The Daily Veg - Cafe Reviews For Veggie Lovers

[fuzzy]

From the outer suburbs to the centre of the city, this blog reviews cafes that can offer great veggie food. It's just started but if you're a veggie lover (particularly vegan), please bookmark the page as it will constantly be updated with new venues as we visit them.



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[iblis.raeb]

If at all possible, please visit and review at least one Geelong (vegan catered for) restaurant.

[fuzzy]

Do you know of anywhere we should go?? We'll definitely go & try something that way as I want to visit the Geelong Botanic Gardens sometime soon.

[iblis.raeb]

Not really, there is nothing (as far as I know) that has a specific vegan option, only vegetarian. 2 Faces Restaurant at 8 Malop Street, Geelong might possibly have a vegan option but I really don't know. I would like to find a place that has nice vegan food that is not Indian or Thai however, I have only been in Geelong for 6 months and socially inept so have no one to try restaurants with, only take aways.



Fortunately, a recently opened Thai Cafe just recently right around the corner from my home has most vegetarian meals that are also vegan (well, according to the staff who had to be explained the term vegan). I have only tried one dish, the Gang Massaman (Massaman curry with coconut milk, potato, onion & cashews with vegetables and a side order of jasmine rice) a very tasty dish. I will try a stir fry for lunch today.

[fuzzy]

Thanks for the tips! I'll check them out.



Vegan friendly places are really hard to find outside the city. I've had some pretty funny encounters trying to explain what I want at some cafes. It's not that hard - just nothing made from an animal!



I'll look into it & hopefully find a vegan friendly place that's not Thai or Indian for you! There is a book that's out from Aduki that lists vegan restaurants but they're a bit light on for places outside of Melbourne so I haven't yet bought one (but will do & follow it up for you - maybe there is a cafe listed in there for Geelong!).

[iblis.raeb]

I am certainly looking forward to your investigative results and much appreciated, thanks fuzzy.



Side note: My local Thai Cafe is closed Mondays <img src='http://www.melbournechat.org/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Steamed carrots, corn and peas on a bed of basmati rice with a generous sprinkling of evaporated sea salt, white pepper and Australian cold pressed extra virgin olive oil had to do... yummy!! Funny how tastes change.

[fuzzy]

Hmmm... gosh I hope we can find something a bit more interesting for you than steamed vegies on rice!



I looked up 2faces & there is a "vegan menu available upon request". Not sure about that as usually the options end up bland & ordinary. I love my tasty food so will endeavour to find something in your area that's delicious, hearty, tasty & you don't have to educate the staff as to what you're talking about!!

[iblis.raeb]

I quite like the steamed veggies on rice... the salt, pepper and olive oil really adds flavour but not enough to over power the taste sensation combination of peas and basmati rice and is actually my favourite dish at the minute.



I did make a curry for dinner... a simple curry... slow cooked potato with Tuscan seasoning in a fry pan, then cauliflower and broccoli added... then once steamed, a high percentage (Ayam is nice) coconut milk is added with a lumpy tea spoon of curry powder (hot) and a few dollops of Rosella tomato sauce and some already steamed peas and carrots all mixed together.. then once simmering chopped pak choy is added, the leaves last. and only stirred through just like the pak choy--I like most veggies lightly cooked especially greens just as they turn that wilder bright green--and wallah a yummy and extremely healthy dinner.



Do you have a favourite vegan dish at the minute fuzzy?

[glen]

you could always go to a chinese restaurant and order a tofu based dish!!! <img src='http://www.melbournechat.org/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> you can add plenty of chilli in case that is a bit too bland for you <img src='http://www.melbournechat.org/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />



But here are a couple of places I Googled. Maybe you already know them:



Wholefoods Cafe

2 Baylie Place, Geelong VIC 3220

Organic fruit, vegetables, groceries as well as a eat-in or takeaway café with authentic curries, crunchy spring rolls and chickpea balls with dipping sauces, a range of fresh salads, juices, fair trade coffee and homemade chai. Managed by local charity Diversitat.

Ph: 03 5221 5421



The Organic Larder

167 Malop Street, Geelong

Organic fruit, vegetables and groceries



Another that might be relevant is:



The Beach House Restaurant (seems to have vegetarian dishes)

Eastern Beach Reserve Geelong Geelong, VIC

Phone: (03) 5221 8322

[fuzzy]

I googled the first two as well & was wondering if they've been visited yet??



The Beach House Restaurant sounds nice. Might be a good one to try.



Fave dish at the moment? - um, I don't have a particular favourite but last night's dinner was a simple spag bol using tvp mince, lots of tomato, grated carrot, diced mushies and a splash of lemon juice for tang (usually it has lots of red wine as well but we'd run out).



Other faves are - veggie goulash (yum), stir fry & veggie tagine with couscous.

[iblis.raeb]

Glen, I am not a fan of tofu, soy or any faux foods (or yeast). I am a regular with Chinese usually Singapore noodles or a special fried rice both veganised and both done to death in my pallet.



Wholefoods Cafe looks like a great place for a meal. Pretty sure I have been to The Organic Larder, a health food store, bought carob biscuits.. yuck!! such a horrible after taste.



fuzzy, stir fry & veggie tagine with couscous sounds delicious.

[jennycollins]

i am vegetarian too... so i will check out those places youve mentioned.. thanks :-)