On their advice, we left the confines of our hotel for breakfast one morning and headed to a popular bistro and bakery called Jeannine’s. What a joyous feeling it was to hop on our beach bikes and pedal along the sea, across the railroad tracks and then to pull up to a cozy little cottage where we perched upon red French bistro chairs to have breakfast with the locals.
Their lattes were beautifully crafted, extremely large and delicious {I’d never tried Stumptown Coffee before, but I must admit I liked it}. The orange juice was one of the best I have ever had, I think they actually squeeze it in house…or maybe I was just tasting the difference in flavor between freshly picked oranges and oranges that have been shipped all the way to Washington…sigh.
As many of you splendid readers have noticed by now, great tasting food is something I pursue with a passion, and, when I am not eating it, I spend a great deal of time discussing and writing about my favorite culinary adventures.
Today, I have the rare opportunity to write about a food I do not like ~ Soyrizo.
After considering menu options for food that morning I went with the Tex-Mex special, I love the Mexican influenced cuisine down there, so this seemed like the obvious choice. After blurting out my order, I started reading the fine print and asked “what is soyrizo”? I learned that it is soy protein product, flavored similarly to chorizo sausage. This response made my stomach quiver. I know many find soy to be a pleasant meat-alternative, but I just have never found it appealing.
As I tried to back out, I was reminded of the health benefits. So I thought, “maybe this will help me to incorporate soy into my diet”, and I stuck with my order.
When the breakfast came, and it looked attractive enough, it was a mix of scrambled eggs and sauteed Soyrizo. I tried my best to dig in and enjoy…but to me, I just couldn’t get past the soyrizo. It tasted and felt like flavored, soft, rubber. Maybe it was all mental, but the dish made me feel queasy all morning.
So, I am curious, how all of you feel about soy products?
The only way I have ever enjoyed tofu is in miso soup — which I do like. But, when seeking vegetarian protein options, I would much rather go with nuts, cheeses or hummus.
By the way, don’t worry, I didn’t let my poor choice ruin the day.
I ordered the patty-melt at lunch, which made up for the whole affair.
Oh, Emily! I am right there with you. And even though we eat mostly vegetarian at home–my husband eats fish, but that's it–I refuse to cook with the faux stuff. I'd rather just have yummy vegetables.
Love Jeannine's though! I'm glad I never stumbled on the soyrizo!
Hope that was the only low point of your trip!
Hi Emily! We are trying to go meatless a few times a week, but my husband, being from England, is a meat and potatoes kinda guy. I found the Yves Italian Seasoned Soy works great in spaghetti sauces and he thinks it's meat! Only soy product we've been able to incorporate in our meals.
Oh I am always so mad at myself when I make a bad restaurant choice!! Well you tried and now you know!! I'm not a soy girl – I can do miso but wouldn't go out of my way to order it. The coffees are beautiful however!!