tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28128577451424000972024-02-20T04:08:07.784-05:00#ExpatLifeI'm a vegan from America living in Tokyo, Japan. and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.comBlogger823125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-5224160954428444482015-07-26T02:30:00.000-04:002015-07-26T02:30:00.388-04:00Big News!We will miss this view. We are heading back to America in a couple weeks. Cost saving yada yada. I had just started making progress in job hunting, and we both felt like we finally had a reasonable quality of life here (friends, social events, etc). <center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/19350625881/in/datetaken/" title="Shibuya, Tokyo"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/19350625881_c3cf7a7793_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Shibuya, Tokyo"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-5059070508327294962015-07-25T02:26:00.000-04:002015-07-25T02:26:00.084-04:00Vegan Buffets in TokyoThe Tokyo Vegan Meetup page has experienced a burst of buffet events at various restaurants around town. This is good for little fatties like us. We have been to many international themed buffets, including Indian, Irish, Spanish, French, Mexican, and good ol' American food. :) <center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18663290330/in/datetaken/" title="All you can eat VEGAN Indian buffet last weekend - We definitely stuffed ourselves. It was so spicy and authentic."><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3671/18663290330_28ba21a030_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="All you can eat VEGAN Indian buffet last weekend - We definitely stuffed ourselves. It was so spicy and authentic."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18731595493/in/datetaken/" title="Vegan buffet, powered up for squat day tomorrow. ;)"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/18731595493_f5d4ddb09e_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Vegan buffet, powered up for squat day tomorrow. ;)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/19548652048/in/datetaken/" title="Spanish themed vegan buffet last night - nom nom carbs"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/426/19548652048_180b8a8490_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Spanish themed vegan buffet last night - nom nom carbs"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-47685422588191615312015-07-24T02:25:00.000-04:002015-07-24T02:25:00.205-04:00Vegan Cooking Class!The Tokyo Vegan Meetup hosted a cooking class to make warabi mochi. We covered the red bean paste in our starchy mochi and then coated in roasted soy powder. That soy powder was bitter and not very good, I wish we had left the mochi plain after preparation. <center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/19731196062/in/dateposted/" title="cooking_class"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/547/19731196062_b1121936ed_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="cooking_class"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18853722081/in/dateposted/" title="Learning to make warabi mochi through the Tokyo Vegan meetup group."><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3856/18853722081_2142537b85_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Learning to make warabi mochi through the Tokyo Vegan meetup group."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18664845329/in/photostream/" title="Our mochi coated with roasted soy powder."><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/18664845329_ee308bde54_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Our mochi coated with roasted soy powder."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-68766657847611709642015-07-23T02:16:00.000-04:002015-07-23T02:16:00.414-04:00Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, JapanWe walked over to a temple after the festival. Our tutor mentioned SensÅji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. It's a Buddhist temple, and was pretty similar to others we've seen. There is a market area outside the temple with lots of small shops and crowds of people. There are SO MANY PEOPLE sightseeing at this temple. <center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18404566389/in/datetaken/" title="After leaving the little vegfest in Asasuka, we went to check out the temple."><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/514/18404566389_43d18572bb_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="After leaving the little vegfest in Asasuka, we went to check out the temple."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18404599119/in/datetaken/" title="Japan: pagodas and modern buildings intermingled"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8836/18404599119_11de75f32b_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Japan: pagodas and modern buildings intermingled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18592849181/in/datetaken/" title="Asasuka temple artwork"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/265/18592849181_5cc8127e0b_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Asasuka temple artwork"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-29795326868645967472015-07-22T02:14:00.000-04:002015-07-22T02:14:00.371-04:00Small vegfest in Asakusa, Tokyo, JapanWe went over to Asakusa for a small festival. It was hosted inside a building, so the temperature was well controlled. We split a bento box of adorable sushi pieces, an assortment of steamed goods from Loving Hut, a tofu quiche with soy ham pieces in it, a cold piece of pizza with soy cheese, and a falafel plate (not photographed for some reason). <center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18592799601/in/datetaken/" title="Sushi box at a little vegfest in Asasuka last weekend."><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/258/18592799601_110c4d862e_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Sushi box at a little vegfest in Asasuka last weekend."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17968051714/in/datetaken/" title="Steamed basket from Loving Hut"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/518/17968051714_c1a73652d7_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Steamed basket from Loving Hut"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17970054673/in/datetaken/" title="Vegan quiche and pizza - nom nom"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8833/17970054673_a881e9cf19_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Vegan quiche and pizza - nom nom"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-42487463698604542492015-07-21T02:09:00.000-04:002015-07-21T02:09:00.136-04:00Houston EatsWe went to Aladdin's, our favorite falafel place! We had to, since we based our wedding menu around our favorite meal there. :) We also went to Quan Yin, an all-vegan pan-Asian place, with my vegan brunch crew. Afterwards, a few of us went to Frozen Cafe in Bellaire for vegan gelato. Nom nom. We went to Benihana one night too, because they accommodate Dan's giant circle of friends. We have the photo from Benihana framed in our apartment. <center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18402774588/in/datetaken/" title="Had to have the meal we built our wedding menu around - Aladdin's falafel in Houston!"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8830/18402774588_5600127f8e_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Had to have the meal we built our wedding menu around - Aladdin's falafel in Houston!"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18402886410/in/datetaken/" title="Vegan brunch at Quan Yin - I love my vegan community. Miss them!"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8843/18402886410_3eb8765838_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Vegan brunch at Quan Yin - I love my vegan community. Miss them!"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18564189296/in/datetaken/" title="Vegan gelato at Frozen Cafe in Bellaire area after vegan brunch crew - nom nom"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/444/18564189296_f6b4f580b7_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Vegan gelato at Frozen Cafe in Bellaire area after vegan brunch crew - nom nom"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </center> and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-2179895151432069722015-07-20T02:06:00.000-04:002015-07-20T02:06:00.035-04:00Trip to NASA in HoustonA friend that works at NASA in Houston gave us a tour of NASA, we got to climb through these giant replicas of the ISS for training purposes. We even saw Morgan Spurlock doing a CNN piece! <center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18585952102/in/datetaken/" title="Private tour at NASA!"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8871/18585952102_916430ed63_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Private tour at NASA!"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18402698668/in/datetaken/" title="Robo-naut at NASA"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/458/18402698668_a89b17f0c6_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Robo-naut at NASA"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18592578051/in/datetaken/" title="We saw Morgan Spurlock at NASA"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/426/18592578051_f0ce1c1e97_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="We saw Morgan Spurlock at NASA"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18590474775/in/datetaken/" title="Inside a replica shuttle at NASA"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8843/18590474775_75b5109366_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Inside a replica shuttle at NASA"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18564121986/in/datetaken/" title="We saw all the Mission Control areas!"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/546/18564121986_d7a39b0334_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="We saw all the Mission Control areas!"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18564137246/in/datetaken/" title="ISS control room - so cool!!"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/537/18564137246_4f74315c50_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="ISS control room - so cool!!"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-28546369195381309962015-07-19T02:02:00.000-04:002015-07-19T02:02:00.324-04:00Vegan snacks in Portland, ORThere are plenty of places to stop for vegan snacks in Portland when you get hungry while out exploring. <center><br> </br>Back to Eden donuts <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18592468811/in/datetaken/" title="Donuts at Back to Eden bakery in PDX"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/310/18592468811_a78c5bb9ae_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Donuts at Back to Eden bakery in PDX"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br> </br>Vegan cheese plate from a food truck on Alberta! <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17967729594/in/datetaken/" title="Nut cheeses at a food truck on Alberta street in PDX"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8830/17967729594_cc03124b3d_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Nut cheeses at a food truck on Alberta street in PDX"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br> </br>Chicago deep dish pizza, VEGAN PIZZA CRAVINGS! <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18590394965/in/datetaken/" title="Deep dish pizza - you canfind anything veganized in PDX!"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8864/18590394965_9f4378c0c9_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Deep dish pizza - you canfind anything veganized in PDX!"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-63513940864216358262015-07-18T02:03:00.000-04:002015-07-18T02:03:00.290-04:00Voodoo Donuts - Portland, ORWe went to Portland for vegan donuts. Yes, we're that fat. Voodoo was totally worth the wait in line. :) <center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18402766660/in/datetaken/" title="You know you're a fatty when your honeymoon trip revolves around vegan donuts. ;)"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8864/18402766660_e9990d2128_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="You know you're a fatty when your honeymoon trip revolves around vegan donuts. ;)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-11515273739334499532015-07-17T01:59:00.000-04:002015-07-17T01:59:00.108-04:00AND Cafe - Portland, ORI'm more a sweet breakfast person, but I chose the savory waffle at AND Cafe for brunch one morning. It has soy sausage and Daiya cheese in the batter, and is then covered in gravy and tofu scramble! We both had this entree, but I had a root beer shake too. (Fatty, I know.) <center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18402682880/in/datetaken/" title="Savory waffle at AND cafe in PDX"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/378/18402682880_cdf5f83c25_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Savory waffle at AND cafe in PDX"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-58112907089358194052015-07-16T01:56:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:48.726-04:00Portobello - best meal in Portland, OR!Another delay as things got busy around here. I'll finish off our Portland photos and try to get this blog up to date. <br> </br>I'm just going to leave the photos here to do the talking. This meal was incredible! Perfect for us to celebrate our wedding and mini honeymoon trip. We each got the 5 course tasting menu, so we could try all the options. <br> </br><center>Kale Caesar salad and panzanella salad <br> </br><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17969543363/in/datetaken/" title="Kale caesar salad at Portobello in PDX"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8887/17969543363_d2067213c8_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Kale caesar salad at Portobello in PDX"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18404049789/in/datetaken/" title="Panzanella salad at Portobello in PDX"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/267/18404049789_02ef2525c3_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Panzanella salad at Portobello in PDX"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br> </br>Gnocchi and cashew cheese-stuffed raviolis <br> </br><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17969571223/in/datetaken/" title="Gnocchi at Portobello in PDX"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/438/17969571223_db69af9486_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Gnocchi at Portobello in PDX"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17967596464/in/datetaken/" title="Cashew cheese-stuffed raviolis at Portobello in PDX"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8858/17967596464_c3941144c2_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Cashew cheese-stuffed raviolis at Portobello in PDX"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br> </br>Mushroom steak with roasted potatoes and cauliflower steak with olive tapenade <br> </br><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18404096599/in/datetaken/" title="Mushroom "steak" at Portobello in PDX"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/523/18404096599_98737bd73b_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Mushroom "steak" at Portobello in PDX"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18402618430/in/datetaken/" title="Cauliflower "steak" with olive tapenade at Portobello in PDX"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/317/18402618430_14502c707c_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Cauliflower "steak" with olive tapenade at Portobello in PDX"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br> </br>Canoli and chocolate lava cake <br> </br><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18402636330/in/datetaken/" title="Vegan canoli!! Portobello in PDX"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/353/18402636330_b52174cef9_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Vegan canoli!! Portobello in PDX"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17969662333/in/datetaken/" title="Choc lava cake at Portobello in PDX"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8877/17969662333_1695ca4eee_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Choc lava cake at Portobello in PDX"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center> and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-16698459934112201182015-07-08T03:39:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:48.769-04:00Eb & Bean - Portland, ORAround the corner from Blossoming Lotus is Eb & Bean. They have vegan soft serve fro-yo! Nom nom. I got a chocolate magic shell, coconut flakes, and sprinkles for toppings. Nom nom! It was awesome! <center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18402487730" title="Vegan fro-yo at Eb & Bean in PDX by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8848/18402487730_caf185e662_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Vegan fro-yo at Eb & Bean in PDX"></a> </center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-70679531554001596622015-07-07T03:36:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:48.785-04:00Blossoming Lotus - Portland, ORWe went to Blossoming Lotus for lunch one day. I ordered the lentil-nut burger with cashew cheese. It is the best vegan burger I've had at a restaurant! They were quite generous with the cashew cheese. The dude ordered tacos. We split an order of pesto mac and cheese. This place was so good, I wish I could get a burger like that every day! <center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18585618942" title="Lentil-nut burger with cashew cheese at Blossoming Lotus in PDX by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8863/18585618942_e614602321_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Lentil-nut burger with cashew cheese at Blossoming Lotus in PDX"></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17967483054" title="Tacos at Blossoming Lotus in PDX by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8853/17967483054_98128453c1_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Tacos at Blossoming Lotus in PDX"></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18402428720" title="Pesto mac at Blossuming Lotus in PDX by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/302/18402428720_2d72f41b8f_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Pesto mac at Blossuming Lotus in PDX"></a> </center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-76721108677745557272015-07-06T03:35:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:48.827-04:00Vegan pizza in PortlandWe went to two pizza places while in Portland, they were quick meal ideas. The first place was called Sizzle Pie, and they had 4 vegan options and several vegetarian options. I got two slices of vegan pizza. The second place was a Chicago style deep dish place on Alberta. We were walking around, expecting to go to the vegan bar on that street, but they did not accept the dude's Japanese ID. Whoops. We kept walking around looking for a new spot to eat, and we passed the pizza shop! Great save! <center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18635885634" title="Vegan pizza at Sizzle Pie in PDX by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3904/18635885634_b657383b8c_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Vegan pizza at Sizzle Pie in PDX"></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18590394965" title="Deep dish pizza - you canfind anything veganized in PDX! by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8864/18590394965_9f4378c0c9_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Deep dish pizza - you canfind anything veganized in PDX!"></a></center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-69942280248643261382015-07-05T03:31:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:48.843-04:00Homegrown Smoker - Portland, ORSuccess! We made it to Homegrown Smoker for lunch. I got a mac-no-cheeto burrito that had BBQ soy curls, mac and cheese, and baked beans inside the tortilla shell. It was AWESOME, but it was so big and I felt so stuffed all afternoon. The dude ordered a smoked Beyond Meat chick'n sandwich with fries. He thought it was tasty. Again, it was a rather big sandwich, so he didn't finish his and still felt beyond stuffed. <center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18585554342" title="Mac-no-cheeto burrito at Homegrown Smoker in PDX by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8887/18585554342_eb72f8db07_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Mac-no-cheeto burrito at Homegrown Smoker in PDX"></a> </center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-16099198981494385372015-07-04T03:29:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:48.885-04:00Veggie Grill - Portland, OROur first night in Portland, we walked down to Veggie Grill. It was close to our hotel, a key factor when you're tired from flying all day. I ordered the Field Roast harvest bowl and an order of fried cauliflower. The dude ordered tofu buffalo sticks and a chick'n sandwich with fries. Everything was good, and I felt good for getting in some veggies and seitan. Protein noms! <center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18563647126" title="Harvest bowl with Field Roast sausage at Veggie Grill in PDX. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8834/18563647126_e081eee9da_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Harvest bowl with Field Roast sausage at Veggie Grill in PDX."></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18585519652" title="Fried cauliflower at Veggie Grill in PDX by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/383/18585519652_4c6647f727_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Fried cauliflower at Veggie Grill in PDX"></a></center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-31336585277953177892015-07-03T03:13:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:48.900-04:00Walt Disney WorldDuring the Florida part of our 3 week trip, we went to Disney World and had lots of vegan food! There are plenty of resources about vegan food at Disney online. I did have to say I wanted an allergy request and a manager showed me the ingredients before allowing me to order. A minor step to get vegan eats! We had ice cream, the famous Dole Whip, and a veggie burger with fries. After going around Magic Kingdom, we went to Downtown Disney for a Babycakes vegan donut. I got the Samoa donut. <center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18563439096" title="Spent a day at Magic Kingdom by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8882/18563439096_3113c40270_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Spent a day at Magic Kingdom"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18403659569" title="Disney is so easy as a vegan! Just google it. This is the famous Dole Whip. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/357/18403659569_0406b6252d_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Disney is so easy as a vegan! Just google it. This is the famous Dole Whip."></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18403825759" title="Samoa vegan donut at Babycakes in Orlando by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8888/18403825759_724c8412a9_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Samoa vegan donut at Babycakes in Orlando"></a></center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-10064595494028328042015-07-02T03:24:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:48.943-04:00Plant - Asheville, NCOne of the best meals we had in NC! I would go back to Plant in a heartbeat! We had the smoky hummus and cashew cheese appetizers to share. I ordered the tamale with breaded oyster mushrooms, soooo good. A couple people ordered the mushroom steak, and one person ordered these Indian rollups. We split chocolate cake and carrot cake slices amongst the table for dessert. The cashew cheese was incredible, the mushrooms on my dish were amazing, and the chocolate cake was unbelievably rich! <center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17969182843" title="Cashew cheese plate at Plant in Asheville, NC. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/484/17969182843_ed5dece2a9_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Cashew cheese plate at Plant in Asheville, NC."></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18563482656" title="Smoky hummus plate at Plant in Asheville, NC. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/544/18563482656_8a0a8c4acf_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Smoky hummus plate at Plant in Asheville, NC."></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17967241744" title="Mushroom "steak" at Plant in Asheville, NC. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/397/17967241744_24009621fb_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Mushroom "steak" at Plant in Asheville, NC."></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17967259584" title="Tamale and battered oyster mushrooms at Plant in Asheville, NC. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/405/17967259584_53a71b0171_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Tamale and battered oyster mushrooms at Plant in Asheville, NC."></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17969268413" title="Indian-style rollups at Plant in Asheville, NC. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/439/17969268413_78778091f5_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Indian-style rollups at Plant in Asheville, NC."></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18402193768" title="Vegans can eat cake! Plant - Asheville, NC by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/417/18402193768_396ca94974_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Vegans can eat cake! Plant - Asheville, NC"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18585482892" title="Super rich chocolate mousse cake at Plant in Asheville, NC - Even I struggled to finish this! by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/534/18585482892_cf6379f3ec_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Super rich chocolate mousse cake at Plant in Asheville, NC - Even I struggled to finish this!"></a> </center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-37325768005096391862015-07-01T03:20:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:48.961-04:00Laughing Seed Cafe - Asheville, NCWe ordered some sushi and fried pakoras (or some other type of Indian fritter) for appetizers. I got the seitan coconut curry, because I figured the protein bump from the seitan would be useful. The seitan was a little dry though, like they cut it and baked it to death! Everyone enjoyed their food, and the desserts were huge. <center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17967069774" title="Indian fritters at Laughing Seed cafe in Asheville, NC. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8859/17967069774_f69677d5aa_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Indian fritters at Laughing Seed cafe in Asheville, NC."></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18589734285" title="Sushi at Laughing Seed cafe in Asheville, NC. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8898/18589734285_c44e6a0d2b_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Sushi at Laughing Seed cafe in Asheville, NC."></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18591879331" title="Seitan coconut curry at Laughing Seed cafe in Asheville, NC. (The seitan was a little dry and hard, boo.) by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8887/18591879331_46174692f6_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Seitan coconut curry at Laughing Seed cafe in Asheville, NC. (The seitan was a little dry and hard, boo.)"></a></center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-23566299440990239392015-06-30T03:14:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:49.004-04:00AshevilleWe went to Asheville the weekend before our wedding with the dude's family. We went to the Biltmore Estate and did some shopping. It was supposed to be a relaxed weekend, but we did a lot of walking! The Biltmore Estate was huge and it took us a while to complete the tour. I thought it was so cool that they had a pool indoors, but apparently it leaks now. It was also not filtered or treated with chemicals, so they would fill it up for parties and then had to drain it after each use. That is insane! There are no photographs allowed inside the house, and I didn't think I'd get away with sneaking a few photos because of the sheer number of people around me. For shopping, I got a couple 50's style dresses. :) <center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17967131554" title="Biltmore estate by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/290/17967131554_fdc1330ea6_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Biltmore estate"></a></center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-32867543002472216642015-06-29T03:09:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:49.018-04:00Wedding & Visa UpdateI still can't believe we're married! I feel so grown up! It does still sound funny to say husband or hear wife said aloud. I never thought I'd be married before 30, it just seemed so adult. Adult-ing is for adults, haha. Anyway, it was a great day, and I just got approved for my spouse visa. It was such a relief, because I was so anxious that somehow Japan would reject my application! Here are a few quick wedding-related photos: <center><br></br>Flowers from our Japanese language tutors <br></br><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18563093496" title="Wedding bouquet from the language tutors. :) by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8847/18563093496_3469dc6024_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Wedding bouquet from the language tutors. :)"></a><br></br>Traditional wedding tea <br></br><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18401750348" title="Traditional wedding tea from a friend. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/547/18401750348_119296687b_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Traditional wedding tea from a friend."></a><br></br>Vegan wedding cake #1 - chocolate, of course! <br></br><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18401837558" title="Vegan wedding cake - mom forgot to bring the cake topper people made by Hello Kiddo Handmade. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8876/18401837558_c967f09b19_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Vegan wedding cake - mom forgot to bring the cake topper people made by Hello Kiddo Handmade."></a><br></br>Cake people on vegan wedding cake #2 - again, chocolate! <br></br><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18401965490" title="Cake people!! We had a second party with some family members, so we got to use the cake people. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/500/18401965490_0782f3d0f0_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Cake people!! We had a second party with some family members, so we got to use the cake people."></a><br></br>The Umstead hotel in Cary, NC, did a great job whipping up a vegan meal without any advanced notice! They even poured on the mushroom jous at the table, so fancy! <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/18402030510" title="The Umstead hotel did a great job whipping up a vegan meal without advance notice. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/516/18402030510_2f0eeae0e0_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="The Umstead hotel did a great job whipping up a vegan meal without advance notice."></a></center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-54372119683394838942015-06-21T01:23:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:49.075-04:00The Sky<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/16968291007" title="Awesome view the other night. The left side of the sky was bright and sunny, and then it got darker as I looked to the right. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7712/16968291007_da429920a6_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Awesome view the other night. The left side of the sky was bright and sunny, and then it got darker as I looked to the right."></a></center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-51764026157740680072015-06-20T01:22:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:49.091-04:00The Hangout - Shibuya, Tokyo, JapanWe can walk here, it is going to become a favorite spot. They're only open at night though. We have enjoyed all the food we've tried there, including the gyoza, fries, fried gluten, sweet and sour soy nuggets, and the tofu tartar (my favorite). Tofu tartar at The Hangout in Shibuya <center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17175049851" title="Hang Out Cafe in Shibuya - vegan food in a super chill hole-in-the-wall place. :) by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7635/17175049851_ec934eaf30_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Hang Out Cafe in Shibuya - vegan food in a super chill hole-in-the-wall place. :)"></a></center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-66244747934829362832015-06-19T01:19:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:49.133-04:00Eat More Greens - Azabu-juban, Tokyo, JapanCurry and falafel plate at Eat More Greens in Azabu-juban area - the curry was better. <center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/16555507353" title="Vegan curry at Eat More Greens in Azabu Juban. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7661/16555507353_2719a71615_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Vegan curry at Eat More Greens in Azabu Juban."></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/16989509349" title="Vegan falafel plate at Eat More Greens in Azabu Juban. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8690/16989509349_9ac2e71b03_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Vegan falafel plate at Eat More Greens in Azabu Juban."></a></center> and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812857745142400097.post-23447971548899124762015-06-18T01:19:00.000-04:002015-07-16T02:34:49.148-04:00Super Secret Supper ClubThe organizer of the shojin class held a small, "secret" supper club to say goodbye to Japan. The food was incredible. We had tofu "cheese" (tofu wrapped in cheesecloth, coated in miso, and allowed to age) as an appetizer. We had a tempura course. We had a sushi course. I remember there being a dessert, but I don't seem to have a photo of that. <center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/16988131420" title="Aged tofu brushed with miso at a shojin secret supper club by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7628/16988131420_b396c0b482_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Aged tofu brushed with miso at a shojin secret supper club"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/17174027092" title="Tempura course at shojin secret supper club. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8746/17174027092_04aa69f9a7_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Tempura course at shojin secret supper club."></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/127379956@N05/16555502683" title="Sushi course at shojin secret supper club. by CD R, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7678/16555502683_b4083a9380_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Sushi course at shojin secret supper club."></a> </center>and_i_sayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721406982968075506noreply@blogger.com0