This past weekend a group of my friends and myself traveled down to DC for the last weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival. It was not only beautiful weather but the blossoms were in full bloom, so it was simply magical (although packed). See?:
We walked almost 16 miles admiring the blossoms, taking in the sites and attractions of DC, seeing the parade Saturday and attending the Japanese Street fair. Our group not only contained myself and my husband who are gluten free and pescatarian, but also another friend who is vegan. You might think this would make things complicated, right? I mean what could a group like that realistically do for food? Well, let’s take a brief recap of the weekend in general for an idea:
Friday Lunch: We grabbed tacos at District Taco. They were quickly made, very yummy (they had two tortillas each which made for extra tacos!), and gluten free was in big letters on the ordering screen and receipt.
Friday Dinner: We grabbed three gluten free and vegan Mellow Mushroom pies; White, Veggie, and Kosmic Karma. I might have an obsession with Mellow Mushroom, a ‘southern’ pizza chain that I’ve had 4 times in 2014 and I live in NY! We paired that with an organic and vegan wine from a liquor store around the block, and winded down the night with these at a couple’s house who knew my husband and another friend.
Saturday Breakfast: Breakfast on the go included bars and fruit!
Saturday Lunch: Lunch was at the Japanese Street Fair. Those of us with dietary needs had a bit of a difficult time finding something to eat among the various vendors as many things sold out early. Eventually the vegan among us settled on a vegetable noodle dish, and the husband and I ate some onigiri (seaweed wrapped rice stuffed with salmon). Always a safe choice when available.
Saturday Dinner: Dinner was made by the friend’s whose house we stayed at the night before, and was 100% vegan and gluten free (with the exception of non gluten free flat bread). They made us Red lentil soup and Eggplant curry, both of which were fantastic. It was wonderful to see people I hadn’t met so considerate of my, and other’s, needs. They went through so much effort to find great recipes and show me their ingredients to ensure I would be safe.
Honestly, I am truly lucky to have friends, new and old, that are willing to not only accommodate my needs but continue to do so when the options are even more restricted by the combined needs of the group. What I loved about this weekend food wise was that not only were we accommodated for in respect to choosing where to eat, but both dinners were 100% gluten free and vegan. We were PART of that meal, not a side, and that was total great. Our needs were considered without any hint of malice or frustration, and everyone was able to eat the same delicious food together! So awesome.