FOOD SWINGS, BK

On my last trip to NYC, I made my way down to Brooklyn to visit an old friend of mine and eat tons of vegan food (enter twined with a couple Tully-Gingers at Lucky Dog). After a quick slice at Vinnie’s in the early afternoon we headed to Food Swings for dinner. 

Let me tell you something… It’s the mother-fucking-end-all-be-all. I am pretty sure I cried, almost 100%. 

It was a great weekend for food, I’ll tell you that much. 

We pre-gamed with an order of disco fries. Which, were good, but not amazing. 

I had the “chicken” drumsticks. 1 breaded, 1 breaded & BBQ & the other just BBQ. I thought I had ordered all sorts of different flavoured sauces but I hadn’t (stupid Tully). And with those magnificent drumsticks I had a side of mac&”cheese”. Honestly, I could eat this for the rest of my life. And YES I put ketchup on my mac&cheese, I’m canadian, DUH! For those drumsticks alone AND the milkshakes, I would move to Brooklyn. Plain and simple. 

I had the black & white milkshake.

Adam had a philly “cheesesteak” which was absolutely crazy good and reminded me a bit of how awesome the ones at Gianna’s in Philly used to be. Now that Gianna’s is known as Blackbird, their cheesesteaks have gone all fancay schmancay and it’s not the same anymore, youz guys. He got the pistachio/peanut butter milkshake (I think) and that was also pretty mind blowing. 

If I remember correctly I referenced food orgasms quite a bit during this meal. Next time I’m in town this is what will happen: drumsticks & milkshakes at Food Swings, Tully at Lucky Dog… then some lucky dude’s bed because guess what, I’m gonna make this an orgasm hat trick. 

BAM! *gretzky slide*

Food Swings

295 Grand Street  NY 11211-4406, United States
(718) 388-1919

So…

Unbeknownst to me I have been living minutes away from an absolutely wonderful vegetarian/vegan restaurant… Minutes! As in, under 5. How did I not know this? 

The answer is simple, I am lazy and even though I have internet access and could easily look these things up… I don’t. But I like this technique better… I let my friends introduce me to new culinary experiences! 

Lola Rosa is a really tiny little place full of antique-esque furniture and it is always jam packed with McGill students. The menu is small but your choices are varied. Most of their vegetarian options are veganisable (totes a word, brojam). Every time I go, I try something different. They also have vegan deserts to chose from (2, the apple crisp and the chocolate cake). The tables (which are more like old secretary desks) all have little drawers where you can find tons of tiny little notes previous customers have left for anyone to read. It’s adorable. I’ve yet to do that, I don’t think I would have anything creative to say or share… because I mean, let’s face it, it’d have to be super hipster and cool. 

I would have to say that the star plate of the menu is the curry dish (sweet potatoes, carrots, chick peas, coconut tofu, raisins on rice). I’ve also tried out their quesadilla and black bean burrito. I found those 2 a bit plain as they only contain black beans… no vegetables or soy cheese or anything. Still good, but a bit plain. I also tried polenta for the first time at this very restaurant and though the texture can be a tad odd that specific polenta & ratatouille dish has become a staple of mine and a dish that I crave regularly. 

As for the deserts well… The chocolate cake is dense but quite delicious and the apple crisp lacked apples and was too sweet (but I still ate the whole thing which voids any negative commentary I could pass on the subject). 

I usually have a soy hot chocolate with my meal (because it’s awesome!). 

I believe that they have a different kind of soup every day. Last time I was in there they had a cryptic spicy banana, beet & lemon (I might be missing an ingredient or two) soup that just sounded WAY ODD but turned out to the one of the bestest soups EVER! (I guess cooks know what they’re doing)

I love having fantastic vegan options within walking distance of my apartment. It makes living in this shit hole so much more pleasant! 

Lola Rosa

545 Milton (between University & Parc)

In the summer, they also do bike delivery… <3