Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

There are so many yummy things about fall and this healthy dish is one of many.

The crunchy yet crumbling texture of these cauliflower florets is perfection.



What you will need:

1 head of cauliflower
3 cloves of garlic
Juice from half a lemon
Olive oil
Salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°(F). Thinly slice garlic and sauté in olive oil on medium, until warm. Cut cauliflower into florets and toss onto cookie sheet. Pour garlic over cauliflower and drizzle a little extra olive oil. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and sprinkle salt & pepper to taste.

2. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned. Stir florets 20 minutes into baking for even cooking. Test with a fork for desired doneness. Fork should be able to easily pierce the cauliflower.

(I made this dish vegan, however I've heard good things about sprinkling fresh Parmesan cheese over the top once removed from oven.)

Back to Eden Bakery

As I alluded to earlier, Back to Eden is probably the most well-known spot to get vegan soft serve here in Portland. Not to mention some brilliant nut put a marshmallow at the bottom of my vegan waffle cone once, commence non-leakage (hooray)!!

They also carry baked goods, small snacks and savory pastries that aren't half bad themselves. I usually get a sundae of sorts, though their ice cream is typically too sweet for my liking (and a bit pricey), so I'm usually having a fierce craving for super sugary treats when I come here.


[oregon trail sundae]
vanilla soft serve, chocolate cream cookies, white chocolate
chips & caramel sauce instead of chocolate


vegan vanilla soft serve in a waffle cone


savory cashew cheese and asparagus tart

Location: 2217 NE Alberta Street Portland, Oregon 97211
Neighborhood: Northeast / Alberta Arts District

Petunia's

Vegan ice cream and sweet lovers unite!

Though I feel like Back To Eden Bakery is most talked about around these vegan-prominent parts, the new(ish) and growing Petunia's Pies and Pastries gives them a run for their money, no doubt. Located downtown with dreamy pastel walls, exposed brick, a fancy feel and fresh flower + candle centerpieces, I would like nothing more than to live here.

I'm not a huge sweets fan, but when it comes to ice cream, let me have at it! My last visit to Petunia's I discovered their build-your-own-sundae menu (Brûléed banana split, yes please!) and I definitely built my dream sundae...then devoured it.

1. Choose your ice cream: three scoops of vanilla coconut bliss
2. Choose your sauces: caramel
3. Choose your toppings: cookie dough and marshmallows




salted caramel cookie bar


two slices of turtle cheesecake


[via]


[via]

Petunia's also offers more than just ice cream; be sure to try one of their cookies, bars, whoopie pies, cupcakes, layer cakes, cobblers, pies, tarts, sticky buns, doughnuts, even some savory soups, sandwiches and salads, of course washing it all down with a signature cocktail, (gluten-free) beer, wine or coffee and tea.

Location: 610 SW 12th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97205
Neighborhood: Downtown

24th & Meatballs

Whoever designed this place is rad. It's perfect for what it is, from the decor to the seating and the menu... I loved it all. 24th & Meatballs is an ever so obvious meatball-focused restaurant. Everything on the mix and match menu including pasta and salads are priced under $10.

Catering to all sorts of diets, I enjoyed the list of options for your own perfect meatball creation. You've got The Classic stuffed with beef, veal, pork and basil. The Pork including chilis, cheese and spices. The Chicken parmesan and thyme (this one's gluten-free!). A special "ball of the day" that changes and The Vegan to which all I've gathered is it "contains nuts".

My go-to is The Vegan slider with hazelnut arugula pesto sauce. Tiny little guy and on top of being cute as hell to photograph, the meatball was tasty and not dry at all. The salads could use a little sprucing, not so much to write home about.

They serve $1 kool-aid which was pretty cool, but I always opt for the ginger lemonade!


[vegan slider with hazelnut pesto arugula]


[vegan slider with marinara x2]

Location: 2329 NE Glisan Street Portland, Oregon 97232
Neigborhood: Northeast / Kerns