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This fluffy guy (girl?) is all set for winter:

View from Sunset Hill Park, 7531 34th Ave. NW, Ballard:

Jhanjay Vegetarian Thai Cuisine opened a second restaurant a few weeks ago in Old Ballard. I dined there this evening for the first of what I’m sure will be many, many times — they are within a short walking distance of my apartment.

The atmosphere is similar, but not identical, to their Wallingford location — bright gold and deep burgundy hues, rich wood, botanical and organic shapes, a fresh flower in a small vase on each table. Jhanjay Ballard is quite a bit larger than the one in Wallingford. The spacious dining room feels quite welcoming and offers a good view of the open kitchen.

The food was, of course, delicious. I had the Star Potato Puff (mashed potatoes, green peas, and diced onions seasoned with curry and layered between two lightly pan-fried Roti pancakes, served with cucumber/red onion chili sauce) and Rad Nah (wide rice noodles stir-fried with broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms, swimming in a thick gravy; usually includes egg, but of course I had the vegan version).

The service lived up to that of the original Jhanjay: Attentive, efficient, friendly, and smiling — lots of smiles. The owner, I believe she said her name is Nata (sp?), came over to talk with me for a few minutes after I finished eating. I complimented the beauty of the restaurant, thanked her for a wonderful meal, and warned … I mean, assured … her she’d see me again soon.

Jhanjay Vegetarian Thai Cuisine, 5313 Ballard Ave. NW, near NW Vernon Pl. and the … south? east? southeast? … end of the Ballard Farmers’ Market. Open Monday – Friday, 11am – 10pm and Saturday – Sunday, noon – 10pm. (Jhanjay has not yet updated their Web site with their new location.)

PS: Sorry for the lack of photos to go along with this post. My regular camera is broken, and the camera on my cell phone doesn’t take very good pictures.

The Boyfriend (TB) and I had breakfast this morning (per our usual Sunday ritual) at Wayward Vegan Cafe. And we learned that starting tomorrow (Nov. 30, 2009), Wayward will be open on Mondays. Their hours will be 9am – 4pm every day. Wayward is located at 901 NE 55th St. (Seattle; Roosevelt/Ravenna area).

While we were there, Colin, one of the co-owners, mentioned that Pizza Pi has a new menu. They’ve added a bunch of new pizzas, several new appetizers, and some new sandwiches. TB and I will check out the new menu later today. Pizza Pi is at 5500 University Way NE (Seattle; U District neighborhood). They’re open noon – 10pm Tuesday – Sunday (i.e., closed Mondays).

Colin and his wife, Tammy, own Pizza Pi. They, in conjunction with Doh and Dennis, co-own Wayward. Doh (and maybe Dennis; I don’t know for sure) owns Sidecar for Pigs Peace vegan grocery. Sidecar is at 5270 University Way NE, across the street (NE 55th) from Pizza Pi. Sidecar is usually open 10am – 8pm Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays). See the Directions & Hours page on their Web site for their winter holiday hours.

Wayward is less than a half-mile from Pizza Pi and Sidecar.

That’s some seriously concentrated — and delicious — vegan-osity!

Update to the update #1: TB and I had lunch at Pizza Pi today and tried some of their new menu items, including:

French onion soup — lots of sliced onions floating in a flavorful, savory broth. Topped with melted cheese on top of two small pieces of crisp toast.

Side salads (not new) with new dressings — creamy, spicy chipotle ranch (TB’s choice) and an authentic-tasting bleu cheese (my choice).

French dip-style sandwich — Field Roast grain meat, grilled onions, and melted white cheese (mozzarella?) on a hearty whole-grain hoagy roll, served with a tasty au jus.

The Roma — Tofurky sausage, onions, and melted white and cheddar cheeses, also on a whole-grain hoagy roll.

As usual at Pizza Pi, everything was delicious. The portions were quite filling; so filling that TB and I each ate a half sandwich and took the rest home to eat later.

Pizza Pi is working on updating their menu online, so check back on their Web site for details.

Update to the update #2: Sidecar is hosting a vegan bake sale as a fundraiser for Pigs Peace Sanctuary. Check it out December 12 & 13, 2009, 1pm – 8pm.

… “madam.”

Reading about walking, racewalking, and running …

… while lying in bed.

(Step by Step: A Pedestrian Memoir, by Lawrence Block.)

Adorning the exterior of Pony, 1221 E. Madison, Capitol Hill (Seattle):

What is Pony?

Trace Lofts, 12th Ave. & East Madison, Capitol Hill (Seattle):

I love the look of a sleek, modern building placed on top of an existing vintage building. And I love that at least part of the original building – or even just its facade – was preserved. (The “About” page on the Trace Lofts Web site mentions the “87-year history.” If that refers to the age of the original structure, then it was built circa 1922.)

Next stop after Plum Bistro – Healeo.

I had read about Healeo’s vegan, hemp soft-serve vanilla ice cream and wanted to try it (see this post). I’m glad I did – it was creamy and delicious.

Healeo is a “superfood nutrition bar” offering supplements, juices, smoothies, teas, espresso, soups, and other food items; the majority are vegetarian and/or vegan. And the non-dairy milk options (for teas or lattes) include hemp, coconut, and an almond/cashew blend. Healeo makes some of their own food as well as carrying selections from local providers such as Chaco Canyon.

The Boyfriend (TB) and I asked a lot of questions about Healeo’s products and foods, and the staff were friendly and helpful.

$6, excluding tip, for my ice cream and TB’s coconut latte.

Healeo, 1520 15th Ave., Capitol Hill (Seattle), 206-453-5066; http://www.healeo.com/; opened in May 2009. Free parking in the Pearl Apartments building garage.