Why hello, VM readers! It’s been a while! Travels and more traveling this summer (my favorite time of the year) have sadly rendered me behind in posts, but I promise that I have tons of photos and post material, ready to be set free in the very near future to make up for that absence.
First off, let’s pick up where I left off: Caffe Dei’s 1-year anniversary party. Shortly before the event started on the evening of July 1, Lisa (co-planner of the first ever Tacoma Vegan Bake Sale), our friend Crystal, and I were being interviewed outside of the cafe by a friend/reporter of the Tacoma Weekly for this article on Caffe Dei’s successful first year as well as the growing vegan community in the city. Check out the article and read my, Lisa’s, Crystal’s and Shane/Shuanna’s thoughts!
And now, here are a few snapshots from the anniversary party/mega vegan BBQ:
In addition to celebrating the birthday of a wonderful new vegetarian/vegan-friendly business to the neighborhood, this sign advertises what was (understandably) the main draw for many: burgers that were advertised as being as big as your head, in one of two types: classic or BBQ. I went with classic (I had to), but a few friends went for the BBQ and enjoyed them and their spicy kick, too. Kettle Chips rounded out the plates, that were already filled as it was. See below:
Yeah, these happened. The side view, complete with trimmings, monster bun, and…
aerial, complete with my friends’ plate of demolished burger goodness, our beers and wine, (that was my first Trippel and holy wow, was it tasty) in addition to cupcakes. Because clearly, all of this generously-portioned food wasn’t enough to sate us this Friday evening!
Staff worked hard that night and proved they can accomplish any vegan meal task they choose to take up, and I saw many individuals even opting to get some plates to go.
Patrons reveling in post-gigantic burger bliss.
And others enjoyed the warm weather and good company with burgers out-of-doors.
The event was also such a success and the burgers were so highly lauded that Caffe Dei decided to make them a more regular staple. They are now available for enjoyment on the weekends. I have to attest that they are the best vegan burgers I’ve ever had, and I’m really not a huge veggie burger fan! Get in and try one, (as well as any of their delightful iced coffee and tea beverages) soon!
A sneak peek of posts to come: Vegan Iron Chef, a summery breakfast recipe, California eats and more Tacoma Food Co-Op updating.
And now, a question: with all of this (glorious) heat finally hitting the Northwest, what are your favorite, oven-free meals to make to keep cool, as well as make use of seasonal produce?
One of my favorite oven-free meals is summer rolls. Dried ice paper wrappers can be purchased in huge packs very cheaply at Asian markets and quality grocery stores. After soaking each wrapper in cool water to soften it, you pile on veggies from your garden. I like spinach or lettuce, cilantro, bean sprouts, shredded carrot, green onion, and shredded zucchini. Then top with lime juice, hot sauce, salt, avocado, and tofu and wrap up like a burrito. They go great with tamari or peanut sauce for dipping and will keep for a day in the fridge.
Whoops, RICE paper wrappers. Not ice. LOL.
Ooh, that’s a great idea, Leah! I have yet to try making my own summer rolls, but with the weather and my garden growing like crazy, these sound amazing! And especially with peanut sauce. I can’t get enough of it and it’s so easy to make. Thanks for the great suggestion!