Venture Forth: San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO the vegan traveler’s guide

2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS Who We Are Welcome to San Francisco Places to Dine | In Town Resources

WHO WE ARE Venture Forth was born out of the idea to combine two of life’s best things: traveling and food.

It is our strong belief that good delicious food is out there, in each and every city, being cooked fresh everyday and made with the best ingredients. By “good delicious food” we mean food that gives you what you need, real food, food that not only tastes good but also is also seasonal, grown ethically, clean, local and natural. We believe that a plant-based diet can be bold, exotic and full of flavors from around the world, because there is more out there than a good salad.

So, if you are feeling adventurous and want to go on a full-out vegan-eating journey — read on.

In this guide we will tell you where the best places to grab a chocolate lava cupcake, Vietnamese spring rolls and green lentil burgers are, all vegan by the way.

We know being vegan while traveling can seem like a challenge — but it doesn’t have to be!

Venture Forth makes it easier to travel vegan by providing you with each cities own listing of vegan, vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants at your fingertips.

With Venture Forth vegans and vegetarians are no longer the odd-ones out, you don’t have to go hungry and live off of salads while abroad. Catering to the needs of vegans and vegetarians is our specialty and commitment. Each guide is designed to introduce you to some of the tastiest veggie food out there.

For more information about Venture Forth’s mission, or if you have any questions regarding our travel guides, please do not hesitate to contact us at: VentureForth.com info@ventureforth.com 1-800-VENTURE

WELCOME TO SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco makes it incredibly easy to tap into the Good Life. With it’s hot art scene, creative boutiques, amazing scenery and all of the stellar, locally focuses restaurants and wine bars, it’s the perfect place to indulge.

You can find almost any food in San Francisco, where trends are set and culinary diversity rules. Since the 1849 gold rush, which brought foreign flavors to town, residents’ can’t get enough of the exotic eats.

Today, San Francisco remains diverse in its cuisine, with nearly every ethnic cuisine represented, from Afghan to Vietnamese.

Vegans have it good here, with plentiful restaurants, food stands and cafés to choose from. The city has easy access to quality, locally grown, organic ingredients and most restaurants use these resources to provide the freshest food possible.

We have found vegetarian restaurants that specialize in Thai, Mexican and Japanese, as well as some of the best the gourmet vegetarian restaurants in the world.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

MISSION MINIS Bakery • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 3168 22nd Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 415-817-1540 www.missionminis.com

Mission Minis is a wonderful bakery nestled in San Francisco, which offers gluten free versions of all their flavors. They also offer several dairy-free options, just be sure to ask the staff before ordering. The freshbaked banana cake drizzled with a maple syrup glaze is one of their best creations.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

SWEET AHA Bakery • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 1320 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122 415-839-2138 www.sweetaha.com

Locals say that Sweet Aha cupcakes are the best in the city and they are entirely vegan.

Their cupcakes are not overly sweetened and the bakers use all natural ingredients to give a superior flavor. Even non-vegans are sure to love their cupcakes!

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

MISSION PIE Bakery • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 2901 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 415-282-1500 www.missionpie.com

The menu at Mission Pie is simple and divine, centered around pie, but not pie-exclusive.

They offer sweet and savory pies, tarts and salads that display the bounty of local produce. They offer one vegan pie option a day.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

LOVING HUT Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 845 Market Street, Stall 12 San Francisco, Ca 94103 415-975-3888 www.lovinghut.us

Despite its mall location, Loving Hut offers good food for a good price, and is a nice place to go if you are in the need for a quick bite. Loving Hut is the largest chain of vegan restaurants in the world, with over 20 outlets in the United States. All of their menu items are made with only wholesome, plant-based ingredients.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

CAFE GRATITUDE Raw • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 1730 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94701 510-725-4418 www.cafegratitudeberkeley.com

At Café Gratitude they believe in serving the freshest healthiest food available. Their menu is vegan and always organic, all day, every day. Everything they make is from fresh fruits, veggies seeds, nuts and whole grains. Their menu changes seasonally depending on what is being harvested and available from local organic farms.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

PLANT CAFE Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 101 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94111 415-693-9730 www.theplantcafe.com

Plant CafĂŠ grew out of the desire to make it easy and affordable to eat delicious healthy local organic food.

Their mission is to promote the wellbeing of people and the planet, while providing an avenue to support healthy choices and sustainable practices. Everything they serve is made with exclusively 100% organic and local ingredients.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

HERBIVORE Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 531 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94117 415-885-7133 www.herbivorerestaurant.com

Herbivore is a 100% vegan restaurant that offers and international menu with an enjoyable atmosphere. Their food is enjoyed by both vegans and non-vegans because of the good quality and variety.

It is a nice place for vegan families, with options for everyone on the menu.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

MILLENNIUM Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 580 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 415-345-3900 www.millenniumrestaurant.com

Millennium restaurant is dedicated to supporting the concepts of organic food production, local farms, sustainable agriculture, recycling and composting. They cook with fresh produce every day and choose organic whenever possible. Their gourmet vegan food is imaginative, with interesting flavor and texture combinations.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

DANTE’S WEIRD FISH Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 2193 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 415-863-4744 www.weirdifishsf.com

Dante’s Weird Fish is a small restaurant, with just over 6 tables, but their food is delicious with plenty of options for vegans and pescatarians.

Locals highly recommend the vegan tofu “fish n chips” with coleslaw and the combo of sweet potato and potato fries.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

SAMOVAR TEA LOUNGE Tea • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 498 Sanchez Street, San Francisco, CA 94114 415-626-4700 www.samovarlife.com

If you are a tea-lover you have to stop by Samovar Tea lounge to try their variety of tea flavors and food combos. They offer vegan dishes, such as their rice bowls.

Their food is often seasonal, so you can expect fresh delicious food on your plate.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

IKE’S PLACE Sandwich • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 3489 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114 415-553-6888 www.ilikeikesplace.com

While the line to get in may be a bit daunting, Ike’s place is worth the wait because it is just plain great. With good options for vegans and vegetarians alike, you are sure to find a sandwich you’ll enjoy here. Some of their options include, the Green Goblin made of BBQ, cheddar and vegan steak or the Heath Ledger, made of beer battered zucchini, Ike’s red pesto, ranch and vegan meatballs.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

PATXI’S Pizza • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 511 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 415-558-9991 www.patxispizza.com

Much more than just another pizza joint, Patxi’s embodies your favorite neighborhood restaurant, with a warm and welcoming feel. They offer vegan options of their Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

They have an entirely vegan pizza, made of whole-wheat crust, fresh spinach, crushed garlic, red onion and Diaya vegan cheese.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

GRACIAS MADRE Mexican • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 2211 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 415-683-1346 www.graciasmadre.com

Gracias Madre has a deep love and reverence for food, making it their commitment to health and sustainability.

This organic vegan Mexican restaurant id different from other Mexican places you may have been, offering healthy delicious and unique foods.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

PAPALOTE Mexican • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 3409 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 415-970-8815 www.papalote-sf.com

Usually pretty packed, Papalote serves unusual and interesting, non-greasy Mexican food including fantastic burritos and salsa. Out of all of the taquerias in San Francisco, Papalote has the most vegan options — soyrizo, tofu or grilled veggie burritos, for example.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

MISSION CHINESE Chinese • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 2234 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 415-863-2800 www.missionchinesefood.com

Offering meatless vegan options of classic Chinese dishes, Mission Chinese is a good place for vegans to eat when craving Chinese food. Their menu is clearly marked with a “V” to show the vegan options available. Their entrees, such as the Ma Po Tofu, made of braised shitakes, aged chili paste, Sichuan pepper and scallions, is certain to fill you up.

PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN

CHA-YA Japanese • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 762 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 415-252-7825 www.cha-ya.blogspot.com

Cha-Ya is a Japanese vegan restaurant, inspired by the ancient methods of Zen cooking. They offer over 40 vegan dishes on their menu, including some interesting creations like Dengaku, broiled eggplant, tofu and mushrooms served with a traditional miso-dengaku glaze.

RESOURCES

RESOURCES Venture Forth tries to offer as many opportunities to eat fresh local ingredients as possible. While new stores are popping up yearly, in this section you will find a list of current farmers’ markets, health food stores and vegan meetups.

RESOURCES

FARMERS MARKETS Looking for fresh fruits and vegetables? San Francisco has many farmers markets, large and small, offering a selection of fresh produce and numerous other products. Most farmers markets are open seasonally, although some of the larger ones are open year round. We try to provide the most accurate address we can find, along with additional contact information. Here is a list of some of the farmers markets in the Bay area.

Alemany Farmers Market 100 Alemany Boulevard 415-647-9423 Open year round on Saturdays, 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Castro Farmers Market At Noe and Market Streets Open March 12 – December 12, 2014 on Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Crocker Galleria Farmers Market Crocker Galleria, 50 Post Street 800-806-3276 Open year round on Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Staring June 4, 2014 open Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Divisadero Farmers Market Grove Street at Divisadero Open Sundays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Fern Alley Farmers Market 55 Fern Street at Polk Street 800-949-3276 Open June – November on Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market Ferry Building, 1 Ferry Plaza 415-291-3276 Open year round on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and on Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Fillmore Farmers Market O’Farrell at Fillmore and Fillmore Center Plaza Open year round on Saturdays, 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.

RESOURCES

FARMERS MARKETS Fort Mason Farmers Market Fort Mason Center, Marina and Buchanan Streets Open March 30 – November 23, 2014 on Sundays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Heart of the City Farmers Market United Nations Plaza, Market Street, between 7th and 8th Streets 415-558-9455 Open year round on Sundays, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesdays, 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and Fridays, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Mission Bay Farmers Market at UCSF Gene Friend Way between 3rd and 4th Streets Open April 9 – December 10, 2014 on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Stonestown Farmers Market West side parking lot near Macy’s off Buckingham Way 415-564-8848 Open year round on Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

RESOURCES

GROCERY STORES Most grocery stores in the Bay area have vegetarian or at least “natural foods” sections that are vegan-friendly. The following list is only of local grocery stores that strongly cater to the vegan demand.

Goodlife Grocery 448 Cortland Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110 415-648-3221 1524 20th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 415-282-9204 This natural food market offers a good variety of produce and tons of meatless alternatives.

Green Earth Natural Foods 860 Divisadero Street, San Francisco 94117 415-922-6418 www.greenearthnaturalfoods.com This is a family-owned health food store with cage-free eggs, breads delivered daily and good organic produce.

Rainbow Grocery 1745 Folsom Street, San Francisco 94103 415-863-0621 www.rainbow.coop A worker-owned cooperative, Rainbow Grocery has been a vegetarian food store serving the Bay area since 1975.

Real Food Company 3060 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 415-567-6900 2140 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 415-673-7420 www.realfoodco.com Vegetarian friendly grocery store with lots of organic produce and vegan treats.

Whole Foods Market 399 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 1765 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 450 Rhode Island Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 Whole Foods is a grocery store chain specializing in natural and organic foods. Some locations offer a café.

RESOURCES

MEETUPS Looking to make some new friends that share the same love of food as you?

Maybe you should check out a meetup!

The San Francisco Organic, Natural Health and Raw Food Meetup www.meetup.com/organichealth Meet people who are interested in organic, raw, whole foods and conscious fitness. Come to share recipes, talk about food, sweat, smile and get inspired.

The San Francisco Vegetarian Meetup www.meetup.com/vegetarians Meet fellow vegetarians in the San Francisco Bay area. Eat at vegan and vegetarian potlucks, go to a workshop, share your favorite recipes and make new contacts.

Spice of Life Veg Meetup www.meetup.com/veg-spice-of-life Come and meet vegans and vegetarians in the Bay area, but share more than just your food interests. This group’s spirit is also based around music, art, dancing, movies, games, nature, travel — the list goes on.

RESOURCES

VENTURE FORTH ONLINE Check us out online for more information!

Website: www.VentureForth.com Blog: www.ventureforthtravelvegan.wordpress.com

PHOTO CREDITS Golden Gate Bridge by PublicDomainPictures http://pixabay.com/en/golden-gate-bridge-san-francisco-219798/ CSA_week19 by Christopher Paquette http://www.flickr.com/photos/chpaquette/3988355547/in/set72157619465877382 And If you Don’t by Thomas Hawk http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/8039185402/ Happy July by ThemaCGirl* http://www.flickr.com/photos/underneath/3679256285/ Raspberry Truffle Cupcake by Emilie Hardman http://www.flickr.com/photos/quintanaroo/3470856849/ Bluberry Tart by Emilie Hardman http://www.flickr.com/photos/quintanaroo/1517609596/ Mediterranean Salad by Mark H. Anbinder http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhaithaca/4794399089/ Pizza by Smiteme http://www.flickr.com/photos/smiteme/10029194736/sizes/l/ Arugula Avocado by Yesica http://www.flickr.com/photos/digiyesica/3835355773/ Mushroom Burger by Renee Suen http://www.flickr.com/photos/sifu_renka/12299873954/ Deliciousness by Sarah R http://www.flickr.com/photos/reid-bee/4449857048/ Lobster Roll by John Penny http://www.flickr.com/photos/icebergprinciple/3519901609/ Egg Salad by Premshree Pillai http://www.flickr.com/photos/premshree/3238931461/ Going home for Thanksgiving by Eating Ike’s http://www.flickr.com/photos/eatingikes/7137081743/ Wild Spinach & Ricotta Pizza by Larry http://www.flickr.com/photos/muyyum/4850872053/ P100871 by Emily Chang http://www.flickr.com/photos/emilychang/4928255537/ My Regular by Sarah (Rosenau) Korf http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahrosenau/155181164/ Stir Fried Bok Choy by Esimpraim http://www.flickr.com/photos/dishingupdelights/3656250174/ Agedashi Tofu by Sivara http://www.flickr.com/photos/sivara/2098959670/ Market Veg Stand by Jean-Francois Chenier http://www.flickr.com/photos/jfchenier/5756570832/ *All photos available under Creative Commons Attribution Licence