East Meets West Veg

I have no idea why it has taken me so long to try The Cupcake Station! Now that I have, I can't stop thinking about their rich, moist, and delicious vegan cupcakes. At The Cupcake Station, cupcakes are their business. They know what they're doing and it shows. This is not one of those cases where you're just grateful to find a vegan cupcake; you're getting a delicious vegan cupcake. They are definitely among the best vegan cupcakes you can get in Metro Detroit.

Be aware, however, that most of their cupcakes are not vegan. On my visits, they've had a vabulous vegan chocolate and vabulous vegan vanilla cupcake. Both were fabulous, but the vanilla was my favorite. They will do special orders of cupcakes or cakes for parties and the like. For these special orders, you have additional flavor choices as they can do vegan versions of most of their flavors. With 5 locations throughout Metro Detroit, The Cupcake Station makes it much easier to supply vegan cupcakes for your next party, get-together, or cupcake binge.

I've tried both the Rochester and Birmingham locations so far and found the cupcakes to be fabulous at both. They also have locations in Ferndale, Plymouth, and Ann Arbor. Next time you want a sweet treat, head over to The Cupcake Station!

Vabulous Vegan Vanilla Cupcake from The Cupcake Station

Update: Sadly, Heather's Restaurant is now permanently closed.

Heather's Restaurant Bay City, Michigan

Downtown Bay City

Heather's is located in Bay City, a very cute, old-fashioned small town located near the base of the Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. The downtown is less than 5 Miles from I-75, which is a major expressway many people use to go on their vacations 'up north' to mid or Northern Michigan. Bay City is only about a half hour drive from two Michigan tourist attractions - Frankenmuth, Michigan's Little Bavaria, and Birch Run, home to a large outlet mall. It also seems to be a vacation spot itself due to it's charm and the beautiful water. Finding Heather's was really a revelation for me because it's not easy to find vegetarian, and especially vegan food in Michigan, outside of the Southeast Michigan and I find myself traveling outside of the area somewhat frequently.

Heather's Exterior

Heather's Restaurant Interior

Heather's Specials Menu

Heather's always has great specials. Vegan items are noted with a V with a circle around it. Every special we've had there has always been great. With so many specials, you never get bored with the menu.

Vegan French Toast, Tofu Bacon, and Heather's House Potato

Heather's has excellent French toast and often has some kind of unique french toast on special. We once got Zucchini French Toast and it was out of this world. Another favorite from the special menu was the Tofu Bacon pictured above. It had a rich smoky flavor and meaty texture. Heather's has hash browns, but the House Potato is soooo good that we have a really hard time not getting it as our side.

Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich with Red Pepper Almond Mayo and Heather's House Potato

You can see the Homemade Red Pepper

Also worth a try are the 'Unchicken' Sandwich and the Homemade Black Bean Burger. The 'Unchicken' sandwich is a great sandwich for anyone transitioning to a plant-based diet or anyone who misses eating chicken sandwiches. It is a baked and marinated tofu fillet in crisp seasoned breading topped with tomatoes, fresh greens, and homemade mayo. The Homemade Black Bean Burger is quite delicious on it's own, but even better with the guacamole they serve it with.

Vegan Coleslaw

Seitan Pot Pie

The first time I went to Heather's, I got this Seitan Pot Pie and my mom got the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwhich. The pot pie was very yummy and the texture of the seitan was somewhat like that of the meat in a frozen pot pie. Although I enjoyed this pot pie, I preferred my mom's sandwich to my pot pie.

Special Item: Vegan Ribs, Potato Salad and Broccoli (substituted for corn on the cob)

These Vegan Ribs were on special over the summer. They were totally delicious. The sauce was fantastic and the ribs were more flavorful and better than we had anticipated. The texture was very good - firm and chewy. The potato salad was also good - a little mild for my husband - but good.

Heather's always has beautiful, delicious-looking desserts, but we're always too stuffed to eat them. I did once buy some cookies to go, and they were just as good as I had imagined. They were moist and delicious.

Fear not if you are eating out with a die-hard meat eater. Heather's has plenty of options for both omnivores and herbivores alike. The omnivores seem just as happy with their food as the herbivores. The food at Heather's is certainly more creative, fresh, and unique than anywhere else I have been outside of a big city. Aside from the decor, which is more like a cozy country restaurant, this place would fit in in a place like Ann Arbor, Royal Oak, or a big city.

Finding Heather's has seriously improved my travels around Michigan and I make it a point to stop there whenever I can. Truthfully, we sometimes make the hour and a half drive from our house just to go to Heather's. Then we plan other things around it - like stopping in Frankenmuth or Birch Run. 

Buddy's Pizza Carry-Out Location

Buddy's Tuscan Vegan Pizza

Buddy's is one of the most celebrated pizza places in the Metro Detroit area. "One of the top 25 pizza spots in the U.S." according to Food & Wine and recognized as "one of the nation's best 5 pizza places . . ." by the Food Network, Buddy's pizza has won it's share of awards and accolades. Buddy's has had a vegan cheese option for a little while now, but has recently stepped up their game by offering a signature 'Tuscan Vegan Pizza.'

Buddy's Tuscan Vegan Pizza has daiya cheese, cannellini beans, parsley, oregano and garlic on Buddy's multi-grain crust with tomato basil sauce. It's drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and served with a lemon wedge. I thought that squeezing fresh lemon juice on this pizza would not make a big difference, but boy was I wrong. Once I had a bite with fresh lemon, I could not go back. The toppings work very well together and I absolutely love that the pizza has the whole-food, plant-powered protein (and vitamins) of beans. Beans are an excellent protein source on their own, but combined with the plant-based protein power of the multi-grain crust, you get an even better proportion of the various essential amino acids that make up proteins in the human body. If you're not a fan of daiya cheese (though most vegans are), I believe that this pizza would taste great with no cheese at all.

The Tuscan Vegan Pizza may not show up on the menu, but there was a poster advertising it right on the counter at my local Buddy's Pizza, and when I inquired at other Buddy's locations, they knew what I was talking about when I mentioned the Tuscan Vegan Pizza.

One of the great things about this new offering at Buddy's is that it opens up the vegan food options for Metro Detroiters who may sometimes feel they are in a 'Vegan Food Desert' as they travel through certain neighborhoods or parts of the city. Buddy's has locations throughout the Detroit Metropolitan area and you are likely to find one within driving distance of wherever you happen to find yourself.

Buddy's Pizza is probably the most celebrated pizza in Detroit

Buddy's Pizza Tuscan Vegan Pizza with light cheese

Earth Balance Vegan Sour Cream & Onion Chips and Vegan Cheddar Chips

When I first saw these on the shelf at my local Plum Market, I almost screamed from excitement. It took everything I had not to rip into the bag of Vegan Sour Cream & Onion Chips right there in the store. Sour Cream & Onion chips were a favorite of mine when I was a child. So, as soon as I found these new Earth Balance Sour Cream & Onion Kettle Chips, I stopped my grocery shopping trip short, went home and immediately started chowing down. Oh man. The crunch. The delicate onion flavor. The sour creaminess. These chips were full of flavor. The entire bag was gone before I knew it.

They were even better than I remembered. I started wondering if this was just because I hadn't had this flavor in so long so I decided to test this hypothesis out. (Please don't mind me, I recently finished up the online Harvard / edX Science & Cooking class.) I gave these chips to a couple of friends who have had more recent experience eating non-vegan Sour Cream & Onion chips. They also liked these chips better.

I am not the best judge of cheese products so I can not give a very accurate review of the Vegan Cheddar Chips. I wanted to include a picture of both because, chances are, there is some person who will love the Earth Balance Vegan Cheddar flavor Chips just as much as I loved the Sour Cream & Onion ones. I am a person who never cared for cheese that much (gasp), but I did like sour cream & cheddar chips so I like to take bites of these two new Earth Balance chips together and try to recreate my lost love.

I have been searching around the Metro Detroit area for these chips, but have only found them at Plum Market. Please comment if you know a place to buy these chips, wherever you are!

Note: I did not receive any compensation or even free products from Earth Balance for this post.

Gardein Mandarin Orange Crispy Chick'n with Red Pepper and Broccoli over Brown Rice

If you miss ordering chicken dishes at Chinese restaurants, then Gardein Mandarin Orange Crispy Chik'n might be just the thing for you. It really resembles the meat you get in Chinese restaurants - you know the meat that people sometimes complain 'isn't real?' Actually the first time I had Gardein Mandarin Orange Crispy Chick'n, it kind of creeped me out because it reminded me of the chicken from Chinese restaurants. Not to worry though, this Vegan Chicken is certified vegan so you know that there aren't any pesky hidden non-vegan ingredients in there!

One serving (1/3 bag) of crispy chick'n & sauce has 17 g protein, 20 % RDA iron, 4 % calcium, 0 g saturated fat and 165 calories.

Look at that steam! Mmm mmm!

This really is easy to make. First you have to put the sauce packet in a small bowl or cup of warm water to let it thaw while you are cooking the chik'n and veggies. Then just saute the frozen chik'n for a few minutes until golden and crispy. Remove the chik'n from the pan and saute the veggies for a few minutes. Then add back in the chik'n and the sauce. Voila!

This would be a great quick weeknight dinner if you put rice in your rice cooker and set it ahead of time to be done when you get home from work. Of course, you could always pick up some rice from your local Chinese restaurant. It's usually pretty cheap to just buy rice.

Tasty, Fast & Easy Dinner, Much Healthier & Cheaper than Take-out

Located in a super cute and hip part of Dublin, within walking distance of Trinity College, Cornucopia has a cool and laid-back vibe. The neighborhood was picture perfect!

On our way to Cornucopia

Cornucopia Wholefood & Vegetarian Restaurant Dublin, Ireland

Near Cornucopia Dublin, Ireland

Although Cornucopia is a casual dining restaurant, it has a homey feel. In fact, I did not feel like leaving. It felt like I was hanging out in the house of a friend who was an excellent and health-conscious cook.

The menu changes on a regular basis. Vegan and Gluten-Free items are clearly marked and, if you're not sure about something, you can ask the staff. They are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Knowing that I probably would not have another opportunity to eat at Cornucopia any time soon, I asked the staff for suggestions of what to get and I was not disappointed.

I have read other reviews of Cornucopia and some people complained that the restaurant is too popular and there is a long line and / or they found it difficult to find a seat. We were there just after the lunch time rush and had no trouble at all finding a seat and no line to wait in.

Cauliflower, Fennel and Puy Lentil Pie with Dill and Chervil Mash, Tomato and Rocket Salad, and Garlic Potatoes with Roasted Hazelnuts

You order at a sort of cafeteria counter, choosing your main dish from their specials of the day and two fresh salads. We had a delicious, hearty Shepherd's-Pie-like item called the Cauliflower, Fennel and Puy Lentil Pie with Dill and Chervil Mash. The Garlic Potatoes with Roasted Hazelnuts were mouthwatering and satisfied my craving for vegan potato salad. The Tomato and Rocket Salad (Rocket = Arugula for the Americans) was only ordered because I thought I needed some greens, not because I thought it would be particularly amazing, but it really was very tasty and I found myself craving it the next day. The olives and dressing gave the fresh veggies a burst of flavor.
After a few nights of dinners in hotels that did not quite know what to serve vegans (they tried their best and I am extremely grateful for that), getting this hearty, healthy, tasty food felt like such a treat.

Vegan Scone and Jam

Tea and Scone for Breakfast

I felt so good after eating this healthy food that I was literally running down the street, grinning from ear to ear.

Everyone's crazy about Chocolate this time of the year so I thought I'd share a few of my favorite (Chocolate) things.

Justin's Organic Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

So Delicious Coconut Almond Minis Bars

I think I went through a period of my life where I was addicted to these things. And I might have even passed that on to my parents (not vegans). Every time I went over their house, I would buy these and we'd all eat them together. Sometimes more than one box was necessary at a time.

These cute little pops have it all - crunch from the almonds and the hard chocolate shell, creaminess from the coconut milk ice cream inside, and the decadence of chocolate. When you put them all into one amazing bite after another, it's easy to see why I was addicted. If you are new to non-dairy desserts or even if you are a dairy lover, try these out. They're not kidding when they say So Delicious!

Wondering if they're gluten free? Kosher? Non-GMO project verified? Certified Vegan? Yes, yes, yes and yes!

Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss Chocolate Walnut Brownie

Endangered Species Vegan Chocolate Bar with Cranberries & Almonds

Larabar Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

Delicious Plant Based Soul Food Restaurant nestled in a strip mall in Northwest Southfield.

Cute sign on the sidewalk out front

Clean, bright and colorful inside.

Vegan Cajun Cutlet and Pinto Beans

Vegan BBQ Style Boneless Breast and Garlic String Beans

We kind of went crazy ordering (almost) everything our first trip.

Near East Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil Couscous

Near East Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil Couscous is one of those "accidentally vegan" products. It seems to be available in just about all of the grocery stores around here. I bought it because it says "cooks in 5 minutes" and that's about all the time I had. Not only does it cook in 5 minutes, but it is very easy to make.

To make it, you only need to combine the couscous and spice packet with boiling water and olive oil (not actually required), wait for 5 minutes, and it's ready to eat. The directions tell you to combine it in a saucepan on the stove, but this time I just boiled the water in my teakettle and poured it over everything because I needed a hot cup of tea anyway and I thought I'd save energy this way. It turns out delicious both ways. You can also cook this couscous in the microwave, which makes it great for cooking in a hotel room (if you have a bowl) or in a dorm room.

One of my favorite things about this product is that it doesn't have a lot of unnecessary packaging and it doesn't have any plastic bags! Lately I have become really aware of packaging and I've been trying to reduce my environmental impact. I do realize that going vegan is the biggest thing you can do to lessen your environmental impact, but there is still a lot I can do. Knowing that there is so much plastic in the ocean makes me sick and I find myself picturing those bird skeletons with undigested plastic pieces in their stomachs when I look at unrecyclable plastic.

My husband will eat couscous, but it's definitely not his favorite thing (which is really surprising to me because he could live on wheat alone). He said this was "really good" which means a lot coming from someone who likes his grains to be jazzed up with vegetables and Indian spices (unless they come in the form of bread.)

I do realize that couscous only takes 5 minutes to cook and you could add your own seasonings, but I thought I'd give this one a try and I am glad I did. You can't chop onion and garlic and roast the garlic in 5 minutes anyway. The Near East Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil Couscous has the convenience most people want nowadays without a giant list of unrecognizable ingredients and a ton of unnecessary plastic bags.

This product makes a great side dish, snack, small meal, stuffing for a squash or vegetable. It's also good with some added ingredients like vegetables, legumes or nuts.  It is totally something I would pack for travel, especially travel to those not-so-vegan-friendly places in Middle America. You could even use the coffee maker to get boiling water if you are staying at a hotel room that didn't have a microwave.

Vegan MoFo may be over, but we'll continue the tradition of the occasional Freaky Friday guest post. This week we get to hear from my friend Amy. Amy and I may have similar taste in food, but we live very different lifestyles. Amy is barely ever home and doesn't get a chance to do much cooking. I thought she could give a totally different perspective than me and, who knew she was such a genius at writing!? I feel like eating everything on this list RIGHT NOW! Without further ado, here's Amy's guest post.

Amy (okay, okay, it's Amy's travel companion, Gracie)

Like many of you, I'm on the go a lot. I usually have a small cooler in my trunk with goodies to munch on throughout the day. Trader Joe's is one of my favorite places to go to find tasty and affordable treats. Here's my top 10 nutritious and delicious finds at Trader Joe's.......:)

1. Trader Joe's Country Pumpkin Spice Granola Cereal
This is one of the seasonal items that the store puts out every fall. It's a great way to wake your taste buds up on those crisp autumn mornings. I like to enjoy this with a cup of cold, unsweetened almond milk. It also makes an energizing and filling snack to nibble on throughout the day.

Trader Joe's Country Pumpkin Spice Granola

2. Trader Joe's Quinoa & Steel Cut Oatmeal
There's nothing like starting your day with a bowl of warm, wholesome oatmeal. Quinoa adds its own unique nutrients, texture and flavor to this breakfast favorite. The brown sugar and maple syrup adds just a touch of sweetness for the perfect morning pick me up.

Trader Joe's Quinoa & Steel Cut Oatmeal

3. Trader Joe's Cultured Coconut Milk
I like to call these yummy little cups of heaven. Each spoonful is creamy, melt in your mouth delicious. I'm partial to the blueberry, but it also comes in vanilla. The healthy probiotics and great taste will make both your tummy and your taste buds smile :).

Trader Joe's Cultured Coconut Milk

4. Trader Joe's Vegetable Masala Burger
These burgers are easy to make on the grill or in the oven. My favorite thing about them is that they can be eaten many different ways. You can go the traditional route and try it on a bun with your favorite condiments. You can also cut them up and eat them with a side of brown or basmati rice. My favorite way is to cut them up and put them in a pita pocket with diced tomatoes and lettuce. This item takes a classic lunch time fav and kicks it up a notch.

Trader Joe's Vegetable Masala Burger

5. Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Fries
I don't know anyone who doesn't love fries. You can think of these as the sweet sister from another mister, of the regular fries we all know and love. They are delectable and loaded with vitamin A. Instead of heading to your local drive-thru, you could just pick up a bag of these and put them in the oven. Crispy on the outside, warm and soft on the inside. Enjoy them with your favorite condiment or all on their own.

Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Frites

6. Trader Joe's Roasted Coconut Chips
Warning: These are extremely addictive. If you're a coconut fiend like me, then these crunchy little treats are sure to satisfy! They can be sprinkled over a salad, dessert, or eaten right out of the bag. Just be sure not to get too close to my bag....(just kidding :)).

Trader Joe's Roasted Coconut Chips

7. Trader Joe's Kale Chips
I love singing the praises of Kale! Trader Joe's really hit the mark with this scrumptious snack. It's chock full of nutrients and TASTE! The combination of spices is nothing short of pure za za zoo.....:)

Trader Joe's Kale Chips

8. Trader Joe's Thai Vegetable Kao Soi
This is the kind of dish that I love coming home to on a cold Michigan evening. The noodles and veggies have just the right balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Crispy noodles are included for that extra bit of crunchy goodness. It can be eaten by itself, with some brown or basmati rice or with your favorite kind of bread on the side. It will leave you feeling warm, satisfied and ready for a night filled with sweet dreams....:)

Trader Joe's Thai Vegetable Kao Soi

9. Trader Joe's Indian Fare Punjab Choley
This is a tasty and inexpensive item to have on hand in your pantry. It can be warmed in the microwave and eaten as is or with your favorite rice and/or bread. It'll make a hearty and flavorful addition to any lunch or dinner menu.

Trader Joe's Indian Fare Punjab Choley

10. Trader Joe's Superfood Pilaf
This is a great item for the lunchbox or for part of a family meal at home. Quinoa, sweet potatoes, and kale that can be microwaved and ready in a few minutes.....SCORE :)! I think this has just the right amount of spices as is, but it can be doctored up with additional spices and veggies to fit almost any palate.

Trader Joe's Superfood Pilaf - Front

Trader Joe's Superfood Pilaf - Ingredients