Today is supposed to be all about training (Tuesday Training), but I’m diverging a bit this week. Instead, I’m featuring an Italian restaurant in Woodstock that went out of their way to make this plant-based eater happy last night. =)
Before I dive into the delicious eats, let’s start with Tuesday Trainer from Lindsay’s List.
Tuesday Trainer
It’s my favorite theme – Rest Week (a.k.a. Meet the Trainer). So this week, you get to hear me ramble a bit in this unedited, unprepared for “interview” I filmed before racing off to dinner (to which I was late).
This week’s questions:
- What piece of fitness equipment is on your Christmas wish list?
- Name one tip for staying fit during the holidays.
- Name your best physical feature. What are you most proud of?
- Name your best non-physical attribute.
- Plastic surgery: Yay or nay?
Review: Vingenzo’s in Woodstock
Okay, now back to food!
If you’re from Atlanta, I live OTP (aka “outside the perimeter”) – which means I’m firmly in the suburbs. I actually love our area! Suburb or not, we have some great restaurants in North Atlanta. One I have not been back to since transitioning to a plant-based diet is Vingezo’s in Woodstock.
I didn’t even bring my camera into the restaurant initially. This wasn’t supposed to be a “bloggable” dinner, it was dinner with two awesome friends (Melody & Kati). After the chef visited the table to ask about our orders, I changed my mind.
After getting our orders, “Chef” didn’t think we took full advantage of what Vingezo’s had to offer. He had been informed just shortly before we arrived that I requested a vegan meal, but knew there were better things he could create than the pasta-less dish I had ordered. What a day to run out of time to call ahead! He offered to make egg-less pasta for our next visit, as long as I remember to call ahead. =)
Fagiolo bianco ed insalata arrostita dei carciofi
Roasted Artichoke and White Bean Salad
After visiting with our table for a few minute, he whipped up a flavorful dish filled with veggie and a tomato-based broth. The potatoes were my favorite – almost like potato chips, but richer!
Our bread for the table was also the perfect complement to soak up the broth:
I was stuffed, but our waiter sold me on grappa to finish the meal. Kati order a Lemoncello and Melody added Espresso to her Grappa. Have you had Grappa before? I used to think it tasted terrible, but if you find a good grappa, it can be incredible. You do have to enjoy a strong liquor though.
I understand from the chef they also have gluten-free options available for almost everything on the menu. I love how many restaurants are offering more options for special dietary requirements or choices!
We stayed a bit longer than expected, so grocery shopping will have to wait another night, but the dinner was completely worth the change of plans. Leftovers for lunch sound good!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s so cool! I have read about Vingenzos before, but never make it that far “OTP.” :)
How was the grappa? I need to bust out my Italy bottle.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Text-less Tuesday
Not the best Grappa I’ve ever had, but pretty decent. We have a huge bottle at home that we are very slowly working our way through from our last Italy trip – good thing it lasts a while!
I can’t wait to eat mine for dinner again tonight, yum! You forgot to mention that they did a kind of impromptu wine tasting where you (asking for a full body red) and Kati (asking for a pinot noir like red) ended up liking the same one!
I completely forgot about that – it was overshadowed (in a good way) by the food, right?! :)
That looks awesome! I think it is so great how accommodating restaurants are of vegan diets. Good for you for not being nervous to request vegan dishes when you eat out!
Carol @ Lucky Zucca recently posted..Atlanta Underground Market
The added bonus is I sometimes get a better (more interesting) meal than what was on the menu too! =)
oh how I love a good grappa!
The roasted artichoke salad looks great – love when a chef is so helpful (and passionate) in creating a delicious vegan meal… not just the old ‘green salad’ trick :)
Lou recently posted..lessons for lou
Me too – it makes the dinner so special too!
Cool snacks – they look tasty. All your eats look pretty tasty. I’m a big fan of miso soup… and pumpkin ale too, but I bet you could have guessed that ;)
Tiff @ Love Sweat & Beers recently posted..Finding a Healthy Balance
Haha – I think this comment was really for the WIAW post, but I’m following you. :) Mmm…pumpkin ale – always a winner!
Whoops! My bad. :) Need more coffee!
Tiff @ Love Sweat & Beers recently posted..Finding a Healthy Balance