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Domo Sushi

6/19/2016

Domo Sushi
6725 W Central Ave, Toledo OH 43617
www.domosushi.com

We went here along with a couple of friends who were excited about eating sushi. We were excited to find out what plant-based options they had and weren’t disappointed. Vegans know that sushi restaurants are often good places to find vegan food, because nearly all sushi places have vegetarian sushi and many places have Japanese-based noodle dishes that are also good.

We started off with a shitake mushroom roll as an appetizer, which was quite delicious. They have a bunch of different vegetable rolls that are vegan: cucumber, cucumber and avocado, asparagus and oshinko (pickled radish). For other appetizers, you could get edamame, agedashi tofu (hold the fished-based bonito flakes) and the seaweed salad. We also split a side salad (iceberg lettuce, carrots & cucumbers) but it came undressed because the salad dressing is not vegan. The side salad was less exciting without dressing. For entrees, we had a vegetarian hot-stone Bi Bim Bop, which included rice, steamed vegetables, a delicious spicy sauce, and steamed tofu (they also have the option of fried tofu). This dish was a modification from the menu. Also, we had the tofu steak, which is a pan-fried tofu seasoned and served with broccoli and rice. This might be the best vegan steak in Toledo! Oh, we also had miso soup which is vegan here.

Our friends enjoyed their fish-based sushi, while we had a good meal too. We had leftovers and enjoyed the meal the next day too!

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Barry Bagels

6/19/2016

5 Comments

Barry Bagels
300 N Summit St, Toledo, OH 43604
4024 N Holland Sylvania Rd, Toledo OH 43623
3301 W Central Ave, Toledo OH 43606
302 W Dussel Dr, Maumee OH 43537
26611 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg OH 43551
3366 W Sterns Rd, Lambertville MI 48144
www.barrybagels.com

Sometimes there’s just nothing like a sandwich. We are so happy that Barry Bagels keeps hummus handy so there is a nice option for a vegan lunch. Several of the bagels are vegan, and you can choose from a typical list of other sandwich toppings, including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, onions, etc.

We asked which of the bagels were okay for vegans, and after the person helping us asked two other people, they said any that don’t have cheese or egg in the name. We went with this for the time, but then went to their web site to see for sure before we posted. The vanilla cinnamon bagels list “cinnamon chips” as ingredients, so since we’re not sure what all is in them if anything other than cinnamon, but otherwise here are the bagels that we found to be vegan: blueberry, cranberry, everything, garlic, marble, onion, plain, pumpernickel, salt and sesame (though all contain sugar—we do not know at this time if it is bone char sugar or not, and all are produced in a facility that uses milk and other allergens, so it really depends on how strict you are on this point). If you eat honey, you could also order the honey wheat or sunny grain.

Another option would be a peanut butter and/or jelly bagel, which is often a bagel shop go-to breakfast for us when traveling, though we haven’t ordered that at Barry Bagels. We all know how hard it is to find a hearty vegan breakfast.

We also love to buy a baker’s dozen of bagels and freeze them for a breakfast treat now and then in-between our standard smoothie, oatmeal or toast.

This review was written based on the Maumee location.

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The Indian Jewel of Toledo

6/15/2016

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The Indian Jewel of Toledo
6711 Airport Hwy, Holland OH 43528
www.theindianjeweloftoledo.com

The Indian Jewel of Toledo is a great place for vegans with lots of options. For lunch, there is a buffet that typically has four or more clearly labeled vegan options. We were there this past Sunday and we had Daal Makhani (black lentils), Vegetable Korma, Cabbage Masala, Pakoras and a Muligatwany Soup, in addition to a lettuce-based salad. We have been to lunch here many times, and there is some variety in the dishes, though the amount of clearly-labeled vegan food is always high.

The dinner menu does not have items labeled if they are vegan, though the wait staff is helpful. There are 23 items on the vegetarian section of the menu, though not all of those can be made vegan. Even so, you will have plenty options, including some interesting ones that we don’t typically see on Indian restaurant menus (e.g., cabbage masala, which is one of our favorites!).

There are lots of good options for Indian food in the Toledo area. We applaud the Jewel for clearly labeling their buffet items that are vegan. Their food is fresh, delicious and creative. We urge you to visit!

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Country Grains Bread Company

6/14/2016

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Country Grains Bread Company
6808 W Sylvania Ave, Sylvania OH 43560
https://www.facebook.com/Country-Grains-Bread-Company-125583112034/

One of the challenges with being vegan is bread, especially at restaurants where many of the servers are uninformed about the ingredients within the buns and breads. Also, it can be frustrating when shopping in the grocery store and seeing a delicious looking bread that on checking out the ingredients has milk, whey, eggs, cheese, honey or butter.

For those of us in Northwest Ohio, though, we have a great bakery that provides some nice options for vegan bread. We first became acquainted with Country Grains through their presence at the Perrysburg and Toledo Farmers Markets. They have a regular booth stocked with a variety of their different types of bread. Recently, we visited their storefront in Sylvania and got to see their operation close-up.

Some of their breads are vegan. Make sure to check out their clearly labeled ingredient list. If you eat honey, there are many, many options. We have enjoyed their English Muffins, Pumpernickel Swirl and most especially their Raisin Walnut Cinnamon (makes greatPB&J toast!).

We love supporting local companies, and Country Grains provides some vegan options that are quite delicious!

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Balance Pan-Asian Grille

6/12/2016

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Balance Pan-Asian Grille
http://balancegrille.com/
5860 W. Central Ave., Toledo OH 43616
514 The Boulevard, Maumee OH 43537
26520 N. Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg OH 43551

Update

Delicious new vegan side: sweet potato salad served cold, made of heirloom sweet potatoes with nice seasoning!
11/11/16

Balance Grille is a local chain with three restaurants in the Toledo area. There are a lot of healthy vegan options to choose, with a clearly labeled menu. On the current menu, vegan appetizers include citrus brussels sprouts, Chinese long bean salad and edamame. For entrees, there are a variety of salads, as well as bowls. With the bowl, you choose the flavor: Sweet and Sour, Sassy Me, Nuts 4 Pao, Four-Star, Wiseman, Teriyaki and Green Coconut. Then you choose protein (vegan choice is fried tofu), along with the option of white rice, brown rice, wheat noodles and greens. Given all of the permutations, there is a lot of variety!

It’s great to have some healthy options with tasty food that is created quickly. With the bowls, you are given the sauce in a side cup. One healthy tip is that you really do not need to use all of the sauce to have good flavor. We wish that there was a non-fried tofu option, in addition or instead of the fried tofu. Also, there are some interesting taco entrée choices, but none of the current options are vegan.

We applaud Balance for their commitment to the community and their pursuit of quick, healthy food. We also applaud that most of their containers are compostable as well!

This review is based upon the Perrysburg location.

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El Tipico Restaurant

6/10/2016

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El Tipico
1444 South Avenue, Toledo OH 43609
www.eltipicotoledo.net

Friends suggested El Tipico and we were excited to give this place a try. They advertise that they use fresh and organic ingredients and that their menu is vegetarian and vegan friendly.

The waitress was helpful in navigating the menu. Vegetarian items are clearly labeled on the menu and all of those items can be made vegan by removing the sour cream and the cheese. They have a cheese substitute (Daiya) that can be added to any dish for a 75¢ surcharge.

We were served chips and two versions of salsa, both relatively mild but also both extremely fresh and clearly made in-house and recently. For an appetizer, we ordered the cheese and avocado nachos. Although we try to avoid fake cheese as it isn’t all that healthy, we thought it would be a nice indulgence to try and the appetizer was enjoyable (though we probably didn’t need the appetizer and the complimentary basket of nachos). For entrees, we ordered the vegetable fajitas and the veggie combo (guac and veggie burrito, bean taco and cheese enchilada). We probably overdid it with Daiya here as well.

For dessert, they can make Mexican hot chocolate using almond milk, though they were out of almond milk that day—another reason to return!

This is a nice family-owned restaurant that has been in Toledo since 1968. There is a nice tribute to one of the founders of the restaurant, Ezekiel Villa, documenting his military service. The historical family photos add a nice touch to this vegan-friendly restaurant. No alcohol.

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Guide to Area Farmers' Markets

6/8/2016

3 Comments

There are a lot of Farmers' Markets throughout our region. We thought it would be helpful to provide a schedule so that you can figure out what is most convenient for you. These Farmers' Markets are a great way to get fresh produce, yard plants and baked goods from local farmers and vendors, thus supporting the local economy.

Sylvania Farmers Market
Tuesdays 4 to 7 p.m. (through Oct. 12th)
Downtown Sylvania
facebook.com/sylvaniafarmersmarket/

Westgate Farmers Market
Wednesdays 3 to 7 p.m. (through October)
3301 Secor Rd., Toledo OH 43606
www.toledofarmersmarket.com/westgate-market

Bowling Green Farmers Market
Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. (through October 12th)
201 S. Main Street, Bowling Green OH 43402
www.downtownbgohio.org/farmersmarket/

Toledo GROWS
Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
900 Oneida St, Toledo OH 43608
www.toledogarden.org/toledogrows

Perrysburg Farmers Market
Thursdays from 3 to 8 p.m. (through October 13th)
Downtown Perrysburg
http://www.perrysburg-farmers-market.com/

Toledo Farmers Market
Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (through November)
525 Market St., Toledo OH 43604
www.toledofarmersmarket.com

Please let us know of other ones in the area and we’ll make sure to update this listing!

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Organic Bliss

6/7/2016

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Organic Bliss
3723 King Rd # 200, Toledo OH 43617
www.organicblissmarket.com

Update 11/07/18

One of the most frequent questions we get is recommendations for places that make vegan cakes. We have used Organic Bliss several times and highly recommend them.

They can make the following flavors: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, lemon, pumpkin, carrot, marble, red velvet, triple chocolate and spice. For frosting, they can do chocolate, vanilla, lemon and strawberry.

All of their cakes are gluten-free, and they can be made vegan upon request. We used them most recently at our baby shower, where we served only vegan items including two separate vegan cakes. Although most of our guests weren't vegan, everybody enjoyed the cake! The cakes were delicious and they did a good job decorating them as well!

One of the nice things about running this site is that it has encouraged us to try restaurants that we have always had on our to-do list. Organic Bliss provides an important niche for vegans in the Toledo area. They have a deli that includes a sizable list of wraps, sandwiches and salads with clear labeling if they are vegan. We had the zucchini wrap and the Caribbean avocado wrap, along with sides. We had a vinegar-based cole slaw and a garbanzo bean salad. All of the food tasted fresh and filled our appetite.

What was unique for the Toledo area, though, is the large amount of vegan baked goods that they had available, including muffins, cookies and sweet cakes. There were at least 10 different choices, all clearly labeled vegan. We got two snacks for dessert and a few more to take home for the next morning. Although these sugar-laced treats aren’t especially healthy, it is nice to have an occasional treat to satisfy cravings.

There are also juices and several vegan smoothies. They mentioned that they are looking to add vegan breakfast items as well. Organic Bliss has many options for vegans and well worth a trip to satisfy your sweet tooth!

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The Lunch Room in Ann Arbor

6/6/2016

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The Lunch Room
407 North 5th Ave, Ann Arbor MI 48104
thelunchrooma2.com

Sometimes it's fun to head out of town to see how other nearby towns handle vegan food. We have several vegan-friendly towns not too far away, and we're beginning a "Worth A Drive" section on our web site to highlight these places.

The Lunch Room is in the heart of Kerrytown within Ann Arbor and is a completely vegan restaurant that offers lunch seven days a week (no dinner on Sunday), with breakfast on Saturday and brunch on Sunday. This place is worth the drive!

We recently went up for Saturday dinner and then stayed up in Ann Arbor and got to check out their Sunday brunch too. Each day there is a dinner special (e.g., Indian night on Thursday, Burgers and Fries on Saturday) as well as a sizeable number of entrees and sides to choose from. Also, they have a well-stocked display case of vegan desserts and baked goods.

On Saturday night, we had the vegan banh mi and a tuck and roll burrito. A friend who met us there had the jackfruit burger with fries. They also have a bar there with a selection of craft beers, cocktails and wines. For Sunday brunch, we indulged with a hillbilly bowl (biscuits with vegan creamy sage gravy and kale and potatoes) and the chilaquiles, a Mexican-inspired dish with copious amounts of avocado.

Our goal on this web site is to promote Northwest-Ohio area businesses, but there is really nothing like this in the Toledo area. Everything in the restaurant is vegan with a range of desserts and a full bar, along with delicious vegan breakfast/brunch on the weekends. We found entrees to be reasonably priced ($8 to $15). There is a Lunch Room Café and Bakery on the North UM Campus as well (2200 Fuller Court) but we have not been there yet. The Kerrytown location is close to Zingerman’s Deli and so when you’re up there, you can stop by to get some amazing vegan bread (perhaps a later review!).

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How to get a good vegan meal at restaurants

6/2/2016

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This article shares some nice thoughts on how to be confident and get a good vegan meal at restaurants. We typically bring up that we're vegan when ordering drinks, so they have time to check with the kitchen without having to go back and forth at ordering time. We like to say: "We're both vegan, what do you recommend?" We try to make them feel at ease, and if they jump to salad or look nervous, we assure them that they can check with the chef and that we're in no hurry.

What is your best advice or strategy when dining out?

http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/01/20/dining-advice-for-vegans-by-a-vegan-from-the-restaurant-staff-point-of-view-by-angie-riccio/

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Zingo's Mediterranean

6/2/2016

3 Comments

Zingo’s Mediterranean
106 Louisiana Ave, Perrysburg OH 43551
eatzingos.com

This is one of our go-to places to get healthy and delicious vegan food. Although there are a lot of great Mediterranean places in the Toledo area, this one has some real distinctive features that will be attractive to vegans. First off, they clearly label all vegan items that are on the menu. Here they are: falafel, tabbouli, house, fatoosh and almond rice salads, falafel and vegetarian trio sandwiches, sides of vegetarian grape leaves, sautéed mushrooms, mujadra and hummus as well as a red lentil soup and a veggie kabob. Plus they have a vegan chocolate cupcake.

The salads are quite big and filling. The sandwiches can be wrapped in a soft pita or “Zingo style” (in a thin pita put on the grill). Several of our favorites items are the vegetarian gyro (which can be made vegan by swapping out the cucumber sauce for hummus or tahini), the vegetarian trio sandwich, the lentil soup and the falafel salad. The cupcake might not be healthy, but it’s always a nice treat to get a vegan dessert.

The restaurant is café style (order at the front and then take a number so the food will be brought to you). They have juices, coffee, sodas, and teas, but no alcohol. There is outdoor seating. As a bonus, they advertise that they serve vegan food on the outside of the place. Also, they deliver, though only within the Perrysburg area.

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Vegan Toledo Blog

Domo Sushi

Barry Bagels

The Indian Jewel of Toledo

Country Grains Bread Company

Balance Pan-Asian Grille

Update

El Tipico Restaurant

Guide to Area Farmers' Markets

Organic Bliss

Update 11/07/18

The Lunch Room in Ann Arbor

How to get a good vegan meal at restaurants

Zingo's Mediterranean

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