Va-va-va-voom: Vegan delectations on either side of the BQE

You know when something's so good, you feel obligated to do it proper justice? That's how I've felt since I discovered Champs and foodswings, both cash-only, vegan eateries located in Williamsburg. To be honest I'm still hesitant that I can do these places full justice but it's not fair to keep them from you any longer.

So without further ado, let's start with foodswings. Located near the BQE on Grand Street, this little vegan haven is great for late night junk food savories. While I've only tasted two of their dishes so far, I feel it's safe to assume that the plethora of items tattooed across their chalkboard menu are fabulous. One I can certainly vouch for is the chick'n parmigiana sandwich featuring breaded veggie chick'n with Daiya mozzarella and marinara sauce smushed between two pieces of garlic bread--which in itself is genius. Even vegans/vegetarians get the occasional craving to nosh on something that feels bad for you. This little diddy perfectly satisfies that craving. And since my first post on using Daiya, the taste of this soy cheese has really grown on me.

Second on the hit list: the philly cheese steak--veggie steak with onions, mushrooms, and Daiya cheese on Italian bread. In one word: hearty. Not as perfect as the chick'n parmigiana but stands up in its own right as a late night indulgence.  And if you've already made the commitment to indulge in this mouthful, why not wash it down with a chocolate soy milkshake?

Moving on to the other side of the BQE, we come to Champs. Sigh. If I lived in Williamsburg, this would be an old standard. I'm sure it is for actual residents. While you're sitting in your retro booth with a portrait of Rue McClanahan or Mike Tyson staring down at you, you may wonder why this place is so well-known for being a bakery when its true delights come in the savory variety. On my first visit, I played it safe. Why, I can't remember. I had the bomber burger, which all these months later, I don't remember at all. I'm sure it was tasty but if you're going to go, I recommend getting something with faux meat because they use it so well.

Option 1: the Reuben--grilled seitan with melty vegan mozzarella, tangy mock Russian dressing and homemade purple kraut served between fresh slices of marble rye bread. Each sandwich is served with a side of leafy greenery and balsamic vinaigrette. Are your tastebuds watering, yet?

Options 2 and 3: The Buffalo Chick'n vs. the Hot Cubano. Both these hot sandwiches are contenders for my number one, favorite vegan sandwich of all time. The former for its finger-licking-good sauce and the latter (a melty paradise of soy ham, jalapeno and pickle) for its punchy kick. Both pack some heat, the latter more than the former. And both are the reason I haven't tried more things on the menu. These little buggers are so delicioso that it's hard not to order one or the other when I find myself in the neighborhood.

By virtue of a friend ordering something else, I was able to try the chili. As a main or a side, the chili is a wise choice. It's robust and beany and is apparently made extra special when served alongside the breakfast menu item called the Drunken Cowgirl.

Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a savory lunch paired with leafy greens, or a sumptuous snack, I highly recommend checking out either of these vegan havens in W-burg. It's well worth the trek, even if you're coming all the way from South Brooklyn like I do.

Italian-inspired Veg-ging Out, Part 2

I want to say that New York trumps D.C. in terms of its offering of Italian fare. It probably does but I should be honest: I rarely sought out Italian food while I lived in the District so there's not much I can compare except for the pizza. It's kind of superfluous to say that New York pizza is better than D.C. pizza.

And luckily some of the best New York pizza can be found in my neighborhood, Midwood. DiFara is a small, corner shop located off the Avenue J stop on the Q. My friend and former co-worker recommended this little place of heaven/hole-in-the-wall to me even before I moved here. Now that I live within walking distance, I see the wisdom in her suggestion. I don't care that they were shut down a few months ago for health code violations. They worked it out and have reopened. Owner Dom makes some of the best pizza I've ever tasted in my life. The simple cheese slice comes with deliciously fresh basil, rich tomato sauce, oozing cheese and oil you actually don't want to dab away. It's well worth the wacky operating hours and what can be a 30-40 minute wait.

If you want more atmosphere with your pizza and more distance from the greasy kitchen, I recommend Fornino on Bedford Ave. in Williamsburg. When I stopped in this cute little brick-walled place, I had trouble deciding what to order but finally eeny meenied my way to a decision: the Bianca pizza. It was quite good, but I wasn't paying close attention while choosing and didn't realize that it was sauceless. Even so, the arugula and cheese were so fresh and amazing. This is a cheese lover's pizza indeed: mozzarella, ricotta, and parmigiano--yum! I personally would've been happy with the mozzarella alone, but everything blended nicely for a fresh, satisfying taste. To accompany my meal, I also had an $8 glass of Chianti. For dessert, spumoni--a blend of pistachio, chocolate and vanilla ice cream. What a great finish. On my second trip I ordered the Melanzane (pictured on the right) which knocked Bianca out of the park. Between the delicious flavors, the soft lighting, the exposed brick, and the cozy feel, Fornino makes a great date spot.

A couple blocks further up Bedford Ave. is another good date place: La Nonna. Their gnocchi. Oh. my. god. This is the best gnocchi I've ever had. It's light but also filling. The buffalo mozzarella combined with the red pasta sauce and soft potato gnocchi are like a ballet troupe dancing gracefully on your tongue.

I ordered something else on my first trip here, but I don't even remember what it was called. Some pasta I had never heard of, a fun shape, but definitely not as memorable as their gnocchi. I'm sure there are more wonders on the menu but I'm not sure I'll ever get to them because I'm hooked. I can tell you, however, that their bruschetta is also divine and they have some of the best homemade balsamic vinegar I've ever tasted in my life. I'd drink it if I could. Well, I should admit, I was not too ashamed to literally lick the plate.

Unlike my first post on Italian veg-ing out, I can't imagine trying to recreate these perfect palette pleasers. If you should find yourself in either pole--North or South Brooklyn, I highly recommend you hit up one of these delights on your journey.

my new (old) thing

Ok folks, the following proves I can be passionate about other topics than food.

I've long been a bit skeptical about paying much money for clothing. Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and H&M--sometimes you can find cute (sometimes professional) stuff that isn't slutty (though maybe Charlotte Russe is more of a gamble on this), but as I get older, I'm starting to realize that I want higher quality clothing. But I still don't want to pay that much.

Now that I'm in New York, my new (old thing) is to shop mostly (if not exclusively) at nicer thrift stores. Sure, their prices range from the usual $3-4 Salvation Army fare to the pricier vintage, but even the more pricey thrift stores are worth it. My range of paying more means a shirt will cost me $11 rather than $3. I have not yet shelled out serious $$$ for truly vintage pieces. Still, I've found a lot of nice, interesting things to add to my wardrobe.

Some Yelp reviews I've read complain of thrift stores such as Crossroads in Williamsburg that just sell used J. Crew and H&M clothing, but I have no qualms about such selections. I don't need vintage to fill up my closet. I can get a gently used J. Crew sweater for less than $20. And this is probably the only scenario where I would given J. Crew's prices. And since H&M's prices have gone up since I started shopping there in high school, it works for me.

On my first trip to Crossroads, I walked away with a cute orange dress, a black and cream striped shift dress, and a pair of long red knit gloves with the amount received from the clothes I brought in to sell.

On my second trip, I would've liked walk away with more but because of better self-restraint and slightly too-small options in the dresses I liked most, I just purchased one blue patterned Joy Joy flowy skirt--perfect for the extended fall we've been having.

Next on the hits list is the Goodwill in Greenwich Village on W8th St. I bought two pair of pants (one Banana Republic, the other Gap), a pink and purple scarf, and a blue plastic bangle all for $33.22. This Goodwill seems to be a good stop for work-y clothes, especially pants, which I'm reluctant to buy at full price until/if I lose weight from all this projected exercising. If I can find it again, I will definitely go back. I get easily confused around Washington Square Park.

Doggy's Clothing (N 6th St bet. Havemeyer St & Meeker Ave) in Williamsburg is awesome for finer purchases. It seems the men's clothing here is overpriced but ladies, you can find unique skirts and dresses for $25-40ish. Not bad for some styles. Weeks ago I bought a beige full skirt that seems to be made partly out of twine? It's so fun and I'm not sure I would've found anything like it if not in a thrift store.

My trip to the Salvation Army in Downtown Brooklyn wasn't as fruitful. Here the prices were lower but so was the quality. I did snag a nice blue handbag for $10--so not a complete loss but I'm not too inspired to come back anytime soon. I found the Salvation Army in Clinton Hill to be a bigger hit.

Housing Works in Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights hold some nice items too and they aren't as expensive as I assumed from the outside. The danger here isn't just in clothes but housewares, glassware, records and books. I'm tempted to go back to the Park Slope location for a set of brown tea cups and a 25 cent "Learn Basic French Phrases" record.

Last but not least on this thrifting journey is Urban Jungle in Bushwick, right off the Morgan Ave. L stop. I actually came here before moving and loved sifting through all the retro dresses, skirts and blazers. There's so much to look through, but I think the broader selection means you're bound to walk away with something. The prices are also a happy balance between Salvation Army and Doggy's Clothing fare. It's also a short walk from the ever-so-cute and cozy Brooklyn Yarn Cafe.

In future paychecks (that's right folks, I'm now gainfully employed!), I will expand my journey in thrifting. Next on my agenda is the Goodwill in Chelsea and Beacon's Closet in Park Slope and Williamsburg.