Woman in Real Life

This past weekend we went to see a play at the Shaw Festival in lovely Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. On our way back home I insisted we check out vegan restaurant Rise Above in St. Catharines. And I'm glad I did. The whole family enjoyed the food at this lovely little restaurant in the downtown core.

I was immediately drawn to the Chickpea Melt, a warm flour tortilla filled with creamy mashed chickpeas, Daiya vegan cheddar cheese, fresh romaine lettuce and chopped tomatoes. I would love to make this at home. The server told me the chef guards the recipes closely, but I suggested maybe they could do a cookbook one day (pretty please?). In the meantime, those in the Niagara area should head to Rise Above asap to try this delicious, filling and healthy wrap.

My husband and I enjoyed seeing the whole gang, and, of course, eating Nonna’s food. We only told her we were coming a few hours before dinner time, so we offered to pick up some take-out. But, she would have none of that. I don’t know how she does it, but she had a whole big meal waiting for us. You can see in the pictures the ravioli and spaghetti that the others so enjoyed, the kamut penne that I had, and a dinner plate of: breaded and fried tofu, salad, cauliflower, asparagus and roasted potatoes. Nonna finished with a lovely fruit platter. We later had espresso or tea and a platter of chocolate chip bars that I made from a recipe in How it all Vegan.


On Tuesday, we had fun watching my son and his friends participate in a dribble, jump and shoot competition.


I also made Hannah’s delicious Coconut Vodka Sauce and served it on penne with sides of baked tofu and broccoli with garlic, olive oil and salt.


You know I had to have some sweets too! Besides making my favourite banana bread and some yummy berry oat bars, I also made these berry muffins from a recipe in Vegan Brunch.

When all of this eating occasionally upsets my tummy, I turn to my tea drawer. (It was once a tea chest, but the increased varieties necessitated a tea drawer.) For real tummy emergencies, my go-to brand is this Traditional Medicinals Eater’s Digest tea. It just works somehow.

Have a great weekend!

Linking up to:

What better way to express your love on Valentine’s Day—or on any day for that matter—than with a homemade batch of something delicious? Before my husband and I put the kids to bed and settle in to watch Dan in Real Life or Out of Africa tonight, we will exchange presents with the kids and share this lovely, vegan chocolate peanut butter fudge.