I usually don’t blog on Saturdays, but I am so excited to share my dinner last night that I just can’t wait.  Read: I am also slightly unmotivated to do school work, so I am going to fulfill my need for human interaction by rambling about vegan food on the internet. Last semester, I read about my blogger-friend-turned-real-life-friend, Kristen’s, trip to London. During her time here, she ate a restaurant called SAF, which stands for Simple Authentic Food, and when I learned I would be coming to London, I knew SAF was something I needed to experience for myself.

Two months after my arrival here, I finally got my act together and got my ass myself to SAF.  After Kristen’s review, I was not  at all suprised that the food was beyond fabulous, and I am a little disappointed it took me so long to learn what I have been missing out on.  I love a good vegan restaurant.  Eating out as a vegetarian can be a little dicey.  Although there are typically a variety of vegetarian options, I rarely order anything with cheese, so I have developed some creative ordering skills, and my options are often a little lackluster.  When I sit down at a restaurant with a menu where I can order anything, my excitement is palpable, and the process of deciding what I am actually going to order can actually be a little daunting, albeit exhilarating.

FIrst off, I ordered a cocktail.  After all, it was a Friday night and all the cocktails were intriguing and unique.  On the waiter’s recommendation, I went with the Apple Toffee Tipple.  Flaming, strong, and easy to drink –  it was my favorite kind of drink.

For an appetizer, my dairy-free accomplice and I split the Cheese Trio.  Dining with a lactose intolerant, vegan cheese rookie, I though it was obligatory for cheese to be part of the experience at SAF.  The herb, smoked paprika, and olive cheeses, served with flax crackers and jam, were exquisite and full of flavor- just like vegan raw food should be.

I had been lusting after the Kale, Avocado, and Walnut salad after pursuing SAF’s menu online.  I always feel a little lame ordering salads for an entree, but I have a deep appreciation for a well-done salad.  I think a lot of people identify salads as boring choices, but really, salads can be quite indulgent.  A good salad is the perfect combination of healthy food with plenty of flavor and sustenance.  SAF’s kale salad did not dissapoint, and it was exactly what I wanted.  I  loved every single bite, and I was almost heartbroken when my bowl was scraped clean.

For dessert, I ate an entire bowl of vegan fondue with buckwheat raisin crackers and fruit for dipping.  Unfortunately, none of my pictures turned out decently.  Did I mention that cocktail was strong?

Overall, the food was simple, yet interesting and exceptionally enjoyable.  SAF was exactly what I wanted it to be and embodied what I love about vegan restaurants.  For me, eating at a vegan restaurant is almost always an incredible experience.  I love to be reminded that vegan food can be decadent and delicious, and I love to support restaurants with food philosophies similar to my own.  If you are in London and searching for some straight-up awesome vegan food, I’d highly recommend SAF.  Needless to say, I will absolutely be returning to SAF before I leave London. See you soon SAF.