Old Friends, Baltimore &
Maryland’s Vegan Restaurant Week
February 24, 2019
What a wonderful coincidence that the day I tripped to Baltimore, Maryland was during the extended Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week! I had a big list of eats and sites to see, starting at SweetSide for a croissant.
The SweetSide is a delightful bakery that is pretty much akin to sweets heaven… with soft serve, plenty of toppings and variety of fresh made baked goods. And a whole bunch of v-bombs.
My brekkie bite. Sorry I didn’t mean to say “brekkie.” Delicate and flaky.
More vegan options the following day. I picked a vanilla cupcake for the road back to NY, but have yet to eat it!
I have to get vegan macarons when they are available. These are mint chocolate were a bit too heavy on the filling, impacting that coveted delicate macaron shell.
Ok, there was a wonderful stop at a cemetery in Washington D.C. in between here, but that will be it’s own post. After, we headed to Washington National Cathedral, a spectacular space that has a unique claim to fame. It has a Darth Vader gargoyle head on one of its spires… an a spacey Star Wars-ish stained glass window.
The cathedral had endured a lot of damage during that earthquake in 2011. These gargoyle heads were down on the ground as construction was underway. So cool to see them at eye level!
I really like seeing the enormity of the organs in these ornate cathedrals… and the intricate detailing. The labor of love.
Stressed muscular people
And I saw a new Heaven and a new Earth
The space stained glass. Did I mention yet that we were not able to find the Darth Vader head? You need binoculars.
Cross-stitched seat cushions for the little ones to be comfortable in during their prayers
Back in Baltimore, a late full breakfast at The Grub Factory, an all-vegan soul food spot.
Delicious! French toast along with homefries and tofu scramble. Who would want anything more in a vegan breakfast?
The Book Thing was an amazing place in downtown Baltimore. A huge space with tons of books ALL FREE for the taking. I was so glad to have been able to visit their new space after their previous space had a fire.
You can really kill time here. It is kind of overwhelming.
I tried not to take too much. Just a box. I’d love to come back when I have more time.
Lastly, dinner at L’Eau de Vie Organic Brasserie, a casual spot with some classic dishes done all-vegan. Here is my Seitan Bourguignon, a stew of tender housemade seitan, vegetables, and red wine, served over mashed potatoes. A very satisfying winter dish in an impressive space.
Fantastic broccoli croquettes with a housemade cashew sauce on the side. “Housemade” is a decadent word.
My friend’s Rice & Spice, a rice medley with a creamy winter squash sauce, topped with a harissa-grilled tofu-steak.
Our final breakfast at Golden West in Hampden. Two offerings from their Vegan Week Menu: the Monster Mac Burger with mac and cheese and a veggie dog on top of the Impossible burger. And my Vegan Farm Plate with Just egg, housemade sausage and hash browns.
And here’s to old friends. 🙂 Here we are 23 years ago… and today! Then, being stupid out and about Baltimore…
Like on top of Federal Hill…
And in a record store.
To “big brothers,” books, food and Baltimore! Mid-winter recess is done and done.