Vegan Mofo Day #4: Eating Out Vegan In Toronto Part I

Divine almond milk hot chocolate with custom leaf design from Dark Horse Espresso Bar.

On this fourth Vegan Mofo Day, I reflect on being a vegan style world traveler. Nine days away from epic solitary travel to Paris, Johannesburg, and Amsterdam! I'm excited, thrilled, nervous, anxious-- all the feelings. Plans include lots of art seeing, vegan eating (bookmarked Google directions to many restaurants), and the biggie-- the big Black Portraiture Conference.
We're asked to post a restaurant meal. I originally wanted to share a Philly spot that serves great falafel. Yet I decided to go the extra mile and take a post out of drafts. In fact, there are three posts about the splendid food in Toronto. This is one of three. I will try to bring them all out for Vegan Mofo if possible. I loved Toronto immensely, especially wonderful friendships created along my travel.
Last spring and summer, I spent ample time in visiting my second extended "family," having always brought them down something special from the states-- like a box of Dun Well Doughnuts or a batch of Sticky Freedom Bakery sweets. It's a small, seemingly insignificant gesture. Yet the real prize is being in Canada, spending time with special people, seeing magnificent art, learning unique culture whilst enjoying delectable eats with great company. After all, isn't that the most important incentive about traveling-- finding ones who can celebrate the world alongside you? 

Bloomer's

I loved walking down to Bloomer's for a pleasant breakfast. It smelled of fresh coffee and baked goods, all stunningly displayed at the front. Choosing a pastry to have alongside almond milk hot chocolate was always difficult.

Chocolate sprinkle and raspberry frosted doughnuts-- both were beautiful and delicious.

Through Being Cool Vegan

Through being Cool Vegan is one of the hottest vegan spots in Toronto. They're well known for having an eclectic range of doughnuts, brownies, and Daiya cheese pinwheels (excellent!). Yet they also have sandwiches, salads, and a hit macaroni & cheese among other carry out meal specialties.

Lemon pound cake, chocolate doughnuts, and vanilla icing dripping off cinnamon buns had a mouthwatering affect on sanity.

Famous pinwheels usually gone before noon. One is just Daiya Cheddar and the other is Daiya Cheddar with jalapenos. These are super duper scrumptious. My heart swoons at the memory of these amazing swirls of vegan goodness.

Croissants, scones, lemon bars, and brownies galore.

This was my take home Philly box-- two chocolate stuffed croissants, a Daiya Cheddar & Jalapeno pinwheel, and a powdered blueberry filled doughnut.

Out and about eating croissants. This had been the first time I tried a vegan croissant-- much prior to ones served at Philly's Tasty Diner.

Hogtown Vegan

Hogtown Vegan was comfort food central. With American style menu items like Philly cheese steak, "beef" and dumplings stew, fried "clams," and so much more, it's definitely a place that calls for visitors to don their best sweatpants. Above my friend had the Southern Combo. It featured their amazing mac n' cheese, fried soy chicken strips, and collard greens with house made BBQ sauce.

I had the giant bacon cheeseburger-- a juicy well-cooked soy patty with melted Daiya cheddar, tasty tofu bacon, tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, and yummy onions on a sesame seed bun with a side of perfectly browned French fries.

Apiecalypse Now!

Apiecalypse Now! is the premiere vegan pizza parlor ran by Jen and Brenton (he used to work at Hogtown Vegan!). They serve terrific pizza slices and have an array of punk themed cupcakes and doughnuts as well as ice cream. Funnily enough, here I met up with an Instagram follower from Seattle who invited me to spend some time out in the west coast. Apparently their vegan scene is worthwhile.

These crispy mozzarella sticks, sided with zesty marinara sauce, were a bonafide highlight. Mimicking memories, breaded coating covers ooey gooey cheesy goodness. Three sticks is simply not enough.

Porterhouse (Closed Forever)

Unfortunately, the yummy, innovative Porterhouse closed down for good over the summer. I thought I would eventually come back to try the lentil and ale pot pie or the beer battered dumplings. So this saddens me a bit. I don't mean to feel weepy at this moment, but I liked that this was a place where vegetables took full reign. There were no faux meats here. This is how I came to enjoy jackfruit, having had it for the first time. That's my sandwich above topped with house made slaw and a side of thick cut French fries.

My friend had the Yuba sandwich also topped with their signature slaw with fries and beer ketchup on the side. Yuba (something I had never heard of) is the crispy skin of bean curd that is pulled apart like jackfruit.

South Indian Dosa Mahal

This trippy pink painted cash only dosa place-- street food central-- had appetizing pocket foods on the cheap. I survived on terrific samosas and flavorful spinach filled dosas.

Spinach and potato rolls were to die for.

2 for $1 chewy, bite sized mango and coconut valipan are delightful balls sweetened with maple syrup.

Vegan Mofo Day #3: Mashed Potatoes & Green Peas

Nothing like a comforting bowl of mashed potatoes and peas.

It is Day 3 of Vegan Mofo. Today's prompt asks-- what's an easy go to meal?
Well, mashed potatoes and green peas of course! Perfect, unexpected yum.
I can remember old fond days of separating these two, terrified of having the two meetup on the plate. Nowadays mixing things together seems like a natural course of fate. Since this comforting dish (always best in the warm environments such as a roaring fireplace or under a soft, flannel blanket), lacks vegan butter or olive oil, most wouldn't consider oil free a guilty pleasure. Yet thanks to almond milk giving creamier almost purely whipped appeal. Green peas offer a firm, pliant escape from thick, luscious potatoes.
All in all, it's far too easy to fall prey to a huge bowl of mashed potatoes and green peas.

Mashed Potatoes & Green Peas Ingredients and Preparation

3 white potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup green peas, cooked
2 tablespoon almond milk
1/2 small white onion, chopped (or 2 teaspoon onion powder)
2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon minced garlic
pinch of turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Bring potatoes to a boil.
Mash and mash and mash til heart's content.
Mix in green peas, almond milk, onion, nutritional yeast, garlic, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.

Creamy rich classic without all the extra unnecessary filler.

Ultimate comfort.

Vegan Mofo Day #2: Pumpkin Tofu With Sauteed Spinach & Lentils

Sauteed spinach and lentils are topped with an incredible pumpkin creamed tofu.

Sharing is caring for Vegan Mofo Day 2.
One endearing past time since becoming vegan is cooking with other people in mind, desserts especially like these Killer Peanut Butter Walnut Brownies put together for a surprise party. Often, creative streak comes alive when ingredients are running low and the next grocery store run is just around the corner. When searching refrigerator and cabinets, the strangest ingredients put themselves in the spotlight, challenging kitchen artistry. In the midst of that, I'm wondering if my family and friends love inventive combinations. It makes me smile witnessing them requesting seconds, thirds, and extra for the road.
Now I consider canned vegetables quite perplexing. Usually, I'm all in for frozen or produce freshness. On a budget, however, canned spinach seemed a plausible idea. In fact, I haven't consumed Popeye's favorite way of eating green leaves in ages. Still, I had it on hand and curiously wanted to try. The difference is that canned spinach is more watery and dense.  
I drained excess spinach water, warmed spinach, and added hearty lentils (yes, also from a can) and curried pumpkin tofu. Simple, balanced meal to split along company. 

Curried Pumpkin Tofu With Sauteed Spinach & Lentils Ingredients and Preparation

1 small white onion, chopped
2 tablespoon water
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1 tablespoon Bee Free Honee
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 8oz tofu block, chopped and cubed
1 cup lentils

Set a skillet to medium high heat and add onions and water.
Mix pumpkin, curry powder, honee, salt, and black pepper together.
Pour over tofu and stir well.
Add curry pumpkin tofu to skillet. Cover with a lid. Stir every 5 minutes. Cook time is about 15 minutes.
In a separate pot, combine spinach and lentils together. Warm up for 7-9 minutes.
Top curried pumpkin tofu on spinach and lentils mixture.
Serve. Exceptional with pita bread or homemade naan. 

Vegan Mofo Day #1: Pumpkin Walnut Bread

Ain't nothing like kicking November off with a delicious bang.

Happy World Vegan Day, my fellow readers and friends! I appreciate every last supportive vegan/vegan curious being that I've met via in person and/or online. Together we have a beautiful, strong presence making a wondrous impact on Mother Earth itself, especially beloved sentient animals and precious environment. Let's continue to grow, prosper, and spread wealthy knowledge.

As for the start of a new month, I'm participating in Vegan Mofo in unofficial capacity (didn't register in time) and utilizing the prompts. This first day is about my favorite food-- good ole fashioned pumpkin bread. Tis the season after all. I cannot get enough. Who can? Pumpkin bread is downright irresistible.
The blog's fifth shared version of tantalizing autumn pleasure is oil free, relying heavily on the natural moisture a whole small can of pure pumpkin puree can provide. Rich and spicy, thick slabs taste straight from heaven's gates.

Vegan Pumpkin Walnut Bread Ingredients and Preparation

1 1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
1/4 cup almond milk
2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup walnuts, crushed

Grease a bread loaf pan and preheat oven to 450 degrees.
In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar together.
Separately, whisk pumpkin puree, almond milk, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
Combine dry ingredients with wet. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Lastly, add in walnuts.
Pour into the bread loaf pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes.

Cool bread before slicing. Admire walnuts breaking out of soft, warm bread.

One slice. Two slice.

Sweeter than an over frosted cake, pumpkin bread satisfies anyone's craving indulgence.

A Good Night's Sleep: The Latest Exhibit at Colored Girls Museum

In the heart of Philadelphia's Germantown District is a beautiful, warm environment to heal wounds and reflect on history.

Rest but don't forget to weep.
The Colored Girls Museum contains harrowing levels of metaphoric entryways into once traumatized eyes of the black girl. This provincial ghost overcame dishonorable past. Oppressive chains and tyrannical rulers whipped flesh off back and placed choke hold on her mind, body, and soul. Now released yet not entirely freed from damaged control, she tells many stories inherently stretched through visiting artists. Their works adhere to her walls, sleep on her mantles, stand on her floors.

Porch canopy bed scene whispers an invitation to slip between white sheets and dream the dream of peace and solitude on a cool moonlit evening.

First floor salon features Michael Clemmons' Four Girls in Birmingham. The first two are Cynthia Wesley (April 30, 1949-September 15, 1963) and Carole Robertson (April 24, 1949-September 15,1963). These porcelain sculptures are also comprised of oxides, wood, paper, photo transfers, and acrylic. Created in 2007.

Addie Mae Collins (April 18, 1949- September 15, 1963) and Denise Menair (November 17, 1951- September 15, 1963).

Latest exhibit, “A Good Night's Sleep,” soothes 400 year tired bones. Various range of mediums sates ravenous appetite for truths that were stolen blind. No longer robbed and aware that collected riches existed, this vibrant spirit shares indulgent histories for all ages. From here, viewers take apart spirited ancestor's storytelling rooms. They follow in her ghostly footsteps, apprehensively turning corners, down the creaky spiraled rabbit hole stairs are murals and woven fabrics.
First, rickety porch contains an inviting twin sized canopy bed, a see through blissful fortress of puffed white pillows and tucked white sheets. For exhausted souls, such a sight purely seduces, its intentions to beguile eyes into succumbing to relaxing mediation.

Unknown artist. The woodburn is excellently rendered portrait with wood chips inventing a convincing cloth.

Lovely artist Initstar Hamilton in the turquoise and gold kitchen she painted entitled "River Bed."

Trees and grass swirl around cabinets and countertops in a mesmerizing ode to the spectacular world Mother Nature provides to those who seek solace.

Endless swirling possibilities mirror our innermost desires to experience joy and magic.

Inside the stove, however, Initstar keeps her stashed art supplies.

An elegant brown woman doll seems to dance in the center, a gracious hostess that beckons revelers to wander into Betty Leacraft's curated "The Dream Space."This includes poets: Pheralyn Dove and Bea Joyner, fiber artists: Linda Black and Leacraft herself, and quilters: Asake Jones and Dindga McCannon. Plus Jihan Thomas and M. Nzadi Keita.

Pieced fiber optic quilt by Dindga McCannon tells a story of various women draped in glittery clothes and regal headscarves against a patterned blue backdrop and sunny jagged border.

Stitched lettering closeup from McCannon's quilt. Impressive detail.

Unique arrangement juxtaposed mixed patterns and images together, forming a message infused curtain.

Adored Africa Rising fabric.

"The Colored Girls Washroom," curated by Janet McDonald and Suzanne Burgess, contained a plethora of positive messages on the walls, the mirrors, the shower curtain....

Bathroom selfie.

Throughout the museum are various piles of stacked books. Topics range from black artists to black authors to children's literature.

At the top of spiraled stairs, a painted kitchenette more magical than the swirling paintbrush imaginings of Vincent Van Gogh, a bathroom with posted positive self-help quotes. In next room, an impressive library of books ranging from John Steptoe's Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters to Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow travel from impressive library shelves to mind as a couple discusses black female nudity wrapped in a flag-- an extraordinary flag made with synthetic hair and cotton, created as the artist watched Alex Haley's Roots. 

Tasha Douge created this American Flag by braiding together synthetic hair (bought from Asian hair stores) and strategically placing cotton whilst watching Alex Haley's "The Roots." Certain areas of this flag showcase extreme tightening due to the film's horrific scenes. This in turn caused Douge to integrate frustration into her artistic procession.

 

As a part of a brilliant collaboration, Jessica and Oliver Tingling of Boogie Down Spring Productions took Douge's flag and photographed it alongside various models. This woman, who is bare with synthetic braids atop her head, wraps herself in the metaphor.

Model travels with the American Flag.

On second level, inside bedroom of beautiful black yarn dolls and vanity mirrors, while Nina Simone's deep bellows an onslaught of blistered, gut-wrenching jazz out of ancient jukebox, Barbara Bullock's painted portraits of commending black women add glow to warm earth hues.

Another Michael Clemmons work. This porcelain is in the muted second floor big bedroom, part of "Every Shut Eye Ain't Sleep" curated by Clemmons and Vashti Dubois.

Propped either on beds or vanity tables, Lorrie Payne's enchanted dolls (some faceless) with cornrowed yarn for hair, are dressed in lengthy ethnic fabric dresses and fat dangling beads while radiantly reflected by warm, incandescent glow.

The Colored Boys Room, curated by Clemmons and Betsey Casanas featured work from Casanas, Sheena Garcia, The Black Boy Project, Olivia Nelson Haynes, and Torian Love.

Lastly, a special presentation called The Colored Boys room features poignant portraits of black youth forever trapped in pigeonholed society. Made up of powerful stamina, a video plays of middle schoolers discussing race, identity, and growing up in America.

Clip from Olivia Nelson Haynes' video, "The Black Boy Project" has interviews by middle and high school age boys discussing unique circumstances and dangerous perceptions while growing up black in America.

"My Brother's Keeper III," Sheena Garcia, digital photograph on fabric, 30" x 24," 2015.

Book Loves Part II.

Another Book Lovers Paradox: The Sequel.

Overall, The Colored Girls Museum is rich in fascinating tales to spread down generation to generation like glittered heirlooms a mother can pass to her daughter (or son)-- intelligent, open-ended thoughts of a liberated, enchanted world.

Why?

Andrea Bree Glasper Crawford: March 13, 1993- September 26, 2016.

A few weeks ago, my younger sister died. She was only 23 years-old.
I just found out yesterday.
I wasn't there. I wasn't there when she needed me to be.
Brooding on death is difficult and not knowing the whys is partly the problem.
Why it happened? Why now? Why her? Why?
Emotional weight of loss has broken eye capillaries, broken spirits. Crying has been a nonstop rain colliding down cheekbones. Sadness is rolling thunder of ruptured thoughts, loudly blasting within. Grief is an intense agony that no Band Aid can stop and smother. It stays unwavering in its intent to linger forever in the moment, excruciating pain enveloping mind and body.
Last month, she protested in Charlotte over the police shooting death of Keith Lamont Scott. Facebook has an indicator status that protesters can switch on to inform family and friends that theyw safe and alive. That was a sigh of relief mixed with being proud of her then.
Now is pure chaos.
I reflect on our phone conversations, which sometimes reached two- three hours. Funnily enough, we had much in common despite not growing up together. Our voices were similar-- bright and chipper. We loved the arts. We appreciated the natural hair movement.
She liked cooking, performing arts, and kids. She was an infant teacher. She just started college at DeVry University. She had only been married two years.  
Unfortunately, we hadn't had a phone conversation in a long time, primarily communicating via social media. Her last message, which Facebook has deleted, was to bring her something back from Paris and take lots of photos.
It's my fault. I know that much. I should have reached out more.
And now I'll miss completing true sisterly bond:

I'll never get to meet her.
I'll never get to say "I love you" to her in person.
I'll never get to touch her hand.
I'll never get to hug her.
I'll never get to kiss her cheek.
I'll never get to cook her a meal.
I'll never get to slather homemade facial mask over her face.
I'll never get to see movies with her.
I'll never get to brush her hair.
I'll never get to take her picture.

Rest in peace, Andrea. Tell Grandmother Elizabeth that I love and miss her as much as I love and miss you.