Weekend Food Review

I’ve been wanting to make a vegan risotto for awhile now. Using PPK’s basic recipe here, I whipped up a big batch of artichoke and sweet potato risotto. The end result was a huge success. A creamy, flavorful dish that begs for seconds and only tastes better the next day.  Also of note was my using my brand new food processor for the first time. How did I ever do without this machine?

Williamsburg’s Lodge is a great spot for brunch. Its space and lighting, as well as its quick refills of water and coffee, make it perfect for hangover recovery. They don’t have many vegan options, however. The veggie burger, although vegan, sits on a non-vegan bun. I was thankful the waitress was in the know but c’mon, keep the dairy out of the bread! I opted for the veggie tofu scramble with veggie sausage. The dish was flavorful and energizing with a ton of fresh vegetables providing great texture and crunch. Next time I’ll demand they substitute the included green salad with either their tater tots, sweet potato fries or waffle fries. Mmmm. Also below is Wok Man‘s thick scrumptious-looking veggie burger.

Did you know that national Pancake Week recently passed? Running February 22 through the 28th, I got these wonderful flapjacks in at the last moment. This week-long tribute to the breakfast of champions is rooted in the coming of Lent. In the Middle Ages, huge pancake stacks were the natural result of needing to purge the pantry of eggs, butter and milk. With all that dairy it’s no wonder Pancake Day is also known as Fat Tuesday in the Mardi Gras tradition. So pancake feastings mark the last day of gluttony before Ash Wednesday. I say purge them eggs, butter and milk all year round and whip yourself up some vegan griddle cakes.