WASHINGTON DC the vegan traveler’s guide
2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS Who We Are Welcome to DC 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 DC Washington DC is known for its infusion of different cultures, making its culinary opportunities expand beyond the traditional American cuisine. You can find almost any cuisine in DC, from Egyptian to Ethiopian, but you can also find cooking from some of the country’s hottest new chefs. It is worth taking a walk down the street to see what is new since small eateries are popping up all over the city, often offering vegetarian or vegan alternatives. There are several different neighborhoods in DC, each having their own styles and taste. Adams Morgan, for instance, is known for comfort food and family-run cafes, while downtown DC features expensive, stylish restaurants intended for upscale dining. Washingtonians are always curious to try something new, whether it be a spicy Indian salsa or crunch Vietnamese spring rolls.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
STICKY FINGERS Bakery • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 1370 Park Road, Washington D.C. 20010 202-299-9700 www.stickyfingersbakery.com
Vegans can satisfy a sweet tooth safely here where the pastries and cakes are made without eggs and dairy. Cinnamon buns are the house specialty, but the cupcakes, muffins, cakes, brownies and cookies are also good choices. Their menu also offers coffee, soup, veggie-chili dogs, nachos and free wifi.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
DANGEROUSLY DELICIOUS PIES Bakery • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 1339 H Street, Washington D.C. 20002 202-298-7437 www.dangerouspiesdc.com
If you’re a vegan you are probably used to not eating things like pie, but at this pie shop you can. This pie shop has been preparing its sweet treats entirely vegan, offering a popular tofu-curry pie on the weekends. There is also a location in Baltimore.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
SWEET GREEN American • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 333 M Street, Washington D.C. 20007 202-337-9338 www.sweetgreen.com
This restaurant makes some of the most crave-worthy vegan salads around, including the Chic-p, which is loaded with baked falafel. With a mission to provide delicious food that’s both health for you and aligned with your values, Sweet Green is worth checking out.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
STICKY RICE Sushi/Thai • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 1224 H Street, Washington D.C. 20002 202-397-7655 www.stickyricedc.com
Sticky Rice is known for its variety of sushi, entrees, salads and appetizers with plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. With creative intentions like the deep-fried Garden Balls made of vegan rice-and-veggie stuffed bean curd pockets, it’s a great place to be adventurous with your flavors. Never get stuck eating only avocado rolls again!
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
ETHIOPIC Ethiopian • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 401 H Street, Washington D.C. 20002 202-675-2006 www.ethiopicrestaurant.com
With brick walls, wood floors and columns painted with the Amharic alphabet, Ethiopic offers one of the best vegetarian samplers around. Their menu features a wide selection of vegetarian entrees, including things like Shimbra Asa Wot, spicy chickpea dumplings seasoned with red onions, garlic, red pepper, olive oil and spices.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
YUAN FU VEGETARIAN Chinese • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 798 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852 301-762-5937 www.yuanfuvegetarian.com
It’s hard for any food lover to tell the difference between Yuan Fu’s meatless Chinese staples and the real deal. Tea-smoked “goose”, “five-spice duck” and General Tso’s “chicken” all can be found here.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
DUANGRAT’S Thai • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 5878 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 703-820-5775 www.duangrats.com
Although it is a strip mall location, Duangrat’s offers surprisingly good food. Their menu is packed with meat-free versions of popular Thai dishes, including a lime-scented briny tofu larb and vegetarian takes on pad Thai and fried rice.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
SUNFLOWER VEGETARIAN Japanese • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 2531 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna, VA 22181 703-319-3888 www.crystalsunflower.com
Many will drive out of their way to get to the Sunflower Vegetarian restaurant for its fantastic substitutes and variety of options. With menu items like the Adventure of Tempeh Land and the Amazing Mushroom Plate, you are sure to find something that spikes your interest.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
JUICE JOINT CAFÉ Smoothie • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 1025 Vermont Avenue, Washington D.C. 20005 202-347-6783 www.juicejoint.com
Unlike a lot of lunch places claiming to have healthy food, Juice Joint really delivers and doesn’t throw in the extra butter and sugar that is sometimes impossible to avoid when eating out. The Power Boost smoothie is delicious and the vegan lunch entrees taste like gourmet home cooking. The staff always keep busy and service is prompt.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
MERIDIAN PINT Bar • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 3400 11th Street, Washington D.C. 10010 202-588-1075 www.meridianpint.com
Although known for its beer, this bar has some surprisingly good options for vegans, such as the home-style lentil burger, vegan chili, ginger-glazed tofu and brunch options. Their vegan French toast and tofu scramble is a good way to wake up in the morning.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
SUNDEVICH Deli • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 1314 9th Street, Washington D.C. 20001 202-319-1086 www.sundevich.com
This deli churns out gourmet sandwiches from a converted garage, three of the eleven options are vegetarian, one is vegan and they are as unusual as they are delicious. The Cairo combines bright house vegetables with hummus cucumber and walnuts, while the Isfahan features a rich soufflé of spinach, mushrooms, walnuts and barberries.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
ELIZABETH’S GONE RAW Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 1341 L Street, Washington D.C. 20005 202-347-8349 www.elizabethonLstreet.com
The entire menu at Elizabeth’s Gone Raw is free of meat, dairy and gluten, but it is still packed with delicious items like zucchini with nut ricotta, pesto and heirloom tomatoes, a curry laced wrap and flavorful desserts. Vegetarians and vegan dining is rarely as refined as it is here, making this one-night-aweek restaurant a great date night location.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
PIZZERIA PARADISO Pizza • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 2003 P Street, Washington D.C. 20036 202-223-1245 www.eatyourpizza.com
A great pizzeria for both vegans and vegetarians since it offers veggie-covered pizzas and allows customers to substitute Diaya faux cheese on their pizzas. A great place for a casual dining experience.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
DC BREAD & BREW Cafe • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 1247 20 Street, Washington D.C. 20036 202-466-2676 www.breadandbrew.com
DC Bread and Brew has a great menu for vegans and meat-eaters. With things like the mushroom and organic cheddar quiche or the local apple and salted caramel bundt cake, you are sure to have your taste buds satisfied. They also offer artisan pizzas, organic espresso and coffee, sandwiches, soups and more — all made with fresh, natural ingredients.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
MANDU Korean • Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 453 K Street, Washington D.C. 20001 202-289-6899 www.mandudc.com
This modern Korean restaurant is a gem in the city of D.C. It frequently offers vegan and vegetarian food, clearly marking them on the menu. Mandu features dishes like pan-fried vegetarian dumplings and Korean tacos stuffed with battered tofu and topped with peppery cucumber slices. However, the best thing about Mandu is they will work with vegans to meet dietary restrictions whenever possible.
PLACES TO DINE IN TOWN
ONE WORLD CAFÉ Vegan • Vegetarian $$$$ 100 W University Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21210 410-235-5777 www.urbanspoon.com (menu)
One World Café is known around D.C. for its delicious variety of food, even though it is located an hour and a half away in Baltimore. Vegans and vegetarians have plentiful options here, with a range of foods like the meatless meatball sub or the OWC wrap, full of avocado, sprouts, tomato and other delicious veggies.
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? Washington DC 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 Capitol. 14th & U Farmers Market 14th and U Streets Open May ¬– November on Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Adams Morgan Farmers Market 18th Street and Columbia Road 301-587-2248 Open May – December on Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Columbia Heights Community Marketplace 14th and Kenyon Street at Park Road 202-487-6493 Open May – October on Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. DuPont FRESHFARM Market 20th Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Connecticut Avenue, in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank 202-362-8889 Open April – December on Sundays, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Open January – March on Sundays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Eastern Market 7th Street between C Street and North Carolina Avenue 202-544-0083 Open year round on Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Foggy Bottom FRESHFARM Market I Street between New Hampshire and 24th Street 202-362-8889 Open April – November on Wednesdays, 3 – 7 p.m.
RESOURCES
FARMERS MARKETS FRESHFARM Market by the White House 810 Vermont Avenue 202-362-8889 Open May – October on Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Georgetown Market in Rose Park 26th and O Street 202-333-4946 Open April – October on Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. ¬ H Street FRESHFARM Market 625 H Street 202-362-8889 Open late April ¬– November on Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Mount Pleasant Farmers Market 3200 Mount Pleasant Street 202-234-0559 Open May ¬– December on Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Union Market 1309 5th Street Open year round on Wednesdays – Friday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Open year round on Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
RESOURCES
GROCERY STORES Most grocery stores in the DC 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. Hawthorne Market 3706 Macomb Street, Washington D.C. 20016 202-276-1128 www.hawthornemarket.com This natural food market includes a deli with great vegan options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try the vegan breakfast burrito or a creamy herbed tofu panini. Postmodern Foods 1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington VA, 22202 213-440-2257 postmodernfoods.com This vegan packaged food, juice and smoothie company uses organic high-end ingredients with a focus on whole foods. They use all compostable packaging and glass bottles for drinks. Relay Foods Relayfoods.com This company delivers local farmers market foods, including a vegan market and offers delivery throughout MD and DC. Trader Joe’s 1101 25th Street, Washington D.C. 20037 Vegetarian friendly grocery store chain. Whole Foods Market 2323 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington D.C. 20007 1440 P Street, Washington D.C. 20005 2201 I Street, Washington D.C. 20037 Whole Foods is a grocery store chain specializing in natural and organic foods. Some locations offer a café. YES! Organic Market 1825 Columbia Road, Washington D.C. 3425 Connecticut Avenue, Washington D.C. 410 8th Street, Washington D.C. 4100 Georgia Avenue, Washington D.C. 2123 14th Street, Washington D.C. 3809 12th Street, Washington D.C. This is a small, primarily vegetarian health food store. They also carry prepared foods for a quick lunch or dinner.
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 Washington DC Area Vegan Meetup Group www.meetup.com/Vegan-DC-MD-VA Meet other vegans in the DC area through this vegan meetup, which is a community that shares though, recipes, new restaurants and vegan products. Check their website for information on events and meetups. Vegan Eats www.meetup.com/Vegan-eats This community of vegans likes to host potlucks at member’s homes, occasional food demonstrations, picnics and they like to go to cruelty free events. They offer a variety of activities to go to, check their website for upcoming events. The Good Life — Raw Vegan Meetup www.meetup.com/thegoodlife This group is for health conscious people everywhere who want to connect with others who share the same outlook on food. They plan several meetups with activities like potlucks and seminars.
RESOURCES
VENTURE FORTH ONLINE Check us out online for more information! Website: www.VentureForth.com Blog: www.ventureforthtravelvegan.wordpress.com
PHOTO CREDITS Lincoln Memorial Washington DC by go4music http://go4music.deviantart.com/art/Lincoln-Memorial-Washington-DC-184497122 CSA_week9 by Christopher Paquette http://www.flickr.com/photos/chpaquette/3763757031/sizes/o/ Washington DC Capitol Buildings Landmark by tpsdave http://pixabay.com/en/washington-dc-capitol-buildings-78183/ Sticky Fingers’ Cupcakes by Matt DeTruck http://www.flickr.com/photos/dalboz17/3962135288/ Dangerously Delicious Blueberry Pie by Kevin Harber http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevharb/4718490046/ Sweet on Veg by Jennifer http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetonveg/7212559656/ Untitled by Joran Pecher http://www.flickr.com/photos/joran/9508724/ Untitled by Bryan Doane http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryan_doane/10349383896/ 1783 by Miikka H http://www.flickr.com/photos/miikkah/2631931184/ Pad Thai by Moira Clunie http://www.flickr.com/photos/moirabot/6076197726/ Spelt-rigatoni by Jitter Buffer http://www.flickr.com/photos/ph0t0s/3558784043/ Watermelon Smoothie by despy10 http://despy10.deviantart.com/art/watermelon-melon-smoothie-316096245 Lentil Burger by Jennifer http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetonveg/4239047183/ Focusing on the Kanpp Wrap by psgreen01 http://www.flickr.com/photos/sabine01/4911575825/ Zucchini with Spinach Pesto by Miriam http://www.flickr.com/photos/hockeycrew/5795177336/ Pizza by Muy Yum http://www.flickr.com/photos/muyyum/4935859625/sizes/o/ Quiche by Pearl Pirie http://www.flickr.com/photos/pearlpirie/2770408223/ Foie_Tweetup-8 by Kyle Nishioka http://www.flickr.com/photos/madmarv/4534389848/ Raw Food wrap of the day by penguincakes http://www.flickr.com/photos/penguincakes/3628240432/ Vegetable Stand by lamyron http://lamyron.deviantart.com/art/Vegetable-Stand-96504380 *All photos available under Creative Commons Attribution Licence