difficult to track, unless you're at a big chain (MFP knows *exactly* how many calories are in a tall soy mocha with no whip from Starbucks!) Since I want to lose weight, since restaurant food is so hard to track, and since I'm such a fan of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135503/">"Julie And Julia"</a>, I've decided to cook and blog my way through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600940498/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1600940498&linkCode=as2&tag=myscomedfanwe-20&linkId=VJ7EZTWCDDBCMUAR">Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myscomedfanwe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1600940498" width="0" height="0" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;"/> in 2015. I think it'll be fairly easy to cook 125 recipes in 365 days, and I imagine I'll be repeating some recipes that are really good. I'm also planning on having lots of healthy smoothies throughout the year, as well as getting more use out of my juicer, and eating a few raw meals.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/16167340535" title="Appetite For Reduction by April, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7486/16167340535_670a88a02e_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Appetite For Reduction"></a>
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I'm going to allow myself one "cheat day" a week (where I can eat pretty much whatever I want - mmmmm, vegan donuts), but at least six days out of the week I'll be eating as healthy as possible. One of the things I love about "Appetite For Reduction" is that each recipe has full nutritional information listed. Talk about easy to track in my app!
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Since yesterday was January 1 (Happy New Year, by the way!), I started with "Hottie Black-Eyed Peas & Greens". My sweetie and I went shopping on Dec. 31 to pick up black-eyed peas and collard greens, so I was set to make this yummy-looking recipe. My sweetie swears up and down that he hates collard greens, so I made just half of the recipe so that he can eat some black-eyed peas plain.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/15558136673" title="Hottie Black-Eyed Peas & Greens by April, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7488/15558136673_6407a4c0e1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Hottie Black-Eyed Peas & Greens"></a>
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I thought this was absolutely delicious! I ended up using both paprika and Tabasco sauce, and the flavor was amazing. My sweetie ended up trying a couple of bites, and decided that he loved the dish, but still isn't fond of the bitterness of collard greens. He's going to use the recipe, minus the greens, to prepare his half of the black-eyed peas, though.
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<b>Weight - 181.4 lbs. Recipes to go - 124.</b>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-13332385800641969612014-06-10T20:18:00.000-05:002014-06-11T11:39:50.740-05:00Alamo Drafthouse New Vegan Menu - Austin, TXI got a tweet the other day from the <a href="http://drafthouse.com/blog/entry/vegan-village?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Promoted&utm_term=vegan&utm_content=veggie&utm_campaign=ANNOUNCING+VEGAN+VILLAGE+AUSTIN">Alamo Drafthouse</a> telling me that I was invited to a tasting for their new vegan menu (which will be available at the Village location only). This is awesome, and something I've been hoping for since I starting going to the Drafthouse 11 years ago.
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<iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/14208284477/player/" width="407" height="800" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe>
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<iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/14208120978/in/photostream/player/" width="730" height="800" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe>
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The tacos were tasty, with crunchy tortilla chips in it, and slightly spicy salsa that complimented it nicely. The bruschetta was also good, with super creamy avocado and good flavors provided by the lemon vinaigrette and balsamic reduction. The samosa tasted fairly standard for samosas (delicious, in my opinion), and have my vote for the easiest thing on the new menu to eat in the dark). The cookie was warm and chewy, with a nice fruitiness from the cherries.
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When the menu launches tomorrow, the bruschetta will be a full cup of avocado and tomato mixture, with crostini all around the edge of the plate.
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Some of the other people at the tasting mentioned that a chocolate dessert would be quite welcome, and Trish, the chef, said that she'd had a hard time finding vegan chocolate at a good price point. We told her about the vegan chocolate chips in bulk at Wheatsville, and suggested that she contact some of the vegan bakers in town to get suggestions from them about where to buy. I also mentioned that I would love to see soy milk for the coffee drinks at all I the locations, and Trish said that she would make sure that it happened, since it should have been happening already (she said if it wasn't, it was an oversight). April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-61675183119359201162014-03-26T23:00:00.000-05:002014-03-26T23:00:58.452-05:00An Apology And Old Fashioned Custard PieFirst of all, I apologize for the long delay with no posts. I was hibernating with the hedgehogs for the winter, and lately I've been spending all of my time performing <a href="http://www.tulstintroubadours.com">music</a> at the <a href="http://www.sherwoodforestfaire.com/">Sherwood Forest Faire</a> and getting ready to move to a new house at the end of this month (which means I've only got two more days to pack and move before I spend my entire weekend out at faire! Eek!)
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I've got SO much I want to share with you - I've visited a bunch of awesome restaurants, made several yummy dishes, and got a new kitten, who is the most adorable kitty ever (but don't tell my cat.) However, it's going to have to wait another week or two until after I've moved and unpacked enough to have some semblance of my office intact.
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For the time being, I shall share with you my vegan interpretation of Old Fashioned Custard Pie, which I'm modifying from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=517001741750672&set=a.466145976836249.1073741828.458986064218907&type=1">Hillbilly Recipes</a>. I haven't actually made this yet, but I plan on it once we move and unpack all our kitchen paraphernalia. If you made it, let me know how it goes!
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<b>Old Fashioned Custard Pie</b>
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1 unbaked pie shell (or make your own - my favorite is the <a href="http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1000103/vegan-olive-oil-pie-crust">olive oil crust</a> from "Vegan Pie In The Sky")<br>
3 flax "eggs" OR 1 flax "egg" and 1 mashed banana<br>
1/2 cup of sugar<br>
1/2 teaspoon of salt<br>
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg<br>
2 2/3 cups of non-dairy milk<br>
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br>
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Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix "eggs" [1 tablespoon fresh-ground flax meal plus 3 tablespoons water per "egg", and refrigerate mixture for 15-60 minutes to thicken] and mashed banana (if using), then add sugar, salt, nutmeg, and milk. Beat well and pour into the unbaked pie shell. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Sprinkle the top of pie with fresh ground nutmeg.April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-48399785091006050222013-09-30T23:08:00.001-05:002013-09-30T23:08:22.639-05:00RESTAURANT REVIEW - Cafe Caliban (Inside Prospero's Uptown Books), Kansas City, MO<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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After <a href="http://thetravelingaustinvegan.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-hedgehogs-visit-prosperos-books.html">visiting the flagship location of Prospero's Books on 39th St.</a>, April and the hedgehogs were excited to finally try the reportedly delicious food at Cafe Caliban inside Prospero's Uptown.
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<b><a href="http://www.prosperosbookstore.com/?page=Cafe-Caliban">Cafe Caliban (inside Prospero's Uptown Books)</a>
<Br>3600 Broadway #107, Kansas City, MO
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CafeCalibanKC">Facebook page</a>
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April and the hedgehogs hadn't managed to make it to Cafe Caliban yet on this visit to KCMO because Prospero's Uptown is only open until 5 pm, and Cafe Caliban is only open until 3 pm. They decided to visit today for lunch. However, when they got there, there was a sign that said "Emergency - be right back", and the door was locked.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/10027252853/" title="Prospero's Uptown Books, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/10027252853_b904e10ec9_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Prospero's Uptown Books, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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April waited in her van for a little while, listening to the radio, and the hedgehogs played "who can spot the most number of blue cars" (Hedgie won, but Buttercup says he has an unfair height advantage). Just as they had decided (sadly) that it might be time to leave, a car drove up, and a gal got out, opened the door of the bookstore, and went in. April and the hedgehogs gave her a minute to get situated, then went in themselves.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/10027104815/" title="Prospero's Uptown Books, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/10027104815_545dc4f382_z.jpg" width="640" height="442" alt="Prospero's Uptown Books, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/10027116126/" title="Prospero's Uptown Books, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3736/10027116126_424ef23f85_z.jpg" width="640" height="429" alt="Prospero's Uptown Books, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/10027188843/" title="Banned Books - Prospero's Uptown Books, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/10027188843_c2f94eb6dc_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Banned Books - Prospero's Uptown Books, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/10027097705/" title="Yellow Cover Books - Prospero's Uptown Books, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/10027097705_2790f768e3_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Yellow Cover Books - Prospero's Uptown Books, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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April had heard that the vegan tacos were really good, but she couldn't pass up the jackfruit panini, since she's been on such a jackfruit kick lately. The gal working there made some quinoa salad to go with it, and gave April some "conspiracy-free" (filtered) water.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/10027119786/" title="Jackfruit Panini And Quinoa Salad - Cafe Caliban (inside Prospero's Uptown Books, Kansas City, MO) by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/10027119786_2b6bd4e310_z.jpg" width="640" height="493" alt="Jackfruit Panini And Quinoa Salad - Cafe Caliban (inside Prospero's Uptown Books, Kansas City, MO)"></a>
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The panini was delicious; grilled perfectly and very flavorful, with mushrooms, onions, and peppers mixed in with the shredded jackfruit. The cool quinoa salad was a great accompaniment to the hot sandwich.
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April hopes to get a chance to go back to Cafe Caliban once more before she leaves so she can try the tacos. She left this time with full hands as well as a full stomach -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/10031804533/" title="I Like Big Books And I Can Not Lie by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/10031804533_65f8df8069_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="I Like Big Books And I Can Not Lie"></a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-42922352156167518722013-09-29T20:56:00.000-05:002013-09-29T20:56:22.569-05:00In Which The Hedgehogs Make April A Faux Egg Salad Sandwich<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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After a long day of faire, April discovered that she had an unwelcome, unexpected visitor. She drove home, and the hedgehogs sent her to relax while they made dinner. Since April had been planning on making the Faux Egg Salad from page 50 of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1551522403/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1551522403&linkCode=as2&tag=myscomedfanwe-20">"Vegan a Go-Go!: A Cookbook & Survival Manual for Vegans on the Road"</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myscomedfanwe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1551522403" width="0" height="0" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, the hedgehogs decided they'd make it for her.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/10011052604/" title="Tofu Salad Ingredients by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/10011052604_8bfefa0cbe_z.jpg" width="640" height="399" alt="Tofu Salad Ingredients"></a>
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The hedgehogs had almost everything they needed, but realized they didn't have any garlic or pickles. However, they had a GIANT bunch of parsley, so they added lots of that.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/10011050584/" title="Hedgehogs Stir The Tofu Salad by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/10011050584_7a512cd0bf_z.jpg" width="640" height="397" alt="Hedgehogs Stir The Tofu Salad"></a>
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<i>Buttercup says that Hedgie is going to owe her BIG TIME after this.</i>
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After mixing everything together and tasting it, they decided it was good, but needed a little something. They added about 1/2 teaspoon of Kala Namak (black salt) and two yolk's-worth of The Vegg, and mixed some more. This time, it tasted really good!
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Hedgie and Buttercup made a sandwich with some of the Faux Egg Salad and some avocado, and toasted the whole thing.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/10011126176/" title="Hedgie & Buttercup's Tofu Salad Sandwich by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/10011126176_0fefe052c3_z.jpg" width="640" height="299" alt="Hedgie & Buttercup's Tofu Salad Sandwich"></a>
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<i>"Hey, Hedgie. How are we going to get it up the stairs to April?" "Oops."</i>
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<i>Full Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate links included in this post. I receive a small commission if you click through to Amazon and purchase products using these links. That being said, I'm currently in the process of trying to pay off a $34,000 hospital bill, so if you want to buy something, feel free to click!</i>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-68089784707575291692013-09-28T22:04:00.000-05:002013-09-29T20:36:16.342-05:00The Hedgehogs Visit Prospero's Books, Kansas City, MO<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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Tonight's post isn't going to be about food; April and the hedgehogs had a very long, wet, muddy day at faire, and are officially too tired to make the non-egg salad from "Vegan A Go-Go" (which April had planned on doing for tomorrow's lunch). Instead, the hedgehogs are going to show you all about their visit to <a href="http://www.prosperosbookstore.com/">Prospero's Books</a> on 39th St. in Kansas City, MO last week. They'll be visiting Prospero's Uptown (which has <a href="http://www.prosperosbookstore.com/?page=Cafe-Caliban">Cafe Caliban</a> in it, which apparently has delicious vegan food) on Monday, but thought that they'd show you what another location of Prospero's looks like.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9991724466/" title="IMG_4137 Hedgehogs Play Chess 3 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/9991724466_45ee2d7fb2_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="IMG_4137 Hedgehogs Play Chess 3"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9991812953/" title="IMG_4139 Hedgehogs Play Chess 1 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/9991812953_1a6e268414_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="IMG_4139 Hedgehogs Play Chess 1"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9991738106/" title="IMG_4138 Hedgehogs Play Chess 2 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/9991738106_09560d3cfd_z.jpg" width="640" height="473" alt="IMG_4138 Hedgehogs Play Chess 2"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9991690254/" title="IMG_4130 Hedgehogs Old Book by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2853/9991690254_71b79d4a28_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="IMG_4130 Hedgehogs Old Book"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9991754616/" title="IMG_4132 Hedgehogs Telephone Book by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/9991754616_a736de4f91_z.jpg" width="485" height="640" alt="IMG_4132 Hedgehogs Telephone Book"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9991831703/" title="IMG_4127 Hedgehogs Quaint Sign by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/9991831703_5b1a595503_z.jpg" width="640" height="369" alt="IMG_4127 Hedgehogs Quaint Sign"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9991832883/" title="IMG_4128 Hedgehogs Book Ladder by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2815/9991832883_aab39c8d2d_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="IMG_4128 Hedgehogs Book Ladder"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9991710765/" title="IMG_4133 Hedgehogs On Disc by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3762/9991710765_671265cc7d_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="IMG_4133 Hedgehogs On Disc"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9991711314/" title="IMG_4129 Hedgehogs Typewriter by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/9991711314_23956c9cfc_z.jpg" width="563" height="640" alt="IMG_4129 Hedgehogs Typewriter"></a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-36755191274238479802013-09-27T22:00:00.000-05:002013-09-28T21:21:34.536-05:00The Hedgehogs See The Carter/Lea Duo!<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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The hedgehogs would like to appologize for the lateness of today's post. Besides technology generally being very unhelpful, they had a very full day.
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First, they went with April to her <a href="http://www.tulstintroubadours.com">Tulstin Troubadours</a> band business meeting, where Mark's girlfriend Demaris' dog, Isabella, showed off All The Cute -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9976405634/" title="Isabella by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/9976405634_1cc4827a04_z.jpg" width="640" height="401" alt="Isabella"></a>
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Then, they all went to the coin-op laundromat to do some clothes. Hedgie and Buttercup broke out into song.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9976442216/" title="Laundry Day by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/9976442216_f25b863cfc_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Laundry Day"></a>
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<i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdm5x0BqM80">"Tell you how. How you make. Make me feel. What's the phrase? Like a fool. Kinda sick. Special needs. Anyways."</a></i>
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Then, the group all traveled to <a href="http://www.prosperosbookstore.com/">Prospero's Books</a> so April could pick up the debit card that she'd left there a couple of days before (Hedgie tried to tell her she'd forgotten it, but did she listen? By the way, you'll hear more about Prospero's Books and Cafe Caliban on Monday!) On the way out, they saw a monkey in the window, and Buttercup <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tim18z4V9us">swears she heard it talking.</a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9976509093/" title="Talking Monkey by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/9976509093_1ec752f62c_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Talking Monkey"></a>
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The group's ultimate destination was their stagemate, <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mpcvoyager">Marianne Carter</a>'s, show with her musical partner, Darrell Lea. Since the show was going to be at Cutter's Smokehouse in Eudora, KS, April decided to walk just down the street from Prospero's to grab dinner from <a href="http://www.mudpiebakery.com/">Mud Pie Vegan Bakery</a>. An Eggy Breakfast Burrito (made by <a href="http://eatfud.com/">FuD</a>) and a chocolate coffee muffin really hit the spot.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9976507903/" title="Eggy Burrito and Muffin by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/9976507903_bdd9627e66_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Eggy Burrito and Muffin"></a>
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Once they all got to the show, April asked about possible vegan options on the menu. Just in case. For science. Apparently, all the appetizers (like the corn nuggets, stuffed mushrooms, and onion rings) have dairy in the batter, the veggie burger is made with egg whites, and the waffle fries are seasoned with something that probably isn't vegan. That being said, the rest of the varieties of fries, including the sweet potato fries that April ended up getting, are vegan.
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The show was awesome! The group is used to hearing Marianne (Matty Stryker, at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival) play hammered dulcimer and cittern, so hearing her play guitar and upright bass was a real treat (and a bit of a surprise!)
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9976372425/" title="The Carter Lea Duo 1 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/9976372425_19c6438fe7_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="The Carter Lea Duo 1"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9976371325/" title="The Carter Lea Duo 2 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/9976371325_cd11de44a0_z.jpg" width="640" height="475" alt="The Carter Lea Duo 2"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9976504743/" title="Carter Lea Duo 3 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5467/9976504743_691f09f3da_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Carter Lea Duo 3"></a>
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On the way out, Hedgie and Buttercup made a new friend, and stopped to chat for a bit -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9976398084/" title="Hedgie and Buttercup Make A Friend by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/9976398084_999a005bcf_z.jpg" width="640" height="522" alt="Hedgie and Buttercup Make A Friend"></a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-3623355312796858352013-09-26T20:18:00.000-05:002013-09-26T20:18:06.014-05:00RECIPE REVIEW - The Vegg Baked Frittata<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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Today, April and the hedgehogs are going to tell you about their latest experiment with <a href="http://thevegg.com/">The Vegg</a>. Are you sitting comfortably?
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9958731226/" title="Lounging Paka Front by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/9958731226_afa98edf7d_z.jpg" width="640" height="501" alt="Lounging Paka Front"></a>
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Good. So, the hedgehogs woke up this morning, and Buttercup thought she saw a bird outside, but it was really just a couple of leaves, and Hedgie told her she was being silly...
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9958707444/" title="Lounging Paka Side by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5334/9958707444_46605eb45e_z.jpg" width="640" height="514" alt="Lounging Paka Side"></a>
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...and we've lost your attention. Sorry. So, The Vegg experiment! Last time, April and the hedgehogs made <a href="http://thetravelingaustinvegan.blogspot.com/2013/09/vegg-omelet-chocolate-peanut-butter.html">an omelet</a> from <a href="http://www.veganstore.com/product/the-vegg-cookbook-vegan-egg/new-products">The Vegg Cookbook</a>. Even after baking it in the oven for a bit, April's omelet was very soft and not nearly as "set" as she would have liked it to be. Interestingly, Jen from <a href="http://happyvegans.blogspot.com/">Living the Dream @ Deer Run</a> had made the <a href="http://happyvegans.blogspot.com/2013/09/veganmofo-day-22-vegg-product-review.html">exact same omelet</a> just two days earlier, and found that her batter was too thick even to pour!
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This time, April decided to make <a href="http://www.veganoo.net">Chris Dixon</a>'s Baked Frittata on page 57 of The Vegg Cookbook (also posted on the blog <a href="http://www.veganoo.net/2012/08/the-vegg-vegan-egg-yolk-review.html">here</a>). Her hope was that something that *started out* being baked would set up better.
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At her host Duane's house, April only has access to a mini food processor (her camping blender has gone on walkabout somewhere in her van, and isn't ready to come back yet). The Vegg powder, garlic, water, spices, and arrowroot powder all fit in one batch, but the 12 oz. of silken firm tofu would not. April mixed a bit, poured it into a big bowl, added a bit more tofu to the food processor, mixed that, added it to the bowl, and continued until all the tofu was mixed. She then finished mixing the "eggy"mixture together by hand.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9958729376/" title="Mixing The Vegg Frittata by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5461/9958729376_37f4b4cc24_z.jpg" width="640" height="470" alt="Mixing The Vegg Frittata"></a>
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For filling, April used an onion, two large mushrooms, 4 slices of Upton's Naturals Seitan Bacon, and six small potatoes. She wanted to add some broccoli, but was afraid that there would be too much veggie matter for the eggy mixture to set well. After roasting the veggies for 30 minutes and seeing how much they cooked down, she realized that she could have added the broccoli (and the second onion, and the third mushroom, and some more bacon). Well, knowledge for next time.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9958705984/" title="Waiting For Vegg Baked Frittata by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2855/9958705984_3ce00d8b38_z.jpg" width="640" height="460" alt="Waiting For Vegg Baked Frittata"></a>
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<i>The hedgehogs wait patiently for the frittata.</i>
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After baking the frittata for 35 minutes, the very top looked somewhat set, so April sliced into it. Unfortunately, it was still quite gooey underneath.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9958727926/" title="Finished Vegg Baked Frittata by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/9958727926_fed0aa5295_z.jpg" width="640" height="447" alt="Finished Vegg Baked Frittata"></a>
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She put the frittata back into the oven for another 20 minutes, at which point the top had puffed up like a souffle and was looking <i>very</i> brown.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9958676295/" title="Finished Browned Vegg Baked Frittata 2 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/9958676295_53abb02ca0_z.jpg" width="640" height="435" alt="Finished Browned Vegg Baked Frittata 2"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9958675595/" title="Finished Browned Vegg Baked Frittata by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/9958675595_f4f729a187_z.jpg" width="640" height="373" alt="Finished Browned Vegg Baked Frittata"></a>
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It was a bit more solid than before, but was still like a very thick custard under the top layer. April used 8 tablespoons of arrowroot powder instead of the 6 called for in the recipe, as well. Duane thinks that a wider shallower pan might work better next time (April was worried about a larger pan fitting into the toaster oven, but Duane swears it will fit).
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As for flavor, both April and Duane thought that the frittata was very good. The creaminess of the eggy mixture paired well with the roasted veggies. Duane ended up adding extra salt, pepper, and garlic to his second slice, and said that it helped, so April will double the amounts of those things in the eggy mixture next time.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9958674855/" title="Finished Sliced Vegg Baked Frittata by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/9958674855_3d76a78ebb_z.jpg" width="547" height="640" alt="Finished Sliced Vegg Baked Frittata"></a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-76116628589899741772013-09-25T23:54:00.000-05:002013-09-25T23:54:11.139-05:00RESTAURANT REVIEW, Part Deux - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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April <a href="http://thetravelingaustinvegan.blogspot.com/2011/10/restaurant-review-blue-koi-kansas-city.html">visited Blue Koi in 2011</a>, but the hedgehogs insisted on going to see it themselves. April met a few omnivorous friends there for a nice lunch.
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<b><a href="http://bluekoi.net/">Blue Koi</a>
<br>1803 W. 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
<br>(also at 10581 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66206)
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9944630384/" title="Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/9944630384_947c3d347c_z.jpg" width="640" height="626" alt="Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9944623906/" title="Menu 1 - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/9944623906_7dc2a8fd6a_z.jpg" width="529" height="640" alt="Menu 1 - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9944644294/" title="Menu 2 - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/9944644294_25113ee74d_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Menu 2 - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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The last time April went to Blue Koi, she made a meal out of the Crispy Tofu With Spicy Awesome Sauce and the Veggie Dumplings. This time, she was excited to try the Eggplant Pockets, but the server told her that they were out of those. Vowing to come back before the end of the Kansas City Renaissance Festival to try them, April and her dining companions decided to split the Crispy Veggies (tempura coated fried mixed vegetables with a cool basil sauce and a semi-spicy sriracha sauce), the Spicy Chili Tofu Wontons, and the Crispy Tofu with Spicy Awesome Sauce.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9944613725/" title="Crispy Veggies - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/9944613725_f31e44d7ef_z.jpg" width="640" height="576" alt="Crispy Veggies - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9944730643/" title="Spicy Chili Tofu Wontons - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/9944730643_0a8373f605_z.jpg" width="640" height="565" alt="Spicy Chili Tofu Wontons - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9944638124/" title="Crispy Tofu With Awesome Sauce - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2855/9944638124_b55d724fc7_z.jpg" width="640" height="576" alt="Crispy Tofu With Awesome Sauce - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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The Crispy Tofu with Spicy Awesome Sauce was just as awesome as April remembered; the tofu is nicely fried and the sauce is just the right combination of sweet and spicy. The Crispy Veggies were also good - April got lots of the delicious cauliflower, since her companions weren't big fans of that particular veggie. The sriracha sauce wasn't overly spicy, but has a bit of a kick of one gets enough of it at one time. The Spicy Chili Tofu Wontons, however, are April's new favorite! Incredibly flavorful, with just the right amount of spice.
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April and the hedgehogs were impressed to discover that Blue Koi actually offers more vegan options than they had originally thought. Besides the appetizers listed above, there's also Lettuce Wraps that can be made with tofu. For main dishes, the Firebird Duck and the Black Bean Chicken can be made with tofu instead, and in addition to the Vegetable Noodle Soup shown on the <a href="http://bluekoi.net/noodles.php">online menu</a>, there's a Vegan Delights soup that April <i>very nearly</i> got, Tofu with Chinese Curry Sauce, Braised Tofu with Shiitake Mushroom (can be noodle soup or just over noodles or rice), and Ants On A Tree, which can be made with tofu, and which is what April decided to get. (The hedgehogs wanted to see if it really had ants. It didn't.)
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9944615855/" title="Ants On A Tree (With Vegan Mix) - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/9944615855_609deb46a1_z.jpg" width="539" height="640" alt="Ants On A Tree (With Vegan Mix) - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<i>Hedgie offers April her collapsible chopsticks.</i>
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The bean noodles were very tasty, and the fried tofu stood out well among the rest of the veggies. There was a ton of it, as well, and the hedgehogs helped April pack half of it into her reusable to-go box to have for dinner.
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For a beverage/dessert, April had the Sweet Red Bean Bubble Tea with pearls. The server told her that they use soy milk, so it was vegan. Yay!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9944622916/" title="Sweet Red Bean Bubble Tea - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/9944622916_439de593a2_z.jpg" width="563" height="640" alt="Sweet Red Bean Bubble Tea - Blue Koi, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-51074328017468258912013-09-24T22:25:00.000-05:002013-09-24T22:25:53.194-05:00Vegg Omelet & Chocolate Peanut Butter Bacon Fauxnut Holes - From The Vegg Cookbook (and Bonus Taco Tuesday!)<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thetravelingaustinvegan.blogspot.com/2013/09/this-weeks-plans-seitan-bacon-and-vegg.html">In yesterday's post</a>, April and the hedgehogs had decided to use April's brand new <a href="http://www.veganstore.com/product/the-vegg-cookbook-vegan-egg/new-products">The Vegg Cookbook</a> and <a href="http://www.uptonsnaturals.com/products/">Upton's Naturals Bacon Seitan</a> to create some delicious food that would impress her omnivorous host, Duane. For the main course, April decided to go with <a href="http://www.veggourmet.wordpress.com">Mimi Clark</a>'s <a href="http://thevegg.com/">Vegg</a> Omelet (with seitan bacon and veggie filling) from page 15 of The Vegg Cookbook.
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The hedgehogs helped April gather all the ingredients for the omelet.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9925732776/" title="Vegg Omelette Ingredients by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/9925732776_64b2a2d9b7_z.jpg" width="640" height="397" alt="Vegg Omelette Ingredients"></a>
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April poured the Vegg/tofu mixture into the pan. The recipe had said to cook it for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges set. After 15 minutes, April's mixture was still kind of soupy.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9925711525/" title="Vegg Omelette In Pan by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/9925711525_ed23e1b38a_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Vegg Omelette In Pan"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9925775884/" title="The Hedgehogs Check On The Vegg Omelette by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/9925775884_4dfdfceebf_z.jpg" width="640" height="468" alt="The Hedgehogs Check On The Vegg Omelette"></a>
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She let it cook for about 20 minutes total, when it looked as if the top was starting to solidify a bit. She grabbed two wide spatulas, went to flip the omelet in half...
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9925874533/" title="Vegg Omelette Post-Flip by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/9925874533_fcaaaa7f86_z.jpg" width="640" height="613" alt="Vegg Omelette Post-Flip"></a>
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...and watched in dismay as it glooped partway over the veggies and bacon. She turned the heat up a little bit, and continued to cook the omelet for another 10 minutes or so. Unfortunately, April's finished omelet didn't really look like <a href="http://veggourmet.wordpress.com/2013/06/09/breakfast-brunch-sunday-july-14-2013/">Mimi's finished omelet</a>, so April slid her resulting half-set mixture into a loaf pan and put it in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. The result was an omelet that, while not nearly as solid as a traditional omelet, still held together and tasted pretty good. Duane's review was that it had a "good flavor (not quite as egg-like as real eggs) and interesting texture." He wasn't fond of the cooked spinach (a fact which April will keep in mind for the upcoming Vegg Fritatta), but thought that the seitan bacon was "fantastic". April has a sneaking suspicion that, since she was using a propane stove, the heat wasn't high enough, and will try raising it the next time she makes the omelet.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9925774284/" title="Finished Vegg Omelette by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/9925774284_f306535409_z.jpg" width="600" height="640" alt="Finished Vegg Omelette"></a>
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For dessert, Duane had chosen <a href="http://www.eatrun-love.blogspot.com">Mina Azarnoush</a>'s Peanutbutter Bacon Chocolate Donuts from page 78 of The Vegg Cookbook (she has also posted the recipe <a href="http://www.eatrun-love.blogspot.com/2012/06/vegan-baked-peanutbutter-bacon.html">here</a>). Instead of buying a donut pan, April decided to use Duane's mini-muffin pan instead, resulting in Fauxnut Holes.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9925781234/" title="Hedgehogs With Uniced Fauxnuts by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/9925781234_b6bd61ce52_z.jpg" width="640" height="522" alt="Hedgehogs With Uniced Fauxnuts"></a>
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Instead of instant coffee, April used her existing canister of <a href="http://www.cafix.com/">Cafix</a>. She also used powdered peanut butter (PB2) for the glaze, and cut up cooked pieces of seitan bacon for the topping.
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The fauxnuts cooked perfectly in the mini-muffin pan, but the glaze was VERY liquid-y. Buttercup suggested adding some arrowroot powder to thicken it, and Hedgie suggested putting that mixture into the freezer for a bit, but the glaze was still not thick enough. April ended up drizzling the glaze over the fauxnut holes on the plate instead of dunking each fauxnut hole into the glaze, and then sprinkling the bacon bits over the top.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9925735226/" title="Hedgehogs With Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bacon Fauxnuts 2 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/9925735226_8882e94f18_z.jpg" width="606" height="640" alt="Hedgehogs With Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bacon Fauxnuts 2"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9925779104/" title="Hedgehogs With Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bacon Fauxnuts by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/9925779104_38d013d1a6_z.jpg" width="640" height="602" alt="Hedgehogs With Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bacon Fauxnuts"></a>
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April and Duane both loved the fauxnut holes. They were extra cocoa-y, and the crunch of the bacon was a great addition. Duane mentioned that some powdered ginger would taste good in the glaze, so next time, April will add ginger and use a bit less liquid, as well as cutting the bacon bits smaller so they're easier to eat.
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BONUS PICTURE - since it's also Taco Tuesday, here's a picture of the tempeh soft taco April made for lunch. It has heirloom organic green tomatoes and salsa.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9925717015/" title="Tempeh Soft Taco by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/9925717015_f4a8851800_z.jpg" width="538" height="640" alt="Tempeh Soft Taco"></a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-72900173308105935962013-09-23T10:49:00.000-05:002013-09-29T20:37:59.008-05:00This Week's Plans - Seitan Bacon (and Vegg) Challenge!<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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While April and the hedgehogs were in the kitchen making lunch, Buttercup noticed April's host, Duane's, "meal planner" -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9898456913/" title="My Host's "Meal Planner" by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/9898456913_9c1c045401_z.jpg" width="589" height="640" alt="My Host's "Meal Planner""></a>
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Joke or not, Hedgie insisted that they take up the challenge, and make a few yummy dishes using the <a href=""http://thetravelingaustinvegan.blogspot.com/2013/09/bonus-post-taco-tuesday.html">seitan bacon</a> they'd picked up at <a href="http://www.greenacres.com/">Green Acres.</a>
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Buttercup suggested that they combine that challenge with the goal of using the new Vegg cookbook April had bought, and April thought that was a capital idea.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9898305545/" title="The Vegg by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5543/9898305545_c6302feaef_z.jpg" width="640" height="481" alt="The Vegg"></a>
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April ran down the recipes in the book to Duane, and they decided on a Vegg Omelet (with seitan bacon and veggie filling), a Baked Frittata (possibly with added seitan bacon), and Peanutbutter Bacon Chocolate Donuts (which may necessitate April buying a donut pan).
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April also wants to make a few things from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1551522403/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1551522403&linkCode=as2&tag=myscomedfanwe-20">"Vegan a Go-Go!: A Cookbook & Survival Manual for Vegans on the Road"</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myscomedfanwe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1551522403" width="0" height="0" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> (a cookbook she's had for a while but hasn't had the chance to use yet).
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9898354524/" title="Vegan A Go-Go by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/9898354524_c030fdb214_z.jpg" width="539" height="640" alt="Vegan A Go-Go"></a>
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Hedgie and Buttercup would like to know - do any of their readers own "Vegan A Go-Go"? Do you have a favorite recipe from the book that they should try? Let them know in the comments!
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<i>Full Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate links included in this post. I receive a small commission if you click through to Amazon and purchase products using these links. That being said, I'm currently in the process of trying to pay off a $34,000 hospital bill, so if you want to buy something, feel free to click!</i>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-55989164690129251422013-09-22T12:00:00.000-05:002013-09-22T12:00:01.012-05:00RESTAURANT REVIEW - Evergreen Chinese Restaurant, Bonner Springs, KS<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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After a long day of performing at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, April and a lot of her fellow performers like to unwind at Evergreen Chinese Restaurant. It's not too far away from the faire site, and they don't mind seating parties that trickle in two or three at a time. Plus, they have yummy food.
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<b><a href="http://evergreenchinesebonnersprings.com/home-page/">Evergreen Chinese Restaurant</a> (and <a href="http://www.bonner.evergreenkansas.com/">a second website</a>)
<Br>13034 Kansas Ave, Bonner Springs, KS 66012
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April and her friend <a href="https://twitter.com/PinchinLane">Sally Tenpenny</a> (who also plays <a href="https://myspace.com/sallytenpenny">beautiful music</a>) love to split the Bean Curd Family Style. There's plenty of food for two people - "lightly deep fried bean curd sauteed with mixed vegetables in brown sauce", served with a large amount of fluffy white rice - and they usually get a couple of veggie spring rolls as well.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848264535/" title="Spring Rolls - Evergreen, Bonner Springs, KS by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/9848264535_aa20b5d6d1_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Spring Rolls - Evergreen, Bonner Springs, KS"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848263435/" title="Bean Curd Family Style - Evergreen, Bonner Springs, KS by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/9848263435_5c6cfcda51_z.jpg" width="633" height="640" alt="Bean Curd Family Style - Evergreen, Bonner Springs, KS"></a>
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The waitstaff at Evergreen are very nice (and very patient!), and consistently provide good service and delicious food.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-29122904096130760032013-09-21T12:00:00.000-05:002013-09-21T12:00:04.581-05:00RESTAURANT REVIEW - FuD, Kansas City, MO (and the Hedgehogs see Marian Call!)<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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Last night, April and the hedgehogs were very excited to go see <a href="http://mariancall.com/">Marian Call</a> in Kansas City! This gave them a perfect excuse to finally try out FuD for dinner beforehand.
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<b><a href="http://eatfud.com/">FuD</a>
<br>813 W 17 St, Kansas City, MO 64108
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/eatFuD?rf=110687972323247">Facebook page</a>
<br><i>(Cash or check only.)</i></b>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848206624/" title="FuD, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3812/9848206624_56f1fb165a_z.jpg" width="583" height="640" alt="FuD, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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FuD is located in a very pretty building that's probably just over 100 years old. Among the regular chairs and tables, they also have two window seats with cushions at the front of the restaurant. The hedgehogs were very impressed.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848297143/" title="Hedgehogs on Cushions - FuD, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2813/9848297143_f1bab15f14_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Hedgehogs on Cushions - FuD, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848203434/" title="FuD Window Seat - FuD, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3726/9848203434_86b2b9bd04_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="FuD Window Seat - FuD, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848204224/" title="FuD Inside - FuD, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/9848204224_ba2d055793_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="FuD Inside - FuD, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848250766/" title="FuD Blackboard - Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/9848250766_77a3534c5f_z.jpg" width="640" height="570" alt="FuD Blackboard - Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<i>It says "National Unicorn Appreciation Year".</i>
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April noticed that FuD had several taco options -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848256936/" title="Taco Options - FuD, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/9848256936_9d02f7dae8_z.jpg" width="457" height="640" alt="Taco Options - FuD, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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Much as she would have liked to temporarily join in the <a href="http://lazysmurf.wordpress.com/2013/09/03/the-hows-and-whys-of-the-taco-cleanse/">Taco Cleanse</a> again, April was overwhelmingly drawn to the Jackfruit Reuben (panini-style Jack Fruit spiced & stacked with Garlic Sweed Cheese, Thrillanaise, & Sauerkraut on Rye.) She hadn't had an actual reuben in over 10 years (before she was vegetarian), and thought that the idea of one with jackfruit was a fabulous idea.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848253486/" title="Jackfruit Reuben - FuD, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/9848253486_bcbd2f5144_z.jpg" width="640" height="494" alt="Jackfruit Reuben - FuD, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848200084/" title="Jackfruit Reuben Closeup - FuD, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/9848200084_3164fdb258_z.jpg" width="640" height="503" alt="Jackfruit Reuben Closeup - FuD, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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The sandwich was heavenly! The jackfruit, sauce, and sauerkraut provided a very convincing reuben flavor, and the grilled rye bread was a perfect compliment.
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April's Kansas omnivore host, Duane, got the Smokeywich (pan-grilled Local Organic Tofu decked out with Dillanaise, Sweet Pickle Thrillanaise and spicy Chilinaise, Purple Onion, Lettuce & Tomato on Sourdough Bread.) He said that the sourdough bread was surprisingly mild, and that the main flavor was from the Dill-, Thrill-, Chilinaise, and veggies, instead of the tofu. He liked the sandwich, but thought that the tofu could have been more interesting. A bite of the reuben, however, had him exclaiming "Ooh, that's good."
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848294173/" title="Smokeywich - FuD, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/9848294173_99eb036e55_z.jpg" width="640" height="444" alt="Smokeywich - FuD, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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To go with the sandwiches, April and Duane got an order of eggplant fries, which they both loved. They were the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and spicy.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848222555/" title="Eggplant Fries - FuD, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/9848222555_d8a9cc56cd_z.jpg" width="640" height="407" alt="Eggplant Fries - FuD, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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After all of that, the hedgehogs insisted that they get dessert. Duane decided on vegan ice cream on a brownie topped with vegan caramel sauce.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848290413/" title="Duane's Dessert - FuD, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/9848290413_cfe28379e4_z.jpg" width="640" height="384" alt="Duane's Dessert - FuD, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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April splurged a bit and got vegan ice cream on a brownie in a dark chocolate bowl, topped with chocolate sauce.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848197234/" title="My Dessert - FuD, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/9848197234_9ffe76fc62_z.jpg" width="640" height="557" alt="My Dessert - FuD, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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A note on the bowl - it was made with probably at least 80-85% dark chocolate, and was a tad bitter. April prefers her chocolate no darker than about 55%, so half of the bowl went home with her to be melted into her <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/08/09/basic-chocolate-oatmeal/">Chocolate Oatmeal</a> the next morning.
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After dinner, April, Duane, and the hedgehogs drove to Barnes & Noble, where they got to see <a href="http://mariancall.com/">Marian Call</a> (and <a href="http://www.scottbarkanmusic.com/">Scott Barkan</a>) play a wonderfully geeky concert. The hedgehogs think Marian is very nifty.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848249066/" title="Marian Call & Scott Barkan by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2815/9848249066_442b30b0cd_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Marian Call & Scott Barkan"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9848195404/" title="Marian Call and Hedgehogs by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/9848195404_7fb1a4ffff_z.jpg" width="498" height="640" alt="Marian Call and Hedgehogs"></a>
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Marian is doing <a href="http://www.mariancall.com/">several upcoming concerts</a> in Kansas/Missouri/Oklahoma/Texas/East Coast/Europe, and she's just a regular ol' traveling musician with no manager or anything (like me!), so if you can go see on of her shows, check it out! She's awesome! (Seriously, how many other musicians do you know who play the typewriter?)
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-8670360866222525702013-09-20T12:37:00.000-05:002013-09-20T12:37:14.717-05:00RECIPE - Faux Mocha / RESTAURANT REVIEW, Part Deux - Mud Pie Vegan Bakery, Kansas City, MO / Green Acres Market<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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After getting unpacked and situated in her temporary living quarters, the hedgehogs told April that she was required to drive into the big city and get some chocolate.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9830026256/" title="Hedgehogs On A Bridge by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9830026256_45723f84de_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Hedgehogs On A Bridge"></a>
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She decided that the best place to do that was Mud Pie Vegan Bakery.
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<b><a href="http://www.mudpiebakery.com/">Mud Pie Vegan Bakery</a>
<Br>1615 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mudpiebakery">Facebook page</a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9830021615/" title="Bakery Case - Mud Pie Vegan Bakery, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5521/9830021615_a135146a4f_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Bakery Case - Mud Pie Vegan Bakery, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9830020765/" title="Baked Goods - Mud Pie Vegan Bakery, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/9830020765_7347e2a359_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Baked Goods - Mud Pie Vegan Bakery, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9830098713/" title="Menu - Mud Pie Vegan Bakery, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/9830098713_4540b37e9e_z.jpg" width="640" height="455" alt="Menu - Mud Pie Vegan Bakery, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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Since April didn't get anything chocolate on her <a href="http://thetravelingaustinvegan.blogspot.com/2012/10/mud-pie-vegan-bakery-coffee-house.html">last visit to Mud Pie</a>, this time would be different.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9830018595/" title="Hedgehogs and Mud Pie Loot - Mud Pie Vegan Bakery, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/9830018595_db8b0177bf_z.jpg" width="640" height="355" alt="Hedgehogs and Mud Pie Loot - Mud Pie Vegan Bakery, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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April got a Cashew Milk Mocha, Lemon Blueberry Bread, an Eggy Breakfast Burrito (made by KCMO restaurant <a href="http://eatfud.com/">Fud</a>), and, to satisfy the chocolate craving/requirement, a s'mores cupcake. The was the second time she had got some food from Fud without actually going there (they always seem to be closed when she wants to go out). The burrito was gooey and delicious, the lemon blueberry bread was the perfect level of sweetness with a great flavor, and the s'mores cupcake was the perfect way to get that chocolate fix. The mocha was a great compliment to it all, and April was once again impressed by the milk options - soy milk is standard and *free*, and various other milks are available for a bit extra (like cashew, rice, coconut, almond, and hemp!)
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While enjoying the yummy food, Buttercup's sharp eye discovered that the bookshelves on the wall were actually a door. Hedgie said that all doors should also be bookshelves.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9830096853/" title="All Doors Should Also Be Shelves - Mud Pie Vegan Bakery, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/9830096853_1b6a73d38f_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="All Doors Should Also Be Shelves - Mud Pie Vegan Bakery, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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On the way back to Leavenworth, April decided to stop in north KCMO and check out Green Acres Market, as she needed to pick up a few groceries (i.e., Hedgehog Bribes).
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<b><a href="http://www.greenacres.com/">Green Acres Market</a>
<br>4175 N Mulberry Dr, Kansas City, MO 64116 (Also has locations in Wichita, KS and Jenks, OK)
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreenAcresKC">Facebook page</a>
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Green Acres is located in a collection of shops, at the end of a row next door to Sugar Mama's Bakery (but not the one in Austin!) It's a decent-sized store; not too small, and not so big that you get lost. April picked up some organic produce - a couple of pluots (a combination between a plum and an apricot), some lemons, some broccoli, and some sweet potatoes, and also got a couple more heat & eat Indian packet meals and some cocoa powder from the bulk section. Since hearing about The Great Vegan Yogurt Shortage, she was pleased to find a brand new offering -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9830054965/" title="IMG_3962 Cashu Cream Yogurt Watermark by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/9830054965_80c1168e6a_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="IMG_3962 Cashu Cream Yogurt Watermark"></a>
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<i>Quick review - the plain was the only flavor they had. It's not sweet, and the texture is good; not too thick or thin.</i>
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She also found a couple of things that looked very tempting, but that she didn't buy (yet!)
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9830074736/" title="IMG_3961 Almond Milk Coffee Watermark by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/9830074736_50bcc7c2d1_z.jpg" width="630" height="640" alt="IMG_3961 Almond Milk Coffee Watermark"></a>
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<i>This company sells three types of coffee drinks and two varieties of plain almond milk in very cool bottles.</i>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9830132683/" title="IMG_4005 Jackfruit Tamales & BBQ Watermark by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5484/9830132683_8e4a01ce0e_z.jpg" width="640" height="387" alt="IMG_4005 Jackfruit Tamales & BBQ Watermark"></a>
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<i>BBQ jackfruit and jackfruit tamales! April will definitely be getting some of this before leaving Kansas.</i>
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When she got back home, April decided to try her hand and making an instant iced mocha drink mix for the hot days out at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. While at Green Acres, she had picked up a canister of <a href=""http://www.cafix.com/>Cafix</a>, a barley/chicory drink which seemed very similar to <a href="http://teeccino.com/">Teeccino</a>, except that it was labeled 'instant' (no brewing required!). The Cafix can said to mix with "very hot water", but Hedgie told April to go ahead and try making a small cup with cold. You know; for science.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9830146813/" title="IMG_3968 Faux Mocha Mix Watermark by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/9830146813_b0d190acc0_z.jpg" width="640" height="536" alt="IMG_3968 Faux Mocha Mix Watermark"></a>
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April went with a 1/1/3/3 ratio - 1 spoon of Cafix, 1 spoon of cocoa powder, 3 spoons of coconut sugar, and 3 spoons of soy milk powder. She then added cold water and stirred well. It didn't all mix up immediately, but it did mix fairly well within 30-45 seconds. The hedgehogs tossed in a few ice cubes. It was good! April tripled the amounts for her giant wooden faire mug, and put the resulting mix in a small container to take with her to faire.
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More faux-mocha info - this mixture tastes good hot, too! Also, the Better Than Milk company makes a rice milk powder, but don't use that for a cold faux-mocha; the rice milk powder doesn't blend well in cold water at all (though it's ok in hot, and mixes beautifully in a blender.)
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-13118972692404194922013-09-19T15:24:00.000-05:002013-09-19T15:24:39.528-05:00The Hedgehogs Return To Kansas (RESTAURANT REVIEW - Baan Thai, Leavenworth, KS)<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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After an extra week in Austin to recover from gall bladder surgery, April was feeling good enough to make the trip back to Kansas so she could perform at the remaining weekends of the <a href=http://www.kcrenfest.com/">Kansas City Renaissance Festival</a>. Before she left, Floyd decided to show her how much he was going to miss her -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9824180803/" title="Derpy Floyd by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/9824180803_5b4b5144ef_z.jpg" width="516" height="640" alt="Derpy Floyd"></a>
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...or perhaps he was just being silly. The world may never know.
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The hedgehogs were excited to get back on a plane! This time, they were going from Austin to Colorado, then Colorado to Kansas.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9824077114/" title="Hedgehogs On A Plane 1 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/9824077114_57ce51ecea_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Hedgehogs On A Plane 1"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9824178823/" title="Hedgehogs On A Plane 2 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3667/9824178823_51b6d87798_z.jpg" width="546" height="640" alt="Hedgehogs On A Plane 2"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9824177553/" title="Hedgehogs On A Plane 3 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/9824177553_3fc92e9f9e_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Hedgehogs On A Plane 3"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9824097125/" title="Above The Clouds by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/9824097125_9c490d7140_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Above The Clouds"></a>
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Once they got to Colorado, the hedgehogs were both very excited to have their first ride on a moving sidewalk -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9824175543/" title="Hedgehogs On A Moving Sidewalk by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/9824175543_4ea2b79d68_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Hedgehogs On A Moving Sidewalk"></a>
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After all the fun of the sidewalk (Buttercup felt a bit ill, but Hedgie wanted to do it again!), April and the hedgehogs discovered that they were going to have their first ever ride on a propeller plane.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9824108206/" title="Propeller Plane by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3683/9824108206_1c110a7142_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Propeller Plane"></a>
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As neat as the plane looked on the outside, it didn't have very great views from the inside -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9824070754/" title="Not Such A Good View 1 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5546/9824070754_a17b7ae1ef_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Not Such A Good View 1"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9824106556/" title="Not Such A Good View 2 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/9824106556_7088c9af6b_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Not Such A Good View 2"></a>
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(Though, the hedgehogs commented that getting to see the landing gear (wheels) get drawn up into the wing upon lift-off and then come back out at decent was pretty darn cool.)
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After getting back to Kansas, April's host, Duane, agreed to go with her and the hedgehogs to check out the Thai restaurant down the street.
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<b><a href="http://baanthaikansas.com/">Baan Thai</a>
<br>301 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048 (also has a <a href="http://baanthaikansas.com/manhattan/index.htm">location</a> in Manhattan, KS)
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Baan-Thai-Restaurant/55039004618">Facebook page</a>
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They started out with some Spring Rolls (Cabbage, carrots, celery, bean thread, with spring roll wrapper, deep-fried and served with sweet and sour sauce.)
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9824142216/" title="Spring Rolls - Baan Thai, Leavenworth, KS by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/9824142216_7f124a90e4_z.jpg" width="640" height="500" alt="Spring Rolls - Baan Thai, Leavenworth, KS"></a>
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Baan Thai didn't have April's go-to Thai dish (Musumun Tofo Curry) on the <a href="http://baanthaikansas.com/leavenworth/menu_leavenworth.htm">menu</a>, so she decided to try Pad Preaw Waan (Sweet and Sour) - tofu stir-fried with pineapple, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes. It was delicious! The flavors went together well, the sauce was great, and the spice level was just right.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9824209593/" title="Baan Thai Menu - Baan Thai, Leavenworth, KS by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/9824209593_0350c82f75_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Baan Thai Menu - Baan Thai, Leavenworth, KS"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9824206123/" title="Pad Preaw Waan - Baan Thai, Leavenworth, KS by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/9824206123_9a08cf53ca_z.jpg" width="640" height="633" alt="Pad Preaw Waan - Baan Thai, Leavenworth, KS"></a>
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<i>Hedgie figures that by being helpful, perhaps he'll get an extra taste.</i>
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On the way out, the hedgehogs stopped to make a new friend, who seemed a bit taken aback at their presence -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9824203593/" title="Hedgehogs And Statue - Baan Thai, Leavenworth, KS by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/9824203593_6ceb66fedf_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Hedgehogs And Statue - Baan Thai, Leavenworth, KS"></a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-67630859062862429302013-09-18T18:05:00.000-05:002013-09-18T18:05:08.123-05:00RESTAURANT REVIEW - The Dojo, Austin, TX<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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Since April had an extra unplanned week in Austin to heal from her gall bladder surgery, she decided to make the most of it and eat some delicious food! She had heard all sorts of good things about The Dojo, so she and her friend Alloni took the hedgehogs out to see what all the fuss was about.
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<b><a href="http://dojoatx.com/">The Dojo</a>
<br>9070 Research Blvd., #305 Austin, TX 78757
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DojoAtx">Facebook page</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/DojoAtx">Twitter page</a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9807825825/" title="Dojo Interior 1 - The Dojo, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3773/9807825825_237d1b6b03_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Dojo Interior 1 - The Dojo, Austin, TX"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9807829224/" title="Dojo Interior 2 - The Dojo, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/9807829224_f983cbf9ce_z.jpg" width="640" height="544" alt="Dojo Interior 2 - The Dojo, Austin, TX"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9807828464/" title="Dojo Interior 3 - The Dojo, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/9807828464_dd629a57af_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Dojo Interior 3 - The Dojo, Austin, TX"></a>
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April had heard that The Dojo was one of the handful of new restaurants in town with vegan ramen, and was excited to try some. What she didn't realize was exactly how many other vegan options there would be on the menu!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9807829055/" title="Dojo Menu 1 - The Dojo, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/9807829055_0f321a6834_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Dojo Menu 1 - The Dojo, Austin, TX"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9807853526/" title="Dojo Menu 2 - The Dojo, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/9807853526_4ff13b3761_z.jpg" width="640" height="520" alt="Dojo Menu 2 - The Dojo, Austin, TX"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9807826685/" title="Dojo Menu 3 - The Dojo, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/9807826685_1ca67d3bd8_z.jpg" width="403" height="640" alt="Dojo Menu 3 - The Dojo, Austin, TX"></a>
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Deciding on just one thing each seemed an impossible task to both April and Alloni, so they decided to pick a lot of different dishes. (Leftovers are always good, and it seemed like a good time to celebrate April being to eat All The Food after the gall bladder removal.) The hedgehogs, of course, urged them to get as much as possible (hoping that they could grab a taste of everything.)
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9807848146/" title="Okonomiyaki Style Potatoes - The Dojo, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/9807848146_060a720881_z.jpg" width="640" height="554" alt="Okonomiyaki Style Potatoes - The Dojo, Austin, TX"></a>
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The Okonomiyaki Style Potatoes (vegan version) were quite tasty, though April and Alloni weren't expecting French fries. There were four or five different things on top of the potatoes with flavors that all blended together nicely.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9807892253/" title="Beets And Avocado Tempura - The Dojo, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2815/9807892253_73bd532bbc_z.jpg" width="619" height="640" alt="Beets And Avocado Tempura - The Dojo, Austin, TX"></a>
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The Beets And Avocado Tempura was your basic veggie tempura, but the tempura coating definitely took a backseat to the perfectly-done beets and avocado (not overly greasy or "too fried").
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9807890413/" title="Tofu Steak - The Dojo, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/9807890413_dc75382a52_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Tofu Steak - The Dojo, Austin, TX"></a>
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The Tofu Steak was the definite winner for Favorite Dish for both April and Alloni. A semi-firm, creamy tofu block was immersed in a thick, sweet soy sauce with mushrooms and ultra-thin noodles.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9807843066/" title="Nasu Scrambled - The Dojo, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/9807843066_c0bfb07d39_z.jpg" width="640" height="622" alt="Nasu Scrambled - The Dojo, Austin, TX"></a>
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The Nasu Scrambled (Stir-fried eggplant and tofu in red chili sauce) was tasty, and April particularly liked the eggplant.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9807819804/" title="Veggie Gyoza - The Dojo, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3700/9807819804_1b4c88f794_z.jpg" width="640" height="530" alt="Veggie Gyoza - The Dojo, Austin, TX"></a>
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The Veggie Gyoza were very good, but perhaps a touch on the oily side.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9807885153/" title="Shichirin Yaki Veggie Set - The Dojo, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/9807885153_a7ef3ea6b8_z.jpg" width="640" height="402" alt="Shichirin Yaki Veggie Set - The Dojo, Austin, TX"></a>
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The Shichirin Yaki Veggie Set, at $13, was April and Alloni's most expensive purchase. Lightly seasoned raw beets, portabello mushrooms, and shishito peppers are meant to be cooked over the small "table grill" to the diner's preferred doneness, and then dipped in one of the accompanying sauces. It tasted good, but Alloni and April decided that next time, they could buy veggies and cook them at home for less, and have more money to spend on the other inventive dishes from The Dojo.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9807838416/" title="Veggie Miso Ramen - The Dojo, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/9807838416_09d0058192_z.jpg" width="640" height="550" alt="Veggie Miso Ramen - The Dojo, Austin, TX"></a>
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Finally, for the lovely ramen! The Veggie Miso Ramen, with bean sprouts, nori, fried tofu, scallions, and corn, was definitely delicious, with a flavorful broth and excellently-done noodles.
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After all that food (part of which went home as leftovers), neither April nor Alloni had room for dessert (though the hedgehogs both claimed to be ready for some). Both the Homemade Coconut Ice Cream and the Mochi Tempura are vegan, and will certainly be on the list of things to get on April's second visit to The Dojo. Buttercup wondered if the Vanilla Plum Wine Float (vanilla ice cream and plum wine) could be made vegan with the substitution of the vegan coconut ice cream, and Hedgie pointed out that the Dojo Parfait could probably be made vegan with the ice cream substitution and the omission of yogurt and Pocky.
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Completely stuffed, April and the hedgehogs went home to prepare for their imminent flight back to Kansas!
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-42090646808271321782013-09-17T20:30:00.000-05:002013-09-17T20:30:25.754-05:00Bonus Post! Taco Tuesday<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, April is not participating in the <a href="http://lazysmurf.wordpress.com/2013/09/03/the-hows-and-whys-of-the-taco-cleanse/">Great Taco Cleanse of 2013</a>, like so many of her fellow bloggers. However, she's doing her best to participate on the edges of this great movement, like celebrating <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/298688610270294/">Taco Tuesdays</a> as best as she can while in Kansas.
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Today for dinner, she made a delicious soft taco with Daiya pepperjack cheese and Upton's Naturals seitan bacon. April has tried tempeh bacon before, and thinks it tastes ok, but it's really not even close to actual bacon. Now, Upton's seitan bacon? Nirvana. Simple, unadulterated, crunchy, smoky, deliciousness. Just pan-fry each strip in a bit of coconut oil for about a minute on each side. (You'll perhaps notice that Hedgie and Buttercup aren't in either of these pictures. They stole a piece of seitan bacon and ran off with their prize!)
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9793014446/" title="Daiya And Seitan by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/9793014446_000fd35b15_z.jpg" width="640" height="398" alt="Daiya And Seitan"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9792987284/" title="Soft Taco with Daiya Pepperjack Cheese and Upton's Seitan Bacon by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/9792987284_652298d7dd_z.jpg" width="556" height="640" alt="Soft Taco with Daiya Pepperjack Cheese and Upton's Seitan Bacon"></a>
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Back in Austin, <a href="http://www.sweetritual.com/">Sweet Ritual</a> is participating in the Taco Cleanse by making vegan Choco Tacos.
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April was super sad when she heard about it; she won't be back in Austin until mid-October. However, in an <i>extreme</i> demonstration of true love, her fiance, Tim, texted her a photo of what would be waiting for her in the freezer once she got home -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9792985744/" title="Choco Tacos from Sweet Ritual, Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5530/9792985744_22ef5c7c73_z.jpg" width="464" height="640" alt="Choco Tacos from Sweet Ritual, Austin, TX"></a>
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Yay! Now, to make the most of her remaining time in Kansas - perhaps Hedgie and Buttercup can tell her some entertaining stories? (Nope; looks like they're still nomming on the bacon!)
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-23384946039474041682013-09-17T19:33:00.000-05:002013-09-17T19:33:30.517-05:00TV Tuesday / Dinner & a Movie - Spies & Pies (The Man With One Red Shoe & Waitress)<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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So, according to the <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/official-daily-themes-blogging-prompts/">official Vegan MoFo blogging prompts</a>, Tuesdays are "TV Tuesday – Eat and Watch, cook a meal featured in your favourite movie or TV show." April had been doing "Dinner & a Movie" posts on Fridays last year for Vegan MoFo, but the hedgehogs said that she dropped the ball and will now be doing it on Tuesdays.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9792437195/" title="Dinner & a Movie Blog Image by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/9792437195_7abebfc9e4_o.jpg" width="324" height="108" alt="Dinner & a Movie Blog Image"></a>
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April and her fiance, Tim, have movie nights at their house every other week. They generally make simple food for general consumption, like spaghetti squash with marinara sauce or pan-fried polenta with pasta sauce (are you sensing a theme?), or perhaps something a bit more exciting, like <a href="http://opinionessoftheworld.com/2011/07/11/vegan-mexican-street-corn/">Mexican Street Corn</a> (which was absolutely delicious!). For the last movie night before April left for Kansas, everyone decided that they wanted to watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqbuWpkoth0">"The Man With One Red Shoe"</a> and "Waitress".
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0cQ0WwcKCLk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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The theme was Spies & Pies, and April spent the entire day making various pies for everyone. For dinner, she made the Veggie & Seitan Pot Pie from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/156924264X/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=156924264X&linkCode=as2&tag=myscomedfanwe-20">Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myscomedfanwe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=156924264X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. This was some seriously tasty pot pie, and (as always), it was fun making seitan by hand. (Hedgie thinks it looks like a giant brain after it has cooked!) Even the omnivores at movie night loved the taste and texture of the seitan.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632653334/" title="Veggie & Seitan Pot Pie by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/9632653334_95189e0b20_z.jpg" width="640" height="336" alt="Veggie & Seitan Pot Pie"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632648554/" title="Veggie & Seitan Pot Pie by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/9632648554_554b163c2f_z.jpg" width="616" height="640" alt="Veggie & Seitan Pot Pie"></a>
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For dessert, April made a Vegan Apple Pear Pie by replacing half of the apples with pears in the Cosmos Apple Pie recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0738212741/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0738212741&linkCode=as2&tag=myscomedfanwe-20">Vegan Pie in the Sky: 75 Out-of-This-World Recipes for Pies, Tarts, Cobblers, and More</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myscomedfanwe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0738212741" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. The Olive Oil Crust (made with coconut oil instead of olive) is April's very favorite go-to pie crust - it behaves perfectly!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629417073/" title="Vegan Apple Pear Pie by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/9629417073_0332aa2861_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Vegan Apple Pear Pie"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632647732/" title="Vegan Apple Pear Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/9632647732_e65aa433f7_z.jpg" width="640" height="609" alt="Vegan Apple Pear Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream"></a>
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<i>Topped with <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2012/08/30/coconut-whipped-cream-a-step-by-step-photo-tutorial/">coconut whipped cream</a>!</i>
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Since April's friend Alloni is a huge red bean paste fan, April also made a Sweet Red Bean Paste Personal Pie by using the Olive (Coconut) Oil Pie Crust filled with sweet red bean paste from her local Asian grocery.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629415907/" title="Sweet Red Bean Paste Personal Pie by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/9629415907_1839538bcf_z.jpg" width="640" height="414" alt="Sweet Red Bean Paste Personal Pie"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9790639575/" title="Sweet Red Bean Pie by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/9790639575_a73baefaaa_z.jpg" width="600" height="640" alt="Sweet Red Bean Pie"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9790657314/" title="Sweet Red Bean Pie by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/9790657314_e9b0c72101_z.jpg" width="613" height="640" alt="Sweet Red Bean Pie"></a>
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Since there was pie crust dough left over, and since April had a dumpling press that she'd never used, Sweet Red Bean Paste Mini Hand Pies seemed like a good idea. Apparently, she needs some work using the dumpling press - the dough tended to get stuck in the hinge edge, and made a bit of a mess. Hedgie seemed to think he could do much better, but when April told him to prove it, he mumbled something about needing to check on his stocks and wandered off.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629415007/" title="Sweet Red Bean Paste Mini Hand Pies by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/9629415007_a633d5715e_z.jpg" width="640" height="436" alt="Sweet Red Bean Paste Mini Hand Pies"></a>
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Even though they weren't the prettiest things in the world, they certainly were delicious!
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-25124076034575918402013-09-16T20:31:00.000-05:002013-09-16T20:31:45.914-05:00Exodus From Port Aransas (RESTAURANT REVIEW - Vegeria, San Antonio, TX)<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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When April left Port Aransas, she had hoped to eat at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yin-Yang-Fandango-and-the-Tango-Tea-Room-Tango-Fandango/144998828845188">Yin Yang Fandango & Tango Tea Room</a> in Corpus Christi, but since Monday was a holiday, they apparently decided not to open.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9778654584/" title="Tango Tea Room - Corpus Christi, TX, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/9778654584_2c87a7e532_z.jpg" width="640" height="353" alt="Tango Tea Room - Corpus Christi, TX, TX"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9778733563/" title="Tango Tea Room - Corpus Christi, TX, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/9778733563_bdea110701_z.jpg" width="640" height="405" alt="Tango Tea Room - Corpus Christi, TX, TX"></a>
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April and her friends decided to stop at Vegeria on the way back to Austin instead.
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<b><a href="http://myvegeria.com/">Vegeria</a>
<br>8407 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/myvegeria">Facebook page</a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9779548132/" title="Vegeria - San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/9779548132_3883841eb9_z.jpg" width="640" height="388" alt="Vegeria - San Antonio, TX"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9779808543/" title="Vegeria - San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/9779808543_9a96d06235_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Vegeria - San Antonio, TX"></a>
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The last couple of times April visited Vegeria, they had a full menu which featured all sorts of yummy dishes, including a burrito stuffed with two tamales that she thought would be delicious. On this trip, they were instead offering a buffet of salads, soups, and pasta -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9778449061/" title="Vegeria Menu - San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/9778449061_b3683546de_z.jpg" width="500" height="640" alt="Vegeria Menu - San Antonio, TX"></a>
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April decided to try a little of everything. The Not-So-Chicken Salad and Sweet Potato Salad were favorites, but it was all delicious. The biscuits were extra-tasty.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9778644395/" title="Dinner - Vegeria, San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/9778644395_d43a5d6f7b_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Dinner - Vegeria, San Antonio, TX"></a>
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Vegeria was having a "buy two, get one free" dessert special, and since April wanted the Chocolate Peanut Butter Quinoa Cup, Hedgie fancied the Black Pepper & Sea Salt Chocolate Pie, and Buttercup had her eye on the Payday Bar, April decided to get all three.
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<Br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9778656436/" title="Dessert - Vegeria, San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/9778656436_08402bb7d6_z.jpg" width="611" height="640" alt="Dessert - Vegeria, San Antonio, TX"></a>
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<Br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9778651404/" title="Dessert - Vegeria, San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/9778651404_64a776039f_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Dessert - Vegeria, San Antonio, TX"></a>
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The Peanut Butter Cup was ooey-gooey and very rich, with just a bit of crunch. The pie was rich enough to require sharing between April and her fiance, Tim (the hedgehogs had tiny nibbles). The Payday bar was also yummy, though April never had an actual Payday bar in her pre-vegan days, so can't speak to the accuracy of the taste.
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On the way out, Hedgie pointed out some Doctor Who art on the wall. Yay, geeky vegans!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9778642975/" title="Doctor Who Art - Vegeria, San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/9778642975_dcc397e9fe_z.jpg" width="640" height="532" alt="Doctor Who Art - Vegeria, San Antonio, TX"></a>
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Here's some pictures from previous Vegeria visits -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9779810783/" title="Special Sign - Vegeria - San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/9779810783_05d7d71490_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Special Sign - Vegeria - San Antonio, TX"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9779534611/" title="Rosalie's Special - Vegeria - San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/9779534611_b4e4c5a10b_z.jpg" width="640" height="507" alt="Rosalie's Special - Vegeria - San Antonio, TX"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9779811433/" title="Mini Vegan Cupcake - Vegeria - San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5325/9779811433_2303a0ca26_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Mini Vegan Cupcake - Vegeria - San Antonio, TX"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9779813083/" title="Vegan Enchiladas - Vegeria - San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/9779813083_de5d0f3c16_z.jpg" width="640" height="451" alt="Vegan Enchiladas - Vegeria - San Antonio, TX"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9779742306/" title="Vegan Hot Dogs - Vegeria - San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/9779742306_e923957ce4_z.jpg" width="640" height="472" alt="Vegan Hot Dogs - Vegeria - San Antonio, TX"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9779743116/" title="Vegan Taco Salad - Vegeria - San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/9779743116_f277bbc978_z.jpg" width="640" height="472" alt="Vegan Taco Salad - Vegeria - San Antonio, TX"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9779721615/" title="Vegeria Desserts - San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/9779721615_906e491784_z.jpg" width="640" height="472" alt="Vegeria Desserts - San Antonio, TX"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9779743936/" title="Bookstore Next To Vegeria - San Antonio, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/9779743936_f6e709fd5d_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Bookstore Next To Vegeria - San Antonio, TX"></a>
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<i>The bookstore next door to Vegeria. They have some fun stuff!</i>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-4763548513982888722013-09-15T12:00:00.000-05:002013-09-15T12:00:03.514-05:00In Which Everything Goes Awry (RESTAURANT REVIEW - Crazy Cajun, Port Aransas, TX)<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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Something that April didn't mention in the last few blog posts was that, upon returning to Austin, she had a gall bladder attack every other day. The 3rd one was extra painful, and didn't stop after a couple of hours like all the rest did. After several hours of pain, she decided that a trip to the emergency room was in order. A couple of days later, the gall bladder was history, and April was discharged from the hospital. The doctor said that it would be a bad idea to try and fly back to Kansas and play at the faire, so April reluctantly agreed to take another week off. Her fiance had already planned a trip to the Texas coast with his friends, so April went along with them. If one is going to recuperate, the beach is a nice place to do so!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9737696594/" title="Hedgehogs On The Beach by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/9737696594_d3977c40fc_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Hedgehogs On The Beach"></a>
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The downside of recuperation was that it hurt to laugh, breathing deeply was impossible, and occasional abdominal discomfort made things not so great. The upside was that, with no more pesky gall bladder, April could eat pretty much whatever she wanted. Her fiance, Tim, and all of their friends had rented Tim's family's condo in Port Aransas, so a full kitchen as well as community grills were at their disposal.
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<br>
Tim started out the long weekend by making a ton of chalupas (one of April's favorites!) with Daiya cheese, refried beans, avocado, and <a href="http://www.wheatsville.coop">Wheatsville's</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/popcorntofu">popcorn tofu</a>.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9734459111/" title="Chalupas with Wheatsville's Popcorn Tofu by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/9734459111_b1bc9e04cd_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Chalupas with Wheatsville's Popcorn Tofu"></a>
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The next day, a couple of their friends took turns grilling all sorts of things. April and Tim (the two vegans in the group) got grilled corn on the cob, veggie skewers, and grilled pineapple and strawberry skewers (delicious!)
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9734457495/" title="Grilled Veggies by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/9734457495_bb28d81090_z.jpg" width="640" height="489" alt="Grilled Veggies"></a>
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<Br>
For desert, there was <a href="http://www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/soy-milk-frozen-desserts/pd-chocolate-obsession">Purely Decadent Chocolate Obsession</a> and <a href="http://www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/coconut-milk-frozen-desserts/cookies-n-cream">So Delicious Cookies 'n' Cream</a>.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9734458587/" title="Vegan Ice Cream by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/9734458587_a96f3c9222_z.jpg" width="563" height="640" alt="Vegan Ice Cream"></a>
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On the last day, everyone wanted to go eat at The Crazy Cajun, a place they had enjoyed on the last trip to the coast.
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<br>
<b><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/119/883924/restaurant/Corpus-Christi/Crazy-Cajun-Seafood-Restaurant-Port-Aransas
">Crazy Cajun</a>
<br>303 E Beach Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373
</b>
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<Br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9737695508/" title="Hedgehogs Go To Dinner by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/9737695508_0d4116fdea_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Hedgehogs Go To Dinner"></a>
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<i>The hedgehogs have their own special spot in the car.</i>
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<br>
April was a bit worried about trying to eat at a seafood restaurant, but Tim assured her that there was something they could eat. Upon arriving, the hedgehogs explored the waiting room -
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<Br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9737694880/" title="Hedgehogs On A Helicopter - The Crazy Cajun, Port Aransas, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/9737694880_1ccf3c1420_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Hedgehogs On A Helicopter - The Crazy Cajun, Port Aransas, TX"></a>
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After a bit of a wait (accompanied by what may have been the Crazy Cajun himself - a guy with a fiddle and a harmonica), the group was seated.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9734457005/" title="Crazy Cajun Menu - The Crazy Cajun, Port Aransas, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/9734457005_9b18da91c2_z.jpg" width="568" height="640" alt="Crazy Cajun Menu - The Crazy Cajun, Port Aransas, TX"></a>
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<i>For reference, thecrazycajun.com doesn't actually work.</i>
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<br>
The actual Crazy Cajun entree is a large bucket of corn, potatoes, and dead sea animals that gets dumped on the paper-covered table, while diners are given wooden mallets to crack open shells. April and Tim sat at one end of the table and did their best to ignore the carnage. The veggie option (which isn't on the menu) consists of a smaller bowl of just corn and potatoes. Make sure to tell the waiter that you don't want them cooked in butter.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9737693564/" title="Corn & Potatoes - The Crazy Cajun, Port Aransas, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/9737693564_9bdc3e6279_z.jpg" width="640" height="562" alt="Corn & Potatoes - The Crazy Cajun, Port Aransas, TX"></a>
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<Br>
The Crazy Cajun uses a spice mix that's actually quite spicy but very, very tasty. Tim bought a big bottle of it to take home.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9737694996/" title="Blues Brothers - The Crazy Cajun, Port Aransas, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/9737694996_ddffe26b5e_z.jpg" width="506" height="640" alt="Blues Brothers - The Crazy Cajun, Port Aransas, TX"></a>
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<i>The Blues Brothers in the window of The Crazy Cajun.</i>
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<br>
While April has almost no sense of smell, she has heard that The Crazy Cajun has a fairly strong fish smell (perhaps a rotten fish smell), so people with sensitive noses might want to find someplace else to go.
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<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-60180130379022978892013-09-14T12:00:00.000-05:002013-09-14T12:00:09.838-05:00RESTAURANT REVIEWS - Red Rabbit Cooperative Bakery & Aster's Ethiopian - Austin, TX<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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After a night in her very own bed, April (thrilled to be back in Austin) wanted to make her first ever visit to the Red Rabbit trailer. She'd had their donuts from <a href="http://www.wheatsville.coop">Wheatsville</a> before, but was super excited to try out some of the different things served at the trailer.
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<br>
<b><a href="http://www.redrabbitbakery.com/">Red Rabbit Cooperative Bakery</a>
<br>701 East 53rd Street, Austin, TX 78751 (Also, donuts can be found <a href="http://www.redrabbitbakery.com/?page_id=26">at many other Austin restaurants and stores</a>)
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/redrabbitbakery">Facebook page</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/RedRabbitBakery">Twitter page</a>
</b>
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The trailer is open Mon-Fri 7am-1pm & Sat 8am-2pm (or until sold out). Quite often, they sell out by 10 or 11 am, so get there early! All their food is vegan and never contains hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup. They use organic and local ingredients.
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Wheatsville carries Sugar Glazed, Chocolate Glazed, Maple Glazed with Walnuts, Coffee Glazed, Mexican Chocolate Glazed, and Vanilla Lavender donuts, as well as Raspberry Filled donuts and Apple Fritters (Tim's favorite). April has a difficult time picking a favorite, but tends to get the raspberry filled or maple glazed with walnuts. Since the trailer had lots of new donuts, April and Tim decided to get an Austin Cream Pie donut (vanilla glaze with chocolate pudding filling) and a Horchata Glazed donut.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632644526/" title="Red Rabbit Vegan Bakery - Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/9632644526_db5a3f89aa_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Red Rabbit Vegan Bakery - Austin, TX"></a>
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<i>The hedgehogs are ever hopeful for a taste.</i>
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They were both delectable! April is going to have an even harder time picking a favorite now.
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<br>
For lunch, April and Tim met up with his mother (for her birthday!), aunt, and uncle, and introduced them to Ethiopian food.
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<bR>
<b><a href="http://www.astersethiopian.com/">Aster's Ethiopian</a>
<br>2804 S I-H 35, Austin, TX 78705
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Asters-Ethiopian-Restaurant/231741983508596">Facebook page</a>
</b>
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April has been to many Ethiopian restaurants all over the country, and Aster's is still her favorite. 50% of the menu is vegan, and each entrée comes with 2 side dishes (for lunch) or 3 side dishes (for dinner), so it's almost like getting a sampler platter. The <i>actual</i> veggie sampler platter comes with all 8 vegetarian dishes. April and Tim decided to split that, since everything is delicious.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629410993/" title="Aster's Ethiopian - Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/9629410993_7f04bec95b_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="Aster's Ethiopian - Austin, TX"></a>
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One food note - the Azifa (cold lentil salad) says it will "have your taste buds leaping for joy" - that's code for "really freaking spicy". Also, Aster's is closed Mondays, so take that into account when planning your visit.
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<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-27785600822646954292013-09-13T12:00:00.000-05:002013-09-13T12:00:02.386-05:00The Hedgehogs Are Back In Austin! (RESTAURANT REVIEWS - Thai Kitchen, Sweet Ritual, and Pho Thaison - Austin, TX)<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
<br>
Since April had a week free between the end of <a href="http://www.gencon.com/">Gen Con</a> and the beginning of the <a href="http://www.kcrenfest.com">Kansas City Renaissance Festival</a>, she decided to hop on a plane and head home to Austin to catch up with all her friends and loved ones, and to Eat All The Awesome Austin Vegan Food!
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This was the hedgehogs' first time on a plane. They were very excited!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629420989/" title="Hedgehogs on a Plane by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/9629420989_cd99d34ef2_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Hedgehogs on a Plane"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629420361/" title="Hedgehogs on a Plane by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/9629420361_5e70ac5e0f_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Hedgehogs on a Plane"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629405887/" title="Hedgehogs on a Plane by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/9629405887_7b05f51c23_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Hedgehogs on a Plane"></a>
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When April got back, her fiancé, Tim, took her to Thai Kitchen for lunch (they also needed groceries from <a href="http://www.wheatsville.coop">Wheatsville</a>, which is only a couple of buildings down the street, so it was very convenient.)
<Br>
<br>
<b><a href="http://www.thaikitchenofaustin.com/">Thai Kitchen</a>
<br>3009 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78745
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thaikitchenofaustin">Facebook page</a></b>
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<br>
April decided to branch out from her standard Musumun Tofu Curry, and went with Vegetables & Tofu with Red Curry - a bit different, and quite tasty!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629419491/" title="Thai Kitchen - Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/9629419491_8753c8c22e_z.jpg" width="640" height="580" alt="Thai Kitchen - Austin, TX"></a>
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For an appetizer, Tim and April split the Fried Tofu. The dipping sauce was delicious!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632641148/" title="Thai Kitchen - Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/9632641148_824e25e4d7_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Thai Kitchen - Austin, TX"></a>
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After all of the spicy curry, April and Tim decided that ice cream was a great idea, so they took the hedgehogs to Sweet Ritual.
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<b><a href="http://www.sweetritual.com/">Sweet Ritual</a>
<br>4500 Duval St Austin, TX 78751
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SweetRitual">Facebook page</a></b>
<br>
<br>
Sweet Ritual is an all-vegan ice cream parlor that has recently added hard-pack ice cream in multiple flavors to their menu. April posted <a href="http://thetravelingaustinvegan.blogspot.com/2012/10/restaurant-review-tarka-indian-kitchen.html">a review</a> of them last year, as well as a <a href="http://thetravelingaustinvegan.blogspot.com/2012/10/sweet-ritual-brownie-addendum.html">Brownie Addendum</a>.
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Every time April goes to Sweet Ritual, she ends up getting amazingly complex sundaes, usually in a hand-made waffle cone (because everything's better in a cone!) This time, she got a scoop of Lady Gray (Earl Gray tea ice cream with rum-plumped cherries) and a scoop of Strawberry Jalepeño ice cream in a waffle cone, topped with salted caramel sauce and edible glitter.
<Br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629412417/" title="Sweet Ritual - Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/9629412417_3f49d32419_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Sweet Ritual - Austin, TX"></a>
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After some grocery shopping and a nice walk, April and Tim decided that Thai food <i>still</i> sounded like a good idea, so they hit Pho Thaison for dinner.
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<b><a href="http://phothaisonaustin.com/">Pho Thaison</a>
<Br>2438 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX (and <a href="http://www.phothaison.com/thaison12.htm">other locations</a>)
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pho-ThaiSon/143218265705740">Facebook page</a></b>
<Br>
<br>
Buttercup spotted these stickers on a car in the parking lot. Hedgie wants to know how he can get some for himself.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632642254/" title="Zombie Bumper Stickers by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/9632642254_c7b2db67c8_z.jpg" width="640" height="377" alt="Zombie Bumper Stickers"></a>
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Pho Thaison is one of many places in Austin where one can get vegan pho. April hasn't had all of them, nor has she had them close enough together to make a really good comparison. The pho at Pho Thaison is quite good, though. It's gluten-free, and has broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, carrots, baby bok choy, and sliced fried tofu.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629409329/" title="Pho Thaison - Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/9629409329_f687401b48_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Pho Thaison - Austin, TX"></a>
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<br>
Even though the pho is good, that's not the reason that April loves Pho Thaison. That reason would be the
Vietnamese crepes. They're gluten-free, and are made of coconut rice batter, bean sprouts, herbs, leaf lettuce, mushrooms and tofu. They're delicious, but a bit messy; you cut off a piece of crepe and put it in a piece of lettuce (like a taco!), then dip it into the nuoc mam sauce.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632643208/" title="Pho Thaison - Austin, TX by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/9632643208_b62bcbd785_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="Pho Thaison - Austin, TX"></a>
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That evening, April greatly enjoyed sleeping in her own bed, and looked forward to getting vegan donuts the next morning!<br>
(Also, according to the <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/official-daily-themes-blogging-prompts/">Official Vegan MoFo Daily Themes and Blogging Prompts</a>, it's a good idea to post a picture of a cat. Here's Tim's cat, Floyd, who is very happy April is home - )
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629411491/" title="A Picture Of A Cat (Floyd) by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/9629411491_732aa4af80_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="A Picture Of A Cat (Floyd)"></a>
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<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-20501526516437872162013-09-12T12:43:00.000-05:002013-09-12T12:43:47.765-05:00Gen Con 2013 & RESTAURANT REVIEW - Cafe Gratitude, Kansas City, MO<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
<br>
When last we left our intrepid explorers, they were looking for parking in downtown Indianapolis for <a href="http://www.gencon.com">Gen Con 2013</a>.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9727156729/" title="Hedgehogs and the Tower - Indianapolis, IN by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/9727156729_ebc0b65570_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Hedgehogs and the Tower - Indianapolis, IN"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9730392748/" title="Tower & Clouds - Indianapolis, IN by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/9730392748_85d43f4e7f_z.jpg" width="469" height="640" alt="Tower & Clouds - Indianapolis, IN"></a>
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An hour after reaching downtown, Hedgie finally spotted a garage that only charged $10 a night (there was no free parking anywhere). April parked and proceeded to make multiple trips from the garage to the convention center and then more trips to the hotel (because walking 8 miles in Toronto wasn't nearly enough), as the hedgehogs provided moral support.
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April got her CDs set up on the table she was sharing with <a href="www.marcgunn.com">Marc Gunn</a> -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9727223033/" title="My Table - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/9727223033_2581b1922d_z.jpg" width="469" height="640" alt="My Table - Gen Con 2013"></a>
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- and went to play music for all of the wonderful geeky attendees (including an adorable Robin).
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9730384540/" title="Apryl Knight & Robin - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/9730384540_d72e6bfcc7_z.jpg" width="453" height="640" alt="Apryl Knight & Robin - Gen Con 2013"></a>
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While at Gen Con, food consisted mainly of heat & eat Indian packet meals, cereal, and Cliff/Luna/Pro bars, so the hedgehogs regret to inform you that there are no exciting food pictures. To make up for it, here are some pictures from Gen Con itself -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9727165145/" title="Cardhalla - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/9727165145_2f12c2fb30_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Cardhalla - Gen Con 2013"></a>
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<i>Cardhalla. Anyone who wanted to could add to the impressive array of card structures.</i>
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Amazing cosplay -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9730393958/" title="Steampunk Ghostbusters Cosplay - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/9730393958_082842a914_n.jpg" width="320" height="160" alt="Steampunk Ghostbusters Cosplay - Gen Con 2013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9730396374/" title="Totoro Girl Cosplay - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/9730396374_5278f52d93_m.jpg" width="106" height="240" alt="Totoro Girl Cosplay - Gen Con 2013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9727167589/" title="Mal Reynolds & YoSafBridg Cosplay - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3694/9727167589_68c5a21d73_m.jpg" width="176" height="240" alt="Mal Reynolds & YoSafBridg Cosplay - Gen Con 2013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9730393084/" title="Amy, River Song, & the 11th Doctor Cosplay - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/9730393084_e935f4fb37_m.jpg" width="164" height="240" alt="Amy, River Song, & the 11th Doctor Cosplay - Gen Con 2013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9727158459/" title="Wolverine Menaces Frodo - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3666/9727158459_ab8ed27456_m.jpg" width="158" height="240" alt="Wolverine Menaces Frodo - Gen Con 2013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9727158509/" title="TARDIS Geisha & Crow T Robot - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/9727158509_cb69d00eb8_m.jpg" width="240" height="223" alt="TARDIS Geisha & Crow T Robot - Gen Con 2013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9727165615/" title="The TARDIS, Amy Pond, Clara Oswin Osgood, the 12th Doctor, and Jack Harkness Cosplay - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/9727165615_e099d30b02_m.jpg" width="240" height="229" alt="The TARDIS, Amy Pond, Clara Oswin Osgood, the 12th Doctor, and Jack Harkness Cosplay - Gen Con 2013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9730391748/" title="4th Doctor Cosplay - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3815/9730391748_ce7567f129_m.jpg" width="115" height="240" alt="4th Doctor Cosplay - Gen Con 2013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9727159023/" title="Weeping Angel (Don't Blink) - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/9727159023_3156b8441e_m.jpg" width="148" height="240" alt="Weeping Angel (Don't Blink) - Gen Con 2013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9727155069/" title="Marty McFly Cosplay - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/9727155069_5b5802c5aa_m.jpg" width="125" height="240" alt="Marty McFly Cosplay - Gen Con 2013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9727160639/" title="Male TARDIS Cosplay - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/9727160639_27bffb5f0b_m.jpg" width="101" height="240" alt="Male TARDIS Cosplay - Gen Con 2013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9727162579/" title="Fancy Dress TARDIS Cosplay - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/9727162579_b49bf548dd_m.jpg" width="133" height="240" alt="Fancy Dress TARDIS Cosplay - Gen Con 2013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9730395970/" title="Two Doctors Cosplay - Gen Con 2013 by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/9730395970_e518822809_m.jpg" width="157" height="240" alt="Two Doctors Cosplay - Gen Con 2013"></a>
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After 4 days of exciting and exhausting fun, April and the hedgehogs packed up, said goodbye to Indiana, and drove to Kansas City, MO, where April would be staying during the <a href="http://www.kcrenfest.com">Kansas City Renaissance Festival</a>. April had a free week in between Gen Con and KCRF, and was planning on flying home to Austin for a quick visit, but had a chance to eat at Cafe Gratitude before the flight.
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<b><a href="cafegratitudekc.com/">Cafe Gratitude</a>
<br>333 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cafegratitudekc">Facebook page</a>
</b>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9733485864/" title="Cafe Gratitude by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5448/9733485864_0f56530ae4_z.jpg" width="622" height="640" alt="Cafe Gratitude"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632657820/" title="Cafe Gratitude - Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/9632657820_a48eeb165c_z.jpg" width="453" height="640" alt="Cafe Gratitude - Kansas City, MO"></a>
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Everything at Cafe Gratitude is vegan, and lots of it is raw as well. The names of all the dishes are affirmations, and they even have a "community supported grain bowl" called "I Am Greatful", that helps to feed the hungry - "Shredded kale with quinoa, black beans & garlic-tahini sauce. Payment is by donation. Minimum donation is $2.00. Suggested value is $7. Feed yourself & someone in need $14. For grateful bowl policy details, see server."
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On this particular visit, April had the "I Am Rich" juice (orange, carrot, lemon & beet) and the "I Am Fabulous" (a raw lasagne which isn't actually on the menu), which were delicious.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632657170/" title="Raw Lasagne at Cafe Gratitude - Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/9632657170_da930d194c_z.jpg" width="640" height="500" alt="Raw Lasagne at Cafe Gratitude - Kansas City, MO"></a>
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For dessert, she splurged a bit and got the "I Am Joy", a vegan truffle that does a great job impersonating an Almond Joy candy bar. (So very, very tasty.)
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632656202/" title="I Am Joy at Cafe Gratitude - Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/9632656202_a145749c65_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="I Am Joy at Cafe Gratitude - Kansas City, MO"></a>
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Since she went to Cafe Gratitude the day before her flight, April decided to also get something for the next morning's breakfast. The "I Am Peace" (live onion bagel with cashew crème cheese, nori
“lox,” tomato, onion, capers & sprouts) sounded intriguing, so she got it to-go.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632639700/" title="I Am Peace at Cafe Gratitude - Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3667/9632639700_b61c17dc5b_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="I Am Peace at Cafe Gratitude - Kansas City, MO"></a>
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A note on the "I Am Peace" - it was delicious, but the "bagel" was really more of a raw flatbread.
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Here's what April and her friend got the last time they visited Cafe Gratitude -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9730260615/" title="I Am Worthy - Cafe Gratitude, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/9730260615_7d250dd10a_z.jpg" width="640" height="463" alt="I Am Worthy - Cafe Gratitude, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<i>I Am Worthy - kale, beet, celery, apple & ginger juice.</i>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9733486442/" title="I Am Awake - Cafe Gratitude, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/9733486442_25a22c4cf6_z.jpg" width="640" height="443" alt="I Am Awake - Cafe Gratitude, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<i>I Am Awake - gluten-free buckwheat-banana pancakes drizzled with maple syrup. (Delicious!)</i>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9730261553/" title="I Am Creative - Cafe Gratitude, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3700/9730261553_b33729f227_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="I Am Creative - Cafe Gratitude, Kansas City, MO"></a>
<br><i>I Am Creative - a unique creation of pizza flavors with tomato, basil, hemp seed pesto, nut parmesan & cashew ricotta cheese on our live onion sunflower crust. (This may be April's favorite thing.)</i>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9733487804/" title="Dessert Tray - Cafe Gratitude, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/9733487804_fc6d43a498_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Dessert Tray - Cafe Gratitude, Kansas City, MO"></a>
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<i>Dessert Tray. We'll have one of everything, please.</i>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9733487124/" title="I Am Bliss - Cafe Gratitude, Kansas City, MO by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/9733487124_019aa5602b_z.jpg" width="640" height="486" alt="I Am Bliss - Cafe Gratitude, Kansas City, MO"></a>
<br><i>I Am Bliss - chocolate hazelnut pie. (Very rich, very tasty.)</i>
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<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-86563168183288028132013-09-11T12:00:00.000-05:002013-09-11T12:00:01.256-05:00RESTAURANT REVIEWS - The Lunch Room (Ann Arbor, MI) & The Sinking Ship (Indianapolis, IN)<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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After a good night's sleep (though Buttercup says Hedgie snores), April and the hedgehogs woke up nice and early so that they could get to <a href="http://www.gencon.com/">GenCon</a> in time to pick up the badge and packet, set up in the exhibit hall, and check into the hotel.
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On the way out of Michigan, they decided to stop at The Lunch Room for brunch.
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<b><a href="http://thelunchrooma2.tumblr.com/">The Lunch Room</a>
<br>Kerrytown Market & Shops, 407 N 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thelunchrooma2">Facebook page</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/thelunchrooma2">Twitter page</a>
</b>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632659816/" title="The Lunch Room - Ann Arbor, MI by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/9632659816_a240132587_z.jpg" width="576" height="640" alt="The Lunch Room - Ann Arbor, MI"></a>
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<bR>
The pancakes were awfully tempting, so that's what April got. They were fluffy and delicious!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629424553/" title="Pancakes with Fruit from The Lunch Room - Ann Arbor, MI by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/9629424553_66cc780c71_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Pancakes with Fruit from The Lunch Room - Ann Arbor, MI"></a>
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April also got a cold brew iced toddy coffee with the pancakes, as well as a molasses ginger cookie and a coconut lemon donut to go (yummy treats make long drives easier).
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632636220/" title="Cookie & Donut from The Lunch Room - Ann Arbor, MI by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/9632636220_6efb5af618_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Cookie & Donut from The Lunch Room - Ann Arbor, MI"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629403473/" title="Cloudy With A Chance Of Hedgehogs Watermark by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/9629403473_a227d1fdec_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Cloudy With A Chance Of Hedgehogs Watermark"></a>
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<i>Cloudy with a chance of hedgehogs.</i>
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Four hours later, the travelers made it to Indianapolis, just in time for a late lunch!
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<b><a href="http://www.thesinkingship.com/">The Sinking Ship</a>
<br>4923 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46205
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sinking-Ship/106466079375723">Facebook page</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/SinkingShipIndy">Twitter page</a>
</b>
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The Sinking Ship is a bar, so no one under 21 is allowed. April snuck Hedgie and Buttercup in inside her purse, and they hopped out just long enough to take photos, and then hopped back in.
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There were so many awesome vegan things on the menu, but April jumped at the chance to finally try jackfruit BBQ.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629423857/" title="Jackfruit BBQ Sliders at The Sinking Ship - Indianapolis, IN by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/9629423857_26c341a3e2_z.jpg" width="560" height="640" alt="Jackfruit BBQ Sliders at The Sinking Ship - Indianapolis, IN"></a>
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It was amazing! The jackfruit had an amazing texture, and the sauce was delicious. For desert, April decided to test the true versatility of the jackfruit and have some cake.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632637198/" title="Jackfruit Cake at The Sinking Ship - Indianapolis, IN by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/9632637198_430c9e687d_z.jpg" width="533" height="640" alt="Jackfruit Cake at The Sinking Ship - Indianapolis, IN"></a>
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It was also delicious! The cake itself wasn't overly sweet, nor was the icing, but when paired with the fruit, everything came together. The cake was fairly dense, and a bit hard to cut with just a fork (thank goodness for a knife!)
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The staff at The Sinking Ship were extremely nice. April's waiter learned her name immediately, and called her by it the whole time she was there. He also engaged her in friendly conversation, and made sure she had everything she needed. The chef came out of the kitchen to ask how she liked the cake; it was a new-ish recipe for him.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632638898/" title="The Sinking Ship - Indianapolis, IN by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/9632638898_0f4f198344_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="The Sinking Ship - Indianapolis, IN"></a>
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Full and happy, April and the hedgehogs left The Sinking Ship to search for parking in downtown Indianapolis. *insert sound of ominous music here*
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<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923821635828777478.post-74033627118173551532013-09-10T12:00:00.000-05:002013-09-10T12:00:08.427-05:00RESTAURANT REVIEWS - The Hogtown Vegan & Bunner's Bakeshop, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (and The Trip To Michigan)<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzommTGXhnY/UiLONTj3zoI/AAAAAAAAAMw/fzyXPczFjxc/s1600/TheHedgehogsHaveTheFoodblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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After finishing the banner for her <a href="http://www.aprylknight.com">solo music act</a>, April took the last day in Toronto to do some sight-seeing. After the fact, a quick study on Google Maps suggests that she probably walked about 8 miles altogether. (The hedgehogs were freeloaders and rode in her purse.)
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After all that walking, some food was certainly in order. A web search had pulled up The Hogtown Vegan, which sounded very promising.
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<b><a href="http://www.hogtownvegan.com/">The Hogtown Vegan</a>
<br>834 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M3, Canada
<br><a href="https://twitter.com/hogtownvegan">Twitter Page</a></b>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632631572/" title="The Hogtown Vegan - Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/9632631572_0443839eee_z.jpg" width="640" height="485" alt="The Hogtown Vegan - Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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Hedgie and Buttercup present: Some Facts About The Hogtown Vegan -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629431603/" title="The Hogtown Vegan - Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/9629431603_763edfa459_z.jpg" width="552" height="640" alt="The Hogtown Vegan - Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632632106/" title="The Hogtown Vegan - Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/9632632106_7cf4e18bd4_z.jpg" width="564" height="640" alt="The Hogtown Vegan - Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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One other fact of note - The Hogtown Vegan is a cash-only establishment.
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There were so many awesome things on the menu, but the Stuffed French Toast (with peanut butter, banana, and vegan bacon) really spoke to Hedgie's inner Elvis. April paid a bit extra to get collard greens on the side - healthy's gotta come from somewhere! She's a musician, too; one can't tempt fate!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632667306/" title="Stuffed French Toast from The Hogtown Vegan - Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/9632667306_4a4c1a794a_z.jpg" width="640" height="421" alt="Stuffed French Toast from The Hogtown Vegan - Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9688582761/" title="Close Up Of Stuffed French Toast - The Hogtown Vegan, Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/9688582761_9f12710075_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="Close Up Of Stuffed French Toast - The Hogtown Vegan, Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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You'd think, after all that amazing richness, that no one could possibly eat a bunch of vegan baked goods.
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You'd think wrong.
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<b><a href="http://www.bunners.ca/shop/">Bunner's Bakeshop</a>
<br>3054 Dundas St W, Toronto, Ontario M6P 1Z7, Canada
<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BunnersBakeShop?ref=br_tf">Facebook page</a></b>
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OK, <i>technically</i>, April and the hedgehogs stopped at Bunner's the next morning, on the way out of Toronto. Free parking didn't exist, so April broke the law a little bit and parked in a metered spot in front of the shop, ran in, ooh-ed and aah-ed over EVERYTHING, bought some deliciousness, and skedaddled as quickly as possible.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632662836/" title="Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/9632662836_58b3b3e56d_z.jpg" width="640" height="533" alt="Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632665562/" title="Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/9632665562_db145ce505_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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<br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632664766/" title="Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/9632664766_3c515ac102_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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<br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629429015/" title="Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/9629429015_11891c8c44_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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<br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629427539/" title="Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/9629427539_82df5d8c45_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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April ended up with a savory chili cheeze pocket -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632661418/" title="Savory Chili Cheeze Pocket from Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/9632661418_22949a7887_z.jpg" width="640" height="433" alt="Savory Chili Cheeze Pocket from Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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a butter tart -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629426049/" title="Butter Tart from Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/9629426049_c0617878a9_z.jpg" width="640" height="418" alt="Butter Tart from Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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(Hedgie is mad at Buttercup for some reason. Perhaps she didn't want to share the butter tart.)
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629400913/" title="Hedgehog Tiff by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2809/9629400913_ca6ae46ccb_z.jpg" width="640" height="367" alt="Hedgehog Tiff"></a>
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a s'mores cupcake -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632634488/" title="S'mores Cupcake from Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/9632634488_a5960c67f4_z.jpg" width="640" height="323" alt="S'mores Cupcake from Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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and a sweet roll -
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9632633018/" title="Sweet Roll from Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/9632633018_f8b95814fb_z.jpg" width="640" height="544" alt="Sweet Roll from Bunner's Bakeshop - Toronto, Ontario, Canada"></a>
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It took 4 hours to drive from Toronto to Canton, Michigan (where April would be staying that night). The first three items made the drive a lot more pleasant, and the sweet roll was a delicious end to the day later that evening.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apryl_knight/9629399283/" title="Hedgehogs in a Hotel Bed (MI) by apryl_knight, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5546/9629399283_c1169e8ae7_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Hedgehogs in a Hotel Bed (MI)"></a>
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<i>April gets a bed, and the hedgehogs get a bed. Seems fair.</i>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDkNXTOq0E/UiLOWedTBfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gJq2Gxd98yU/s1600/VeganMoFo2013-400x84_g2.jpg" /></a></div>April - Apryl Knight / The Traveling Austin Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941080583003536422noreply@blogger.com0