Category: Vegan Restaurants

Mushroom Risotto at the Horse and Plough

Mushroom Risotto from the Horse and Plough

So here I am in freezing, sleeting Wisconsin. I called ahead to the little restaurant downstairs to ask if their “hamburger and steak” pub could whip up something vegan for me. They not only said yes, but they offered to have the chef call me! I said there wouldn’t be a need for that, that I’d be happy for them to just make something, anything, that was vegan.

When we sat down the server told me that they had already started making risotto for me! Out of all things, risotto? Like I haven’t been making that enough lately. But I was still excited not to be getting a salad.

It ended up being pretty good! I had a nice black pepper zing and fresh thyme and little bits of tomato. Not bad for a pub! I’d like to think they had fun making it as opposed to me being a pain in the ass for them. Tomorrow night is the “fancy” dinner, so we’ll see what they make me. If the causal dinner was this nice, I have high hopes for the fancy one. Way to go, Horse and Plough!

Grasshopper

Appetizers from Grasshopper
Assorted Appetizers
Vermicelli Rolls, Fried Wonton, Fried Dumplin, Fried Bean Cakes, and Fried Spring Rolls (bean cakes shown)

While it’s no San Francisco or New York, Boston does have a few vegan restaurants. One of the most popular is Grasshopper in Brighton. Today Stewart and I went there for lunch with Nikki of ILoveHeeze.blogspot.com and her fiance, and Sarah from blogisthenewblog.com. Sarah had been on the red eye all night from Las Vegas with vegan donuts for Nikki and me, so we figured we’d make a get-together out of it. But more about the donuts later!

Crispy Taro Nest
Assorted Vegitables, Vegi-Chicken, Beef, Seafood
Taro Nest from Grasshopper

Kale and Mushroom Delight (I think!):
A stir-fried combination of kale, white mushrooms, tofu, and veggie-beef gluten in a tangy ginger sauce.
Sarah's Meal from Grasshopper

Stir-Fried Chow Foon Noodles with Tofu
Mario's Meal from Grasshopper

Sauteed Kale with Black Mushrooms
Nikki's Meal from Grasshopper

The No Name
Battered gluten in a sweet and sour sauce served with assorted steamed vegetables and topped with sesame seeds.
No Name from Grasshopper

Strawberry Cheesecake for dessert! Strawberry Cheesecake from Grasshopper

Everything was great, but I can specifically speak for the No Name since that’s what I ordered. It’s sweet, sour and salty all at the same time, with a delightful crunch. The portions at Grasshopper are enormous, but no one in their right mind splits a dish to ensure leftovers. I can’t wait to heat mine up for a snack later tonight!

Oh, speaking of snacks, I also have a box full of vegan donuts direct from Ronald’s in Las Vegas, courtesy of Sarah. Thanks Sarah!!

Donuts from Ronald's