My August Vegan Shop-Up Recap

A Vegan Shop-Up is always a special day; this one happened to be moreso than others.  For starters, there were Pine Box Rock Shop's famous Bloody Marys.  Yes; that's celery, lime, olive, pickled string bean, pickled okra, and a radish to indicate mine is the spicy one: all adorning the best Marys in the land served by the absolute nicest bartenders.

I overheard two guys outside saying, "This must be some kind of vegetarian food festival."  Nope, better.  It's vegan!!!

First eating stop: Gone Pie Vegan Bakery (all gluten-free).  These are their famous PBCRRBNBB: peanut butter caramel rocky road beer nut and bacon brownies, which I promise to try one of these days if I can grab one before they sell out.  So famous! 

Go Nepie!

Forgive me, it's just that VM had already amassed quite the haul for the three of us.  Of course, the mini pecan pie with chocolate frosting (and, I learned, an additional chocolate layer inside the crust).  I admit I ate three quarters of this pie; sorry, not sorry.

The mini lemon blackberry cake was so moist and full of berries that I almost didn't need the decadent icing on top.  Just kidding, it was the best part!

The apple coffeecake muffin was a special treat for VM and she loved it; thanks, Barbara!

And, the chocolate cobbler: almond/Brazil nut crust, chocolate fudge filling, sweet Brazil nut topping.  Since I'm sure you want this and more, I'll let you in on a secret: you can get it this weekend.

89: bored by the whole exciting scene (except for this part)!

 

So, we headed outside.

Cake thieves!

While they continue to expand their repertoire, I still can't drag my attention away from their buns and donuts, by which I am completely enamored.

89 quickly found a friend to lean on.

Chillin in the breeze.

Snail time!  Cinnamon Snail (as if you didn't know).

Cinnamon Snail = spontaneous hugging

Our sammies: all snuggled together in a box.

Check out my monster gochujang burger deluxe: with sauteed kimchi, arugula, pickled daikon and leeks, black sesame gomasio, and sriracha mayonnaise on grilled focaccia.  It paired SO well with my Mary I cannot even tell you.

VM did it again with her tofu-less basil pesto grilled tofu with white truffle cashew cheese, kalamata olive tapenade, arugula, and caramelized onions on garlic grilled baguette.  However, the fab lady manning the Snail suggested an avocado substitute and VM swooned.  Thanks SO MUCH, Snailette!

I seemed to have missed the strawberry almond I coveted, so instead I picked up a lemon darjeeling macaron from Sweet Maresa's.  I wanted to try the absinthe but I just didn't have the nerve.  Next time!  It's confirmed; I'm definitely a fan of these delicate cookies.

And, finally: my Treeline cheese haul.  Last time they ran out, so I only had a chance to have a taste of their exquisite product; this time I wasn't taking any chances.  As of now, there are two varieties of soft cheese and two flavors of hard; when in doubt, get one of each!  More on this soon, but hint: I. can't. stop. eating. it.

Afterwards we went for ice cream sundaes at the best ice cream shop in the universe; the fun never ends!

In fact, 89 is still recovering from all of it.

The Best Ice Cream Shop in the Universe

There's a new ice cream shop at 516 E 6th Street (between Avenues A & B) and it's fabulous.  It's also, like many creative endeavors, as-yet-untitled.  No matter.  Because it's FABULOUS.  I'd call it The Best Ice Cream Shop in the Universe.

 

As I enjoyed my own sundae outside, I had the opportunity to watch as- one after another, passersby did a double take when they noticed this simple sign in the window.  Then they'd glance at the delicacies being consumed all around them: a group of children enjoying cones of varying flavors to the right; singles and groups with shakes and flurries to the left.  Quickly they'd hurry inside for their own treat.

Inside.  A stunning antique rose adorns the walls and warmly frames the rustic, unparalleled style elements.

Gorgeous wood floors, a beautifully stained table, and these iconic stools (taking me back to Figure Drawing 101) all increase the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the shop.

Details.  It's a fact, I don't believe I've ever seen Gone Pie's vegan, gluten-free baked goods displayed quite so eloquently.

Not to mention other favorites: locals Sweet & Sara, as well as Go Max Go candy bars at the ready.

But let's get back to me.  Or, more to the point, my sundae: the smoothest, creamiest ice cream I believe I've ever enjoyed: double chocolate chip and peanut butter chip with hot fudge, graham crackers, rainbow sprinkles (!), whipped cream and a cherry.  It's been too long since a sundae has found its way into my belly and the caliber of this one was unmatched-- as was the superbly friendly service.

But don't take my word for it.  Choose your confection...

...and some adornments for yourself.

Note, for now:

516 E 6th Street!!!

Do yourself the favor as soon as possible.

I'll see you there.  Chances are 89 will be there too. 

And, unlike me, she can be bought with a spoonful of vanilla.