DC Dining: Afterword Cafe

A lovely independent bookstore in DuPont Circle has an adjoined restaurant called Afterwords Cafe.

Their Veggie Curry appears to be the only vegan thing I spotted, but they have some vegetarian options (which, alas contain parmesan cheese) and everything that comes out of the kitchen is prettily plated. The curry is pretty good, not out of this world because they have to appeal to all palates, but also not over-priced.

A small serving of white rice (gotta watch those carbs anyhow) surrounded by a moat of curried carrot, peas, potato, squash, and chickpeas, then topped with a cauliflower "steak."

NYC Dining: The Cinnamon Snail

While visiting NYC for a few days, I had to go to The Cinnamon Snail at The Pennsy (mid-town Manhattan, next to Madison Square Garden).

Beastmode Burger Deluxe - "Ancho chili seitan burger grilled in maple boubon bbq sauce with jalapeno mac n cheese, arugula, smoked chili coconut bacon, and chipotle mayo on a grilled pretzel bun"

Several elements of umami. Textural contrasts. Thick, robust, and bustin' out the bun. THIS is how you do a vegan burger!!

I briefly considered eating the paper it came wrapped in, but then I regained a fraction of dignity.



Thai Basil Coconut donut -- I loved that glaze and was obligated to lick it from my fingers in publilc.

Delectable donut interior

I would have tried more of their donuts, but I'm not wealthy enough to stay in NYC for long periods. Their display during May 2016 is below.

NYC Dining: Beyond Sushi

Beyond Sushi - Too bad I don't live remotely close to NYC, as I could eat this style of light, fresh lunch every single day. The ambience was also great--very much the "tidy minimalist" in terms of decor and with classic rock playing in the background (I heard Black Sabbath, Metallica, AD/DC).



"Fun Guy" Dumplings - "Braised porcini, shiitake, portabella, baked tofu, and spinach topped with micro arugula and chili panko. Sauce: Spicy bean and shiitake truffle"

'Twas just the right amount of spicy. I wanted a whole tray of these, but eating them in small sessions is probably best for not over-doing it and making myself sick with dumpling glory.


"Mighty Mushroom" Roll - "Six-grain rice, enoki mushrooms, baked tofu, braised shiitake, and micro arugula. Sauce: Shiitake truffle"

"Chic pea" Roll - "Black rice, roasted eggplant, artichoke, and English cucumber topped with saffron chickpea pureé and parsley. Sauce: Tahini"

Up-close look at that craftsmanship.

DC Dining: Amsterdam Falafelshop

The Amsterdam Falafel Shop in DC, offering you spices in your sauces and spreads.

Delicious falafel in a (compostable) bowl, surrounded by pickled things and charred eggplant. A lot of food for not much money! Also, the falafel is actually flavorful and texturally perfect.

Perfectly crispy fries, fitted into the holder holes in the table. Make sure you get the curried ketchup!

The 14th St location's guerrilla-decorated meter box out front.