A Search for Great Vegan Food in San Diego

Tag Archives: vegan desserts

Coco-Roons by Wonderfully Raw

It’s no secret how much I love dessert.  My sweet tooth seems to know no bounds.  And so I am constantly on the look out for healthy desserts.  One of the reasons I love the vegan world is that “healthy desserts” are not an oxymoron – people have gotten creative.  After all, we can’t just add sticks of butter and cups of cream to achieve flavor!  One of my favorite vegan desserts (although they are really delicious any time of day!) are Wonderfully Raw’s Coco-Roons.

Coco-Roons are a primarily raw, organic, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, dairy-free, and soy-free version of the traditional macaroon.  Except while traditional macaroons rely heavily on egg whites and sugar, the Coco-Roons are made primarily from unsweetened coconut, almond flour, unfiltered maple syrup, cold-pressed coconut oil, vanilla extract, and Himalayan crystal salt.  There is some variation in the ingredient list because Wonderfully Raw has SIX different flavors!!

 

Flavors:

 

(1)  Apple Pie

(2) Brownie

(3) Vanilla Maple

 

[caption id="attachment_2396" align="alignnone" width="640"]3 Types Coco-Roons 3 Types Coco-Roons[/caption]

 

(4) Cacao Nib

(5) PB and J Cookie, Strawberry and Almond

(6) Lemon Pie

 

[caption id="attachment_2397" align="alignnone" width="640"]3 More Types of Coco-Roons 3 More Types of Coco-Roons[/caption]

 

Personally, I love the Vanilla Maple flavor – you can really taste the coconut and the slight hint of sweetness from the maple syrup.  It’s a classic.  Not surprisingly, I also reach for the Brownie and Cacao Nib flavors when I am craving chocolate.  The Brownie Coco-Roons have a satisfying chocolate taste without being too sugary sweet.  The cacao nibs are special, because they add a pleasant chocolately crunch in contrast to the otherwise soft Coco-Roon.

 

Are Coco-Roons Raw?

 

As I said above, Coco-Roons are primarily raw.  Wonderfully Raw uses unfiltered maple syrup that while processed at low temperatures to retain as many nutrients as possible, is not technically raw because it is heated.  (To learn more specifics about raw foods click here). Wonderfully Raw believes that maple syrup is superior to raw sweeteners like agave because it is rich in antioxidants, helps digestions, aids in muscle recovery, has a lower glycemic level, and is nutrient dense (it is a good source of manganese and zinc).  So Coco-Roons uses one non-raw ingredient in all of its flavors, making the product primarily raw.

 

[caption id="attachment_2398" align="alignnone" width="640"]6 Types of Coco-Roons 6 Types of Coco-Roons[/caption]

 

Still have more questions about Coco-Roons? Take a look at their excellent FAQ page or their website!

Also, be sure to check back in next week for a second post on Wonderfully Raw.  This time I’ll be focusing on their line of Brussel Bytes and Snip Chips!

 

[caption id="attachment_2401" align="alignnone" width="640"]Coco-Roons in Basket Coco-Roons in Basket [/caption]

 

 

Loving Hut: 100% Vegan

Loving Hut Sign

 

MIRA MESA and UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS.  I first experienced the vegan food at Loving Hut in Phoenix, Arizona while driving cross-country to my new home in San Diego.  It was my first road trip as a vegetarian, so my research on lunch spots was intense.  If you have ever driven for 8 hours a day for 5 consecutive days, you understand that the lunch stop is a big deal.  Luckily, I found Loving Hut in a Phoenix strip mall.  It was phenomenal.  After a vegan “chicken” sandwich and fries, I jumped back on the freeway with a happy belly.

Even better, the Loving Hut vegan restaurant empire extends to San Diego, as well.  Both the Mira Mesa and University Heights locations offer the full spread of appetizers, soups, entrees, and desserts.  A majority of the dishes are Asian-inspired, but the menus include entrees like burgers and BLT’s.

On my most recent visit to the University Heights location, my friend and I started with the Fresh Summer Rolls—jicama, carrots, lettuce, basil, tofu, and soy ham wrapped in rice paper and served with hoisin sauce.  The rolls are light and crunchy, and the sweet hoisin sauce is a perfect match.   I love this appetizer because it curbs my hunger (a benefit for all those at the table) without ruining my appetite.

 

Summer Rolls

 

My favorite entrée is the Coco Tofu.  The tofu is fried with coconut powder, garlic, and a vegetarian mushroom sauce, then covered with crushed peanuts.  A scoop of white or brown rice on the side.  The frying process injects the tofu with the coconut flavor and crisps the outer layer while the mushroom sauce keeps the tofu moist.  The crushed peanuts on top add an additional layer of texture and rich taste to the dish.  The side salad is crisp lettuce topped with homemade dressing, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots – a nutritional bonus to your meal.

 

Coco Tofu

 

We also tried the Eggplant Tofu.  This entrée boasts pieces of eggplant and tofu covered in a light ginger sauce and served with fresh cilantro.  Again, rice on the side.  The vibrant, purple pieces of eggplant melt in your mouth.  But the firmer texture of the tofu pieces prevents the dish from being overly soft.  The ginger sauce brings a sweet and tangy taste, which makes the rice much more fun.

 

Eggplant Tofu

 

I’ll say it again.  I love dessert.  I love that I can be vegan and not have to give up the rich tasting sweets that I have always craved.  So thank you Loving Hut for your German Chocolate Cake.  Two layers of rich chocolate cake smothered with a thick coconut icing and topped with pecans and toasted coconut.  Leftovers?  Not likely.

 

German Chocolate CakeGerman Chocolate Cake Piece

 

The decor of the University Heights location is light and modern—the tables and chairs are white with cream walls.  Good for those looking to escape a hectic workday or to eat a relaxing weekend meal.

 

Interior Loving HutInterior Loving Hut

 

I was wandering with my camera through the restaurant when I saw that the Loving Hut has its own brand of vegan dog food.  I am a dog lover, with high hopes of again being a dog owner.  And as a vegan who believes in the health benefits of the diet, I am curious to learn more about the benefits of vegan dog food.  Have any of you tried the Loving Hut dog food?  I would love to hear your thoughts, concerns, or advice on the topic!

 

Loving Hut Dog Food

 

Mira Mesa

9928 Mira Mesa Blvd

San Diego, CA 92131

858.578.8885

 

University Heights

1905 El Cajon Blvd

San Diego, CA 92104

619.683.9490