Traditional Sunflower Burger at Sunflower Cafe in Nashville TN

I went back to one of my favorite plant-based restaurants, Sunflower Cafe in Nashville. The food and service has always been excellent, so I had high expectations.

For this meal I purchased the following items:

Traditional Sunflower Burger

Traditional Sunflower Burger at Sunflower Cafe in Nashville TN

 

Every bite of this burger was perfect! The whole wheat bun was fresh. The veggies were crisp and refreshing. The burger patty was softer than I prefer, but the taste was perfect. The sun-dried tomato spread had a slightly floral taste, which was a pleasant surprise. The garlic aioli was a perfect sauce for this burger. Overall, this burger had a bright combination of harmonious flavors with enough texture variations to keep every bite a pleasure. A toasted bun and crispier patty are the only clear possibilities for improvement. Excellent burger!

Collard greens, Seasoned Potatoes, and Jalapeno Cornbread

Collard greens, seasoned potatoes, and cornbread at Sunflower Cafe in Nashville TN

The collard greens were southern style with a smokey, well-done flavor. Omnivores would like this side item, because it tasted very much like it was cooked with ham. I don't usually like smokey foods, but this was addictive. I even drank the juice in the bottom of the bowl.

The seasoned potatoes were loaded with flavor. Some pieces were over-cooked but not to the point that it kept me from eating them. This was the veggie of the day, and it was good enough to be there everyday.

I've had the jalapeno cornbread before. I had to buy it again. The texture was soft with a finer grain, The jalapeno was hot, but there wasn't too much of it. Vegan cornbread is usually crumbly. This crumbled when I bit into it, but it held together pretty well. The tastes was great, but it was just a bit sweeter than I prefer. After the second or third bite, it seemed perfect.

All of this food was just too much to eat. I did get a take-out box. It was difficult going through the line and not getting one of everything. 

 

My lasting impression of this meal is very positive. This was the best meal I've had in months. The price was a bit high, but this was real food made by real people. I'm willing to pay good money for real food. The service was good, but I do remember the Sunflower crew being more friendly during my past visits. It was probably just a busy day. I know how it can be. I hope to visit again soon. It will take many more visits to try all of the vegan options at Sunflower Cafe.

Click here to see the Sunflower Cafe menu

Vegan Sloppy Joe at Laughing Seed Cafe in Asheville NC

Laughing Seed Cafe never disappoints. This nearly perfect lunch consisted of a vegan sloppy joe, sweet potato chips, vegan slaw, and a pickle spear. Look at this. It tasted as good as it looks.

This meal was flavorful, tangy, sweet, soft, crunchy, smooth, moist, and sloppy. The tofu slop, combined with lettuce, tahini mustard, and slaw created a perfect portion that was enough to satisfy.
It was perfect! The pickle was slightly dried out but still good. Not a big deal. The chips were crispy and heavy with a light flavor.

I was seated in the perfect spot with a view of the sunlit patio with overhanging plants. The service was good as usual. The cost was $12 plus a good tip. I will return!

Click here for the Laughing Seed Cafe website

Home-made Vegan Chili Cheese Fries

I used Simple Truth Crinkle Cut Fries, Amy's Spicy Chili, Daiya Cheddar Shreds, and a fresh jalapeno to make this excellent comfort meal.

 

Diaya Gluten-free Cheeze Lovers Pizza

Another great Daiya product. Gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan!

A Mustard Biscuit

This home-made vegan biscuit was made with only flour, salt, baking powder, water, and Earth Balance Buttery Spread. I split it like sandwich bread and put mustard on it. This was very satisfying.

I learned to enjoy mustard biscuits during my time living in poverty. During my more flexible vegetarian days, I could go to fast food restaurants and order a plain buttermilk biscuit and coffee for just a couple dollars. I used the free mustard packs and ate it inside so I could get a free refill of coffee just before leaving. Sometimes I'd get 2 biscuits and eat the second one later. They keep well in the paper bag.

It's good to remember the hard times. I recommend it to everyone, because it helps us all appreciate the good things in life. It also makes our life stories more complete. We can see the big picture when we reflect and use those memories to enhance the present.

A Simple Home-made Vegan Dinner; Black Beans, Wild Rice, and Spinach

I used canned black beans, canned spinach with fresh onion slices, and Lundberg Wild Blend Rice with salt and pepper to make this meal. I split it into thirds to include 2 bento boxes for later.