Down Home Vegan Upstate
February 20, 2019
I was on my way home… but not without hitting some pretty awesome vegan options as I headed south. Starting in the Lake George section of New York. I was delighted to find an all-vegan sandwich shop so close to my motel room, Birch Bark Eatery. Oh how I love to see the v-word where I least expect it, like on this sign.
The eatery, born of two vegan who were frustrated by the lack of area options, had a selection of familiar sandwich favorites done vegan-style. The space is not like a typical cafe. It’s like you are in the living room of a cute family who just so happens to make awesome vegan food.
Having not much of an opportunity to ever eat onion rings, I had to get an upgrade to my side. This tower of battered, fried and crispy goodness was heavenly. I almost forgot about the sandwich waiting for me! With a recommendation, I had the Smoky Cinna-Beaf with a thinly sliced house-made black bean Seitan glazed with a sweet, smoky sauce with delicious hints of cinnamon, pan seared with carrots and onions and horseradish sauce on a soft and dreamy roll. I have had a million vegan sandwiches and this is very impressive.
A couple more pics before I devour it in like three bites. The hints of cinnamon were a really great touch. And house-made!
Hail Seitan.
It was odd to step out of the meal and see the surrounding Lake George area. In my mind Lake George was a remnant of a bygone time… the family road trip, roadside attractions similar to those off of Route 66. But that was just in my mind. I now see that there is not much of the Americana flavor left, the kind I love to see so much… aged neon signage for non-chain motels, towering Muffler Men. Now the area has a sprawl of Outlet stores… all the name brands that are in every other outlet shopping areas all over the country. Ho hum. (Ok, I did check out Corning’s outlet shop and got some Pyrex baking pans and a cupcake carrier since mine broke during the holiday season. I am a sucker for baking supplies. Corning is top notch, New York-based and on the forefront of science.)
The few remaining road relics I saw
Before heading further south on my final day, another mind-blowing vegan options that raised the bar on what a gal like me expects from the road. With vegan options growing near and far, quality vegan options are distinguishing themselves. Like Fresh ADK in Glen Falls.
Their vegan options are not to be missed, like this breakfast sandwich I devoured with a delicious housemade egg substitute made from tofu, chia and other such vegan pantry staples. It was far more flavorful than some of the vegan breakfast sandwiches I’ve eaten in NYC. Along with that egg-like patty—pesto, red onion, arugula, and tomato on an everything bagel. So much flavor and freshness packed in there.
Not to overlook the fantastic service. I got to hear about the very interesting life path of the man who worked there while I waited for my breakfast.
Further south, Cider Belly, a doughnut shop in downtown Albany. They had a few vegan options that reportedly sell out swiftly. So I called before I visited and the nice fellow offered to put some aside for me. More great service… along with the quality, these places are better than Brooklyn.
My stash!
I think this is my favorite picture to take, my camera inside the bag. There is something it captures about anticipation and ownership, etc. I got one of all three vegan varieties available: cinnamon sugar, blueberry and lemon glazed. 🍩🍩🍩
With a snow storm on its way, I would need doughnut fuel to drive all the way back to Brooklyn. Starting with this cinnamon sugar… reminiscent to that box of doughnuts from my childhood… you know, the box with the 3 flavors? I forget what brand it was. But this doughnut… soft and delicate–real doughnut. Taken aback once again!
At home, after I found a perfect parking spot and then shoveled the snow for my landlady, I ate doughnut number two. Jeez! These are so damn good. Real lemon flavor, amazing texture. Well done, New York.
