My First Raw Vegan Lunch:

A few weeks ago, I realized that there was a raw vegan cafe right down the street from where I used to work, and that it was there the entire time that I used to work there!

Wheatberry Cafe is a fully raw vegan restaurant, located in Longwood, Florida. I went there for lunch and got the falafel and the "Today is your day" juice. I was starving, so I was a little leery that it wouldn't fill me up at first, but it ended up keeping me full until late that evening.

The falafel was great, and it really stuck to my ribs. I can't quite remember what they made it with, but I was surprised by how much flavor the dish had. The lime, chipotle, and avocado sauce was also a nice touch. It married very nicely with the other flavors.

If you're looking for healthy power foods, you can't go wrong at this place. They even have a juice cleanse program. Considering that their juice was so delicious, I'm considering trying it. It was a little pricey, but I would spend just about the same amount of money if I tried to recreate the juices at home.

Wheatberry Cafe even has raw brownies, macaroons, and other desserts that are super healthy for you. I haven't tried the macaroons, but the brownies are rich and decadent. They really fill you up and give you a nice energy boost.

If you're ever in the Longwood area and are looking for a light and healthy lunch, I recommend heading over to Wheatberry Cafe. :)

Restaurant Review: Ethos Vegan Kitchen:

I've been wanting to try Ethos Vegan Kitchen for a long time now. Unfortunately, however, I have had trouble finding the opportunity to go. Apparently they have a killer Sunday brunch with vegan comfort food all over the place. I still have yet to make it to brunch, but I did finally get to go for dinner last week. After a long day studying for the Bar at school, my friend Sara and I figured that some vegan food and cheap beer would be perfect to lift our spirits. It sure was.

After admiring the menu, which was full of items that I could eat, I decided to go with the Sheep's Pie, a lovely combination of sauteed onions, broccoli, carrots, and peas, covered in buttery mashed potatoes and an almost-too-convincing gravy. It was delightful....but I did end up scorching my mouth a few times because I couldn't wait for it to cool down. 

Sara and I also ordered their garlic knots, and their addition of vegan Parmesan was a nice touch. The knots were great, and Ethos' great deals on craft beers makes this place even better. (I've been on a craft beer kick since Colorado). It was a real mood lifter for me, and I'm looking forward to going to brunch there very soon.

Oh...and I forgot about their dessert menu...chocolate amaretto mousse, Ethos sundae, cake, cookies, and an ice cream float. Though I was too full to move after filling up on Sheep's Pie and craft beer, I really wish that I could have gotten my hands on that ice cream sundae. I guess there's always next time. Check out their menu here. 

Out & About: Melt Bar and Grilled:

MELT BAR AND GRILLED:

 Glorified Grilled Cheese: I love it, and I could live off of this stuff. 

I met up with my brother at Melt for lunch after a meeting I had in Cleveland the other day. My cousin has been talking Melt up for over a year now. I'm just never home long enough to make it up to Cleveland. 

I'm glad that Mac and I decided to try it out. It was delicious. They have a lot of vegan and vegetarian options, and they have Daiya cheese. It's essentially a glorified grilled cheese joint, with a variety of options, from falafel to a nice long list of microbrews. 

I got the Roasted Vegetable Sandwich and added mushrooms and Daiya mozzarella cheese. I would say that the pesto on the sandwich was "to die for," but I hate that expression, so I will just tell you that it was heavenly and that I wish I had ordered one to go so that I could be eating it right now.

The zucchini, eggplant, roasted red pepper, carrots, and spinach drenched in pesto and covered in "cheese" left me smiling all day long, not to mention the fact that I was able to have lunch with one of my favorite baby brothers.

I should've gotten better pictures, but I always feel incredibly awkward while taking pictures of my food while I'm out to eat (as if I wasn't weird enough by ordering a vegan meal). Anyways, the pictures don't do the sandwich justice, but I promise you that it was delectable. The atmosphere is also very cozy and fun. If you're ever near one of Melt's Cleveland area locations, you should stop in and give it a try. Check out their website here: Melt Bar and Grilled.

Rich pesto with roasted mushrooms and Daiya Mozzarella: everything a girl could ask for in a grilled cheese.