Eating Around the World - 2022 "Challenge" [April - Vegan]

I came up with a fun "challenge" for the hubby and I to tackle in 2022. You see, we try and limit our eating out to once a week (because I'm frugal like that ;)). With that said, we tend to stick to our tried-and-true favorites (you gotta make the most of those dining-out experiences, right?!). Well, that means we usually eat at the same two restaurants. Hear me out, I am NOT complaining, but I thought it might be a fun "challenge" for the year to try a new place once a month. To take the idea one step further, I thought we could try a different cuisine every month - that way we aren't just trying a new Mexican restaurant every month (because, let's be real, I can never turn down great chips and salsa ;)). Here's how it went:

[Originally this was going to be a single post, but blog readers said they preferred monthly, so ask and you shall receive.] 

January - Indian

February - Korean

March - Pizza

April - Vegan

The hubby and I have been wanting to go to Milk Organics FOR-EV-ER and we just haven't gotten around to it before now (it's in a neighboring town and more of a breakfast/ lunch spot so by the time we think of it, it's normally closed for the day or out of the way), but this was the PERFECT reason to make it happen. We were STOKED to finally give it a try! 

Smoothies, Eats and Vegan Treats?! SIGN ME UP!

This restaurant is owned by the partner of our tattoo artist. You can see his influence in some of the design/ decor around the space. While we were waiting for our food we were able to chat with Morgan, the owner, for a few minutes and catch up on life. [Our tattoo artist's mom is a caterer and I've worked with her for a few events. Morgan would often work as one of the bartenders, so not only do we know her partner and his mom, but I've worked with her on occasion too. It's AMAZING to see friends living their passions and being successful at it. And, whatever we can do to help in that success we're totally on board for!] Even still, you better believe I am still going to give my 100% honest opinion and #KeepItReal!

I am LOVING all of the art and decor!

I try to eat 100% vegan at our house, but will eat cheese when we're eating out or if we are over at a friends' place. (We can get into my reasoning in another post, but suffice it to say I "allow myself dairy" with others as to not alienate myself or them.) But, if I CAN eat vegan while we're out, I will. (I realize I am extremely privileged to be able to do this, especially where it is more of a possibility in SoCal than say middle America. #HomeOfMealsFilledWithMeatMeatAndMoreMeat)

I don't really know how the banana fits in, but I am still diggin' it!

All that to say, I am always thrilled to try vegan spots (or even places that offer vegan options that aren't just a salad minus the meat or sides). The hubby ordered a loaded acai bowl (an acai bowl with housemade granola, organic fruit, peanut butter, coconut, cacao nibs, and honey) and I ordered the "Dylan" (a loaded grilled cheese with vegan cheese, vegan bacon, avocado and chipotle mustard). Normally I would have tried the pitaya bowl (which is my go-to whenever I see it), but we were getting ice cream later that evening (for a Yelp Elite Event I had signed up for), so I wanted a sandwich.

Left: Hubby's bowl || Right: My sammy

Oh my, it was all DELISH! We both devoured every bite! And we can't wait to go back again! I absolutely want to try like every single thing on the menu (and I'm sure you might be able to talk me into snagging a treat or two treats).

We were there pretty late and the day so I was surprised there were any treats still left... I may have drooled on the glass ;)

And, before I forget to mention, the staff was so kind. I know we know the owner, but that's not swaying my "review", nor did the staff know that when we came in. Maybe, just maybe, the kindness is emanating from the vegan lifestyle ;)

I am a sucker for a fun black and white pattern ;)

I'm already counting down the days until we can go again (we only eat out once a week and in May we have a couple weekends we're out of town and then we gotta hit up a new restaurant for the challenge, so we'll have to squeeze it in ;)).

When was the last time you tried a new-to-you restaurant?