This past weekend, we had a family trip day and all headed to downtown Cleveland. One of the highlights was the West Side Market, where we picked up some fresh vegan pasta and learned that Orale frequently has vegan specials, not just on Tuesdays. Both are reasons to head back downtown soon.
Since we were adventuring, we went to Noodlecat, a new restaurant from Jonathan Sawyer of the Greenhouse Tavern. My dinner consisted of this tempura plate, which also came with a couple of tempura cakes. I love tempura and very, very rarely make it, so this was a treat. If you go, just be sure to mention you are vegan and you’ll get a fantastic soy based dipping sauce. I also had this salad, the choy and soi, minus the egg. Even if I wasn’t vegan, my food was definitely the best at the table.
On a totally unrelated note, I wanted to tell you the future of Food Network Friday. Kelly of Three and a Half Vegans is taking the project on and recreating it in a wonderful way. Each month will have a theme, possibly a chef or a tv show, or something all together different. You’ll have a whole month to come up with a contribution for the Cookalong. I’m thrilled that Kelly is taking this on and look forward to participating. Thank you so much, Kelly!
I know it’s not the weekend yet, but I hope you have a good one. If you’re looking for some good grilling food, try the All-American Incrediburgers from American Vegan Kitchen or the Mushroom Barley Grillers over at One Green Planet. Don’t miss the potato and pasta salads, or the cole slaw in American Vegan Kitchen, either. It’s a big weekend for my Brit friends, too, as they are celebrating Eurovision, Go wild!
 (Also, if you haven’t contacted me yet about winning Vegan Sandwiches Save the Day!, please do. If I don’t hear from you by Friday, I’ll have to redraw.)
9 Comments
wow, that tempura cake looks amazing! thanks for sharing!
Your delicious posts always make me so hungry. I’ve been trying to take of many pounds, so have been semi-MIA for the cook alongs. Thanks to Kelly for keeping them alive. I will be back!
Thanks for your awesome hosting of fnf.
I am also a big Eurovision fan, and was happy that an outspoken singer won the prize.
gfhappytummy, it was so good!
ViT- looking forward to your come back!
In2, you are always such a kind supporter. Thank you so much. After seeing the great food our friends were eating for Eurovision, I’d become a fan in a minute.
Oh yummy, I don’t order tempura very often, but that’s mostly because it has to be nice and crispy, without being too oily for me to enjoy it, I guess that makes me a bit of a tempura snob?
Thanks for hosting all the FNF’s Tami! I hope you’re going to continue to take part when you can and I’m so glad it’s going to continue.
Maggie, I am a tempura snob, too! Besides all you said, it has to be hot and very fresh. Otherwise, it’s just not worth it.
I’m definitely going to take part in the future FNF’s. I’m excited about it! Thanks, Maggie!
Noodlecat is one of my favorite happy hours! All day on Sunday, we love to just relax, get that totally delicious tempura, maybe a little wine, it’s awesome!
I couldn’t get over the tempura!
Noodlecat is one of the best restaurants in Cleveland. I go there frequently, this is no joke!