ashley
jem614
Jessica officially has a beautiful baby boy! He was born last Sunday and I’m the proudest auntie ever – he is absolutely adorable, and more importantly, both baby and mother are healthy. The week of Jessica’s due date I wanted to take her out for a pre-maternity leave celebration lunch, and what better way to celebrate than with a new vegan restaurant. I had originally found Vegetarian Restaurant by Hakin when searching for a birthday lunch location in February, but we just hadn’t had the opportunity to visit. It is located in North Miami Beach, just off I-95 on 167th Street, so not too far from Miami Lakes.
The restaurant itself is very homey, with sparse furnishings and plastic/paper serving plates. There are only a couple tables and even fewer menus, so be prepared to cozy up and share while here. I dragged along one of our latin, meat-eating co-workers here for one of his first vegan experiences, which to his surprise he found the food more than edible. I couldn’t get any higher praises out of him, but he’s a good sport for trying. The menu is varied, ranging from breakfast items and sandwiches to full meals. Their full meals come as daily specials, which can also be purchased as a weekly meal plan (cantina for us Miamians). Prices are also extremely reasonable, at around $8-12 per person. I loved how they offered samples to all diners of the daily special, it’s a great touch. You can also ask for samples of many of the menu items, so just ask and they will oblige the best they can.
We visited on a Monday, so I was lucky enough to try their Stewed Vegan Fish. It was delicious, and a huge portion of food for $9.95. It was my first time trying a vegan fish substitute, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Unfortunately, it didn’t taste much different than other meat substitutes I’ve tried. More like turkey consistency, but still delicious in the sauce they made along with it. Served on the side was a delicious split pea soup, basmati spinach brown rice, a seitan stew and a salad. I absolutely recommend ordering the daily special if you have a big appetite.
Jessica had the Vegan Philly Steak Sandwich ($9.95), which looked and tasted amazing. Sprinkled with just a bit of shredded cheese (looked a lot like daiya, although didn’t confirm with them), the seitan was cooked perfectly along with sautéed onions and peppers. It was served on a crispy wheat baguette. Our co-worker tried a Vietnamese-style sandwich (essentially a Banh Mi) they had on special that day (it isn’t on the regular menu), which was made with seitan, cucumbers, carrots and other various vegetables. The Banh Mi was also served on a wheat baguette, both sandwiches had a small salad on the side.
To end our lovely vegan celebration, Jessica opted for their red velvet cake. Rich, sweet and decadent, it is a great end to a meal. I’d like to try some of the other options they have next time.
Vegetarian Restaurant by Hakin
http://www.vegetarianrestaurantbyhakin.com/
73 Northeast 167th Street North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 405-6346
Veg On The Run 