Stumptown Vegans

Date: January 15, 2008
Times Visited: 1

Green Papaya is another prime example of why investigative dining is imperative for us vegans. We were excited about trying this location out since we’re big fans of Pho Green Papaya and their long list of actual vegan options. Green Papaya was always overlooked on our lunch walks to places like Habibi and India Chaat House. And on this occasion, we should have continued walking, even to Whole Foods for their pathetic Pho Bar, which can be made vegan.

We walked in, inquired with a waitress about vegan options, if there was fish sauce, oyster sauce, and shrimp paste, and she advised us that we simply needed to specify to leave them out when ordering. The Green Papaya menu clearly states 4 ‘ vegetarian’ options which we were later informed, weren’t even vegetarian. We each ordered from our waitress, who took note of our ‘no’ items, and also relayed that these dishes originally would have contained the animals listed above and possibly cream. She was helpful and very nice, and we can only assume she passed along our request.

The food came presented in large, pretty bowls, containing a mound of white jasmine rice, side of green beans, onions, bell pepper, and a small sea of the tofu entree we each chose. There was one order of the Tofu with Lemongrass: tofu sauteed with lemon grass and other spices, and one order of the Sauteed Tofu, listed as tofu ‘wok seared with coconut cream, tamarind, turmeric, peanut and vegetables’. That sounds lovely and creamy on a chilly day, doesn’t it?

The tofu seemed to be the only part that was prepared for us, and even that was questionable. The green beans contained onions which raised the first red flag since we specifically asked for no onions. Then upon tasting the green beans, we realized they were cold. The vegetables were somewhat crisp, but it was odd paired with a warm meal. We were having flash-backs to Kitchen Nightmares and being served month old food where they picked out the moldy bits.

The tofu. It’s best to forget this part of the meal, but it’s our public service to report back to you. Both Stumptown Vegans were suspicious of the dishes upon eating the squishy, wet, overly turmeric-ed tofu. Once again it brought images of tofu/sauce combinations sitting in a container, and warmed up for each dish. Not something you’d anticipate, or accept, for $8 a meal in a seemingly nice, downtown lunch spot. The real problem with the food was the Sauteed Tofu - we haven’t tasted something so fishy since last eating fish years ago. We chalk it up to a premade sauce on both sides, in particular the peanut sauce with the sauteed tofu.

We thought about returning for happy hour, but upset stomaches and minds, the taste of too much turmeric lingering on the tongue, and overall frustration are putting a halt to that thought.

Why are we giving it 1 star? Because the waitress did seem to care, and the presentation was nice. Perhaps our requests were ignored or overlooked, and the sauces were premade and no additional non-vegan ingredients were added besides what was in the sauce - we don’t even care to know because we will not be returning. Ugh.

Sauteed Tofu in Peanut Sauce

Lemongrass (Fluorescent) Tofu

Rating: 1 out of 5
Address: 1135 SW Morrison St. Portland, OR 97205
Hours: Daily 11am-2:30pm, 4pm-10pm

Date: November 7, 2007
Times Visited: Too Many To Count!

Eastside Portlanders are divided by a love for North and South, which includes neighborhood hangouts…and could come down to Vita Café vs. Paradox Café. Both restaurants were formerly under the same ownership, though that’s changed over the years. Both Stumptown Vegans adore Vita, though one utterly loves it, and one has a softer spot for Paradox.

For those veg*ns living near either restaurant, dining there can easily become a comfortable routine. Paradox is about 98% vegetarian, and they will try to make any dish vegan, according to their menu. The diner style room is full of booths, small tables and counter style seating. In the evenings, there’s not usually a wait for tables, but come weekend mornings, you will undoubtedly find yourself waiting, at least a bit, if not for over 20 minutes. Alas, so is the weekend breakfast routine in Portland. Why wouldn’t you wait for a “Number Three”, a hot plate of vegan French toast, potatoes and tofu for $7.10? Or a vegan corn dog basket, corn cakes and a side of veggie sausage, Tempeh Reuben, Sloppy Joseph, biscuits and gravy, mac and cheez with broccoli…the list goes on. And while you’re waiting, spend the requisite time next door in Great Gatherings, flipping through old records, sweaters, and plates.

It’s like eating at a vegan greasy spoon, just what you need when hung-over from those vegan white Russians at The Tube, with some healthier fare - like a Deluxe Green Salad with a house made maple-mustard, lemon tahini, tomato vinaigrette, sesame-peanut, guacamole or vegan ranch dressings or a cup of miso soup. When I lived nearby, I would alternate between the Number Three with a large, buttery corn cake and tempeh, nachos with house made queso, salad with lemon tahini and the Mac and cheez. No other restaurant in Portland gives us so many diner-riffic options, except maybe Vita. Because it’s diner-style, I’ll be honest, now and then, your food may not be served as warm as it should be. You’re hoping for a great meal, but it could turn out to be something you could make at home, so opt for something you wouldn’t necessarily make at home. Sometimes food is overcooked, burnt potatoes are seen, and complaints come out of regular and new diners.

While Vita and Paradox offer many identical menu items, they are not always prepared in the same way, and this can vary at the individual restaurant as well. One day the cook seems to put spices in the mac and cheez that weren’t there last week, etc. On my most recent visit, I ordered the Vegan Benedict ($8.25) for the first time. It contained thick toast, a thin but creamy enough hollandaise sauce with an nice, light touch of spice, salty veggie sausage (storebought), seasoned potatoes and chopped tomatoes. The watery tomatoes did nothing for the dish, but everything else contributed to a tasty dinner. Nothing you couldn’t make at home, but it would have been a few more steps than one might like to do on a normal day. Price wise, it’s debatable if I’d get it again, but I wouldn’t rule it out, as I did have leftovers.

While both Stumptown Vegans miss the rotating seasonal menus and themes and the ‘early’ bird breakfast specials of yore, we still appreciate what Paradox Café brings to Portland, and especially in its immediate neighborhood. It’s a key place to take omnis, as they can order 2% freely (mainly, hamburgers), but they just might opt for a veg*n breakfast burrito. I enjoy going for dinner, as it is usually less crowded than weekend brunches, and reminds me of going to diners when I was younger in the wee hours with friends.

Enjoy some nickel games next door at the Avalon, and then get yourself a corndog and a natural cola, or a slice of cake and a cup of Stumptown, the choice is yours. Your friends in NE don’t have a nickel arcade nearby, do they?

“Number 3″ French Toast, potatoes and tofu plate

“Number 3″ Corn cakes, potatoes and tofu plate

Philly Cheeze Steak with Tempeh

Rating: 4.25 out of 5
Address: 3439 SE Belmont Portland, OR 97214
Open Daily, 8am-9pm

Date: December 31, 2007
Times Visited: 2

The draw of the Fat Kitty Falafel stand is both the freshly made falafel wrap and it’s fascinating proprietor. Even for this horribly shy reviewer, talking to him is infectious, as he scoops, fries and wraps your meal. Al Herre, aka Mr. Fat Kitty, is a man who knows his falafel, and Portland. He’ll talk about life and you’ll listen, and encourage him, and then decide if you want vegan cilantro tahini and hot sauce. He’s no longer making the standard vegan tahini, but if he gets more vegan traffic who hate tahini, hope’s on our side. I went with hot sauce, which was nicely tangy, and not unbearable as I’d feared. I went home after a couple of bites, and whipped up some basic tahini dressing (tahini, lemon juice, water, sea salt) and the wrap improved.

As for the falafel itself, it’s not the best, but not the worst I’ve ever had. Honestly, it was better than one might anticipate. Major points for crispiness, and good points for flavor. At an easy $5 and paired with natural sodas and enjoyable conversation that I could get used to, it’s another point for Portland’s food carts.

Find Fat Kitty on SE Division St. in front of Mirador Community Store, which you should be supporting anyway. During the spring and summer, it can also be found at the Eastbank Farmer’s Market and the Milwaukie Farmer’s Market. There’s still talk of a permanent location, but for now it’s truly on the go.

Falafel

Rating: 3.75 out of 5
Address: 2016 SE Division St (cross-street SE 21st Ave), in front of Mirador Community Store
Tues-Sat: 11am-5pm

Date: December 14, 2007
Times Visited: 2

Jace Gace is a sleek looking cafe with a funny name (it’s pronounced ya-say ga-say, check out their website to read about the person, Jace Gace.) The outside seating helps pull the cafe back just enough off Belmont to make you feel like you’ve stepped into another city since Portland is not normally this modern. The crisp white walls, color in just the right spots, and modern curbed inset wood detailing that immediately tells you that you aren’t just in any old cafe - this is special.

The big menu to the right of the door lays it all out: You’ve got three vegan options: The Traditional for $5. It’s a basic waffle served with earth balance and maple syrup; The Pina Colada for $7. Served with coconut cream, pineapple, bananas, and brown sugar; And the Avocado Rancheros for $8. Served with black beans, avocado, ranchero sauce and tofu cilantro sour cream.

You can order at the counter or open a tab if you’re planning on staying awhile and enjoying their lofty dining area with wide tables. This place always has interesting art, and since it doubles an art gallery - that makes sense. Just don’t climb on the life-sized cardboard tank while eating your waffle or drinking your wine (did I mention it’s also a bar?)

My sweet tooth led me to the Pina Colada minus the bananas. It was a nice thick and crispy waffle that held together well when topped with fluffy coconut cream, lots of pineapple and just a pinch of brown sugar. My sweet tooth frowned at the pinch of brown sugar, but smiled with the first bite. The pineapple was definitely sweet enough to wake me up.

All the way through, my waffle stayed warm and crispy with the fluffy coconut and chilled pineapple - but maybe that was because I devoured it so quickly. The coconut cream scared me a bit knowing the fat content but each bite was so perfect I couldn’t scrape it off. It was art in an art gallery and you shouldn’t paint over original art (please ignore that I ordered it without bananas - I’m allergic!)

My second visit I went for the Rancheros, and not being a savory breakfast person, it wasn’t the best choice. My waffle wasn’t as artful looking the second time, but that was fine. My problem with it was that it became soggy half way through with the huge pile of beans and salsa smothering it. The cilantro tofu sour cream was surprisingly not very cilantro-y, if at all. If you’re into savory breakfasts you should give this a try because even though it was on a waffle, none of the waffle sweetness showed through.

Don’t forget that Jace Gace is not only a great breakfast spot, it’s also a gallery, a bar, and even music venue! Waffles are $1 off on weekdays from 4-6 for Happy Hour.

Pina Colada:

Avocado Rancheros:
Stay tuned while we fix some technical difficulties with this image.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Address: 2045 SE Belmont
Hours: Mon-Tues 9am-2pm, Wed-Sun 9am-Midnight