Explorations of Portland, Oregon
New eateries, bakeries and small producers of craft products (vegan-included) come and go more frequently than most local foodies, including this Happy Cow Ambassador, can possibly keep tabs on.
This tends to happen in most big cities, but in Portland we have the added bonus of keeping up with the uniquely saturated (and convenient) world of densely designed food trucks and their pods, as well as continued growth in leading the country in veganism and it’s related businesses. Which isn’t easy.
In my year and half of returning to Portland life and my original home area, I’ve found more than I could bargain for in what’s happened, and what continues to evolve, in the local vegan scene, which has become something like its own religion here.
Animal rights are central, but what also exists here is a desire that could be called the consumeristic capital of vegan lifestyle and product, as well. I don’t say this as an insult or to belittle anything, as it’s a good philosophy to indulge in.
My role in this has been an assignment as the co-Ambassador has been to stay on top of all of this. To photograph, review, blog, review and influence in all things vegan. To keep listings updated, accessible and accurate. This has been a wonderful journey, and I surprisingly and graciously was handed the honor of being named Ambassador of the month last year, June 2016, for accumulating the most information and updates (through a calculated point system) added in that month of any cities’ representatives, worldwide. None of which feels like work, but what I enjoy doing anyway. And giving back to a site that gave me so much while traveling is fulfilling, indeed.
So here we go on the next round of localized exploration through all the mediums at my disposal and the ever attractive allure of experiential obsession and interpersonal urban explorations that have currently defined me.
-B
The Vegan Chronicles, AKA...eating the best food in the world...
There is no better food in the world than that which is vegan. I undoubtedly know how many would disagree with this, and I have spent a certain chunk of my life having lived as a glutton and connoisseur of a carnivorous, dairy filled gastronomy. I couldn't be happier to cook, film, eat, photograph, promote...alive, vegan, organic and flavorful plant-based food as God intended us to be.
Vegan Smoothies:It's What's for Breakfast (and afternoon snack...)
I'm a big believer in a God-given diet that doesn't involve killing or exploiting animals, and that we were not Created to eat animals or any of their by-products. Cow milk for example, is made for one thing-baby cows..So this leads into my main breakfast food over the last few years. Vegan smoothies. Eclectic and sometimes unusual, but flavorful and distinctive, these smoothies give me a lot to work with at the beginning of the day. I'm not much of a berries-and-bananas kind of smoothie-chef. Such a good base: Coconut milk, silken tofu, raw agave, maple syrup, among others.
Below is my first foray into showcasing my smoothies in video form, and although it was shot a few years ago, it retains much of what I still do. I have many current variations of this avocado smoothie that you'll see me blend up, and makes a good introduction to my method and process. Enjoy!
Below is my first foray into showcasing my smoothies in video form, and although it was shot a few years ago, it retains much of what I still do. I have many current variations of this avocado smoothie that you'll see me blend up, and makes a good introduction to my method and process. Enjoy!
Of Roots and Blooms
Every Sunday afternoon from 2-8pm at Culmination Brewing there is some of the most enticing food, vegan food, on the planet. Of Roots and Blooms features a different menu each week, often with comfort classics, rich and hearty; and also featuring New England-inspired fare, not a coincidence that the ownership has some roots there..
The homemade raviolis, stuffed with Miyoki Alpine nut cheese and gliding in a mushroom cream sauce, were simply one the most delectable and tasty dishes I've ever had in my life.
The Mac n Cheese, sitting atop raw spinach and topped with kale chips, was an immediate reminder of the flavors of childhood and comfort, but amped up with superior flavors, textures and a foodie-heaven-umami takeover driving past anything I had grown up with
.
This a spot not to be missed on a Sunday afternoon in PDX, but make sure you arrive early, as many items sell out before the service is finished.
The homemade raviolis, stuffed with Miyoki Alpine nut cheese and gliding in a mushroom cream sauce, were simply one the most delectable and tasty dishes I've ever had in my life.
The Mac n Cheese, sitting atop raw spinach and topped with kale chips, was an immediate reminder of the flavors of childhood and comfort, but amped up with superior flavors, textures and a foodie-heaven-umami takeover driving past anything I had grown up with
.
This a spot not to be missed on a Sunday afternoon in PDX, but make sure you arrive early, as many items sell out before the service is finished.