Foodie Friday: Blossoming Lotus

Blossoming Lotus serves organic, freshly made, locally grown, healthy, Vegan fusion cuisine with many gluten free options and was suggested by every person that I asked as the perfect location for brunch. Sunday brunch is always my favorite, there is something lazy and relaxing about Sunday's that makes getting brunch my favorite meal of the week.





Jen got the Southwest Scramble: tofu scramble with a spicy black bean chili, avocado ranch sauce and creamy roasted butternut hollandaise sauce, topped with scallions and cilantro with steamed kale, house made potatoes and a side of maple seitan sausage.



I got the Scramble Special: tofu scramble in a creamy cashew sauce with roasted peppers, artichoke hearts, herb roasted portobello mushrooms with steamed kale, house made potatoes and a side of maple seitan sausage.



I would absolutely go back for lunch AND dinner the next time I visit Portland.


Location: 1713 NE 15th Portland, Oregon 97212
Neighborhood: Irvington

salt city/portland: part 1

Sorry I've been a bit MIA. I returned home last night after a long and much needed trip home to Salt Lake and a mini trip inside that vacation to Portland/Vancouver. I didn't intend on being away for so long, but it was nice to unplug and enjoy some time with friends and family.

I'm not even going to attempt to fit my entire vacation in one post, so the my next few posts will be sort of a photo dump (Salt Lake > Portland > Salt Lake) with some stories along the way!


Thursday: This little lady never approves of my departure.




Between the airport and my opa's work, my moms car broke down and this happened.

So there is this store called the NPS that my opa is particularly obsessed with and EVERYTHING is on sale. They carry damaged items or items that don't sell well; everything from clothing to electronics to an entire warehouse of food.


Anyone else remember these juice barrels?!


That's not creepy?


Toilet paper anyone?


Of course if you can get 5lbs of fresh tomatoes for under $1, homemade salsa is in order.


...and opa makes his infamous homemade tortillas weekly.


Dinner with Tiffany at my favorite sushi restaurant, Tsunami!




Haaaaaaaaaaalt! Saw this as we were leaving, obvious photo opportunity.


I FaceTime with my cat, don't judge me.


Friday: slice of Great Harvest cinnaburst and soy mocha


...with Nick Party.




Chill out bb girl.


and finally Meditrina with my mama. The baseball game was going on across the street so the wait was atrocious, but worth it in the end--love this place!


Basilico and patatas bravas. Not pictured: grilled granny smith arugula salad, parmesan bruleed artichoke and curry lime prawns.


Bruleed bananas with nutella mousse. (better photos from another visit to Meditrina here)



See you tomorrow for Foodie Friday, in Portland!

Foodie Friday: Jyoti Bihanga

Jyoti Bihanga always kind of terrified me because when you walk in the servers look like hippies that dress in robes and worship this one dude who's pictures are everywhere and a video of him playing on repeat. But everyone and their dog in San Diego raves about this place (and their "neatloaf") that specializes in vegan/vegetarian cuisine.

I never was a fan of Jyoti's... for dinner. But after Jon dragged me here twice for Sunday brunch buffet (which they are only sporadically open for), I've since changed my mind. Me, the hater of buffets, gave it a shot and I actually really loved the food options for brunch: tofu scramble with veggies, biscuits, potatoes, an awesome mushroom gravy/sauce, beans, rice, tortillas, fresh fruit, french toast, pancakes and apple cake... to name a few.

Although it will never be a regular like Sage's Cafe once was, I would definitely suggest their Sunday brunch!





I even got this nifty little button from a new friend that all the greedy coffee fiends I serve all day can see on my apron!



Location: 3351 Adams Ave San Diego, California 92116
Neighborhood: Normal Heights

link love v.9

I can't believe I've never seen this Sony commercial; I loved the version of Heartbeats and what an incredible thing to witness in San Francisco.

It's funny that I don't like cucumbers, but i love pickles. This recipe for pickling cucumbers looks too good to pass up.

Watch at your own risk, this proposal is a tearjerker. Admittedly, I cried during almost all 7 minutes of it.

Lunches are usually packed up in a tupperware dish and baggy around here, but I think it's time to invest in one (or maybe one of each color) of these cute/handy/awesome bento lunch boxes by Goodbyn!

These vegan pink lemon cupcakes are too adorable and perfect for summer!

This kitty mama hugging her baby is too adorable.

I think I'm obsessed with Beca's wooden glasses and sunglasses, I've yet to buy a pair because I can't make up my mind of which pair I want!

a wild tonic print winner

Congratulations, Juliana on winning your travel print! Juliana, Lauren will be contacting you shortly for your shipping information.


If you didn't win or you would like to order something snazzy from a wild tonic vintage, use the coupon code: MYARTICHOKE at checkout and get 25% off your next order!

Soyaki Tofu and Rice

I crave teriyaki bowls a lot and I've found that it's not so easy to find them while out and about, especially without meat. It gets expensive paying for just rice and veggies since I'm not particularly a fan of most tofu. Alas I found an organic baked tofu at Trader Joe's that I actually like love that pairs excellently with their Soyaki sauce. Now I can curb this craving whenever at home and I can do it at half the price of going out!

What you will need:

bottle of Soyaki or any teriyaki sauce
white, brown or jasmine rice (quinoa even!)
veggies if it strikes your fancy
tofu of your choice



Directions:

1. Cut your tofu into bite size pieces



2. Throw tofu into a skillet over medium heat with a little oil



3. When the tofu starts to brown, pour in your teriyaki sauce and let simmer



4. While simmering, I cook my rice in the microwave (these boxes of rice really do taste as good as the freshly made stuff)

5. Put rice on a plate or bowl and pour tofu and sauce over the top!