BLOSSOMING LOTUS - A Trip to Downtown Portland Oregon

One of my favorite new places is called the "Blossoming Lotus".  This Restaurant serves Vegan and Raw Food that any food lover would appreciate. The atmosphere is airy, yet intimate and is modern with a fresh and yet nostalgic feel. I truly get pangs of excitement when I know this will be my place of dining!

Their dishes are flavorful, colorful and truly nutritious.  Some of my favorite yummy dishes are the Garden Veggie Wrap made of pesto & white bean spread, carrot, tomato, cucumber, purple cabbage, romaine, micro greens (if available), and roasted garlic vinaigrette, wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla; Smoked Maple Tempeh with romaine, tomato, micro greens (if available), and stone ground mustard, served warm with choice of whole wheat tortilla or whole grain bread. I personally like to add avocado to this one; Green Goddess Salad made with steamed greens, mixed greens, micro greens (if available), with avocado ranch and roasted garlic balsamic vinaigrette, topped with sesame seeds, served with a choice of brown rice or quinoa.  I personally switch off between the brown rice and quinoa, although I seem to be drawn to the quinoa more often than not.

Ok, quick nutritional lesson: 
Quinoa - Seed, not a grain.  Grown in the Andes of South America.  Eight Grams of Protien per serving.. Contains all 8 of the 8 amino acids and is loaded with vitamins and nutrients. Definitely not new, but is now considered in North America to be on the Superfood list. When prepared correctly, quinoa has a soft little pop in your mouth, can take on a nutty flavor or whatever the influence of your dish may be.
Tempeh - Highly fermented Whole SoyBean Product.  Loaded with protein, vitamins and dietary fiber. Has an earthy flavor, which in this case I would describe as meaty, nutty and almost mushroom like.  Tempeh's flavor will be influenced by the ingredients that are being used to prepare it.
Micro Greens - Micro, meaning small, is exactly what they are. Tiny little seeds that are grown from plant seeds like broccoli, beets and radishes to name a few. They range in color from purples to light greens and these little guys contain protien, calcium, vitamin A and are phytonutrient rich.  Phytonutrients contain disease preventing compounds. Micro greens can range from a bitter bite to mint, lavender, lime, peppery and spicy and several other flavors.