Move Vegan Bites & Delights on Staten Island
December 15, 2019
As a blogger, I am excited about uncovering vegan options in sneaky places. “Sneaky” as in places where you would least expect it. So vegan options in the East Village? Yeah, yeah. But vegan options in Staten Island? How amazing! To follow is yet another report on vegan treasures on my neighbor, Staten Island.
When an old fashioned ice cream parlor like Egger’s, serving since 1932, gets dairy-free options on the board, that’s progress. Apparently Egger’s is a Staten Island fixture. This Westerleigh location is their first location.
Though they offered several vegan flavors, I chose old trusty–vanilla. I learned that their dairy-free options are not made in-house, but brought in to minimize cross-contamination. And I believe they are soy milk-based, but that’s an educated guess.
I ordered a child’s size with banana and pineapple. Look at those pretty vanilla beans. It was a nice treat, but would have felt better had it not been freezing out at the time of our visit.
Long on my Staten Island vegan list–like for years–is Island Cafe, a Kosher eatery also in Westerleigh that has more non-dairy ice cream options. In the few attempts I have made to get there over the years I’ve never had any luck since Saturday is the Sabbath. In my decades of being vegan my first experiences with non-dairy ice cream has been thanks to “pareve.” Those who keep Kosher must obey the rule of not consuming meat and dairy together, blazing a trail for non-dairy desserts that I could get behind as an early vegan. My earliest memory, which I am sure I have written about before, Too-toos by Tofutti. These Chipwich-style ice cream sandwiches were around in Trader Joe’s in the mid-90’s–a time when I didn’t photograph my food unfortunately. Apparently no one did as there are no images of them on the interwebs either! That’s how old skool they are.
And speaking of old skool, needing a quick, healthful bite before meeting up with a friend, I stopped at Everything Goes Cafe, a bookstore/cafe/performance space in Tompkinsville run by the Ganas Community… who some call a cult but others call an “intentional community.” I just want the vegan food. They’ve been around for quite some time and their food has that 90’s feel… real food, vegetable heavy, but a bit unexciting. But that’s what you want sometimes.
My ETG Bowl with brown rice, kale, carrots, red cabbage, scallions topped with lemon tahini.
And a slice of vegan chocolate cake. Also 90’s style. I am sorry if it is unclear what that means. It’s so nostalgic for me. I’ve had a long vegan journey—and taste is memory.
Look! There are even hand-written and xeroxed flyers. This place is a time warp.
Want a vegan chocolate soufflé while out and about in Staten Island? Uh yesss. Drop in on Dolce Fantasia in Westerleigh for their amazingly fudgy rich chocolatey soufflé. Why does this Italian cafe have a vegan soufflé? I am not sure. But I am sure that it is so damn good.
At home, after nuking for 10 or so seconds, the warm fudgy center was the perfect texture. Truly a special find… next to the tattoo shop. So let’s look at a few more pictures from my couch.
Ok that’s good for now.
Now clearly this post compiles several visits, because now it’s time for breakfast! Bloom Cafe, right over The Bridge in “Shore Acres” offers vegan breakfast options which, a vegan knows, is more difficult a meal to find out and about. What a delightful discovery this place was!
Do you know how I love to see this word everywhere? Especially in a cozy and adorable space like this.
I got the Tofu Scramble and subbed the toast for the vegan croissant. It was such a delicious meal–warm and airy croissant made a perfect utensil to shovel in the scramble. The croissants come from Delifrance, I learned from the friendly staff.
My friend got the vegan cannoli–cuz we be Italians. The owner chocolate-dips the cones and makes her own vegan cannoli filling, airy and decadent at the same time.
After that amazing breakfast, a stop in New Dorp I was excited about for two reasons: 1) The Beet Latte and 2) The Golden Latte. Golden milk is one of my absolute favorite drinks. And this one was the best I’ve ever had. The next delicious discovery: Sips + Maker.
Sips, because of the drinks. And Maker because of the crafts and unique items sold in the back. “Artisan,” though I hate saying that word. The counter woman was so friendly; it was so refreshing. Usually a space like this, a menu like this, has a surly Brooklynite barely making eye contact with you as you place your order.
So much kick with turmeric and ginger! Just what my immune system needed. And peep the vegan blueberry muffin in the background.
This is the Beet Latte, also well loved and delicious.
And a close-up on the muffin. Gosh, I love discovering these gems. Staten Island!!
And last but least kinda, Fab Cup in West Brighton. I guess nothing can even compare to that Golden Latte in New Dorp, so I probably shouldn’t have ordered theirs. It really didn’t have much taste to it unfortunately. And the avocado toast I wanted to get was replaced with a guacamole toast that had dairy in it. ??? The friendly counter gal told me they were increasing vegan options in January. Gosh, there is so much vegan stuff to try these days!
I got an acai bowl which, also, was not much to write home about. I really wanted that avocado toast! (Stomping my feet and pounding my fists.)
Ok, that’s a wrap on yet another vegan food report of Staten Island. But based on how quickly and plentiful vegan options are spreading, I’m sure I’ll be back soon.