Discovering PA

Where New Jersey meets Pennsylvania, the Delaware river also meets the Appalachian mountains. The result: the Delaware Water Gap, a recreational area that draws nature enthusiasts, hikers of the Appalachian Trail… and a couple of gals hoping for an inspired  vegan food option. In the little town that boasts the Delaware Water Gap is a little gem, one of those restaurants you feel so happy in discovering. An eatery that shows you how embraced “vegan” is now. An eatery doing things the right way–making food from scratch. Or I should say making thoughtful, unique and delicious food from scratch. Zen Fusion is a Haitian and Asian fusion restaurant with clearly marked Vegan options, stellar service, and, again, thoughtful, unique, and delicious food. 

We got the prix fixe, vegan-style. Starting first with the Haitian Fritay, vegetable fritters made from a soft and delicate corn flour batter in fried plantain “bowls,” yucca fries in fried plantain bowls, and a slaw. All of these components were scrumptious.

Next was a sort of vegetable stew, the Vegan Pastelon. Braised vegetables topped with delectable sweet plantains. It was very good but more for a winter’s day. Winter’s day in Haiti? 

A closer look:

Next–dessert. Haitian Beignets. Amazing. I have never had beignets. I was a little disappointed in my last visit to New Orleans to discover the local vegan bakery did not have a vegan version. What an awesome surprise to find it along the I-80 in Pennsylvania! These sugar-coated banana fritters were doughy–absolutely dreamy. Even better, we requested them with their housemade coconut milk-based Ice “Scream.” Two wonderful dessert options together–both made from scratch. 

Zen Fusion, your love and respect of food is so appreciated. We left the place awed by the fantastic food and the calm and benevolent energy of the staff.

A bit on the other side of the spectrum was our visit to Scranton’s all-vegan Eden Cafe. I was really taken aback by the place, for all the wrong reasons.

As a vegan who’s been so for almost 18 years and a lover of food, I have seen giant leaps in the realm of vegan offerings. Now I am an opinionated woman with high standards and a food blog. But I’m going to stick with just the facts… I have to remember that there are many different kinds of vegans these days. Ok, facts: I am not the kind of vegan who likes to eat at a place like Eden–a eatery that heats and serves packaged and canned food, mostly processed mock meats and processed vegan cheeses; a place that doesn’t really make food; a place where the fruit isn’t even fresh. Those facts can’t be disputed and they speak for themselves. It is also a fact that there are vegans who enjoy this type of thing.

Brought in to Eden were some baked goods that were clearly made. And this was the best thing I ate there. That isn’t by chance. Fresh made-from-scratch food tastes better. 

Thank you, Pennsylvania, for a break from New York and your vegan offerings!