HAMMONTREES - Fayetteville AND Rogers - and lots 'o vegan choices

Friends were visiting from out of town.  I picked a gourmet boutique restaurant that would impress them with local cuisine.  Only problem was, we were ready to eat at 4:30 and the fancy place didn’t open until 5:00.  We started to scope the area and came across Hammontrees.  It really could be called “Ham and Cheese” since its specialty is grilled cheese sandwiches.

Ah cheese.  Probably the most difficult hurdle I faced in shifting to the vegan diet.  And here I was in a place that served such temptations as smoked mozzarella, sharp white cheddar and wild mushroom goat cheese.  It just wasn’t fair.

But wait!

Turns out they can substitute Daiya vegan cheese at no extra charge.  So I ordered the vegan grilled cheese number called Where the Wild Things Are (ask them to grill in olive oil rather than butter).  These sandwiches are not the pathetic white bread slabs with a thin sheet of processed semi-melted American cheese that we’ve all gotten at the local diner.  Hammontrees takes the humble grilled cheese to a whole new level.  My choice included sautéed mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes incorporated with perfectly melted vegan pepper jack cheese.  Other sandwich creations include such mouth-watering avant guard additions such as caramelized onions, poblano peppers and artichoke hearts

No photo on this visit, as this happened in pre-blog days.  However, I returned recently to try the Hot Dog side of the menu.  

Cali Dog and trimmings - no take home this time....

They’ll substitute a veggie dog for the sausage or frankfurter at no extra charge.  I was envisioning a tiny tofu pup getting lost in a (vegan – I checked) scali roll, but no, this is a hearty veggie brat that is spicy and satisfying.  The Cali Dog came with slices of avocado and cherry tomatoes, complimented by a cup of chips, dill pickle, and a cherry pepper.  (Ask for the lime cilantro dressing to be left off, as it uses sour cream – you won’t miss it.)  It was a hot dog so plump I had to grab my knife and fork.  I’d planned on take home left overs.  Nope.  Just tooooo good.

Yummy vegan Cheese Sandwiches and "Dogs"

at  326 N West Avenue, Suite 8, in Fayetteville

http://hammontreesgourmet.com/

and 113 W Walnut Street in Rogers, Arkansas

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiE39exiMrUAhVNx2MKHWlEBScQFggwMAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHammontreesRogers%2F&usg=AFQjCNFTnlCg08DzooWMJPtQtDrEcxXqEg&sig2=sHgrPV18RayMJbZke74CYw

A VEGAN IN BURGER LAND

Delux Burger, now known as Beer Kitchen and Liquor Bar, for its wide selection of craft beers, is located just in back of Chipotle on Fayetteville’s Dickson Street.  During my recent visit to The Catfish Hole, their hostess recommended the Chipotle bean burger available at Delux Burger.

Beer Kitchen has a casual bistro atmosphere which makes for a refreshing place to gather and celebrate life’s victories, even if it’s just getting through another work week.  And for those of us whose friends think “burgers and fries” are two of the four basic food groups, we can join them in the festivities here and enjoy a vegan meal.

The Chipotle Bean Burger is mildly spicy and satisfying, and it comes with  meaty (well, you know what I mean) fries.We’re pretty sure the brioche bun is vegan, (I do wear out my servers with questions they are not expecting), although I was sorry I hadn’t opted for the alternative – a large flour tortilla which would make my burger a wrap.  

Next time.

Or, I might try the Asian or Kale Salad with a bean burger patty crumbled over the greens in place of the chicken.  Mmmmm…..  Then there is the Fried Pickles (you don’t have to be pregnant) or “Bomb” Onion Rings, as I have the assurance from the kitchen that no milk or egg are used in the batter for these appetizers.

Something to note - I might not have discovered this dining spot if not for the thoughtful and genuinely enthused recommendation by a carnivore at the Catfish Hole.  Keep your ears perked and your mind open for tips from unexpected sources!

Beer Kitchen & Liquor Bar

https://www.facebook.com/beerkitchenliquorbar

550 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville AR

479-445-6086