I chickened out!
I had a post all ready to go for today. It was pre-scheduled last night, which I often do with posts. But while I slept, it bugged me. I realized that the post made me sound preachy and the whole tone was just so negative.
Plus, I decided that the week before Christmas isn’t exactly a good time for such a controversial post. Talk about squelching Christmas cheer :(. So I’ll publish the controversial post sometime in January. For now, you’re stuck reading about my most-recent restaurant outing:
The other day, I returned for lunch at Bliss Raw Cafe.
I was back for seconds, only a week after my first trip to the raw restaurant. This time, I dragged along a new brave soul—my daddy! Above is a photo of his “Bliss Burger.” I wasn’t wild about this. But to be fair, I dislike sunflower seeds (which made up the base of the burger) so I was biased against it from the start. Poor burger! However, Daddy Dearest loved it.
Then again, he has no tastebuds ;).
For my own meal, I was so psyched to go for the Coconut-Kale Enchiladas… until the waiter brought a Primavera Bowl to a fellow patron. It looked so good that I changed my order on the spot! (I’m impulsive like that.) Primavera Bowl, it was.
Sadly, this was nowhere near as good as their Raw Lasagna.
It was just… bland, seriously lacking in the sauce department. Not bad, but not outstanding. I ate the dish anyway, since it did have a whole lot of yummy veggie action going on: zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, carrot, mushrooms, garlic, etc. (I asked for a plate, as it was difficult to eat the overflowing abundance of vegetables out of such a small bowl.)
I should’ve stuck with my first choice of the enchiladas. No matter: I’ll have to go back to Bliss Raw Cafe again. And next time, I am definitely getting those enchiladas!
Have you had any negative restaurant experiences?
And if you find a certain restaurant dish you like, do you order it every time?
If I have a bad experience at a new restaurant, I probably won’t go back. But if I enjoyed the restaurant on a previous visit, I’ll usually give it another chance. Bliss will get another chance; their Raw Lasagna was so good!
Meg says
I’m excited for the controversial post, I love your insight, Katie 🙂
Awh man, enchiladas sounds SO good…such an excuse to go back ASAP 😉
Love you!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
Pumpkin or gingerbread? Don’t make me choose!
Christin@purplebirdblog says
Oooo, you are such a tease with your foreshadowing to your controversial post! 🙂
Eric Jaffa says
Are you the only vegetarian in your family?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yes
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) says
Well at least postponing your controversial post will give me something to look forward to in January! I do love a good bit of controversy! 😀
I’m a (boring) creature of habit I’m afraid- if I find something I love I tend to stick to it!
And GINGERBREAD gets my vote! 🙂
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel says
its funny how a lot of raw places are all named Bliss, theres a raw cafe here thats called Bliss hehe. Even tho theres a lot of great food, i actually find it hard not to have a negative experience..whether its too little salad, or they forget certain toppings, or even the pricing for the serving size can be really awful. they cell little desserts the size of my thumb for like 7 dollars.. it drives me mad because the food in general is usually spot on delicious. i love eating raw food but i dont like ordering it not just because of the price but a lot of the atmosphere in the cafe is “we are elite because we are the healthiest”… i know not everywhere is like that and u can get that at any restaurant really, but it just seems really profound there. but i definitely think the taste pulls me back in every now and again. funny how yesterday i was gonna go in for a raw lunch! maybe we’ve just got those raw cravings lol…
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yeah, I hear you on the “elitist attitude”… and high prices :(. I know that raw, organic nuts and such things are expensive, so I understand how their prices can be so high. But still, it doesn’t mean I want to pay that much for small servings on a regular basis. It’s nice for a rare treat :).
Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies) says
i always get the same thing at a place if I had a good experience with it! I am such a creature of habit– and usually I only go to the restaurant because of a certain dish i love!
Faith @ lovelyascharged says
Aww, I totally see the resemblance between you and your daddy! Sorry the primavera bowl came out a little disappointing, but the enchiladas sound to die for! I am horrible at deciding on what to order when I go to a new place…but I rarely stick with a favorite. Unless it’s something classic like Olive Garden’s minestrone or my favorite sesame tofu from the little Chinese place up the block, I’m all about trying new things!
L. says
Hi,
I’m usually a lurker, so I hope my only time commenting comes out the right way. I think I have a good idea of what your controversial post is about (given the topics you posted a couple of weeks ago). If I’m right in my assumption (lest I live up to the “ass” part), just remember that people have different health reasons and preferences for trying out certain lifestyles, and that it’s not the same intent and focus for everyone. It can be all to easy to get preachy if you’ve never experience not thriving while doing that certain thing. Understanding and respect go a long way in proving your point. Just a thought that I hope will guide you in writing a piece you’re more comfortable with, as I’ve been waiting for this topic (again, if I’m right) since you mentioned it.
Anyway, I’ve never been to a raw restaurant, and I’m eager to try raw foods, but I’m often wary of the recipes I come by because– with the exception of raw sweets– most of the time they seem like they would be bland. But they do look quite appetizing! Either way, I’m a fan of salads, banana “ice cream,” and smoothies, so I don’t think I’m missing out on anything when it comes to nutrition.
And a quick thanks for the recipes you post! I always enjoy seeing how to use simple ingredients in a recipes that come together quick.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hi L,
Thank you so much for the advice. You guessed right. And it was so strange that my post came out sounding preachy, because I am NOT an elitist vegan at all. In fact, when people ask if I am offended at non-vegans, I always laugh because I only know like 2 other vegans in real life, so pretty much every single one of the people I love most (mom, dad, sister, best friends, relatives, etc) are omnivores. And I can’t imagine them being kinder, more compassionate people than they are. So I was waaaay upset when I re-read my post and thought, “Geez, this sounds so RUDE!” I definitely don’t want to hurt ANYone with my post (although sometimes offending people is inevitable; you never know what someone might find offensive, and you can’t always please everyone). But anyway, I definitely have respect for people of all dietary persuasions. I think we’re all just doing the best we can in this world to try and live peacefully. No one can take up every cause, and everyone is different. Thanks again for your comment :).
Brandie says
Pumpkin!!! And that sucks about the bad food.. I’ve definitely experienced that – my parents and I went to a Mexican place out here for mom’s bday in August – is not vegan but they have like 101 things on their menu and will ‘veganize’ almost all of them! It’s SO hard to choose! So I got a vegan tamale plate… sounds SO good right? It was SUPER Bland. 🙁 My parents convinced me to send it back (it was icky bland) and I got some vegan taquitos instead which were AWEsome! Sometimes it pays to send the icky thing back lol.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh yes, definitely! Especially if you have the time to wait. I thought about it… but my dad eats so darn fast, and I would’ve felt more awkward having to eat alone while he waited :(.
Katherine says
Can’t wait to hear this controversial post. I wish you would have posted it, but I understand why you didn’t.
I actually have never been to a raw restaurant. Vegan, yes, but never raw. I don’t like eating out much. I can’t eat out much because of the whole fact that I live at a boarding school four hours away from my family, but even if I didn’t. Eating out is rather a high stress thing for me as I am *trying* to recover from an eating disorder and a heap of other things, but now I am rambling so I’ll shut up.
But, the food does look amazing, even if it wasn’t. I will have to try a raw restaurant one of these days i.e when I am out of the south and in college lol.
And gingerbread all the way.
I have never seen someone use gingerbread in a really creative way though (not really pumpkin either though), but they are amazing flavors all the same.
Healthy Chocoholic says
Gingerbread sounds good to me!!!!!
Also, I usually have a favorite dish at a restaurant that I will keep ordering just because I’m too wimpy to try something else! =P
Alisa Fleming says
Bummer about the entrees. Honestly, that primavera looks bland 🙂
Yes, I’ve definitely had some bad restauarant experiences, who hasn’t? But I love the adventure of eating out. Though I have some staples I crave (ie – pho), I definitely try to vary my order so I can try new things. My husband tends to order the same things (selection of three or so) over and over, but when he tried the lemongrass tofu I ordered the other day … lets just say he “tried something new” on our next visit!
Kate @ahealthypassion says
that looks soo good. I wish we had a raw cafe around me I would love to try one.
melissa @ the delicate place says
haha i love the red vest! oh yeah. i’ve had rubber seafood i.e. waaaaay overcooked to the point where i couldn’t eat it 🙁 you know my vote is for the gingerbread!!
Virginia @ YtotheUmmy says
Gingerbread! I love that stuff.
Blog is the New Black says
I hate “restaurant regret” when you order something that sounds do delish and you’re totally disappointed! 🙁 If I go to a restaurant, I try to yelp it whether it’s good or bad!
Krystina (Basil & Wine) says
The coconut kale enchiladas sound amazing.
When I go to my favorite raw restaurant, I always order the same dessert: s’mores. There is absolutely no other dessert on earth for me.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I have ALWAYS wanted to try a raw s’more! Wish somewhere around me sold them. Enjoy one for me? 🙂
grocery goddess jen says
Oooh, looking forward to the controversial post. I love drama!
I went to a raw restaurant once and it was okay, but I’d have to try it again to decide if I really liked it. I do like raw food, but what I ate that day just contained way too many nuts. Everything was some traditional food made of nuts.
Also, as far as trying new restaurants, the sweetie and I have our favorites that we just go to over and over again. There are about 7 -10 that we love, and we just kinda cycle through them! It’s hard to get us to go somewhere new.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hehe well, if something works for you, why change? I am the same way. Even when I go to NYC, where there are hundreds of veg restaurants, I always want to hit up the same ones!
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) says
I am the worst person to ask about restaurants b/c the older I get, the better of a cook I get, the more I feel sooo underwhelmed when I go out. Not to mention, it’s very pricey to eat out (well, the way I want to eat it seems to cost way too much for way too little but i digress) anyway tho, yes, I am consistently underwhelmed when I go out..but large part is lack of amazing vegan AND GF options.
Vegetarian food that uses gluten, very easy to come by. i.e. veggie lasgna, pasta, etc. Vegan food that is still gluten based, again, pretty easy. Vegan + Gf…tricky.
The food you showed *looks* pretty but that’s not always the way it tastes 🙂
And way to listen to your intuition about the post…but, i am curious what you wanted to talk about!
Fi says
Gingerbread-do it! 🙂 I’m the same, I’ll give A usual hotspot another chance if it’s not great, I really want to go to a raw cafe! And how can u not like sunflower seeds? They’re amaze balls! Each to their own I guess. Xxxx
Laura @ Meet Virginia says
Sorry that your lunch was a bit of a letdown! How about this: next time I am in Texas (which I have never been – haha!) I will meet you at Bliss! I have always wanted to go to a Raw cafe!
I’m anxious to know what your controversial post was about! But it gives me something to look forward to! 😉
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m going to hold you to that. Get your booty down here so we can go! 😉
Kat says
No matter how they taste both the burger and primavera look delicious. I really want to go to a raw food restaraunt but I don’t know of any where I live.
How am I supposed to decide between pumpkin and gingerbread!? I think I’ll go with pumpkin.
Emily Elizabeth @ Kisses for Breakfast says
I definitely have had my fair share of negative restaurant experiences. I have celiac disease so I have to have a gluten free meal and many tims I have had my salad served with a side of bread.
I vote for gingerbread!
Tara says
gingerbread!!!
whitney says
Yum! I wish I lived near a raw cafe. Wait, not I don’t… I’d be broke! 😛
And I’ve been wondering, what kind of camera do you use? Your pictures always turn out wonderful!
Whitney
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh girl, you just made me soooo happy! I’ve been trying to take better photos, lately (paying attention to lighting, background, and rule of thirds, etc). I just got a new Nikon D 5000, and I love it for stilllife photos without flash. But for snapshots, I still love my little Kodak :).
jenny at Rice n' Jeans says
I would really like to try a raw food meal at a raw food restaurant but alas I am only a teenager and do not have enough money for it. Do you know any places in new york (since you have visited a couple times) that sell moderately priced good raw food?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I do know a few that have good raw dishes… but not so much on the prices :(. I look at raw food restaurants as a rare treat: not something I’d be comfortable shelling out the $$ for every day, but every once in a while. It’s just like people who go to fancy steak restaurants, or buy $100 bottles of wine. Something to be enjoyed as a special treat occasionally, but not all the time.
As for the good raw foods in NYC: Lifethyme Cafe and Westerly Market have some good pies, cakes, and savory dishes. And Quintessence is good.
Julia (The Veggie Side) says
Pumpkin!!!!!
I always seem to have a hard time deciding what to order at restaurants. I’m so worried that I’ll order one thing then wish I would’ve ordered what the person sitting next to me has. (I guess it’s a good excuse to keep going back right?) 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haha when I go somewhere with my parents, I always try and sway their order towards something I want to try, so I can taste theirs and see if it’d be something I’d want, myself, in the future. 🙂
Pure2raw twins says
that burger is something we would love…we love sunflower seeds!!
Sorry your pasta dish was no good. I hate when I order something it comes out different than I expect, but then again being a chef it is hard to please everyone. Because one dish one person would love and then the next not so much.
BroccoliHut says
I have a terrible habit of ordering the same thing at restaurants. If I find something I like, I look forward to enjoying it again and again! However, I’ve been trying to branch out more recently:)
bitt says
That’s great your dad enjoyed the burger. Adventurous eaters are good to have in the family.
I am not as big of a fan of raw pasta as I am of raw lasagna. Just the texture is different for me.
I had a really TERRIBLE restaurant experience the other day. Luckily it was just one of the courses out of 4. And at the end. But made a bad impression.
Amber Shea @Almost Vegan says
YAY, more Bliss! “Stuck” reading about it? Now, I’m all for controversy, but I’m more than happy reading about a raw restaurant meal. 🙂 I have not had the Primavera bowl… I keep saying I’m going to try those enchiladas, but still haven’t!
It sucks we weren’t able to meet up this weekend, but hopefully in a couple months we’ll make that happen!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Ok, new plan: we go to Bliss and get enchiladas together! 😉
Amber Shea @Almost Vegan says
Oh, hell yes! Deal 😀
Claire says
1) GINGERBREAD!
2) I’ve not had any bad restaurant experiences, however in the pre-vegan days I was dared to eat an oyster (which wasn’t a problem as I rather love them) however this was taken to the next level of drizzling a little dark chocolate ontop of another oyster … this is not something I’d recomended.
3) The single lady cookies are oh-so-tasty! I made one for myself, then had to make more for my sister and mum. Congratulaton Katie, another of your recipes is a hit in my household!
thefruitpersuit (Sabine) says
It’s so funny to see that whenever we drag ‘normal’ eaters to vegan/raw/vegetarian places, they will always order the things that at least sounds normal to them, ie burgers ;). your dad looks so cute though!
Namaste Gurl says
I’m not very open- minded when I got to restaurants I enjoy– let’s just say I order my usual every time and never “branch out”. I’ll get there 🙂
Char says
That burger looks sooo delicious.
xoxo
michelle says
Sadly I almost never like what I get in restaurants but when I do I’ll order the same dish forever. Your dads burger looks amazing though
Pixie Vincent says
I had to laugh out loud when I read that, “then again, he has no taste buds”! 😀 I have a husband and a son like that. The only difference is the son will eat ANYTHING (maybe having something to do with being 17 and “starving”) and my husband is relatively picky. Although…to be fair…hubby ate the green smoothie I put in front of him the other day and the Bottomless Pit begged for blueberries to be whizzed in his to hide the color. LOL
Rebecca L says
I have to say- You are rad/ I am new to this journey and I an trying to get my family to “buy-in ” on this healthy lifestyle. And without you-It would be much harder
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aww thank you 🙂
Anonymous says
gosh you look like your dad!