Power-slaw: A Weekend Ritual

Power-slaw: a weekend ritual

Power-slaw is a simple combination of vegetables, seeds and/or grains that will not wilt or get yucky, but actually strengthen in flavor and remain exceptionally crunchy as deep into the week as Thursday.

It’s more than a recipe; it’s a ritual.

No, JK – but that is def how the advertisement would run.

So anyway, Power-slaw is simply a symbol of healthy living - a vegan tool, like Miley Cyrus, that can nourish you all week long until it feels annoying and overplayed.

Bear with me - there is a point.

Chop all of the following up in bites as large or as small as you want them: half a bag of kale, half a bag of spinach, half a bag of cabbage, half a bag of shredded carrots, a red pepper, half a head of broccoli, half a shallot and three cloves of garlic. Add pumpkin seeds and a bag of nuked frozen quinoa (at room temp, DUH). Drench the mixture with a vinaigrette dressing and there you have it.

Simple, effective and freakishly adaptable – I promise this Power-slaw will be the staple in your packed lunch this week.

I encourage you to not only eat this slaw on its own but to also top your falafel balls, veggie burgers and sandwiches with it - or even serve it on the side of potatoes, soup or some tofu thing.

(It goes without being said that you can chop up whatever you’d like in your slaw - make it your own! Go nuts for nuts, add a can of drained black beans, get spicy with a radish or use less garlic if you hate flavor. But heed my warning, if your aim is to make this slaw last, avoid mushy veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms and the like.)

Thank you as always for reading,

Love - The Angry Veg

Full Recipe

Power-slaw is a simple combination of vegetables, seeds and/or grains that will not wilt or get yucky, but actually strengthen in flavor and remain exceptionally crunchy as deep into the week as Thursday.

It’s more than a recipe; it’s a ritual.

No, JK – but that is def how the advertisement would run.

So anyway, Power-slaw is simply a symbol of healthy living - a vegan tool, like Miley Cyrus, that can nourish you all week long until it feels annoying and overplayed.

Leftovers: They Belong in the Gut not the Gutter

Putting hokey sentiments aside, let us all slam together into harsh reality - wasting food is a nasty privilege for those of us who are lucky enough to have never gone hungry. My friends, let’s bring an end to this needlessness and embrace the unknown. Experiment with your leftovers, cook ‘em up, serve them cold, bake them, fry them, nuke them - what I’m trying to say is, you’ve got options.

While I remain optimistic, I won’t deny it - a wilted salad from Panera Bread is not going to be the best contender for your leftover scenario - let’s add your ‘Famous Guacamole’, that no one seemed to eat, to the list of bad leftover foods too. If you want your use-and-reuse fantasies to come true, you best plan on finishing those perishables, buddy. 

Ideal leftover candidates are transformable ingredients that absorb flavor and don’t get too slimy or floppy or just plain icky. The obvious choices are carbohydrate, bean or cheese based entrees - your potatoes, noodles, burritos, rice, enchiladas, wraps, etc.

But you already know that. 

If you want to see the other side of leftover potentials, please read on for a puny little list of what some would think of as surprising leftover combinations and dishes.

Spinach. If you see a spinach salad on the menu, go for it - but only if it’s an oil-based dressing (... which, clearly, goes without being said, am I right? Am I right? #MayoTheCumOfCondiments). If you see a large pile of oil smothered greens in your doggy bag, go for it - you are about to have an awesome leftover experience. Spinach is an ideal candidate for eating cold (accompanied with some chilled noodles and other chopped veggies) or hot (add garlic) and then tossed into carbs.

Eggs. Making for surprisingly eggcellent leftovers, eggs can add an extra bite of protein to almost any dish. Although fried eggs aren’t 100% unsalvageable, I recommend using scrambled eggs or an omelet for the following suggestions. 

Consider adding leftover eggs to a fried rice dish. Simply sprinkle in leftover eggs, and soy sauce, into the pan after you’ve cooked your rice and veggies to the desired tenderness for a solid experience that’s super duper authentic... 

Create a unique breakfast by adding those leftover scrambles on top of a pizza - definitely pepper on extra cheese or veggies, if possible, as most scientists agree that the added moisture can revive the fluff in them ovums. 

Vegetables. Slimy and mushy, left over cooked vegetables are a child’s worst nightmare. But you can turn this nightmare into a lovely salted dream with some flavor, heat and fat. Oh yeah baby.

Take whatever you got - I don’t care if it’s carrots, broccoli, eggplant or the previously mentioned spinach, and sauté it. Add those revamped vegetables to some cheese and make yourself a got-damn quesa-dilla. Or heck, slap those veggies on some bread and add sliced cheese and make a grilled cheese sandwich. Or heck, a burrito! Or rice, or quinoa or noodles or ... you feel me.

(You also feel me on how this wasn’t at all redundant if you reflect on, or if you read, the little blurb on spinach.)

Tortillas. Have you ever gone to a Mexican restaurant and ordered the anything-whatever that comes with tortillas on the side? Next time, try taking what is left of those tortillas home and whip up a sensual dessert. 

Slather some melted butter on to the tortillas and add whatever you want (obvious choices would be sugar, cinnamon or coarse sea salt). Slice the tortillas like a pizza, you know small wedges, and bake in the oven at about 350 degrees on a baking sheet for a few minutes - untl slightly crispy. If you feel wild and out, sprinkle on slivers of chocolate, slice up some bananas or serve with a side of berries and whip, or chocolate sauce, or caramel dressing or peanut butter! Sugar and fat - you can’t go wrong.

Sauces and Broths. Ever order takeout food, like Thai or Chinese, and sometimes you’re so savagely hungry that you eat all the noodles, tofu or veggies, leaving behind a puddle of sinfully salty soup behind - or is that just me?

Instead of tossing out this flavorful sauce, save it in the refrigerator for up to a couple of days. The next time you sauté or steam up veggies and/or rice, toss this sauce on and take a nostalgic trip back to Southeast Asia. 

There you have it - thanks for reading, I hope these little thoughts of mine inspired you.

Love, one Angry Veg.

Accidental Vegetarian Restaurants in Denver

My fellow vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians, pollotarians, flexitarians, gluten free picky eaters and hipster sell out fad poseurs - fam, let’s be real, eating out when you have a peculiar and particular diet sucks. It is way too easy to come off like a rude and spoiled squab, a douche, with ‘special dietary needs’ that can seem very unnecessary and finicky in the wrong environment. Let me put it this way, you wouldn’t go to a fish taco truck and order a number five, ask where the fish came from, hold the fish, replace the fish with coleslaw and mention how ‘it wouldn’t hurt if you charged me less because frankly, I’m paying for bread and cabbage…..’ 

So where does this leave you?

You’re either stuck with a niche, culture-vulture establishment that serves overpriced food (a parasite, if you will, feeding off the vegan market looking to make money with only investors and half assed tofu-centric menu items at the core of its business, ubiquitous vegan establishments who will remain nameless) – or sad side items consisting of starches and ‘seasonal vegetables’, which are more often than not three sprigs of $6 asparagus cooked in bacon fat, or a minimal house salad where you will probably have to ask that the kitchen ‘hold the ham’, or the worst - nothing at all other than chips and a Cliff bar from 711.

Before you give up on going out, there is hope. 

My favorite places are what I call accidental vegetarian spots. Places, who, through their genuine effort and passion to provide flavorful, delicious food, have come up with menu items which are not only vegetarian friendly, but are actually made with quality ingredients and care… like someone actually took the time to think about what the fuck food they were preparing for you to eat. Unlike the trash veggie burger at Park and Company – if you’ve ever had that rice, corn slop – you feel me.

If you find yourself in Denver, out with friends, looking for something that will satisfy everyone - even those nasty carnivores you hang out with - see below for a short list of note worthy destinations.

My Brother’s Bar - getting lit as never been so charming

Established in 1873 and located just north of down town Denver, My Brother’s Bar is a delightful, fried food haven. All self respecting beer drinking Americans are encouraged to check this place out. In addition to the many brews and liquors available at this full service bar, the menu also features a variety of classics, including burgers, jalapeno poppers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads and an incredible veggie burger – The Boulder Burger. When this morsel arrives to the table, professionally wrapped in fast food fashion, accompanied by what Yelp reviewers call ‘an interesting condiment box’ filled with pickles, onions, peppers and relish – it is an exciting experience like no other. On top of all that, this patty (made in-house) is as tasty and satisfying as that double cheese I know ya’ll miss from that golden arched McMonster. Whether you dine inside or out on the private patio, My Brother’s Bar is sure to hit the spot.

Torta Grill - quick, hot and satisfying (oooo baby)

Tucked away between N Williams St and N High St on Colfax is an affordable and deliciously unique compact take-out café – Denver’s Torta Grill. Vegetarians rejoice! Torta Grill has several tasty veggie options, including this cactus filled delight – The Enrique. Stuffed full between two delicate, fluffy slices of bolillo bread is cactus, egg, panela cheese, red peppers and other grilled veggies. Warm, gooey and grilled, this traditional sandwich boasts an awesome flavor. Cactus is not easy to find in Denver, and the chefs at Torta Grill are experts. Try this with their signature “Red” or “Natural” juice and you my friend are set up for a satisfying experience.

The Universal - brunch that will satisfy everyone (including ur sinning friends)

This traditional breakfast is perfect for vegetarians looking to soak up last night’s mistakes. The potatoes are crispy and salty, the toast is perfect for scooping up those escaped egg innards and The Universal’s vegetarian sausage patties are to die for. Friends, resist the urge to ask your server if a mistake was made with the order. Yes, they taste just like breakfast sausage, they look just like breakfast sausage but believe it or not, these little sausage patties are one hundred percent vegetarian. We swear! The next time a serious breakfast is in order, The Universal has you covered.

Whether you’re a vegan or carnivore, flexitarian or someone who just loves to flex on others with shitty labels that really don’t mean anything - srsly, google it - I love you and hope you enjoy these establishments as much as I do! 

Thanks for reading,

The Angry Vegetarian 

Avoid Denver’s Pizza Paradox

Google “Denver Pizza” and over 160 results will pull up - and that doesn’t even include the restaurants with pizza on their menu, that is just a list of pure pizza joints. Considering the one or two page results of literally any other genre of food in Denver - that, my friends, is just too much pizza for one small city. 

And the gross part is, is that new pizza shops are continuing to pop up all over the city like an infectious rash. See a new restaurant in LoDo “coming soon”? It’s pizza - BET.

So what can you do when you need hot, cheesy relief but the insane variety is making you lose your mind? Please read on for the Five Pies You’ve Got to Try.

Marquis Pizza in LoDo

Nestled on the brink between Lodo and Rino, Marquis Pizza serves up a classic New York style slice in a stylish satanic box that will make your inner punk say “blitzkrieg bop”. Conveniently open until 3 AM half of the week, this Denver staple comes in clutch during the wee hours of the morning when a perfect slice is what you seek. They also deliver - sweet.

Vero Italian in Denver Central Market

Brought to you by Andrea Frizzi, owner of Denver’s newest posh restaurant, Il Posto, Vero Italian specializes in authentic Italian pizza. Each pizza is absolutely exceptional and unique. The menu offers rich ingredients that give each recipe an elevated sense of decadence. Fancy shit right here.

Hops & Pie on Tennyson St

In addition to serving up daily deals on local brews, you can find a diverse variety of pizza pies and toppings at Hops & Pie - house hickory smoked tofu, broccoli and mashed potatoes are all on the menu. Especially filling, these unique pies promise to hit the spot.

Cart Driver in RiNo

Urban meets rustic at this Southern Italian restaurant that serves wood-fired pizzas with a one-of-a-kind crust. Chewy but never soggy, these personal pizzas are all topped with ingredients that are satisfyingly simple. This Angry Vegetarian’s favorite? The accidental vegan marinara, topped with the freshest garlic #keepawaythosevamps

Famous Original J’s Pizza in Five Points

This stylish, humble hole in the wall has quickly proven to be the best New York style slice in Denver. Founded by the same visionary who provides the authentic New York flavor that is Rosenberg's Bagels & Delicatessen, this pizza is made with the same thoughtfulness and care. Famous Original J’s Pizza serves up quality slices; the crust holds up and has a divine crunch, the sauce is beyond rich. (and they offer a heavenly VEGAN CHEESE PIZZA - rejoice)

My Heart, A Cold Veggie Sandwich.

Suggestions for simple veggie sammies to bring to work (and why you should never buy another cold sandwich in Denver again).

I admit that I’m a simple, human pos who doesn’t know everything that there is to know... but it’s my humble opinion that there really is never a situation where a vegetarian sandwich and a meat sandwich priced at the same amount is justifiable. I mean - why would a sammy that consists of mostly lettuce, sprouts, cheese, maybe avocado and some other pizza toppings cost the same as a salami-pepperoni-meatball-Frankenstein paired also with vegetables, pizza toppings and cheese – I’ll just say: it don’t make no sense!

Here are some simple suggestions to spice up your lunch and to save you some dough. Just a hint so that you can save yourself the time and energy it might take to read ‘em all - each of these suggestions involve vegetables, carbs, (maybe) cheese and a sauce or shmear. I ain’t no Chef Emeril, you can definitely figure it out yourself, mix and match - empower yourself, son!

First: I is Hung Over, Need Spicy Salty: Take whatever carbs are laying around (tortillas, pita, bagel, whatever) and slap on a healthy amount of Dijon mustard, several slices of cheese, a couple pickles and potato chips. Without fear, smoosh that down flat. Enjoy a similar vibe to a ham and cheese as this sammy cleans up your booze soaked tummy. (That’s that healthy lifestyle shit vegetarians are always going on about, right there…)

Second: Anything Crunchy and Herbs: Start with flavorful bread like sourdough or rye. Grab some fresh herbs of your choice and toss it in a bowl with crunchy romaine lettuce. Dress the greens in red wine vinegar, mustard and olive oil and lay ‘em on the bread. Add fresh mozzarella (or cottage cheese if you ain’t afraid of the mess) and a fancy, peppered heirloom tomato or yellow pepper or cucumber or anything.... crunchy.

Third: Creamy and Crunchy: In THIS order, shmear whipped cream cheese on a toasted slice of carb, sprinkle an unholy amount of shredded carrots right on top of that cheese, a thick layer of spinach on top of them carrots, pickles or banana peppers on top of them spinaches and sliced green bell pepper on top of them pickles or banana peppers. Smoosh it down and wrap it up for later.

Forth: Health Nut: Start with any kind of whole grain carb and load it up with lots of chopped kale, romaine lettuce and/or spinach, sliced apple, radishes, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, shredded carrots, avocado and bell pepper. Smear hummus on that bad boy, if you’re into that kind of thing. 

Fifth: Vegetables and Cheese: Any kind of vegetables, fruit, oils, shmears and cheese between bread. 

You did it - feel good my friend, you have just won!