Saturday, October 10, 2015

Restaurant Review: 3G Vegetarian Restaurant, in Vancouver...















When we went home to visit my family last September we took the opportunity to try some new (To us) restaurants, as well as to re-visit old favorites. 3G is a place I've actually wanted to go for quite some time, but I never seemed to make it there on previous trips home. I either never had time, or it was too out of the way. This trip however we made an effort to go, and it was near something else we were doing. Technically, we were suppose to be going out to eat with some family later in the day, but we couldn't help ourselves from sneaking in an extra meal, and I'm so glad we did.

When we arrived it was early, maybe a bit before noon or so. The place was empty except for us, which I liked because it was peaceful. The staff was super nice, friendly and helpful. Very welcoming and they really seemed to appreciate our patronage which I always find nice, because it makes me even happier to be there!















The menu is extensive, and so we found it really hard to choose what to eat, but the main reason I wanted to eat at 3G was because it's a Dim Sum restaurant. Now, if you're from Vancouver you know Dim Sum is a big deal, it's everywhere in the city (like Sushi) but it's rare to find a place that has vegan Dim Sum. 3G SPECIALIZES in Dim Sum, and that makes it amazing!

Unfortunately since it was way back in September I don't remember all what we ordered, but needless to say we ordered a lot of dumplings. Veggie Dumplings, vegan Chicken Dumplings, vegan Shrimp Dumplings. You name it, we got it. We ordered Sesame Balls (one of my favorites) and Some Shanghai Noodles for good measure. We also ordered a mixed vegan seafood dish in sweet and sour sauce which was also quite good.














All in all the food was excellent, the service was great, and the price was reasonable for how much food we got and how full we were when we left. I seriously recommend this place, If you're in Van and you love Asian food, and particularly Dim Sum, check it out!

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Restaurant Review: Cartems Donuterie, In Vancouver...

















So, once I heard that there was a donut shop in Vancouver selling vegan Earl Grey donuts I knew I had to check it out. In fact when we were in Vancouver last September visiting family that was the very first place we went the morning of our arrival.


Apple Pie



























The shop is in what I think is a somewhat weird location, and it seems kind of 'off the beaten path' but the inside makes up for it's lackluster exterior. The shop is warm and inviting, with sleek wooden floors, big tables, and delicious aromas. The staff were all super friendly and super nice. We ordered quite a few donuts and asked several questions and they were very patient with us.

Classic Chocolate Glaze and Earl Grey
 
 



Maple Walnut and Earl Grey




































The Donuterie is not specifically vegan. They sell omnivore donuts and gluten-free donuts as well, but what I like about them is unlike other non-vegan places they have more then just one or two options. They have an entire case devoted to vegan donuts and the flavors are both classic and creative. I mean, and Earl Grey donut! How awesome is that? They also make pretty good coffee. Though the place is a little expensive, it is totally worth it, especially if this is a 'treat yourself' experience rather then an every day one.

If you're in or around Vancouver you have to check them out! They have two locations, I went to the one on W. Pender.

Apple Fritter


















Cartems Donuterie

534 W Pender St, Vancouver

2190 Main St , Vancouver

Monday, October 5, 2015

Restaurant Review: Blue Star Donuts, Portland, Oregon....
















Blue Star Donuts is a great little place we found by accident. I was in our hotel room reading reviews of Voodoo Donuts because we were planning to go there. So many people gave it bad reviews for service, attitude, and cost, which was discouraging. However many of them recommended Blue Star Donuts as an alternative option for vegan donuts in Portland. Of course I wanted to try both places, and I am so glad we did.
















Blue Star is a Gem. The donuts are soft on the inside, crisp on the outside. They're creative, delicious, sweet but not too sweet, and just perfect in every way. The two times we went they only had 3 vegan flavors, but that was enough for us. They had a classic powdered sugar donut, one with blueberry glaze, and another that was Olive Oil Orange. All three were fantastic but I think the blueberry one was my fave. Personally I did enjoy Blue Star more then Voodoo, and the service was better and friendlier.

My one recommendation is that if you go, and you should, you go early in the morning because by afternoon you'll definitely need to wait in line.

















Blue Star Donut Locations

 
1237 SW Washington St
(503) 265-8410
Open until 7:00 PM
Portland, Oregon
 
921 NW 23rd Ave
(503) 265-8659
Open until 8:00 PM
 
3753 N Mississippi Ave
(971) 254-4575
Open until 8:00 PM
 
3549 SE Hawthorne Blvd
(503) 477-9635
Open until 8:00 PM