Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

One of my favorite things about travelling is seeking out and experiencing new foods and restaurants. Whether we are in another country or three hours away from our house, we strive to eat where the locals would eat and visit new stores we have never seen. Here are two of my faves from our trip to Saugatuck, Michigan.

The Olive Mill

We visited the most amazing store in Saugatuck, Michigan called The Olive Mill. They sell small batch artisan olive oils and balsamic vinegars. This is what they do and they do it extremely well. The store is lined with small steel barrels filled with these luscious liquids. You can walk around and sample every single one.

I sampled so much balsamic vinegar that I may have pickled my insides. The flavors were out of this world like fig, tangerine  and dark peach balsamic.  They fill the bottle right in front of you and seal it for you to take home. You may also purchase their goods online at:  http://www.olivemillgeneva.com/index.html The basil olive oil was so scrumptious that I went to the store twice (in different clothes) to drink more samples. These would make the most decadent gift for  a very deserving foodie in your life.

Baja Cafe and Grill

We also found the greatest little  fresh mex eatery in Holland, Michigan called Baja Cafe and Grille. It is locally owned and operated by Ross Klingler. We ordered Baja Burritos and watched as Casey, the friendliest and most soft spoken young man we have ever met made our fresh food, fast. We were able to add all the veggies and salsas we wanted. They have a corn salsa and a salsa verde that you will not be able to live without once you have tried it.  I had both salsas on my black and pinto bean burrito with guacamole. My burrito was so fantastic that I took  at least five more bites even after I realized I was full. Really full.

I loved the Baja Cafe for their amazing service and truly delicious and inexpensive food. But, I also loved this place because it was a locally owned establishment in the town that we were visiting . It is owned by  a family trying to make it work by serving really fresh food at a fair price.

We can all seek out places like this in our own communities and when we are travelling. This falls under the category of changing the world one meal at a time. Lets buy local when we can and infuse the communities we live in and play in with the money we are able to spend.  You can taste the love in the food and that is my favorite ingredient.

Have a great day.

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