One of my favorite places to go in Asheville is the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. It serves chocolate and coffee....what more could I want, really?! Because I am mostly not eating chocolate during the week, the Chocolate Lounge is a nice weekend splurge. I love the French Broad Chocolate Lounge because they stay open late, they serve vegan chocolate cake, truffles and sipping chocolate and it's a much better environment than a bar. It's a great place for us to take guests when they are in town because everyone loves chocolate (well, maybe there are a few weirdos out there who don't) and it's a great place to just sit around and talk. They have two floors and 3 separate rooms so even though there's almost always a line out the door, you can find a place to sit. They also have live music on certain nights too.
There are some other things I love about the chocolate lounge. They have stevia available for my coffee instead of other nasty artificial sweeteners, they pay a fair wage to their employees, they have a focus on the environment and sustainability and it's a great local establishment that pumps money back into the local economy. It's kind of expensive for us to go to the chocolate lounge but it's definitely worth it and it's a nice, decadent splurge.
When I go to the chocolate lounge, I ALWAYS get the vegan olive oil chocolate cake....AMAZING!! Once again, excuse the terrible picture:
They also have a line of vegan truffles called the Buddha collection, but I can't resist the cake. The truffles are excellent but I just really enjoy the cake more. R usually gets 2 or 3 of the truffles and we both share some of the french pressed coffee. It's just a great way to spend a Saturday evening.
Oh man. I have days I dream of the chocolate lounge. It's been nearly a year since I visited Asheville and I need a good chocolate fix!
ReplyDeleteI love your posts about places in Asheville. Some of my very dear friends live in Chimney Rock and we're going there for a visit sometime this Spring. I can't wait to try some of these places you have posted about!
ReplyDeleteYay! I am glad! I love posting about Asheville! There are so many great vegan options. If you would like, I can give you a more info about some of my favorite places. Just let me know! :)
DeleteI just stumbled across your website contemplating going vegan. I don't really eat that much meat, but it's the dairy area that I have the most problem with. If I were to go vegan, I'd also have to do a low carb version of it. (carbs don't do well in my body). I'm taking summer classes right now, and my biggest concern is the first few days. Do you remember how you felt at all? I want to make sure my concentration, alertness, and energy is up, so my studies can stay up. I literally do not know anyone that is a vegetarian, let alone a vegan. I now live in South Georgia. Animal products are what these people live for. I need help.
ReplyDeleteHey Lauren....sorry for the slow reply. I would recommend "testing" out veganism so it's not so overwhelming. In Alicia Silverstone's book, the Kind Diet, she talks about the "flirting" stage. That's just where you try out some vegan products and see what works for you. I know what it's like to live in an area where there are not many vegan options or people. I have been there. Most stores do carry soy and almond milk now so that's a plus....you should be able to find nondairy milk options. I would stick with beans to add extra protein to meals instead of fake meat products. You know you will be able to find canned beans, it's cheaper, and healthier.
DeleteI have always felt great as a vegan. I typically have a lot of energy and I usually feel very healthy. It's different for everyone though. My biggest piece of advice is to eat A LOT of produce. I eat a ton of different types of fruits and veggies and I feel like that's the key to successful veganism or even vegetarianism.
Good luck! :)
-Katy