Well, 2017 sure was…something.

Honestly, it was a bit challenging for me. But I’m happy to say that the challenging experiences were punctuated by delicious meals. It was another year of good eatin’!

Last year, I summarized the 16 best vegan meals of 2016, focusing on restaurants. This year, there are a few restaurants I want to highlight, but more importantly, I want to emphasize the experiences and memories from each meal. The food is usually great, but the company is even better. So here are 17 of the best vegan meals of 2017 that helped me make it out alive…

17. Redi-et Ethiopian Cuisine

I travel a bit for work sometimes; and this past valentines day, I found myself in Myrtle Beach in the off-season with two of my colleagues. Nearly every restaurant was closed for the season, but we found an Ethiopian spot that had good reviews on Yelp. We walked in and found that they offered an extensive veg-friendly section that was 100% vegan. We had a great night chatting and enjoying delicious food! Unfortunately, Redi-et has since closed.

16. by Chloe.

I had a lot of fun eating my way through New York City. And I loved the quick meal I had at by Chloe. with my boss (a non-vegan) who definitely enjoyed the food. I was amazed at how crowded it was…and the food did not disappoint.

by Chloe. | 60 West 22nd Street, New York, NY 10010

  

15. Gatherings with the Baltimore Vegan Community

2017 was definitely the year of yummy friend gatherings! Thanks to the potlucks organized by the local vegan queen, Green Collean, my potluck attendance has skyrocketed and with it the number of vegan friends I have. Starting with the Bmore Vegan Fam beach weekend, where we all were lazy AF and hungry mofos, the year rounded out with some amazing picnics, luncheons, and rooftop gatherings….

  

 

… outdoor movie nights, and many a themed potluck. These were among the best of the best meals!

  

And among these meals, I’m counting my amazingly delicious vegan birthday meal, catered by Nourrie Cuisine!

 14. The GruB Factory

Well, The GruB Factory really impressed a lot of people…myself included. I have thoroughly enjoyed the food I had there and cannot wait to go back and eat more of it—I’m particularly looking forward to breakfast, which I haven’t yet tried!

The GruB Factory | 1210 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201

  

13. Ekiben

Ekiben is a gem! This little shop in Baltimore’s Fells Point neighborhood makes incredibly delicious food and has a number of vegan options. The Tofu Brah is incredible, as is the broccoli! Plus, they have a food truck! You best believe I’ve been going to that food truck anytime it’s near!

Ekiben | 1622 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231

 

12. Candle West

My New York trip was an amazing visit for vegan food. I ate SO much, and took my non-vegan travel companions to most of those places! Candle West was one of those fabulous eateries. Having seen the ads in VegNews magazine for years, I could not wait to go! I treated my friend to a splendid 3 course meal with wine pairings. The food all tasted amazing!

Candle West | 2427 Broadway, New York, NY 10024

   

  

The dishes we ordered include tomato soup, a nori and crusted cauliflower and oyster mushroom appetizer, the tofu special, a seitan picatta with mashed potatoes, and strawberry shortcake. The picatta with the mashed potatoes was melt-in-your-mouth delicious! 

11. Blossom du Jour

Upon arriving in New York, my first stop was Blosson du Jour! I arrived drenched from a downpour but I thoroughly enjoyed my meal! So much so that I went to another location a few days later for breakfast in the afternoon!

Blossom du Jour | Various locations

  

10. The Donut Alliance

So this might not count as a meal, but I’m including it anyway. In 2017, I discovered Donut Alliance! They are amazing and the two amazing creators behind this masterpiece are such rad people. I both happy and nervous about having such good access to vegan donuts now…

 

9. Beyond Burger

And in 2017 (or maybe it was verythe Beyond Burger is available at TGI Fridays late in 2016, I don’t really remember), I first tried the Beyond Burger and I was thoroughly, thoroughly impressed! The meat eaters in my life even loved it! And now, ! Oh, what a great time to be a vegan!

  

8. Stall 11

Throughout 2017, Stall 11 was a place for many delightful conversations with friends. My mom and I went for a bunch after our morning Antigravity classes at The Movement Lab, I enjoyed the Fungi Philly with coworkers, I had some delicious breakfasts with friends and loved ones…it just became the place to enjoy a meal with important people.

Stall 11 | 301 W 29th St, Baltimore, MD 21211

7. Baltimore Vegan Week

I’m almost ashamed of how much I ate during Baltimore’s Vegan Restaurant Week…

 

Actually, nah, I’m just impressed. I ate a TON. I enjoyed 11 meals and outings…and I’m quite proud. The food was almost always amazing! (A few misses, but overall, a lot of great food!) I am so excited for Baltimore Vegan Restaurant Week round two coming up in February!

   

  

 

6. Shouk

 What a little surprise! No sooner had I heard of this place (thanks, Instagram), I was already eating there that same day. Shouk is an amazing little eatery in D.C. The food was so so delicious. One of my favorite qualities, however, was the service. Such great staff, and that makes all the difference.

Shouk | 655 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001

5. The Butcher’s Daughter

I am all about the vibe, and I loved the minimalist, jungle-like decor of The Butcher’s Daughter. The food was equally delicious, and I am bummed I didn’t learn of the place sooner in my trip to go back again!

The Butcher’s Daughter |  581 HUDSON STREET

 

 

4. The Cinnamon Snail

Like, woah. Seriously. The Cinnamon Snail’s Thanksgiving Sando was out of this world delicious! I took non-vegans back to The Cinnamon Snail during my conference and they proclaimed, “this has been the best meal of my trip.” SO worth a visit!

The Cinnamon Snail |  The Pennsy Food Hall

 

3. Great Sage

One of those meals that was a favorite because of the company. I enjoyed taking someone special here to share with them the amazingness of vegan food. It was a great meal (as always) and one I’m glad to have enjoyed in 2017.

Great Sage | 5809 Clarksville Square Dr, Clarksville, MD 21029

 

2. H Mart

If you had told me that one of my favorite meals of 2017 would have been from a grocery market, I’d probably have told you to stop being so silly. But sure enough, dinner at H Mart (the Korean grocery store) is coming in at number two. The food was delicious and the company was even better. 10/10 would dine again.

H Mart | 800 N Rolling Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228

1. Vegan Winter FEASTival

Oh yes. I’m ranking my own party as my number one favorite meal of 2017. My recent Vegan Winter FEASTival (post hopefully forthcoming) was a magnificent feast with amazing friends and sinfully delicious food. It was so nice to have my home and heart warmed by the company and cheer. And alongside the FEASTival, I’ll rank all the holiday meals number one. From Thanksgiving to Hanukkah and Christmas….some amazing food and so many wonderful memories!

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And there you have it! My favorite meals of 2017 centered around company and cherished memories. And I’m looking forward to even greater experiences in 2018! Can’t wait to share them with you. Until then, happy eating!