I can’t believe how quickly time has passed.

I’ve officially been vegetarian for OVER a year now.  Coming from someone who ate meat at every meal, and liked her steak medium rare, you’d be surprised to hear that I don’t miss meat. At all. I can sit next to someone digging into a melty cheesy burger, or crisp salty-sweet bacon, and I won’t even flinch.

Of course, if the opportunity presents itself, I’m always down to try veggie’d meat.

So when we went to Downbeat Diner in Chinatown last week, I couldn’t help but ask if they had vegan bacon (They were out the last time we were there).

Okay.

So this picture makes it look a little bit like fruit leather.

Actually, to be honest, it looked like fruit leather in real life too. Let me break it down:

Taste: so-so. There was a strong bacon flavor, but it’s mixed in with that very obvious soy taste. Kind of kills it for me.

Texture: Looks are not deceiving. It’s leathery and simultaneously crunchy.

Smell: Bacon!!! Dogs gathered from around the block!

Overall: You know, even though I didn’t really care for it, I’d probably still order it again. It’s kind of nice just to have something to go with your eggs. Even if it’s not something amazing. Next time: vegan sausage!

One thing we both loved:

Blueberry shake! Thick, creamy and just the right amount of sweet and blueberry flavor.

I probably could’ve downed the entire thing on my own, but Ry was the one that ordered it, so I figured I should share.

Downbeat Diner and Lounge
42 N. Hotel Street (directly across from Bar 35)
808.533.2328

 

 

 

 

Tags: Chinatown, Restaurant Review, Vegan, Vegetarian