I'm not a vegan. I love all dairy products, eggs, chicken, and fish. I could not part with them even if I could live without them. That being said, recent studies have consistently shown following a vegan diet is indeed good for your body and your longevity. Perhaps it does make sense to listen to people that make it their life's work to educate the public on healthful choices and habits.
But perhaps I'm sort of like Kim Kardashian. A 'flexitarian', that is (and nothing else might I add). I'm flexible with my diet to incorporate as many servings of fruit and vegetables as I want everyday, but I do indulge in non-vegetarian options when the smell of fried chicken comes calling.
Dandelion is indeed a local staple in the core of the Mills 50 neighborhood. Many office workers come here on their lunch break to sit outside under the lull of a Florida breeze and their scenic, overgrown pesticide-free landscape. I still remember when it first opened. I thought it was where the hippies got together to discuss their leftist, socialist ways and preach fervently about everything from the political to personal. Only after a few years did I venture into their establishment since I felt so out of place among people that I imagined were so far from of my moderate ideology.
I'm glad I went on a Monday. The Giddyup Bowl is but $5 and is by far (and will continue to be), one of the most satisfying vegan soul food you will ever eat. A fresh bed of mixed greens, tricolor quinoa, kidney bean gravy, always-freshly cut tomatoes and scallions, topped with a highly addictive warm vegan 'queso' sauce. The mouthfeel of this dish is so satisfying. You get the coziness of warm, tender beans and queso sauces while the freshness of the vegetables cut right through it with acidic and peppery notes. The quinoa not only adds a different element of carbohydrates in this dish but it also happens to make the meal a complete protein for the diet-conscious. Truly, you do not miss non-vegetarian elements at all in the Giddyup Bowl. It is as wholesome as it is delicious. The perfect vegan introduction to meatlovers, I must say.
We also tried the vegan carrot cake donut and it was so-so. I wouldn't say it was disappointing, but in a world of Krispy Kremes and Dunkin Donuts, one will find objection to the chewiness of dense dough. The donut was not overly sweet or replete with shredded carrots (except as a slight garnish), which may not be for everyone especially when a carrot cake inspires deep, over-the-top flavors of southern decadent sweets here in the South.
Not really pertaining to their food, I have to say I was really taken with this new Sriracha that I found at an empty adjacent table. The level of heat on this Sky Valley Sriracha is so much better than the one with the logo of a Rooster. Think premium gasoline vs. regular. Great blend of different peppers and styles (I'm guessing jalapeños, cayenne, and paprika) and it still was faithful to what Sriracha is all about. In a world where almost everything is drugged with sugar, I prefer even my Sriracha to be not overtly sweet. For people who like heat with their Giddyup, this sauce is a must try.
IN A NUTSHELL: Giddyup galore. A very unassuming establishment that still follows it's hippy vibe, Dandelion is for everyone. If you ever find yourself with the Monday munchies, know that the Giddyup is but a short drive away. You can call ahead to place a large party order or sit and enjoy your meal with a sip of their great seasonal teas. I have to admit, I've been there at least a dozen times by now, but I seem to always order the same thing. If it's that good, why break the habit?
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