Dandelion Soup is Surprisingly Delicious

After Running Like a God in the Hermes 10 Miler yesterday and then volunteering at Berea ARF as I do every other Saturday, I decided to treat myself to a vegetarian feast at Treehugger's Cafe in Berea. Many times, after working a shift at the cat shelter I'm either too tired or covered in fur to feel comfortable dining in, but I decided that I needed a little "me" time and took my place at the single seats at the "bar" and placed my order.

The 3rd best thing about Treehugger's after the delicious peanut butter brownies and the amazing chicken free chick pea patties is the great service. I noticed that the soups available were broccoli (which I've tried before - I thought it was good but not great) and dandelion. One of the super bubbly servers told me about all of the ingredients in the soup (dandelion, squash, carrots, zucchini) and let me know that it was vegan. I must have still looked indecisive because she got me a sample to try. And I'm SO glad she did. It was surprisingly delicious, so I ordered an entire bowl.

It had a little bit of a kick to it while still maintaining a slightly sweet flavor. I couldn't pick out all of the spices in the soup, but I definitely saw some dill floating around. I know, I know...this sounds like a wacky combination of spices and foods for a soup but it was really great. And not "vegan tasting." I've had plenty of vegan soups in particular that have been really bland and difficult to eat because of their lack of flavor.

I followed the soup with my favorite chickpea chicken free patty. It was delicious as always. Sometimes it comes on a hamburger bun (which I don't really care for), but this time, it came on some herbed bread from Breadsmith. I was so excited about my sandwich, I forgot to take a picture of it until after I'd eaten my Cuban rice side dish and half of my sandwich! I was also distracted by the live musicians who were in the house. Don't get me wrong, they were a good alternative-ish rock band, but I felt a little odd being 3 feet away from them.

After my organic food overload, I got a peanut butter brownie "to go" and headed home. I think if I ever have to have a last meal, I'll need to have one of these brownies for dessert. It's so decadent with a fudgey brownie layer and a thick, peanut buttery layer.

After eating delicious meals like this I always wish that 1. I lived closer to Berea and 2. that I weren't too lazy to make delicious meals like this on my own. Until then, I'll enjoy my bi-weekly feast.