Vedge-ing Out: Meeting Wonderful Vegans At Philadelphia's Number One Elegant Vegan Restaurant

A real gem of a Saturday.

The story of fancy upscale Vedge in photographs and minute description.

First of all, I do appreciate my vegan friends Amanda and Sawyer for allowing me to be a part of their trip to Philadelphia having driven all the way from my beloved Ohio. It meant the world to not only meet them outside of cybersphere (Twitterverse), but into the realm of reality, breaking fourth wall dimension. There is always something special, endearing even to feel kindness sparking between conversations of 140 character  limited spaces. To meet people in person and feel beyond scope of that cordial experience is overall amazing, especially when those very people are vibrant and kind. 

Amanda and Sawyer not only treated me to a delightful city gem, but to the pleasurable gift of their time and company. Time and company are gifts that we must not waste. 

Thank you Sawyer for taking this adorable pic of Amanda and me! 

And here's a little special throwback too:

Remember when Vedge's owners, Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby took the time to give a demo on innovative creations like grilled zucchini & black eyed pea ice cream parfait at Philadelphia's first Vegfest? 

So, one day, in the middle of fresh falling snow last Saturday, after day one workshop with a renowned artist, I caught the subway. Vedge. I had heard so much about it. Read the reviews. Heard the presses. And for the first time ever, I would be eating there among great company. Just had the best vibes on the train and knew things would be swell despite the roaring snowfall. I almost passed it by. Until I heard my name being called from a charming bricked building atop stairs. 

Among inviting intimate interior atmosphere of Vedge Restaurant, dimmed lights and muted tones, were awaiting dear friends having an incredible meal and indulgent conversation. 

Pre-appetizer of thick moist bread slices and a modest bowl of appeasing herb olive oil.

Beautiful candles glowed on our meal throughout course of the evening, offering comfort and beautiful elegance. The three of us discussed animal and human rights, our social lives, and pros and cons of Twitter sphere.

From "The Vedge Bar," we started off with unbelievably incredible rutabaga fondue served alongside rutabaga salad, charred onions and pistachio and soft pretzel; pickled avocado stuffed with pickled cauliflower, romesco, "fried rice,"  and black salt; and salt roasted golden beets with side of smoked tofu, rye, capers, and creamy cucumber sauce. 

Complimentary toasted bread of some sort. I cannot remember what was on it, but it was definitely light and crispy-- in other words delicious!!!

Fingerling potatoes in creamy Worcestershire sauce, shaved and grilled Brussels sprouts in smoked mustard off the "Dirt List." Whereas off the "Hot Plates" menu, we split Braciole- smoked and roasted eggplant stuffed with Italian salsa verde,  and cured olive puree and Grilled Seitan with "neeps and tatties," pickled turnips, green garbanzos and za'tar.

Side by side spectacles of the Grilled Seitan (in the back) and Charcoal Grilled Romanesco- whipped cauliflower, shaved brassicas salad, and rouille.  

Meyer Lemon Cheesecake- a creamy rounded dessert topped with tangy sweet lemon puree sitting atop blood orange gel and a scoop of tangerine ice cream coated in chocolate-bergamot dust. 

The fireplace was charming, enhancing euphoric mood. Very wonderful quiet against our enchanted conversation, warming and healing us from Jack Frost's mild snowfall. I felt like we were tucked inside a Vermont cabin, blanketed from cold, feasting on divine food and splendid conversation. That was rich sophistication all in itself.  Although we ended Vedge on a wonderful note, our conversations and enjoyment came to heed at the nearby Barnes & Noble. Nothing like being surrounded by books to burn off the calories of a rather fine meal. Thank you so much to Amanda, Sawyer, and Vedge Restaurant for making a snowy near blizzard Saturday a beguiling memorable evening.