Franchia- NYC

On our weekend trip to New York, we also tried Franchia, an Asian fusion vegan restaurant. We tried the Veggie Bibimbap and "Chicken" Curry, both in a hot stone pot, and a Gluten Free Black Forest Cake for dessert.

For us the cake was the highlight, and the curry was quite good. Ambiance was great, but overall we thought it was a little over priced for similar dishes that you could find for half the price in Chinatown.

Peacefood Cafe- NYC

A weekend trip to my sister's place in New York meant visiting some of our favorite free-from joints, as well as trying some new places. We happened upon Peacefood Cafe in Union Square and will definitely be returning next time we're in town!

As an all vegan restaurant, you can rest assured whatever you order will be free from meat or dairy, but they also had a great number of gluten-free and raw options.

Clover

You know what I miss about Oregon? Food trucks. You know what I like about Boston? In the warm weather I'm starting to notice a lot of food trucks popping up. 

Today we tried Clover's Fried Eggplant and Chickpea Fritter in a bowl. Topped off with a free sampling of rosemary fries and tall glass of hibiscus tea, it made for a perfectly filling lunch.

My Thai Vegan Cafe

A funny little spot on the second floor in the heart of Chinatown, Boston, My Thai Vegan Cafe has a large menu filled with Thai and Chinese dishes.

Pad Sew with tofu and my favorite wide rice noodles

Panang curry...

It's not the best thai food, but the vast menu and coconut-milk boba tea, make it a great late-night bite. 

London Eats

It's been a while since I've last posted, and a lot has happened in our lives since. The biggest being that the Queen would not renew our UK visas, and we had to leave London. It still pains me. We've settled in Boston, and are still exploring the food scene, but I'll surely post my food adventures.

In the meantime, let me share some of our favorite free-from-friendly cheap eats in London.

Vitao, which is no longer an all you can eat buffet and has therefore lost 5 points in my book, would serve up hot tasty Indian multi-ethnic dishes with a small cozy ambiance. 

Cost: $$; Vegan Friendly: !!!; Gluten-Free Friendly: !

A small cozy joint that's equally satisfying and light.

Cost: $$; Vegan Friendly: !!!; Gluten-Free Friendly: !!

An international chain that is great on a budget, on a cold day, or just when you want some high calorie noodles. Opt for the rice noodle or veggies, and hold the egg to make it vegan & gluten free.

Cost: $; Vegan Friendly: !!!; Gluten-Free Friendly: !!!

Another chain, but some of the best falafels you'll find outside of Paris (you read that right, Paris)

Cost: $; Vegan Friendly: !!!; Gluten-Free Friendly: !!

My former place of part time employment. Extremely quick, delicious salads, hot bar, smoothies, and juices. Expert tip: Muswell Hill location has the best food, by far.

Cost: $; Vegan Friendly: !!!; Gluten-Free Friendly: !!!

Oh how I love and miss Indian Veg Buffet. When on a strict budget, you can't beat all you can eat, pretty great quality, Indian food for only £5. Exper tip: embrace the vegetarian propaganda smattering the walls, it's quite entertaining.

Cost: $; Vegan Friendly: !!; Gluten-Free Friendly: !!

Falafels- Paris

Falafels are a vegans best friend. They are quick, cheap, and a lot of non-veggies like them as well.  While a falafel sandwich is best enjoyed in its original pita form, for the gluten-intolerant, you can often ask for a falafel platter. It's basically a deconstructed falafel sandwich- all the elements laid out on the plate.

I am no expert, but I have had my share of falafels, and I can confidently say that the best I have ever tasted have been in the Marais district of Paris. Falafel houses line the streets, and all have a decent sized line running out the door. Don't let the lines deter you though, it's definitely worth the wait. 

On our recent trip to Paris, we tried three different falafels places and tried to determine once and for all which was the best.

We got take out, and therefore didn't get a platter. I just picked out the insides and let my husband finish my pita.

 

King Falafel Palace: Best toppings 

26, Rue des Rosiers

 

Mi Va Mi: First falafel I had in Paris five years ago, and still fantastic. They had the best falafel balls, bright green and soft on the inside.

27, rue des Ecouffes

Chez Hanna: Really great all around flavor.
54 Rue des Rosiers

L'As Du Falafel: Often rated the best falafel place in Paris, unfortunately it was closed when we went. So I guess I'll never know if it lived up to its hype.
34, rue des Rosiers

Bob's Kitchen- Paris

On a recent day trip to Paris, we stopped for breakfast at a cute little restaurant called Bob's Kitchen. I would definitely add this to your list of Paris eateries.

First, the staff were extremely friendly, and even accommodated us 30 minutes before they actually opened. And as a bonus, they spoke impeccable English.

I ordered a mango and avocado sushi roll, and Dan had the gluten-free buckwheat pancakes.
 

eating out- Chipotle

Chipotle is my go-to restaurant when traveling. I'm not big on chain restaurants, but Chipotle is a great option when you aren't familiar with local eateries. One thing that makes Chipotle so nice is the menu is designed to be make-it-yourself. So you eliminate the annoying, I'll order a #2 but hold the ___, ___, ___, and sub ____. You get the picture. And as a bonus, the vegetarian options come with free guacamole, so you actually leave full.

Here's my typical order.

Vegetarian salad with black beans (pinto aren't veggie); rice; grilled vegetables; corn salsa; pico de gallo; medium salsa (hold the dressing), and guacamole.

And, as a bonus-bonus Chipotle touts being eco-conscious and farmer friendly as evidenced by this cute video found on their website.