Simple Vegan Swaps

2020 has forced us all to look at our daily routines in a new way.

If you have decided you want to work at cutting out dairy and/or meat, I am here to help! I have been on this journey for a few years now and have tried lots of different products.

While there are a lot of places you can start, here are my top three simple vegan swaps:

1. Country Crock Plant-Based Butter

This butter is so good and tastes just as creamy as your average butter. It also helps that Antoni from Queer Eye is in the social media ads for this product, hehe. To put it to the test, I made homemade vegan shortbread cookies with the Avocado Oil version and my family LOVED them. Shortbread is one of my dad's favorite cookies and he said they were some of the best he had ever had. 

2. Flax Eggs in baked goods

Baked goods don't need eggs. There, I've said it. Swapping flax eggs in for chicken eggs is soooo easy. I get my ground flax seed at Aldi so it is very inexpensive. I've used flax to make banana bread, cookies, brownies, and cakes. Here is a wonderful recipe and guide to use. Note that sometimes I use 2 1/2 tablespoons of warm water instead of 3.

3. Beyond Meat 

If you think you can't make hearty meals while cutting out meat, you are wrong. Beyond Meat works perfectly in your family meatball recipe, meatloaf, burgers, and so much more! I know that Beyond Meat is not the healthiest meat alternative (think beans and lentils) but it is quick, easy, and helps you get out of the habit of using ground meat. 

There you have it, my 3 simple vegan swaps! Check back soon for more of my vegan recommendations. 

Caffeine Kick: Commonplace Coffee

Good morning! I hope everyone's morning has been great and your mug is full of coffee!

I recently had the chance to try out Commonplace Coffee in Squirrel Hill. The cute shop is located right on Forbes with plenty of street parking around it. In my experience, seating at local coffee shops is scarce, so my friend and I were a bit nervous about finding seats the weekend that we checked the place out. Thankfully, there were quite a few outdoor tables so we got one right away! 

After putting our stuff down on our table, we headed up to the bar to order our drinks. The menu was much larger than I expected with flavors and different coffee beans to choose from. My friend got an iced chai (pictured below) and I got a hand poured coffee called Kenya, Gucienda. My coffee was described as having a juicy, full bodied flavor with hints of lemon and stewed tomatoes. I found that description to be oddly delicious sounding so I couldn't pass it up. In addition to my coffee, I also got a cinnamon coffee cake. The flavor of my two item went perfectly together! It was just enough sugar and just enough caffeine to keep me shopping at the Avalon Exchange all afternoon. 

Good Eating: The Vandal

As everyone knows, Lawrenceville is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. One of the main reasons I love it is because there is always something new to try out: a new flavored latte, a new pastry, a new vintage shop, or even a new restaurant! 

While I was living in Chicago, The Vandal opened up right on Butler. When I first saw it, I thought it should be in LA and knew I had to stop by asap! 

As soon as you spot it, it just has that California cool feel to it. The feeling starts when you see there are palms are on each side of the door. No only that but, it has huge windows that allow tons of sun to come into the small seating area. 

My friends and I decided to go for Saturday for brunch so we knew it would be busy. Thankfully, we only waited 15 minutes for a table. While we waited we got cold brews from the bar and checked out the pop up shop they had out back. It was great! 

After some confusion from the waiter explaining the dishes, we had to decide what we wanted to try out. It was quite difficult to pick just one thing to try for brunch but I ended up getting the Soft Scramble with a latte. Everything tasted amazing and so fresh! 

I was a bit turned off because of the odd/awkward way the waiter answered our questions about the menu but think it deserves another try! 

Good Eating: Smallman Galley

Good morning! 

How is everyone's week going so far?

The other day my sister took me out for my birthday lunch and it was fabulous! She picked me up from work in town and headed straight to the Strip. I knew she was taking me to the Smallman Galley but I didn't know how cool this place was. 

As one Yelp review described it, the concept is a chef incubator. There were four different places to choose from with their own unique menus:

1. Carota Cafe
2. Josephine's Toast
3. Aubergine Bistro 
4. Provision PGH  

Annie and I decided to try the sloppy joe's from Aubergine Bistro. They were delicious and the plate of two sandwiches was enough for us to split. Plus, they came with a pear salad on the side that was AMAZING! Being pears you would think that it would be a sweet salad but it was savory and simply delicious. We also got the avocado toast and nutella s'mores toast from Josephine's Toast. Minus the fact that we ordered pretty much all gluten, the meal was awesome! 

To be honest, my favorite part of the restaurant was the actual building. The Smallman Galley is a massive space in the Strip. The walls have exposed brick, there is plenty of seating and the lighting is just great. 

Overall, I can't wait to come back and try out the other restaurants and grab a drink at the bar! I love that places like this are in Pittsburgh and can't wait to see more coming. 

Smallman Galley

54 21st Street 

Pittsburgh, Pa 15222

Caffeine Kick: Black Forge

Hello there! Happy Monday! 

Since Black Forge opened last year, I have been dying to go! It seemed like as soon as they opened, their Yelp and Instagram pages were full of amazing photos. Recently, I have had the chance to make the short trek over to Allentown and try it out with my brother-in-law. 

Just like Arnold's Tea, I was shocked at how many seats there were to choose from. However, it was different from the other Pittsburgh coffee shops that I have been to, in the sense that it was a lot edgier. The dark colors, art covered walls, and music gave this place a grungier vibe that felt very refreshing. 

I went a little rogue when ordering and got a coconut mocha...it was very sweet but overall delicious! My brother-in-law had their cold brew (his usual) and LOVED IT! The only thing I didn't like was the yogurt...it had a weird texture but I think that is just me, haha. 

Overall, I can't wait to go back! I love that they have monthly event calendars. I will definitely be checking out their open mic night and a brunch hard event! 

Black Forge 

1206 Arlington Ave

Pittsburgh, Pa 15210

What I ordered: a large coconut mocha

What I am going to get next time: cold brew

Good Eating: Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

Hi, hello!!

I recently got the chance to try out the super-popular Gaucho Parrilla Argentina in the Strip District and it was amazing! I was so happy to see that I had tried out at least one restaurant on Yelp's list of 100 Places to Eat in the US. Gaucho was number 7 and it definitely deserves the spot!!

After waiting in line for about 15 minutes (we went right at noon), Annie and I decided to order a couple of small plates so we were able to try out more than just one dish! It was very hard to choose only three things to order but we decided on: provoletta (toast with provolone and arugula), rosemary braised beef con pan, and lastly we got 2 turkey empanadas. My favorite was definitely the provoletta. There was just such a good combination of flavors and textures! 

I can't wait to go back and get some more photos of the awesome decor they have! Be sure to go to the bathroom while you are there...the floor is gorgeous! 

Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

1601 Penn Ave

Pittsburgh, Pa 15222

Caffeine Kick: Arnold's Tea

Happy Friday!!

I'm back in the Burgh and with that comes finding the best cup of coffee in the city! Luckily, I think I've already found it!  

Arnold's Tea is right on the main drag in Northside and it is huge!! So often local coffee shops seem to have an amazing decor but only a few spots to sit...this place somehow manages to have a super cozy feel while also having TONS of tables. The cozy feel doesn't stop at the decor. The owner behind the bar is so sweet and really accommodating with gluten-free pastries and alternatives options. 

Somehow...all of this was still out-shined by the fact that their plain drip coffee (with a bit of cream) was the best I have ever had!!! And let me tell you I have had a lot of coffee. For any Gilmore Girls fans, as I drank it I thought to myself that it would be what Luke's coffee would taste like. So delicious and addicting, haha. 

I can't wait to go back and drink 1,000 more cups of this coffee and try out their afternoon tea as well! 

Arnold's Tea

502 E Ohio Street

Pittsburgh, Pa 15212

Good Eating: Pick Me Up Cafe

Well, hello! How is everyone's Thursday going so far?

BRUNCH! Millennials have become obsessed with it and I, being a millennial, have had my fair share of awesome brunches. However, today I want to talk about one in particular. Recently I had the pleasure of experiencing brunch at Pick Me Up Cafe :) 

To be honest, as we pulled up to the front of the restaurant, I told my friend that without her suggestion that I probably would never walk in this place. From the outside it just doesn't look like much. Like you would have no idea that they are home to the famous Pizzadillas or that they have vegan milkshakes or that they have killer coffee or that they have the friendliest servers in Chicago! 

Seriously it's amazing once you walk inside! With the brunch crowd, space was limited but we got a seat within 10 minutes and they made sure to give us a high-chair for the baby! Coffee was quickly brought to our table (always a good indication of how much I am going to like the place, hehe). We ordered and then got to admire all of the local art on the walls. I ordered the Ham Scram with a bagel and my friend got the Humboldt County (vegan). Both were delicious and we had enough for leftovers! My only complaint is that they didn't have many gluten free options but I'm sure in time they will.

This place is a must-eat if you are anywhere in the Lakeview neighborhood! Best breakfast in the area! 

Pick Me Up Cafe

3408 N Clark St

Chicago, IL 60657

Exploring: Lakeview

Hello, hello! 

I think it's about time that this city started to feel like home to me. My family's first visit felt more like a vacation rather than me actually showing them around where I live. We went to places I had never been before and experienced things I hadn't yet tried. 

But recently, my mom came up for the weekend and this time it was a little different.

We went to restaurants in my neighborhood including Glaze and Wheat's End. We walked the streets that I travel on everyday. It felt great to show her around and take her to some of my favorite places! The highlight of our day was, of course, grocery shopping in the biggest Aldi we have ever been in! It was so great to do something routine but enjoy it a lot more because I did it with my mom. 

Not only did my mom visit but, as my Instagram and Snapchat followers know, my pup visited too! Chicago is truly a brilliant city for dogs, especially in my neighborhood. I can't imagine taking Molly out on the coldest of days here in the city, but in the Summer, Chi-Town should be called Dog-Town...I know, that was cheesy but I couldn't help myself. 

It was sad to see my mom leave and sometimes I still wish I just lived in Pittsburgh with her and the rest of my family and friends, but it I am feeling happier to be here with every day that passes. Plus, I will be home in a few weeks for a friend's wedding, so I can't really complain anyways!

No Reservations: PHO

Hiya, everyone!

Today's post is a little different. It doesn't have the happy ending that usually follows my decision to have no reservations and try something new.

To be honest, I had been wanting to try pho for quite a while and when I finally had the chance, I ordered the craziest version of it I could find on the menu. Most of the words in the description were ones I had never heard of, but I went ahead and ordered it anyways. I figured, like most of my no res choices, it would pay off and be one of the best dishes ever.....

I was wrong. I think I just ordered too much. Every time I dipped my spoon in the bowl, I wasn't sure what was going to come out. It was weird and it made me realize that texture has a lot to do with my preferences.

Overall, I think I would try pho again but I would not order the same thing. It had a lot of different things in it and ended up having little flavor. I have heard that chicken pho has a better taste but I'll have to get back to you on that!

Does anyone have any suggestions for my next pho attempt? I want to like it so much, haha.

Chicago Instagram Spot: The Chicken Shop

Hi, hello! How are you guys today?

You know what I have been dreaming about all week? The delicious golden fries that I recently had at The Chicken Shop. Making them even better was that I got them for free using Popular Pays.

To be honest they were just the cherry on top of the most amazing lunch I have had in Chicago thus far! The Chicken Shop is located on the second floor of the Chicago Soho House. As you walk into the Soho house, you are in the gorgeous Allis lobby. Cozy chairs, vintage chandeliers, and warm colors surround you.

Once you get upstairs to the Chicken Shop, the feeling is similar but a bit more laid-back. It felt like I had stepped into another time. Everything looked like it was out of the 1930s and the sun was shining through the lace curtains in such a lovely way.

My family and I conveniently had the place almost all to ourselves. Jack got to run around and try out every chair that looked comfy to him and I got to take as many pictures as I wanted (which is quite a lot :p). It was nice to be able to experience a spot that I had been seeing on Instagram for months and it was even better that I got to experience it with my family. 

I can't wait to go back to the Soho house and try one of the other restaurants! Maybe one day I will become a member...in my dreams, at least. 

Chicago Instagram Spot: Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits

Hello, dearies! I want more of this avocado biscuit and I just had it for lunch....soooo yummy! Before I get to that, I better first explain how I got to this amazing spot. 

The first time Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits came up in my Instagram feed, rach.esq had a meetup there. It looked like so much and the venue looked so cozy and cute. Then, Bang Bang kept popping up in my newsfeed with photos from Becca and other grammers...I knew I had to go! 

And boy, was it worth it! Just like the Instagrammers before me, I didn't know what to take a photo of first! The amazing decor inside? The iced coffee tap? The outdoor garden? The delicious food? In the end, I think I took a picture of all of the above, hehe. I can't wait to go back and use the Popular Pays trade for a buttery biscuit! 

Caffeine Kick: Intelligentisa Coffee

All week I have been wanting to try out the Intelligentisa Coffee Bar that is in my new neighborhood! With my first Sunday morning in Chicago being a cold, rainy one...I got coffee, of course, and it was amazing.

Intelligentisa is one of the larger coffee places I have been to. There were plenty of seats, outlets, and room to people watch. I got a brewed coffee (for free with the app "Popular Pays") and a pastry.  Both were delicious. The coffee was quite strong for me, but with a good amount of sugar, it was perfect. To make this place even better, they had awesome music playing! Right as I sat down to enjoy my coffee "Under Pressure" by Queen started playing.



I cannot wait to come back and try a latte and another pastry! I may even have to grab one of their cool mugs with "Intelligentisa" on one side and the Chicago flag on the other.

Good Eating: Hotel Monaco and The Commoner

As you walk into the lobby of the Hotel Monaco, you are transported to another world! The crisp white walls are covered in art. Each room has its unique feel to it that makes you want to photograph it from every single angle! 

The only thing better than walking around this hotel all afternoon, is stopping by The Commoner (which is attached) afterwards for drinks. It has its own amazing decor that makes you feel right at home. The bar is huge with a lot of choices and super fast service! I felt like I had just ordered my cucumber cocktail and fries when they were brought out fresh from the kitchen.

At first I felt a bit guilty for coming to such a great place and only getting fries but once I tasted them I realized that I had made the right decision! I didn't realize how amazing chargrilled ketchup would be until I tasted it....so delicious!!

I have definitely have put these two spots on my list to come back and try again! 

Hotel Monaco

620 William Penn Place

Pittsburgh, Pa 15219

Caffeine Kick: 4121 Main

Hello, everyone! How are you on this lovely afternoon?

To celebrate the amazing Spring weather that has finally arrived, my friend and I did what we do best....got coffee! I have been obsessing over 4121 Main after finding them on Instagram and decided that it was time to actually check them out in person. All of their posts are fantastic and just make you want to take time out of your day to go enjoy a latte.

The photos set my expectations high but the store didn't disappoint. As you walk in, there is art and flowers all around you. It is a very inspiring space despite being a little bit smaller than I had imagined. Still, there was plenty of space for my friend and I to sit and chat before taking some cool photos of the decor! 

As you all probably know by now, I am a lover of vanilla lattes. Unfortunately, 4121 Main sticks with just standard drinks and no flavorings. Still, I got a flat white and my friend got a cappuccino...both were really good and the latte art was brilliant! 

I can't wait to go back again to try something else and buy art or flowers!

4121 Main

Pittsburgh, PA, 15224

What I ordered: a flat white 

What I am going to try next time: a pot of hot tea

Treats and Sweets: Dough in NYC

Don't you love when things just work out? That is exactly what happened when my friend Kate and I arrived in New York City. 

It was like 6:30 am, freezing cold, and we couldn't drop our bags at our hotel until 8 am. So being the person that I am, I just googled best doughnut shops in Manhattan, found the closest one to us, and headed straight to it! 

Luckily for us, we ended up at Dough. 

As you walk in, there is one large rustic table off-centered below a line of gorgeous lights. Behind the counter on the back wall, there is a giant window and you can see all of the bakers making fresh doughnuts and coffee. It is PERFECT! 

It honestly feels like a fairytale right in the middle of the city. Not only that but the nutella filled doughnut is to die for!! It may actually beat my zebra doughnut in London and nutella bomba in Rome! 

There are more foodie spots coming from my trip to NYC, check back soon! 

Caffeine Kick: 21st Street Coffee Downtown

Hiya! How are you on this awesome December morning? 

So, I have gotten into the habit of taking a lot of photos of my lattes these past few months and the below is my absolute favorite! It is so simple but I just love it :) 

You know what I also love? This mocha from 21st Street Coffee downtown! I normally go for my simple vanilla latte but it was a rainy, cold day in Pittsburgh and they had run out of vanilla syrup so I thought, "what the heck, I'll have a mocha!"and I loved it! 

The shop was quite small but with just enough tables for my friend and I to catch up! Both of us had trouble finding the place because it is kind of hidden off to the side of a bank but it was worth asking a few random strangers for directions. 

Next time I think I'll try their other location in the Strip District! 

21st Street Coffee

225 Fifth Ave
Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What I ordered: a mocha 

What I am going to try next time: A cortado 

Caffeine Kick: Constellation Coffee

Hello! I may have found my perfect study spot for finals week....Constellation Coffee in Lawrenceville! It is just a quick bus ride away from most college campuses in Pittsburgh and has plenty of tables to choose from, it is (like I said) just perfect! 

The barista was super friendly and made me feel right at home as I walked in the door. Light music was playing in the background and everyone was quietly studying and chatting with their friends. The only thing that threw me off was that they don't have any flavors except for the seasonal special...seeing as I loved the maple latte I chose, I didn't mind. 

I honestly can't wait to go back and show my friends this awesome spot! 

Constellation Coffee

4059 Penn Ave

 Pittsburgh, PA 15224

What I ordered: the seasonal latte (maple) 

What I want to try next time: the next seasonal latte :p 

Good Eating: Franktuary

When I used to think of a delicious weekday lunch hot dogs weren't the first food that came to mind. This may have been because I am not the biggest fan of hot dogs, but it was probably because I had never been to Franktuary before. 

With a permanent location in Lawrenceville and a food truck that travels around the city, there was no excuse for me not to give it a try and, boy, am I glad I did! 

As soon as you walk into Franktuary, you feel relaxed and quite hip. There is exposed brick on the back wall and a huge, vintage looking bar in the corner. 

The menu has so many different ways to get your hotdog, it is unbelievable! I decided to go with the classic Pittsburgh-style that includes a huge pierogie and coleslaw on top of your frank! 

Not only do they have hot dogs but they have POUTINE! Before my recent trip to Toronto, this would not have mattered to me, but now that I know how amazing it is I want to go back and try Franktuary's take on it. For those of you who don't know what poutine is (like me before my weekend trip to Canada) poutine is fries with gravy and cheese curds. Most Canadians are obsessed with it and we saw multiple restaurants that only sold different variations of poutine on our two-day trip. 

My mouth is watering just thinking about what I am going to order the next time I go....a memphis frank with an order of poutine. 

Franktuary 

3810 Butler Street

Pittsburgh, Pa 15201

Good Eating: Eggs N'at

Just like most Pittsburghers, when I think of breakfast, I think of Pamela's eggs and lyonnaise potatoes and pancakes from DeLuca's. But when I heard about the amazing Eggs N'at over to the West of the city in Moon Township, I just had to try it out! 

After pulling into the small and packed parking lot, I was a bit nervous about getting a table, but to my happy surprise we didn't have to wait at all! We were greeted by a lovely hostess and were seated at a cute little table in the front room. 

After a quick look at the menu, I figured it was best to get their signature Eggs N'at breakfast since I was a first-timer! Plus, with that choice I didn't have to pick between sweet and savory...the Egg N'at comes with eggs, potatoes, meat, toast, AND a pancake! 

Once our orders came out I realized I may have ordered a bit too much food for myself, but dug in without hesitation anyways! Everything was delicious...maybe even better than Pamela's and Deluca's! Plus, it was kind of awesome that I had some leftovers to enjoy later that day!

I can't wait to go back and get something else off their amazing menu! And maybe even a t-shirt :)