I’m not a vegetarian, let alone a vegan, but I like to try new things. My husband? Well, he humors me sometimes but I think he generally prefers his breakfast with a side of pork. So when I found myself in Portland, Oregon recently, not only was I excited that I could seek out a vegan breakfast for myself, but I knew I was in the right town to do it.

Prasad Portland

I still dream of this breakfast. It was the kind of day that makes anyone want to move to Portland. The sun was shining, the temperature perfect, and I had the whole day ahead of me. Prasad is attached to Yoga Pearl and while I was wishing I had my mat with me, I was more than happy to grab one of the little wood topped tables on the sidewalk and just soak it all in.

Fresh juice is such a treat for me and their long list made it hard to choose. The shanti – a blend of apple, mint, celery and cucumber – called my name. I swear I could feel myself getting healthier with each sip!

My breakfast choice was just as hard. So many things sounded so delicious but my love for Mexican flavors won out and I ordered the Chili Scramble. This big bowl surely could have fed two but it was so delicious I gobbled it all up. Quinoa topped with chipotle black bean chili, kale, and smokey tempeh garnished with jalapeño cashew cream, pepitas, cilantro and sliced avocado. It was the perfect fuel for my fun day ahead.

You can bet this is a dish I will be working to replicate at home so keep watching and who knows, you just might just see a recipe here for my version someday.