I tend to stick up for our little town, even if we can't get a whole lot of good vegan food. Or any really. The fact is that I've scoped out the places that have vegan options and am okay with making most of my food at home, but I have to admit that the lack of vegan desserts is a huge bummer. Sure, there's a good cookie here and there, but every once in a while, a girl craves a decadent slice of chocolate cake or cheesecake. And on those rare craving days, I am sadly reminded that SLO is simply not the place for vegan indulgence.
"But there are vegan cake options!", (you're saying as you read), and yes, there are, but no, they're not anything special. In fact, the vegan cakes I have tasted (besides Eclair--see frosting post) are any combination of: dry, dense, DRY, crappy...you get the idea. Again, I must glorify the dearies at ECLAIR, for making my heart sing upon first taste of their fabulous peanut butter cream frosting. But all those other posers (I won't name names, but I think you know) can eat dirt. Or maybe just try that cake instead.
So perhaps this is a call to arms for all those vegan bakers out there who are up to the challenge of testing the SLOdown's tastebuds--it would be pretty badass to host a bomb bake sale to show people exactly how fierce and sweet vegan life can be! Are you with me?
Anybody??
I hear you about this town lacking good vegan desserts! That's why I was so excited to discover Sweet Earth Chocolates. They are on Monterey St. and have a wonderful display case of chocolates, many of them vegan. They also can make vegan hot chocolate and vegan milkshakes. But best of all, they offer a chocolatey dessert that changes each week, and sometimes it is vegan!
ReplyDeleteLast week, it was an AMAZING double chocolate brownie, topped with fresh berries, drizzled with chocolate sauce, and served with Coconut Bliss ice cream and non-dairy whip cream. And best of all it was 100% vegan (and gluten-free). It was so popular that they actually continued to offer it for the past three weeks. I am excited to report that this week they are offering another vegan dessert! It is a chocolate pie topped with fresh stawberries, served with chocolate Coconut Bliss ice cream. The crust is made with walnuts and dates. Husband, daughter, and I headed there this evening to try it. It is delicious! (Would even be better if they added some chocolate sauce!) (Be sure to say you want it prepared vegan, so the person behind the counter doesn't slip up and add the dairy ice cream.)
The owners are very sweet and open to providing vegan options, thus I like to support them and promote their store whenever I can. You can follow them on Twitter to keep informed of their weekly dessert option.
Very true! I used to work at Sweet Earth, actually, and I filled up on chocolate! The vegan sundae and milkshakes are great, and I love that everything is clearly marked at vegan!
ReplyDeleteGood thinking, Johanna!