Restaurant Review: Green Leaf

Green Leaf
Vegetarian & Vegan
Framingham, MA

How is it that I've never reviewed Green Leaf on any of my blogs?! Well, I am remedying that now. I go there all the time. I sit in the corner on the right with a book... or with my kids at two tables shoved together with crayons drawing on the tablecloths... or post-swim with Patrick at one of the middle tables with double fresh-squeezed ojs... or with the crew of the Vegan MetroWest Network for an evening out. You get the idea. I'm there a lot.

There are a lot of reviews of Green Leaf already. I doubt any of them have been written by as frequent a patron as myself. I was there on opening day for lunch. I try hard to support any local veg restaurants in the Greater Boston area, and this one is super convenient, right off the Framingham/Natick MassPike I-90 exit.

Why eat at the crowded Natick Mall when you can eat at Green Leaf? The serving staff revolves and isn't always the quickest, but they are usually fun folks to chat with about veganism.

What's best at Green Leaf? Personally, I think they make the BEST tofu omelette in New England... I think I've tried them all, but if I haven't, I will, don't worry. Fill it with baby arugula and whatever else you desire.

The soups are great, and I love that there is always a rotating soup of the day. Specials get me in the door of veg restaurants more than anything else if they're touted via social media (hint hint). There was even a raw spinach soup the other day.

Speaking of raw, with a trained pastry chef in residence, the desserts are superb, and there are often multiple raw gluten-free options.

The pizza is great. Good crust. Unique toppings. Add a side of flax-encrusted seitan (or put it right onto your pizza). And don't forget a side of gobi manchurian, everyone's favorite (another item Green Leaf does better than most places).

I could go on, but really, you should just give it a try yourself. For casual, convenient vegan food, it can't be beat. The restaurant even donated a spread of delicious food for a recent library-sponsored showing of Peaceable Kingdom with special guest Cheri Ezell-Vandersluis, co-founder of Maple Farm Sanctuary. This is the kind of establishment you want to support!

November Calendar

Happy World Vegan Day!

Here is a list of vegan-friendly events in the Boston area for the month of November. Have something to add? Let me know!

• Nov. 1 - World Vegan Day
• Nov. 1 - 11:30am-1:30pm, Meet/Adopt with Kitty Connection, at Pet Life, 93 Main Street (Redstone Plaza), Stoneham, MA.
• Nov. 1, 2-3:30pm, Tour of Maple Farm Sanctuary, 101 North Ave., Mendon, MA, $10 minimum donation per person, to reserve a tour space visit: tours@maplefarmsanctuary.org
• Nov. 1-2 - Fall In Love: Fee Waived Adult Cat Adoptathon, MSPCA adoption centers in Boston, Centerville, & Methuen.
• Nov. 5 - Baypath Humane Society’s 5th Annual Pet Pageant (benefit photo contest). $1 per vote, 5 vote minimum.
• Nov. 7, 7-11pm, Vegetarian Fall Feast, East Boston Kitchen, MA, $50, chef Karleen O’Connell-Morganstein, “This feast will be including multiple courses and mocktails. A focus on local and organic vegetable will be highlights throughout the dinner. Everything will be vegetarian, but not all vegan.” Contact kmorganstein17@gmail.com with allergy concerns.
• Nov. 8, 9:30am-2pm, The Cat Connection will be at the Waltham Farmer’s Market, 119 School St., Waltham, MA.
• Nov. 8, 6-10pm, Save A Dog, Inc.’s 12th Annual Benefit Auction & Dinner, Sandy Burr Country Club, Wayland, MA. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres & silent auction from 6-7:30pm, vegetarian dinner & live auction at 7:30pm, $85 per person.
• Nov. 8, 8-10pm, A Vegan Tasting: Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Fundraiser for VINE Sanctuary, at MakeShift Boston, 549 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA. “Come support the animals at this delicious tasting of homemade vegan cheese, various wine, and chocolate in honor of the amazing VINE Sanctuary of Vermont. VINE Sanctuary offers refuge to animals who have escaped or been rescued from the meat, dairy, and egg industries or other hurtful circumstances, such as cockfighting or vivisection, Santuary residents include chickens, cows, ducks, doves, geese, sheep, emus, our first pig, and even a few parakeets.” To reserve/purchase tickets visit EventBrite.
• Nov. 9, 6-10pm, Green Pedal Film Festival by the Boston Cyclists Union, at Aeronaut Brewing Company (I have confirmed that all beer by this new company are vegan), 14 Tyler St., Somerville, MA, $10 via EventBrite.
• Nov. 10, 6:30pm, Volunteer Orientation Session at Quincy Animal Shelter.

• Nov. 12, 6:30-9:30pm, Dining Out at Harvest Cafe with vegan duo Dan & Faith performing live, Harvest Cafe, 40 Washington St., Hudson, MA
• Nov. 14, 7pm, Painting for Animals, at the Artist Bar, $50/person, benefits the Lowell Humane Society. Bring a photo of your favorite feline friend!
• Nov. 14, 7pm, Quincy Animal Shelter’s 15th Anniversary Event, Port 305 in Marina Bay. $50 per person. There will be Pawcasso Arts for the Animals by local artisans, live music, silent art auctions, and door and raffle prizes.
• Nov. 16, 4pm, BVS Seminar/Dinner at Grasshopper, Allston, MA, Kim Stallwood, author of Growl! 4pm speaker, 5:15 vegan buffet
• Nov. 18, 6:30pm, Film Screening of “Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret,” Cinemark at Hampshire Mall, 367 Russell St., Hadley, MA. To make this event happen, please reserve a ticket by visiting: http://www.tugg.com/events/11699
• Nov. 22-23, 10am-2pm, Paws with Claus, at Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem on Saturday, at the Mass Vet Hospital in Woburn on Sunday. A fun holiday event with photo opp with your pets and Santa. $6 donation for a 4x6 photo and a treat.
• Nov. 22, 12-2:30pm, Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck at Maple Farm Sanctuary, 2:30-4pm, Sanctuary visit, $10 donation per person if bringing food, $20 donation per person if you do not bring a dish to share, kids under age 12 free. Includes one raffle ticket per person. Please attach an ingredient list to your vegan potluck dish.
• Nov. 22, 1-4pm, Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck Feast, First Parish Unitarian, 923 Main St., Fitchburg, MA,
• Nov. 23, 2-3:30pm, Tour of Maple Farm Sanctuary, 101 North Ave., Mendon, MA, $10 minimum donation per person, to reserve a tour space visit: tours@maplefarmsanctuary.org
• Nov. 29, 2-3:30pm, Last tour of the season at Maple Farm Sanctuary, 101 North Ave., Mendon, MA, $10 minimum donation per person, to reserve a tour space visit: tours@maplefarmsanctuary.org

Where to help animals around Boston

Want to do more to help animals than simply going vegan? Check out where in the Boston area you can connect with people helping animals every day. Volunteer. Adopt. Donate. Create a benefit event. There are tons of options. Don't see something near you? Here is a list of shelters & animal advocacy organizations for the state of Massachusetts.

Alliance for Animals - The city of Boston's only no-kill shelter for cats & dogs. Affordable spay/neuter services. Want to go visit the cats? You don't need to call ahead, they're open every day from 11am-4pm. (617) 268-7800, 232 Silver Street, South Boston, MA.

Angell Animal Medical Center - ASPCA veterinary services, plus animal adoption center. Volunteers at Angell need to fill out an application and be at least 16 years old (but check out the MSPCA Lemonade Stand 11-4 on weekends if you're under 16, & the Little Bookworms Story Time every Wednesday morning). You can also join the Animal Action Team to help promote and support animal-friendly legislation. Angell Medical Centers are located at 350 S. Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, (617) 522-7282 and MSPCA-Angell West, 293 Second Ave., Waltham, MA, (781) 902-8400.

Animal Rescue League - Founded in 1899, the ARL "is dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect." Contact their Emergency Rescue Team if you know of an animal in need by calling (657) 777-2752, 55 Anna's Place, Dedham, MA. For other contact info, including how to foster, adopt, or volunteer, consult this detailed list.

Animal Umbrella - A no-kill volunteer cat rescue & adoption organization. Visiting hours: Saturdays, 3-5pm. (617) 731-7267, 320B Charger Street, Revere, MA (on the second floor of Paws Here).

Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton - Shelter for stray & unwanted companion animals. (508) 435-6938, 5 Rafferty Road, Hopkinton, MA.

Black Cat Rescue - No-kill cat rescue. Black cats are only half as likely to be adopted! Foster or adopt. Boston, MA.

Buddy Dog - Located in Sudbury, MA, Buddy Dog is a division of the Humane Society, Inc. Its goal is to find permanent, responsible homes for dogs and cats. Anyone age 15 and older can volunteer at Buddy Dog! My 12 year old, who runs his own dog-sitting/walking business, may think that's unfair, but Buddy Dog has fabulous suggestions for ways that younger kids can also help. Contact the Director of Volunteer Services, Donna DeWallace at (978) 443-6990 or volunteer@buddydoghs.com for more info.

Cat Connection - Foster/adopt program to control the local feral cat population. (781) 899-4610, Waltham, MA.

Charles River Alley Cats - Adoption program aiming to reduce the homeless and feral cat population "in the greater Boston area through non-lethal means." (617) 945-2430, Boston, MA.

Ellen M. Gifford Shelter - Originally sheltering a variety of animals in 1884, the Gifford Shelter now houses only cats. Volunteer, foster, adopt, or enjoy the Kitty Cam. (617) 787-8872, 30 Undine Road, Brighton, MA.

Greyhound Friends - Dedicated to saving racetrack greyhounds and other high-risk dogs. Adopt a dog or learn how else you can help. Open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm. (508) 435-5969, 167 Saddle Hill Road, Hopkinton, MA.

Hilltop Humane Society - "Rescuing, fostering and placing cats in loving homes on the south shore of Boston since 1965." No-kill cat shelter with an enclosed outdoor area. (781) 961-3638, Randolph, MA.

Kitty Connection - Cat and dog rescue offering low-cost spay/neutering and public education. (781) 393-9995, 6 Cudworth Street, Medford, MA.

Lowell Humane Society - Founded in 1873 to prevent animal cruelty, educate the public, and provide care to distressed animals in need. Volunteer opportunities for kids and teens! (978) 452-7781, 951 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA.

Maple Farm Animal Sanctuary - An animal sanctuary providing "lifelong homes for abused, abandoned, and unwanted farm animals while promoting veganism and respect for all life through public information." Visit the sanctuary's many varied residents for a tour, volunteer, or attend a benefit event. (508) 473-7539, 101 North Avenue, Mendon, MA.

Massachusetts Humane Society, Inc. -  Adoption services and caring for lifelong unadoptable animals. Separate adoption listings for cats, dogs, and "other" animals. Animal shelter search engine. Foster a cat, or help with dog and cat care. (781) 335-1300, 87 Wharf Street, Weymouth, MA.

Metrowest Humane Society - Focusing on the well-being of cats in the Metrowest Boston area, MWHS provides adoption services, lifelong care, and public education. (508) 875-3776, 30 Pond Street, Ashland, MA.

Neponset Valley Humane Society - Dedicated to helping companion animals and feral cats. Volunteer and foster/adoption opportunities. (781) 769-1990, Norwood, MA.

New England English Springer Spaniel Rescue - Volunteer, foster, adopt! (877) 861-7701, Ashland, MA.

Northeast Animal Shelter - Established in 1976 and open daily, visit to adopt a cat or dog. Check their calendar for benefit events! (978) 745-9888, 347 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA.

Pets In Need - Located in Dracut and Somerville, Pets In Need is a small private adoption program, saving animals that could otherwise not be cared for. Dracut: (978) 459-8700, Somerville: (617) 718-0943.

Quincy Animal Shelter - Foster/adopt a cat or dog from this no-kill shelter. Attend a volunteer orientation session if you are at least 18 years old. (617) 376-1349, 56 Broad Street, Quincy, MA.

Saint Meows - No-kill cat shelter. Visit the cats on Thursdays from 6-8pm at the First Church of Somerville. Adopt a cat or sponsor a feral cat. 89 College Avenue, Cambridge, MA, cats@saintmeows.com .

Save A Dog, Inc. - Humane Society focusing primarily on abandoned dogs. Adoption and holistic animal health education. Canine meet and greet visits. (978) 443-7282, 604 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA.

Stray Pets in Need of Massachusetts - Promoting the well-being of animals and responsible human/animal relationships via carefully selected adoptive homes. (781) 235-1218, Wellesley, MA. Meetings take place in Natick, MA.

Whiskers of Hope - No-kill adoption organization for cats & kittens. Adoption meetings every Wednesday evening and every other Saturday. (781) 648-4095, Arlington, MA.

Winslow Farm - A farm sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and care of abandoned and mistreated animals. The farm also offers animal-oriented activities for children. (508) 285-6451, 37 Eddy Street, Norton, MA.

Allston Food Crawl

In proper hobbit spirit, I've eaten second dinner quite a few times, even third dinner. But this was the first time I'd ever attempted a food crawl. It was my oldest son's twelfth birthday this month. I gave him a choice: one expensive restaurant, or every restaurant with a vegan option in a city block. He chose the latter.

We attempted to eat at the seven restaurants on Packard Corner in Allston (there is also a bubble tea cafe and a liquor store). This particular strip is loaded with vegan options, including three entirely vegan establishments.

• YoMa Myanmar Tea Cafe & Burmese Cuisine - Don't go without trying the tea salad. And tofu made from chick peas instead of soybeans? Yep. Order the Burmese Tofu Udon Noodles.
• Grasshopper - All vegan Chinese & Japanese menu. Try the famous No Name seitan dish. 
• Root - Vegan restaurant with fresh juices. Probably the only vegan hush puppies around!
• Roxy's - Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. They were out of Daiya on this night, but normally I'd recommend the vegan classic grilled cheese plus whatever favorite add-ins you prefer, and a side of truffle fries. This night we had a simple cup of pumpkin bisque. 
• Fomu - Vegan ice cream cafe with all the fixins. I particularly like the pistachio-cardamom ice cream. If you want something besides ice cream, go for the Magic Bar. Or better yet, do what we did and order Magic Bar ice cream on top of a Magic Bar. And an ice cream cake to go. Yeahhh. 
• Lone Star - Taco bar. Great margaritas and tofu tacos with corn and grilled avocado. If you want a side of guacamole & chips, ask for the guac to be made vegan without sour cream.

Deep Ellum is connected to Lone Star, but is a separate restaurant and bar. They have a vegan veggie burger, if you're not too full like we were!

Have you ever done a vegan food crawl? Where are your favorites spots around Boston? Elsewhere?

Socializing

Where do you go to meet other vegans? Does it just happen by chance? Or do you generally go out of your way to socialize where you know you'll find other vegans? I have vegan friends in parts of the world who feel very much alone. While this is rapidly changing in urban areas, it can still be discouraging. Luckily, Boston has many options.

Whether you're looking for a dining partner, fellow activist, a relationship, or just a friend who won't bring pork rinds to your beach picnic, you can get out there and enjoy the company of like-minded compassionate folk at any of these fabulous groups:

• Boston Vegetarian Society - The BVS is best known for organizing the two-day Boston Vegetarian Food Festival in October for almost two decades. Vegans are usually in the majority at the monthly BVS dinners and lectures, focusing on education and increasing ethical awareness. You can meet other vegan volunteers at exhibits and social gatherings throughout the month by checking the BVS events calendar.

• Boston Vegan Association - The BVA belongs to the International Vegan Association and is therefore strictly vegan in its advocacy. Monthly educational opportunities include speakers such as Gary L. Francione, as well as reading groups, volunteering at events, film screenings, and public discussions. Keep up to date by following the IVA Boston page on Facebook.

• Vegan MetroWest Network - It's worth the short commute by car or commuter rail out to the suburbs if you want to participate in an active and outgoing vegan community. Dining, hikes, group discussions, and advocacy--this group is also very family-friendly. Join them on Meetup and Facebook. 

• VegWorcester - This is the group that hosts the spectacular Worcester VegFest each year. Worcester isn't that far if you carpool out via I-90. Their blog will keep you updated on local events and advocacy info.

• Boston Vegan Collective - The BVC is a relative newcomer to the area, mainly a social outlet and advocacy group for Boston locals. Find them on Meetup and Facebook.

• Boston Vegan Fitness - A small group focusing on physical activity and animal advocacy. Get involved via their Facebook page.

• Meetup - There are a multitude of vegan Meetup groups in the the greater Boston area. Start by joining the Boston Vegan Meetup Group, with a monthly dinner, happy hour, and over 750 members. Then search for other Meetups specific to your personal interests.

• VeggieDate - Looking for a date? Relationship? Activity partner? When you prefer to spend your personal time with another vegan, go to VeggieDate. Sort through potential matches by town/city. There are lots of other vegans looking for someone to share their lives with.

• FitnessSingles - If you crave a significant other or activity partner who also enjoys a healthy, active lifestyle, check out this dating site. You can specify a vegan match, among many other qualities.

While many activities within these groups are family and kid-friendly, it's helpful to get to know other vegan families to normalize veganism for children. A decade ago, Sprouts, a subset of the BVS, used to meet regularly with playdates and potlucks. Now those vegan kids are teens, and there are more vegan children than ever. Maybe it's time to revive this group? Or begin something new? What do you think? How can we nurture the next generation of Beantown vegans?

Oishii Boston

To my knowledge, no vegan sushi establishments exist, anywhere. (Yet. Think positive.) So when you are craving sushi and you want the best, I recommend Oishii Boston. Hailed as "the best sushi restaurant in America" on Citysearch and "a work of art" by Nina Simond of The New York Times, once you've experienced Oishii, you won't want to settle for your local mall sushi bar ever again. I've never needed a reservation, but you may want to check in advance who is working before you go. Ask for Solomon to be your server; he knows what's vegan. And if Bruce is there, he's the sushi chef who can create a few off-menu vegan masterpieces.

Dinner for omnivores at Oishii can easily run over $100 per person. But as vegans, dinner for two with many courses usually ends up between $50-$100, not counting drinks, yet another bonus for eating cruelty-free.

Don't mess around. If you're at Oishii, you should splurge and try the most expensive vegan item. It's not on the menu, but trust me, it's fan-fucking-tastic. Yet to be named, it's an inside-out roll filled with yam tempura (Oishii's tempura is vegan, no egg in the batter) and cucumber, topped with thinly sliced avocado, shaved truffles, and tonburi (also known as mountain or field caviar, tonburi are seeds from the Houkigi or Kochia scoparia plant, an Akita Prefecture specialty).

Whether you choose the rest of your meal yourself, or defer to Solomon (he won't disappoint), be aware that there will usually be additions to the menu that you haven't ordered. For instance, often a complimentary edamame mousse will be delivered by other staff. It contains egg, so if it arrives before your server returns, politely decline. Solomon has always watched out for us, aware of ingredient changes, such as when the lychee sorbet was altered to contain milk. Even when we don't order dessert, it is often brought to us and it's irresistible, so save a little extra room!

Oishii's a la carte sushi menu has an eclectic vegan selection. Forget your standard kappa maki (cucumber) and avocado rolls. Try the tonburi, kampyo (pickled gourd), kaiwali (radish sprouts), menegi (Japanese scallion shoots), yuba nigiri, inali (same as inari as far as I can tell, using abure age tofu), enoki or shiitake mushrooms, ume shiso, oshinko, natto, and kyuri (Japanese cucumber). Served with pickled ginger, wasabi, shoyu, and a pickled ume plum, the presentation at Oishii is always stunning. Another item I heartily recommend is the Japanese yam tempura maki. Don't over-order, but add more food as you go if need be. If you're sitting at the sushi bar, it's entertaining to watch the sushi chefs at work.

There is more than just sushi available for vegans at Oishii. The seaweed salad is delicate and delicious. Order the yuba soup (ask for it to be made vegan, without bonito broth). Definitely enjoy some melt-in-your-mouth eggplant with the nasu dengaku, served with cilantro sprouts. 

Still hungry? Besides the usual edamame, hand-made tofu, and noodle offerings, the tempura menu is extensive. Located on Washington Street with meter or valet parking, Oishii is closed on Mondays.

Welcome

Welcome to Vegan Boston

Boston is one of the most vegan-friendly cities, yet it never makes it onto anyone's Top-10 lists. I'm here to talk about being vegan in Boston and its environs. Restaurant reviews, how to make a difference in the lives of local animals, environmental awareness, family activities & nightlife are just a few topics I want to cover. I hope readers will comment with helpful tips and questions.

About me: My real name is Krista Allen. I have been vegan for more than two decades. My screen name has been "veganf" for most of that time, so you may have seen me before. I maintained a food blog, Disposable Aardvarks Inc. with recipes and kids' bento lunches for four years. I am a freelance writer and personal chef. I have written recipes and articles for Planet Vegan and Sunshine Burger. I also write new adult romance novels and sci-fi. I am currently writing a vegan cookbook for kids. Teaching Japanese bento lunch classes, cooking for people with dietary restrictions, and helping others explore a vegan lifestyle are things I enjoy.

Do you live in the Boston area? Comment below with a bit about yourself and your experience with veganism. You can follow me on Twitter @veganf or follow my Facebook author page or Vegan Cooking for Kids fan page.