Welcome Veggie Trails to the vegan party
My time in Champaign-Urbana is dwindling and so the thought of choosing one more place to review for this column has been a bit daunting. Then, I got a little update from a Twitter account I follow called Vegan Mainstream (@Veganmainstream). According to the short snippet, this new traveling vegetarian/vegan trailer was going to make an appearance in Chicago. However, upon clicking the link, I discovered it was going to be located at our very own Farmer's Market in Urbana, Ill. How convenient that my last weekend corresponded with the same weekend for both the first market of the season and the debut of Veggie Trails.
My excitement for this little trailer was ridiculously high. I suppose that should be coupled with a disclaimer that finding specifically labeled vegan food anywhere is always a source of cheer in my life. Regardless, I showed up at the market too early for lunch, which is what I really wanted. Embarrassingly enough, I waited in the continuously long line about three times before they actually began serving what I desired. My original choice was the Sloppy Cowboy Joe, but upon the third visit to the stand, I decided to opt for the Texas BBQ wrap instead, since that was ready.
While I think that you could create this sort of fare in your own home, there is something about having your food (especially this type) prepared for you that makes it that much better. The wrap was just the right size for an afternoon treat, although I probably wouldn't recommend relying on it to fill you up. I felt that the wrap seemed a bit empty. It would have been much more fulfilling if it contained a little something extra like bell pepper or various other veggies. However, the texture of the barbequed tofu along with the flavor of the onions was pleasing. I would also like to add that eating this sort of food outside seems almost mandatory for which the Market is the perfect venue.
Ultimately, I think Veggie Trails is a wonderful addition to the farmer's market in Urbana. The owners definitely contribute to an atmosphere already ripe with friendliness and community. I would also like to add that the presentation of the stand itself is endearing. The cowboy theme and western style of this vegan/vegetarian stand contradicts some of the fundamental notions of what items normally comprise barbeque. Check them out online as well because they sell meatless jerky which unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to sample.
6 comments
“Dwinling?” But I enjoy your vegan reviews. How will I fill the void?
‘dwindling’ >>as in running low…if it was spelled wrong, it’s fixed now.
if you’re terribly interested in more of my vegan adventures, i do have a blog which you can find here:
http://littlehippievegangirl.blogspot.com/
Oops, no, my typo. There goes my application for the position of Comments Editor.
veganlinda
We (Food for Thought on WEFT 90.1 FM WEFT Sundays 3-4pm) interviewed Neil (a friend) a few weeks before the farmer’s market opening. He and Hillary have done an amazing amount of work and I am so happy to see him out there.
Unfortunately, we visit the market early and they haven’t had any vegan options while we were there. :-( I hope they add more vegan breakfast options soon.
yummm! thanks for the heads up, kimberly! we tried a breakfast burrito on saturday and it was amazing!
Hilary for Veggie Trails
Thanks for the review! And thanks for being patient with us on our first day out. You will be glad that we are now stuffing the Texas BBQ wrap full of baby spinach along with the red onion. We will continue to refine the menu over the course of the summer so we appreciate all the feedback we can get.
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The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
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What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
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And without bloodshed. Sounds like the Savoy trustees aren’t as narrow-minded as some of their whiny pants constituents. Do you think quack Snell is already planning an asinine counterattack or is he still laying low after those “threats” against his person?
hey, if hair ain’t gon’ be over your head, my jokes may as well be.
Okay, almost 24 hours later and I finally got Issac’s Summer joke. I’m an idiot.
Excellent. I am glad sometimes American dreams are encouraged, rather than stifled.
Swap the dog for a fire pit and it sounds like you’re writing about my back yard. Very nice.
funny, as your summer begins, another Summer ends.
@Dan - Wow. Unfortunately, I have to refrain from further comment due to a previous employment relationship. But with that brief context you might be able to imagine possible comments or responses I could have.
Oh, by the way, the “Champaign County YMCA” no longer exists. The official name is now the “Stephens Family YMCA” (the website has not been updated, but check out the latest program guide). And no, it’s not just the name of the building. It’s the name of the organization.
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