.... an "Oh, how it rained", typical England c.2012, but it didn't dampen our spirits.
we had both been amused at the information folder in our room telling us, in no uncertain terms, to have breakfast for our "own good" and they were offering a "full" vegan breakfast in the room so we went ahead and ordered it. We were pleasantly surprised and it was a treat to sit looking out over the sea as we tucked in.
- Breakfast for 2 overlooking the sea
If I give the impression that these days are organised purely around food that's because they are and lunch was beckoning, in every list I had looked at there was one cafe, Iydea, that was recommended, this was one @efcliz had mentioned too so I definitely wanted to try it. Imagine my disappointment when we left Kambi the night before to see Iydea, with the windows covered, people working inside and a notice saying it would be open by the new year. The cafe, Kate and I were all gutted. We had already had a set back when Terre a Terre had had to close until December because of a kitchen fire, laundry had combusted at night when, thankfully, no one was there. We were now, it appeared, two down so I was delighted on checking the internet to see that this was an additional branch of Iydea being developed and the original was well and truly in tact.
Phew, lunch was saved and how grateful we were, it was delicious. The cafe is in a bustling area of Brighton called North Laines and the bustle continues into the shop, its only small and the queue became long whilst we were there with many people getting take aways. You choose your main dish, 2 salads or veg and 2 sides.
- Kate liking the "Iydea" (sorry) of lunch.
I had a Cauliflower and Red Lentil Rasam with roasted cumin carrots, green beans, shredded beetroot and toasted seeds whilst Kate went for a tofu spanakopita pie with the same accompaniments as me, the flavours were so clear and "exquisite" (Kate's word). They make fresh juices so I went for "Beet this" because I juice a lot at home but rarely use beetroot because of the washing up! this had apple carrot and ginger too, very refreshing, Kate tried the homemade Raspberry Lemonade which earned another "exquisite".
They use very small plates and you are served which keeps their portions controlled but, having said that, your plate is piled high and there is plenty to eat but it loses a little on the aesthetics (minor quibble). We obviously loved it as we decided to return tomorrow for breakfast.
We then went shopping for Vegetarian shoes, this is an area we both fall down on with buying Vegan goods and we looked to resolve it so we enterd the crazy, zany world of Irregular choice. Fabulous shoes, not all Vegan but they were happy to point out which were. The Manager gave me short shift when I answered her question with the fact that I was too old for such shoes - Evidently you are NEVER too old - I bought some shoes and how pleased I am.
- You are never too old for Irregular Choice shoes!
Quick rest at the hotel and back out, this time to Food for Friends. Proudly boasting being the oldest Vegetarian restaurant in Brighton you can see why it has survived and thrived, beautifully fitted out, attentive staff and food that is cooked to perfection. Too good to be true? If you are Vegetarian, probably yes, but for Vegans the choice was very limited with Tofu repeating more often than we would have liked.
Having said the above our meals were superb,Red lentil, peanut and tomato soup, with bread followed by Spicy Asian tofu salad with rice noodles, crispy mirin marinated tofu, shredded Asian vegetables and a spicy kimchi dressing. Kate had Crispy tofu with sweet chilli dressing followed by Sweet Potato, Aubergine, Tomato and Spinach Curry with papadum, aromatic basmati, spiced yoghurt and cauliflower pakora.
Couldn't fault it.
- There's no waiting until after the photo to get started!
- Best dish of the day.
- Vegan Rose Prosecco too.
A wonderful day, looking forward to tomorrow.
