Living La Vida Vegana

Taking a seat on the bouncy banquettes of Gastronomy in Cowes, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a plant-based listing from their ever-changing international inspired menu. We spy a Hawaiian burger made from rum-roasted pineapple topped with smoked vegan cheese, as well as a tempting tofu and tenderstem miso ramen. However, on the recommendation of manager Christianne, we go for a new Latin American creation that is the handiwork of chef (and restaurant director) Charlie — the wild mushroom and vegan ‘Nduja quesadilla with jalapeño crema. Taking inspiration from the classic Mexican cheese and meat stuffed tortilla dish known as quesadilla, Gastronomy has stripped back the meat and dairy, replacing them with tasty vegan alternatives and creating something truly delicioso.

gastronomycowes.co.uk

Roll up, roll up

Over at that appetising emporium that is the Yarmouth Food Lovers Market and Deli, chef Kevin has been impressing the local community with his inventive vegan lunch options. Driven by a passion for making creative dishes and finding varied and unusual ingredient combinations, he recently unveiled his Vietnamese-inspired kaleido rolls, involving fresh and flavoursome fillings, wrapped up in delicate Asian rice paper. Our personal soft spot, the aubergine tamari kaleido roll, combines aubergine purée with thick home-made tamarind paste and fresh, crisp local salad leaves, as well as carrot, rice noodles, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. For those looking for something a bit different, there’s also a roasted sweet potato and vegan cheese version, with local savoy cabbage, green and red leaves, all seasoned with a pinch of fresh rosemary before being rolled up into another enticing kaleido.

yarmouthfoodlovers.co.uk