Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, July 1, 2017

MVNews this week:  Page A:9

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FOOD AND DRINK & MORE

Mountain Views-News Saturday, July 1, 2017 

IS IT A RELIGION? 

NO IT’S REAL FOOD DAILY

A few years ago I visited a now defunct BBQ joint on the west 
side of town. BBQ lover that I am, I felt the drive from Pasadena 
was no problem, and I would drive anywhere for great Q. As 
the hostess brought us to our table she said “enjoy your meal”. I 
responded, “what do you recommend?” She said “I am a Vegan I 
don’t eat here” ....yikes!!!

 So, let me digress for a moment to explore these questions: 
What is veganism? What is a vegan? What do vegans eat?

 Veganism is a type of vegetarian diet that excludes meat, eggs, 
dairy products and all other animal-derived ingredients. Many 
vegans also do not eat foods that are processed using animal 
products, such as refined white sugar and some wines. Most 
vegans also avoid the use of all products tested on animals, as well 
as animal-derived non-food products, such as leather, fur and 
wool.

 Vegan refers to either a person who follows this way of eating, 
or to the diet itself.

 Although there is some debate as to whether certain foods, 
such as honey, fit into a vegan diet, if you are cooking for other 
vegans, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid these foods.

 What do vegans eat? This is perhaps the most common 
question about veganism. A vegan diet includes all grains, beans, 
legumes, vegetables and fruits and the nearly infinite number of 
foods made by combining them. Many vegan versions of familiar 
foods are available, so you can eat vegan hot dogs, ice cream, 
cheese and vegan mayonnaise.

 I was summoned to Real Food Daily, an organic vegan 
cuisine restaurant in Pasadena, by my sense of curiosity. Having 
established the fact that I am not a vegan, but I do love food, I was 
impressed with Real Food Daily. Can I recommend it you? Will 
I return? Yes and yes. The menu includes salads (of course), 
sandwiches, burgers, pasta and burritos -- all familiar choices 
right? It would take me 2000 words to explain the ingredients, 
but let me tell you what I had to eat. My starter was a Sea Cake 
explained to me by the server as a great alternative for a crab 
cake. The ingredients were all organic vegan choices described 
as a savory vegetable and sea croquette with pesto and sweet 
chili aioli. Man, the flavor was superb as far as comparing it to 
a crab cake. I have had crabcakes that I would describe as blah 
and boring, but the sea cakes ($10) I would order again. Now, if 
I was given my choice of a crab cake with real lump crab or a sea 
cake, I’d lump it, but for $10 order it! My entrée was the Supreme 
Burrito (dry or wet) Spanish rice, black beans cashew cheese and 
avocado; for $14 I found it to be a good value. What visit would 
be complete without dessert? I had the Peanut Butter Cream Pie 
($9.00) – butter cups with in a chocolate crust, yummy! On my 
next visit to Real Food Daily I will check out the Happy Hour – 
899 E. Del Mar Blvd. Pasadena (626) 844-8900

 All and all a very good first impression, for you red meat eaters, 
give it a try, I promise that you’ll like it. . The servers can artfully 
and skillfully explain any ingredients to you, and shhhh!!... they 
aren’t all Vegans. Join me this Sunday at 5 PM for Dining 
with Dills on AM 830 KLAA


TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills

thechefknows@yahoo.com


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