Mirin Brussels Sprouts

I love Atlanta!

I'm actually here visiting my family now-- I surprised my mother for her birthday, and have spent 4 days relaxing; taking long walks with my dogs and eating copious amounts of oranges, kiwi and Nature's Path granola--my mom doesn't grocery shop.
I have cooked a couple of times: Brussels Sprouts with Mirin, Perfectly Crispy Sweet Potato Fries (coming soon), and green smoothies.

I've also gone out to eat a few times, and I have to say, I think I prefer the food in Atlanta over New York.  Sure, New York City offers a broad range of cuisine from all around the world to suit any budget.  Many restaurants pride themselves for their use of fresh and local ingredients.  Not to mention, the number of restaurants in New York is mind blowing.

But honestly, I'm of the opinion that food tastes better in Atlanta.  Am I biased? If anyone reading this has dined in both cities, I'd love to hear your opinions.  

See, immediately upon my arrival to the 81°F HOTlanta, my dad and I headed to Pure Taqueria in Inman Park for lunch.   At first glance I was shocked, and a bit appalled by the menu which offered not a single vegetarian option.  I told the waiter that I was a vegetarian, he brought me a tiny "Vegetarian Menu" the size of a Post-it note and I ordered the vegetarian burrito.
Fast forward 15 minutes and it's love at first bite of this awesomely delicious vegetarian burrito topped with guacamole and sour cream and a side of black beans AND an iceberg lettuce salad dressed with lime juice and God knows what other yummyness.  Even though I dislike sour cream and scraped it all off, this meal was awesome!

Why didn't I take a picture? I wanted to remember it by taste : )

Second reason why Atlanta is my favorite city to have a great meal, Nan Thai.  Nan is another restaurant with terribly limited vegetarian options, there are only 2 choices on the menu.  However, before making the reservation I checked to see if any substitutions could be made to accommodate "picky eaters" like myself.  The hostess assured me that tofu and vegetables could be substituted for meat in all curry dishes; and with 4 different types of curry, I knew I'd be happy.
The Panang curry I ordered was everything the menu promised; slightly sweet with fresh green beans and broccoli.  The tofu was tender, not too soft, and tasted homemade.  My vegetarian aunt ordered the Green Thai Curry which was equally as delicious.  It was certainly spicier than my dish, and crunchy bamboo shoots added a delightful texture.
I've now resolved to visit Nan every time I come to Atlanta, despite my suspicions that fish sauce and maybe even shrimp paste are added to the curry... oh well : ( 

Reason three, Mellow Mushroom.  I've been eating the pizza here since I was 5! Located all over metro Atlanta (and now in other states),  they serve food "that comforts your soul".  The pizza dough has cornmeal sprinkled in, the crust is buttered and dusted with Parmesan cheese, and the sauce is lick the plate good! I was pleasantly surprised to find that Mellow Mushroom is now offering both Gluten Free and vegan pizza options!  They serve Daiya cheese, BBQ tofu and mustard glazed tempeh (which I highly recommend added to one of the salads); not to mention, an impressive selection of vegan and vegetarian hoagies and appetizers.  I've fallen in love with Mellow Mushroom again, and along with Nan Thai, I'll be eating here everytime I'm in town.

Reason four, great company and so much love.  My family showers me with their love, and with that kind of energy around the table, the food tastes even better.  I'm leaving tomorrow morning, but I couldn't be happier to be home.

The food in Atlanta seems to have a delicious guarantee.  My boyfriend says I've got restaurant radar, I intuit whether or not a restaurant will be good just walking by.  Still, too often I eat out in New York and go home thinking my meal was simply good, when I was really after exceptional.

What's your favorite dining destination, and why?  I want to eat my way around the world some day! 

Until then, I'll be making these Brussels sprouts before they're 100% out of season.  Mirin rice vinegar adds a dash of sweetness to this recipe that qualifies as a super easy, inexpensive, healthy and tasty vegan side dish.  I munched on these along with my sweet potato fries, but I bet they'd make a lovely side to Mellow mushroom pizza, or their honey mustard tempeh; mmmMmmmm!

Mirin Brussels Sprouts

(recipe for 4 servings as a side dish)

3 cups Brussels Sprouts, cleaned and sliced in half (or quarters)

1/2 cup Mirin Rice Vinegar

2 cloves Garlic, minced

2 tsp red chili pepper flakes

1 tbsp Olive Oil

sea salt and pepper to taste

In a large pan heat 1 tbsp of olive oil on medium heat.  Sauteed garlic for a few minutes, careful it does not burn.  Add Brussels sprouts, then Mirin, chili flakes and about half a teaspoon of sea salt, stir and cover.  Cook for 5 minutes covered.  Remove lid and saute for another 5-8 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the Brussel sprouts have begun to brown and the desired tenderness is achieved.  Season with more salt and pepper to taste, perhaps a bit more Mirin if necessary.  Serve hot, but they're also fantastic luke warm.