An impromptu game 7 last night led to an equally impromptu hockey soirée at our place. I sent out a very quick email on Tuesday, inviting people to bring their Habs-related hopes and dreams over to our apartment, as well as anything they wanted to eat! It was a pretty small gathering - we provided a bit of beer, some chips, hummus, and salsa (because a girl can never go wrong with beer, chips, hummus, and salsa), and a couple of friends brought more beer and chips to add to the collection!
Even more fun, we had all just recieved our CSA good food boxes, each of which contained a hearty bunch of spinach. Miss Toronto Fashion (don't worry - she swore no affiliation to the Leafs) emailed me early in the day for a vegan spinach dip recommendation. The only versions I had ever tried contained vegan versions of standard ingredients like sour cream, cream cheese, and mayo, and I was hesitant to send her out to scour the city for pricey, not-always-so-great dairy-free products. But then I found this intriguing 'cheese'-free recipe, and passed it along. I also passed along my strong belief that cashews are a gift from the vegan gods (and no, I don't mean Gary Francione... this time) and make for awesome creamy cheesy yummy dishes! MTF proclaimed excitement, and showed up with a very bright green, very rich, very yummy, and very healthful spinach dip, which put to shame my pre-vegan cruelty-laden and post-vegan 'fake cheese' versions, along with a side of hearty pita rounds for dipping! I wish I had a picture, but it looked pretty much exactly like the picture from the recipe:
Not only do I highly recommend the recipe, but I highly recommend surrounding yourself with people who love to cook and to try new things - it means you get to eat yummy stuff with much less work :) Much thanks to Miss Toronto Fashion.
Also - much much much much much much thanks to Jaroslav Halak.
Finally - Penguins suck.
:)
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Vegan
So a Habs fan huh?
ReplyDeleteWell I'm a Leafs fan but seeing as the Leafs have been sucking butt since the 1960's I've become a bit of a Canadiens fan too. I'm rooting for them to win the cup this year.
I wonder if one could substitute almonds for the cashews and rice flour for the wheat flour. I might try it out today. If it works, it could be a tasty treat for me.
ReplyDeletemmmm this looks INCREDIBLE! I have a real thing for brightly coloured foods...they are just so much more fun to eat.
ReplyDeleteAh, being that I am from the Toronto jurisdiction, I suppose we are natural born rivals ;) But since the Leafs haven't won a cup in my lifetime and probably never will I think we will be alright! lol
I have a question for you too...I mentioned we're heading to Montreal this month (thanks again for your restaurant suggestions!). I heard that Chuchai is difficult to get into. How far in advance should I make resos? I sent them an email (hoping to save on long distance) and haven't heard back...just curious, as I don't want to be disappointed!
Sabrina: Thanks for stopping by! Also, I'm very glad to hear you're coming over to the good side. Go Habs Go!
ReplyDeleteMom: Hope you can try creating a yummy almond version - I'd love to try it!
Mary: I've never had trouble getting into Chuchai, but it may depend on when you go. Montreal has a bit of a 'late-dining' culture, so the earlier you arrive, the better. I would try just giving them a call, and making a reservation whenever you can. That being said, if you don't manage to get a reservation, their casual neighbour, 'Chuch' often has a free table or two, the same yummy food, and they're BYOB, to boot!
Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteAnd one more question for ya (sorry to be a bother!)
I read online that a vast number of places make french fries with beef tallow (namely frite alors which is where a birthday thing is being held that I'm attending)..do you know if this is true? Is it best to steer clear of all french fries? I've never been to Montreal before and I'm worried about being trapped with little options while out sightseeing and whatnot...just wondering if I should try and pack some lunches when we're out and about or if I'd be able to find at least something on an average restaurant's menu that I can eat.
Hey Mary,
ReplyDeleteNo bother at all! You actually just terrified me with you french fry info. I usually ask at restaurants, etc., what kind of oil they use. Most places have have assured me they're completely veg, but I often question whether they know what that means! I would just suggest asking...
That being said, I almost never struggle to find something to eat in the city. There's always some sort of wrap or sandwich place around the corner. If all else fails, head to one of the many shopping centres in the city (not traditional malls, but underground cities!), and check out the food court.
If you want to feel safe, pack a larabar or two and maybe an apple in your bag, but I'd be shocked if you had a hard time finding what you want/need. Plus - I've found a lot of places in Montreal to be pretty accommodating if you ask them to make you something special (like a veggie-only wrap with balsamic dressing).
Hope that helps. Don't hesitate to ask me any more questions - even when you get here. If I'm near my computer, I'm happy to try to reply!