If it’s Vegan, She Will Come, SINY
(Whispered in a Cornfield)

Staten Island’s vegan offerings keep me coming back. And now vegan donuts?! Yes, vegan donuts. But first another kickbutt Golden Milk latte at New Dorp’s Sips + Maker. This may be my favorite Golden Milk latte in New York City! And they seem to always have housemade vegan sweet treats at the counter to tide me over. This visit, a peanut butter breakfast bar. But she was in the process of making vegan chocolate ganache tarts. (!)

I had this spiked with a shot of espresso. I don’t think I’d do that again as it murks up that spicy flavor I want to experience. Below, that breakfast bar. Mmmm…

I always seem to mess up neighborhood names in Staten Island. At least with this is what my SI-based friend and colleague laughs at when I tell her my stops. But I think Donut World is in Manor Heights. Tell me if I’m wrong. As the font indicates, this is a colorful and fun stop that offers a vegan base donut and several vegan icings, glazes and toppings. After you order they dip and adorn them right before your eyes.

I let the friendly counter guy choose three of their vegan options for me: glazed, graham-covered blueberry glazed, and powdered. I went for the middle donut, that blueberry graham, and really enjoyed it. It was cake-like and not greasy at all. I’m really impressed!

My friend’s Maple glazed. I didn’t get to try it because he ate it too fast!

Later, a hot lunch from Basil Cucina in Westerleigh. This Italian counter spot has a small vegan section in its menu. And because of this, it’s been on my SI list for quite some time, having always stepped aside for other options during other visits. Finally, a smoking hot bowl of their signature dish Titi Olga with grilled eggplant, zucchini, Portabella mushrooms, red peppers, pasta and garlic and oil.

Hearty and delicious and with the most addictive video loop of fascinating life hacks on the screen and really good classic rock in music rotation.

Lastly, a mostly to-go stop at Empanada Kingdom also in Westerleigh, home to amazing counter service, fresh and delicious artisan empanadas–and clear vegan options!

I got three! My favorite, their Bello Up with Portobello mushrooms, tofu, peppers and onions.  Great flavors and dreamy fresh pocket lovingly deep-fried without a trace of grease.

Yum.

At home, later, the butternut squash and sweet potato.  Really good as well. But I wanted a little sprinkle of sugar in there to amp up the autumn flavors.

And a spinach. I love these empanadas!

Another Staten Island report of eating vegan! I’m so pleased their options keep growing. I already have another eatery on a fresh list. So I’ll be back as options grows. At this rate, that’ll be very soon.