Vegan-friendly restaurant review: Montezuma's and E for Ethel

For readers who aren't familiar, Montezuma's is a vegan-friendly Mexican-style restaurant located on Melbourne Street, Adelaide. Back in 2014, I wrote a review for Montezuma's and a neighbouring dessert cafe named Elephant Walk. Recently, Montezuma's changed their menu, opting to add some awesome new plant-based options to please their vegan customers. All vegetarian meals can now be ordered with vegan cheese and/or vegan sour cream. So, of course, I had to go back to review their new additions!

I'll start by mentioning the fantastic customer service. The woman serving me, Cam, was lovely, and was doing a fantastic job of managing the floor on her own. My grandma and I had a great chat with her and she was very helpful in pointing out all of the vegan options, including her own personal recommendations. Thank you very much, Cam!

I had some trouble deciding which meal to get because I'm not used to having so many options to choose from. I'm not complaining, though! I ended up picking an old favourite of mine - the vegetarian Montezuma's Delight. If you're after a vegan option, all you have to do is replace the sour cream and cheese with vegan versions (or just omit them entirely).

I'm not sure what brands of vegan cheese and sour cream are used, but the cheese looked and tasted similar to Daiya and the sour cream was probably Tofutti. Both brands are favourites of mine. I know a lot of vegans don't like Daiya cheese, though, so if you're one of them, the Montezuma's Delight is just as delicious without.



The meal was presented nicely. I love to see a motley of colours on my plate. The Montezuma's salad is the best I've ever tried and I often make my own version at home. It boasts an array of healthy raw veggies, including cauliflower, celery, broccoli, red cabbage, carrot and - the best part - green apple. It's a simple way to add a sweet and fresh crispiness to the salad.

Underneath the salad sits a corn tortilla smothered with frijoles, and it's all topped off with a hearty tomato-based sauce and some black olives.

Taste-wise, my grandma and I both thoroughly enjoyed our meals and will definitely order them again - but we're also keen to try everything else on the menu! The vegan cheese and sour cream were excellent choices and complimented the meals well. The servings were huge and so the food was very filling, but that's what I expect from Montezuma's! The prices are reasonable considering the size of the meals.

Montezuma's isn't a classy, high-brow restaurant with five star-quality meals, but it doesn't need to be. It's simply a fun, well-decorated and affordable place to grab a tasty and filling meal. If you're a vegan, vegetarian or omni looking for a fun place to eat with your family, friends or partner, Montezuma's is my number one recommendation.

On another note, if you like to drink coffee after lunch, there is a nice eco-friendly coffee shop around the corner that Cam showed us. It's hidden away but it's definitely worth going in - they have lots of milk options for vegans as well as some vegan desserts. Their coffee was great! They also sell homemade paintings, toys, sculptures and other little gifts. The cafe is called E for Ethel - check them out on Facebook here.

E for Ethel make great coffee!

If you're reading this, thanks for having me Montezuma's (and E for Ethel) - I'll be back soon (when I'm not too busy with Uni work!)

5 of the best travel destinations for lovers of vegan food

So many of us long for the joy of travel - the excitement of experiencing a new culture, trying new food, meeting new people, and relaxing far, far away from the daily grind. It's wonderful to have the privilege to enjoy cuisine from half-way around the world, taking in the refreshing atmosphere and enjoying the new sights, smells and flavours.

Unfortunately, not all parts of the world will cater for vegans. For some, the vegan movement is completely unheard of, and meals will generally be filled with a wide variety of animal products. That's why it's important for vegans to do a little research before travelling to avoid any problems when dining abroad.

This list is in no particular order.

1. The USA

At first, this may seem like a ridiculous suggestion - why would the fast-food capital of the world be a great place to vegans to visit? Well, the reason is kind of related. The USA has such a huge variety of places to eat that you're bound to find many vegan cafes and restaurants. It also depends where you go. States such as New York, California and Washington are great places to go for vegan eating - although, as far as I know, all of the other states have options too. Of all the states, if I had to pick one, it seems that California is the place to be. With 103 vegan/vegetarian restaurant and cafe options listed on HappyCow in a small section of Los Angeles alone, you'd be kicking yourself if you didn't visit! New York city has 163 listings, Washington D.C. has 93 - even Austin, Texas (a state known for its love of steakhouses) has 66 listings! With all of this taken into consideration, its clear that the USA is heaven for lovers of vegan food.

2. India

With a population made up of approximately 40% vegetarians and vegans, India is an obvious choice for lovers of vegan food. Because of the large population of vegetarians in India, many restaurants offer exclusively vegetarian meals, and the majority of vegetarian food is clearly labelled.

"With a population made up of approximately 40% vegetarians and vegans, India is an obvious choice for lovers of vegan food."

When eating vegetarian meals in India, you should watch out for ghee, which is a popular ingredient in Indian cooking. It it a type of 'clarified' butter, and it is not vegan. Egg is not commonly used in Indian dishes, but keep your eye out for it anyway. Common vegan Indian dishes include dal, vegetable korma, alu gobhi and mushroom masala.

Many Indian dishes are traditionally vegetarian

3. Israel

Israel has one of the largest vegan populations in the world, and the prevalence of the movement is growing rapidly. The Israeli army even offers vegan meal options for soldiers. Israel is also home to the Vegan Fest, where over 15,000 guests gather annually to celebrate the vegan lifestyle. Domino's Pizza in Israel offers dairy-free, vegan cheese. There are over 400 certified 'vegan-friendly' food establishments. This country-wide vegan trend has come only recently, with the percentage of Israeli vegetarians and vegans jumping from 2.5% in 2010 to over 8% in 2015. When surveyed, a further 13% of Israelis said they were considering vegetarianism or veganism. Most vegan action in Israel is centralised in Tel Aviv, so definitely consider making the beautiful, ancient city your next travel destination.

4. The UK

Long before 'vegan' and 'vegetarian' food labelling was mainstream in Australia, I saw it used in the UK. On my first visit to England as a vegetarian (in 2004, when I was 10), I had no trouble finding food to eat because everything in the local supermarket was clearly labelled with a green 'V'. This kind of thing is widely seen in Australia now, but England is definitely a forerunner.

"The Vegan Society, the oldest registered vegan organisation in the world, is based in the UK."

Under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968, food manufacturers in the UK are not permitted to falsely label their products as 'vegetarian' or 'vegan'. The Vegan Society, the oldest registered vegan organisation in the world, is based in the UK. The society's founder, Donald Watson, is credited with coining the term 'vegan.' The Vegan Society offers their own vegan certification for food products through an easily recognisable sunflower symbol. So, if you're not a fan of reading twenty-ingredient-long lists when doing your weekly grocery shopping, why not try the UK on for size?

5. Italy

According to Wikipedia, Italy boasts the largest percentage of vegetarians and vegans in the European Union, at 10% (or over six million vegetarians). Italian food is a staple in the diets of many vegetarians - personally, I don't think I've gone a week in my life without eating at least one pasta dish. I live for pasta. HappyCow.net lists over 137 results for vegan and vegetarian health food stores, restaurants and cafes in Rome alone. And options, of course, stem far beyond Italian cuisine - with Western and Indian dishes being popular alternatives. Italians are known around the world for their skills in making hearty and flavoursome food, so definitely don't pass it up if given the chance to visit.

I'm hungry just looking at it!

As you probably know, this list isn't exhaustive - there are many, many other countries around the world that offer a wide variety of vegan foods to eat. I just don't have the time to list them all here! I have heard, for example, great things about vegan Thai food - which doesn't surprise me, as Thai cuisine is one of my favourites to eat at home. So, if you're lucky enough to have a chance to travel outside of your home country, consider giving the above places a try, as well as anywhere else you'd love to go. Just make sure you do some research first - it'll make things so much easier. And don't forget to explore your own country's options if travelling abroad isn't in the cards for you.

Enjoy!

 

Should Vegans Support Non-Vegan Companies?

In the past, I've experienced some backlash towards my posts about eating vegan at non-vegan restaurants, how to eat vegan at popular fast-food chains, and when talking about buying from non-vegan companies in general. This is a very controversial topic within the vegan community, and we all have very different views on the subject, so all I can do is provide my personal opinion. Whether you agree or disagree, remember we've all got the same goal in mind - to make the world a better place for animals.

I'll start off by saying that I do buy food from non-vegan companies. Many other vegans do the same. I try my best to avoid especially heinous companies, but I certainly don't limit myself purely to buying from one hundred per cent cruelty-free companies. I'm lucky enough to have access to some vegan brands, although most are much more expensive than standard brands. Other vegans (such as those living in rural areas or countries where vegans are scarce) aren't so lucky.

"Veganism is very personal. We all have different ideas and values about what is and what isn't acceptable within the confines of veganism, but we can acknowledge, at least, that we all share a common goal."

Veganism is very personal. We all have different ideas and values about what is and what isn't acceptable within the confines of veganism, but we can acknowledge, at least, that we all share a common goal. How we go about achieving this goal is up to the individual, and depends completely on their personal circumstances.

For example, some vegans see palm oil as a vegan ingredient, some don't. Some vegans support people who choose to eat eggs from their backyard chickens. Some vegans use a whole lot of supplements, some refuse to take any at all. Some vegans only eat raw or unprocessed food, some vegans gorge themselves on junk. I have my own opinions on all of these subjects, but I'm also happy to accept that other vegans' opinions may differ. Our brains are all wired differently - we can't expect all people to hold the same views, especially since these ideals are mostly subjective and aren't based on facts. The baseline of veganism is rooted in fact (unwarranted animal use causes animal suffering), but several related concepts that stem from veganism are rooted in belief and opinion.

Let's get back to the main subject here. Is it acceptable for vegans to support non-vegan companies? Would doing so somehow make us 'less' vegan, or would it mean that we don't care about animals as much as other vegans do? The short answer is no. At least not in my opinion.

Here's the common justification for buying vegan food from non-vegan companies: doing so encourages said company to produce more vegan products. It all comes down to supply and demand. The more vegan products we buy from any company, the more they'll have to produce. If we encourage people to steer away from their non-vegan products, they'll produce non-vegan products on a smaller scale. This is good news for the animals.

As mainstream companies begin to offer vegan options, the concept of veganism is introduced to the masses. It makes vegan food cheaper, more accessible, and more popular. This is all good news. We don't want veganism labelled as unusual, difficult and obscure; we want it to be seen as 'normal'. If 'normal' companies offer more and more vegan options, veganism will gradually ease its way towards that same label.

"We should be supporting ethical, cruelty-free companies as much as possible, since they're going out of their way to make sure the highest moral standards are met. The thing is - we want all companies to take this path as soon as possible."

I understand why some people choose only to buy from vegan companies. This is also a good move to make. We should be supporting ethical, cruelty-free companies as much as possible, since they're going out of their way to make sure the highest moral standards are met. The thing is - we want all companies to take this path as soon as possible. That's why we should support any effort an otherwise non-vegan company makes to avoid cruelty.

Some of this produce might come from non-vegan companies. Does this mean we shouldn't buy it?

Plus, the ideal of solely supporting vegan companies is unachievable and unrealistic for many. Any time we buy from a mainstream food chain such as Coles or Woolworths, we're supporting a non-vegan company. Even if we buy fresh produce straight from a farm, there's no guarantee those farms are completely cruelty-free. We can try our best, but the only definite way to avoid supporting non-vegan companies is to grow all of our own food from scratch. Because of time constraints, money, weather, gardening ability, and a whole bunch of other factors; growing one's own food is impossible for many.

As vegans living in a non-vegan society, sometimes we simply must make the most of what we have. Essentially, what we have is an abundance of non-vegan companies just waiting for our help. Through only buying their vegan products, we can encourage these companies to improve their practices. Vote with your wallet and make a change!

"The 'rules' of veganism aren't governed by one particular 

individual, but by the vegan community as a whole."

It's important to remember that not all vegans follow the exact same ideals and philosophies, as mentioned earlier in this post. While some may say that supporting non-vegan companies goes against the vegan way of life, others disagree - which essentially denounces that belief, as the 'rules' of veganism aren't governed by one particular individual, but by the vegan community as a whole.

How To Eat Vegan at Non-Vegan Restaurants

Over recent years, veganism has gradually begun to sneak its way into mainstream life and culture. Vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants are popping up all over the place in most major cities, and even in some small towns. Eating out as a vegan is, thankfully, becoming easier and easier. Sometimes, however,  we have to visit a non-vegan restaurant for whatever reason - perhaps we're out for a family dinner, maybe there aren't any vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants near-by. When this happens, we need to know how to score a little more than a slice of bread or a lettuce leaf!

For experienced and reputable chefs, veganising any meal on the standard menu shouldn't be difficult - but most won't go this far. Unfortunately, many non-vegan restaurants, pubs and cafes use pre-cooked or pre-prepared foods in several of their menu items. This means that they're probably not willing or able to make these items up from scratch in a veganised form - so we'll have to compromise. Here are some simple, easy ways to make sure you're served a delicious vegan meal the next time you visit a non-vegan restaurant.



Look for Vegetarian Options

Most modern restaurants, pubs and cafes offer at least one or two vegetarian options on their menu - if they don't, they're missing out on loads of potential customers. Usually the vegetarian options are limited to pasta and salad, but that's not all bad. Pasta is generally delicious, and salad can be just as good if made correctly! Some restaurants may go a little further, offering veggie burgers, rice dishes and soups.

Many of these vegetarian options may already be vegan - check with the chef to make sure. If, however, the vego options contain egg or dairy, a hospitable chef should be happy to work with you to veganise your meal. If you're uncomfortable mentioning your veganism (perhaps you'd like to avoid the 'drama' this can ignite), tell them you're allergic to egg and dairy, or tell them your doctor advised you against eating animal products for health reasons. The cooks will be more likely to be careful with your meal if you order this way.

If removing cheese, egg or milk from your order takes away some of the flavour, request some alternative seasoning or condiments. Rich, flavorsome vegetables - such as olives, avocado or spinach, spices and/or herbs are recommended.

Prioritise Asian, Mexican & Indian Restaurants

If you're going out for dinner with non-vegan family and friends and they're not willing to go to an all-vegan or vegetarian restaurant, suggest Asian, Mexican or Indian cuisine. Or, if you don't have any vegan or vegetarian restaurants in your area but do have access to this kind of cuisine, prioritise it. Many such restaurants offer a variety of traditionally vegan or vegetarian options. Asian food, for example, consists predominantly of rice, noodles and seasonal vegetables - all delicious vegan staples. Tofu is also easy to come by.

Mexican restaurants, such as my local Montezuma's and Zambero, offer several vegetarian options that can be veganised by ordering without cheese. My favourite Mexican restaurant, for example, offers delicious vegetarian salads, dips, tacos, burritos and enchiladas. The tacos, burritos and enchiladas are made with re-fried beans and are usually topped with cheese - I just ask for them to veganise the meal and I've never had any issues.

As India's population is approximately 40% vegetarian, their traditional cuisine is bound to be largely suitable for them. Most Indian restaurants offer many vegan and vegetarian options along with meat-based meals, so all members of the family should be satisfied. Popular vegan meals at Indian restaurants include aloo gobi, dal, spring rolls and chickpea curry.

Asian dishes can usually be easily veganised

Customise Your Own Meal

If the restaurant, bar or cafe's chef is friendly and hospitable (and has fresh food available rather than pre-packaged) they may be willing to prepare a fully customised meal to suit your needs - or, at least, a significantly altered version of a standard menu option. If there's a non-vegan and non-vegetarian pasta option on the menu, for example, first make sure that the pasta itself doesn't contain egg, as it sometimes does. Once you've confirmed the pasta itself is vegan, ask for a different, vegan-appropriate sauce such as napoletana. Request whatever vegetables and extra condiments you desire, and be sure to ask for no cheese.

Many rice dishes could also be customised to suit your needs - ask for a rice-based meal with seasonal vegetables and a sauce of your choice.

If All Else Fails, Settle for a Salad

Sometimes, you may find yourself in a situation where the chef isn't willing to prepare a fully customised or even slightly altered meal for you. I mean - I've been to restaurants where my requests for a small bowl instead of a large plate were denied! In this case, a simple salad may be your only option - or, perhaps, a simple bowl of hot chips (provided they're not cooked in animal fat). If the restaurant you're visiting doesn't offer salad of any kind - well, your family probably needs to find a better place to eat!
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The right kind of salad can be just as delicious as any other meal

8 Awesome Vegan Restaurants You May Not Know About

Veganism has so many benefits, and in my opinion, the exposure to the array of wonderful vegan restaurants is high in the hierarchy. Before discovering veganism, I knew very little about how awesome eating out could be. The variety of deliciously healthy and cruelty-free options provided at vegan restaurants around the world is nothing short of astounding. If only I had the time and money to visit them all!

Here, I've compiled a list of lesser-known vegan restaurants that deserve much more publicity than they already have. If you live nearby, please check these places out and support them as much as you possibly can.

Cornish Arms, Brunswick
http://www.cornisharms.com.au/

The Cornish Arms is a pub-style restaurant located in the Australian state of Victoria. The Cornish Arms promotes the typical Australian philosophy of enjoying a pint of beer and a greasy parma after work. For vegans, this uniquely Australian experience can be hard to come by. Thankfully, however, the search for the perfect vegan pub meal isn't hopeless - The Cornish Arms has your back.

Although not a fully vegan restaurant, Cornish Arms offers vegan alternatives to almost every menu item, as well as several purely vegan meals. Their meals range from faux chicken and lentils burgers to salads, parmigianas, burritos and chilli dogs. It's a mock-meat and greasy-chip lover's dream!

Mono Cafe Bar, Glasgow
http://www.monocafebar.com/

The Mono Cafe Bar boasts quite a high profile within the UK, but outside of the country, the all-vegan bar and cafe is relatively little-known. Their menu is freshly cooked in-store, which is always wonderful, and they're willing to cater to people of all dietary requirements. The Mono Bar offers beer, wine and soft drink, many of which are organic; as well as ethically prepared, locally designed and roasted coffee. They also brew their own ginger beer and lemonade!

Their menu looks spectacularly delicious. It includes soups, sandwiches, fish 'n' chips, salads and burgers - everything you'd expect from a reputable vegan restaurant. There's also a choice of three delicious desserts - Oreo cheesecake, anyone?

Doomie's Home Cookin', Los Angeles
https://www.facebook.com/doomieshomecookin

Doomie's Home Cookin' is especially tailored for lovers of hot, greasy and fattening American-style fast food - without all the meat! They are known for creating indiscernible replicas of popular fast food favourites - perhaps most notably, the McDonald's Big Mac. They make all of their own food from scratch, and reviewers note them as one of the best vegan fast food retailers in the world.

They also offer chilli cheese fries, onion rings, 'facon', steak, schnitzel - anything your fast-food loving heart desires. An enviable range of delicious desserts will also greet you on your visit - from coconut macaroons to chocolate canapes, you can't go wrong with Doomie's Home Cookin'.

Doomie's Home Cookin', Los Angeles

C-A-L-F Cafe, North Yorkshire
http://www.calfsanctuary.com/calf-project/

I follow C-A-L-F Sanctuary on Facebook and I'm always amazed and inspired by the owner's dedication to her work. In times of struggle, she always puts the animals first and never seems to make a single selfish decision. The Sanctuary is funded entirely through donations and through the accompanying vegan cafe, located in North Yorkshire, England.

C-A-L-F is the only fully vegan cafe in Scarborough. A dedicated and compassionate group of volunteers prepares all the food fresh in-store, and all funds go towards the rehabilitation and care of the sanctuary's animal residents. Their menu includes burgers, frittatas, soups, salads, pies and cakes.

Painted Elephant, Newcastle upon Tyne
http://www.painted-elephant.com/

Painted Elephant is a newly-opened, fully-vegan restaurant located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Their menu is described as "Modern Bohemian", boasting fries, pad thai, burgers, cake, flatbread, hummus (who doesn't love hummus?) and much more. They offer gluten-free options and are willing to cater to people of various dietary requirements.

Painted Elephant also offer delicious vegan catering for private events such as weddings, birthdays or small parties. The restaurant is open five days a week from Thursdays to Saturdays and is independently run. Be sure to check them out if you're nearby.

Painted Elephant, Newcastle upon Tyne

Franchia, New York City
http://www.franchia.com/

Franchia is a lesser-known vegan restaurant in a city (awesomely) plastered with them. Their menu is described as 'Asian-fusion' and is 100% plant-based and vegan-friendly. They provide catering for baby showers, weddings, birthdays - almost any private event you can think of, and the reviews of their service are glowingly positive.

Their menu is very large and varied, offering pancakes, zen rolls, steamed wontons, stuffed mushrooms, various dumplings, salads, noodles, soups, porridge, rice dishes, various mock meats - the list goes on. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Loving Cafe, Fort Wayne
http://www.lovingcafefw.com/

Located in Indiana, America, Loving Cafe is a fully vegan restaurant offering a delicious and comprehensive menu, including options for children and raw vegans. They aim to provide an earth-friendly, compassionate experience for every customer while promoting a harmonious and cruelty-free lifestyle.

Their menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, rice dishes, various starters, delectable desserts, smoothies and noodles. Their raw options include french fries, tacos, sushi and cheese cake, while their children's menu offers garlic bread, grilled cheesy-bread, tortillas, nuggets and BBQ wings.

Govinda's, Australia
http://govindas.net.au/

Govinda's is a Hare Krishna restaurant existing in several locations throughout Australia - including Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Sydney and Melbourne. They offer delicious, fresh and nutritious meals at outstandingly affordable prices - at my nearest Govinda's, all-you-can-eat is available for a mere $10. The restaurant is specifically vegetarian, although many vegan options are also available.

Always located beside a Hare Krishna temple, Govinda's is unique in its offer of a tranquil and karma-free eating experience, as all preparations are offered to Lord Krishna before being served. Their meals include curries, cakes, lasagna, samosas, pakoras and much more.

Govinda's Restaurant

If you have any further suggestions, please let me know in the comments so I can include them in a future post, and once again - make sure to check out all of these awesome vegan restaurants and support them. They deserve all the recognition they can get for making the world a better place for the animals. Thanks for reading!

Restaurant Review: Montezuma's and Elephant Walk

If you're ever in Australia, or South Australia more specifically, you absolutely must give Montezuma's and Elephant Walk a go. Both restaurants are located on Melbourne Street, North Adelaide. Montezuma's in particular has remained one of my favourite restaurants for many years. I loved it as a vegetarian and I love it even more as a vegan.

Montezuma's

Montezuma's restaurant is a Mexican delight that is very close to my heart. My boyfriend and I have delighted in their delicious spicy offerings on many special occasions, particularly our first ever 'real' date! I may be biased, but I simply adore Montezuma's decorative and fun-loving atmosphere. The prices are very reasonable, and hey even offer a 'Montezuma's Gold Card' which is great for regulars like me. After every fifth visit to the restaurant, you receive a free meal. You can't go wrong with freebies!

Although Montezuma's isn't a vegan restaurant, there are still many options available that can be veganised. They cater to people suffering from various allergies and dietary needs, which is excellent for plant-based eaters. You can simply tell them you're vegan - you won't be met with a confused expression like you might at some other restaurants! You shouldn't ever have any problems ordering a veganised meal. They have also recently added vegan cheese and vegan sour cream to their menu. I'm keen to try it on my next visit.

Before ordering your main meal, you can opt to order some corn chips and dip for starters. My boyfriend and I always order the three-dip platter, which consists of a frijole dip, spicy salsa and a cheese dip. My boyfriend, an omni, eats the cheese dip and leaves the rest for me. Make sure to order the frijole dip without cheese, because they'll usually sprinkle some on top otherwise.

The addictive three-dip platter with corn chips

The vegetarian frijole (bean) tacos are a favourite of mine. They're totally vegan when ordered without dairy, and they're delicious. On my last visit to Montezuma's, however, I ordered something a little more filling - a frijole enchilada with rice, salad and extra re-fried beans. It was affordable, tasty and almost too satisfying - I had to re-adjust my belt after finishing! I drizzled the remainder of the salsa dip on top of the enchilada for some extra spice. The enchilada was as good, if not better, than the three-dip platter. I highly recommend this meal! Make sure to let the waiter know that you don't eat animal products when ordering and they'll happily cater to your needs.

Filling, delicious and affordable - what more could you want?

Overall, Montezuma's provides a delectable meal and a thriving, colourful and vibrant atmosphere. 

Elephant Walk

Located just down the road from Montezuma's, Elephant Walk cafe provides an unique, atmospheric and unforgettable dining experience. It was by far my favourite dessert cafe as a vegetarian, and admittedly, I was rather dismayed about 'never being able to eat there again' when I became vegan. To my excitement, though, I recently discovered that they offer vegan meals! I almost jumped out of my chair with happiness when I heard the news, and planned to visit the next week.

Elephant Walk's menu is ever-changing. They usually have one special vegan dessert on the menu, as well as offering hot soy-based drinks. In the past they have offered plant-based cakes and cinnamon donuts, but on my visit, they offered waffles. I'd never had waffles before, but I was certainly keen to try them! Several toppings are offered, including maple syrup, apple pie filling, shaved coconut, berries and coconut cream. They are also served with a generous dollop of coconut milk ice cream. My boyfriend and I chose to embellish our waffles with sweet maple syrup, hot apple pie filling and lashings of shaved coconut. 

These were almost indescribably delicious - the photo doesn't do them justice!

Surrounded by the comforting, romantic and ambient atmosphere, my boyfriend and I relished in the sweet, rich taste of these delicious waffles. It's certainly the sort of dessert that could convince an omni to turn to the 'bright side'! I can't recommend them enough. The coconut ice cream was cool and sweet with a near-perfect consistency. They were pricey, at around $13, but well worth the cost. 

Overall, Montezuma's and Elephant Walk provided an amazing dining experience, and I can't wait to go back. They're both located on Melbourne Street (although Montezuma's has other locations) and are only a few steps away from each other, which is why I love to visit both places in one night. If you live in Adelaide, or plan on visiting sometime, you definitely need to check these places out. I assure you, you will not regret it!