Nopal Cactus Corn Chips

When I saw these on the shelf at Rainbow Acres in LA, I couldn't resist. The ingredient list on these chips includes: Corn, water, vegetable oil, powder cactus, salt, and traces of lime juice making their bright green color totally natural! Their flavor is unlike any chip I've ever tried and very unique. They are a little thinner than the chips that I usually prefer, but they are definitely worth trying out if you ever see them on the shelf. In the meantime, you can read more about nopales!

Macrobiotic Meals

Back in April, we visited a new market for us, Southern California. It was a great trip and we didn't even get to eat a fraction of the things we wanted to try while we were out there, so I guess we'll just have to go back sometime soon!

Despite all of the vegan indulgence (and oh, there was plenty, like a tasty trip to Doomie's), one of the best meals we had was at macrobiotic restaurant, Seed in Venice Beach. It's a friendly, unpretentious space located just off the Venice Beach boardwalk with affordable, tasty, nourishing meals. They also have some killer dessert options which are almost too fancy for a beachside cafe (but don't let that stop you). I can't recommend this place enough. Definitely check it out if you are ever in the area! In the meantime, the owners Eric and Sanae have some macrobiotic cookbooks out for sale which I haven't tried, but flipped through at the restaurant and look stellar.

Spicy Ketchup

I discovered Maya Kaimal Spicy Ketchup when their booth was located across from ours at a Portland, OR trade show a few months ago. I was immediately taken with this Indian-spiced ketchup. It is super flavorful and adds just the right kick to nearly anything that you're already putting ketchup on. Last night we even used it in place of BBQ sauce on some baked tofu for a delicious change of pace. You've gotta taste this stuff!

Masala Dosa

Ah, Masala Dosa. Cheap, delicious, filled with potatoes and spices, and topped with dal. You are a beautiful thing.

This particular Masala Dosa is from Annapurna on Devon Ave in Chicago. I think it runs between $3-4 and is filling and tasty. You can go down the street before or afterwards and get an equally inexpensive fresh juice or a macheted-on-the-spot coconut at Fresh Farms International Market.

Perfection.

Genesis Organic Ginger Lemonade

On a recent trip to Portland, I picked up a Genesis Organic Apple Ginger Juice. I was highly amused that the label referred to the drink as a "good source of ginger." It was super tasty and so the next day, I tried out the Ginger Lemonade which is probably also a good source of ginger, despite the label not saying so. Consisting of just water, lemons, ginger, and agave, you can't go wrong with this stuff. It's just sweet enough, just gingery enough, and just plain delicious. Lemonade is probably in my top 5 favorite drinks of all time and this one is a major winner. I can't wait to get back to the Pacific Northwest and try out a few more flavors.

Oh, Hey There!

Welcome to Vegan Things I like! I'm Nicole, a 15+ year vegan from the midwest who likes a lot of Vegan Things. I am a part time yoga teacher and part time employee of an awesome vegan food manufacturer. The second job allows me the opportunity to travel the country discovering new and awesome Vegan Things. I always return home to Chicago dying to share what I've found and this blog is my opportunity to do just that! Here I'll feature people, products, businesses, and other Vegan Things I Like!

Stay tuned for more to come!