Lunch Date--Angelica's Kitchen and Stogo

We recently met for lunch in the East Village, Brandt's proclaimed "Vegan Capital of Manhattan". Brandt was starving after a weekend in DC where vegan options were not readily available. Even after only 10 days, we were both pleased to be able to look at the Angelica's Kitchen menu and order absolutely anything off of it. Having eaten in typically omnivorous situations, I can now appreciate how uncomfortable it is to have to ask, "Exactly how is that made?" in reference to a self-imposed dietary restriction. The food at Angelica's Kitchen was delicious--Brandt had soup of the day (creamy cauliflower) and a daily special dish, an asparagus-pasta-baked sort of thing. Suzy had the "picnic plate" which allows you to choose 3-4 items to taste--a great way to sample some featured menu items. We also got to speak with our waitress about her experience being vegan and some of her recommendations (none of which we are likely to try, but her bubbly attitude and clear zen energy about a vegan lifestyle was sort of encouraging?)

After lunch, we got dessert at Stogo. Both of us were pretty skeptical--I mean, how could a non-dairy "gelato" in any way compare to the ice cream we both love? We were pleasantly surprised. The 2 flavors we ordered--banana and almond joy--both stacked up to our beloved dairy counterparts. The price, however, was a little steep. But quelling our dessert craving during this month was pretty priceless.