Tuesdates with Bloomers

I’m in New York City until next year, so I’m missing my usual Tuesday Bloomers Visit. (it’s capitalized because it’s turned into a thing.)

Bloomers has been open for several months now (since August), and ever since they launched their lunch menu a month or so ago, I’ve been going every Tuesday to get some work done (they have free wifi and a decent amount of power outlets), grab some food and have a few coffees. I’m not the only one that does this, but I’m not sure if people just go all the time, or they also follow a Tuesdate schedule. I see some familiar faces and it’s kind of neat to have a place like on my side of town, that just happens to be vegan, and comfortable.

There are three booths, and several tables, both high top and regular. There is a slight height variation to get into Bloomers, and the door is not automatic, but it does appear wide enough for a wheelchair to get in. Restrooms are in the back and on the main floor.

So every Tuesday, around 12 – 3pm I’m sitting at Bloomers with my laptop, always a coffee, and maybe a lunch item or more recently a mocha. The service is always friendly and welcoming, and it’s not just me – I hear them being nice to absolutely everyone that comes in, even when there is the occasional person that leaves in a huff because they don’t have dairy milk (this has happened once or twice in the times I’ve been there and seems a little silly.)

Food takes a while to arrive. It’s like they are actually making the sandwich for me after I order… so I’m fine with waiting, but you might want to keep that in mind if you’re in a hurry (and grab a bagel or something). When they launched their sandwich menu, JC went over and bought one of each, and took them home to share with me.  So I’ve tried them all,  and quickly developed a favourite, which I order nearly every time. The thing with these sandwiches, is that they’re all good, in their own way, and all taste delicious. But when I find something I like (a lot), I’m a creature of habit.

There are several different non-dairy milks to choose from: like soy, almond, coconut, and maybe one more.  I prefer soy, so I’m glad they’ve got it on the menu for my lattes, mochas, and hot chocolates.

One of the first things we did when we came back from our Roadtrip through the US and Canada is visit Bloomers (since they’d open earlier in August while we were away), and our first order was this bagel. We were delighted that they had a variety of vegan cream cheeses, and earth balance available. Toasted or not, these are great.

And I make bagels at home, and my bagels are great, but it’s so nice to have a vegan spot in the city to order something I see at average coffee shops around the city, but are extra special here.

But we’ve enjoyed more than bagels here. There are various sandwiches, bowls, and salads to choose from. Here are a few of my other favourite menu items:

The Reuban Sandwich

This is my favourite sandwich. The glorious tempeh reuben… it’s got marinated and grilled tempeh, avocado, pickles, sauerkraut, and a creamy Russian dressing on housemade bread. The standout in this dish is the marinated and grilled tempeh. If you find yourself thinking… I hate tempeh – this one might just change your mind. The sweet and salty flavours are great, especially paired with the salty sauerkraut and the blend of an always perfect sliced avocado (how do you do this?) and creamy dressing. As an added bonus it comes with mustard and pickles on the side.

The Other Bowl

This was a great bowl and really filling. Brown rice is topped with some steamed greens, tofu, carrot, tomato, sweet potato, avocado, and mixed seeds, with a tahini dressing. This was going to be a contender for my lunch love, but then the Cobb Salad appeared…

Cobb “Salad”

The Cobb Salad, which I like to call “salad” has mixed greens and romaine lettuce under a pile of beautiful ingredients (from left to right) sweet onion, black olives, heart of palm, cherry tomatoes, marinated and grilled tofu, kidney beans, avocado and bean ‘n’ buckwheat bacon bits. It’s going to be hard deciding between this and the Reuban, because the Cobb salada was such a filling colourful hearty lunch, and full of flavour and protein.

Soup

The Bloomers folks always have a soup – but the flavour varies. I’ve had a few and they have both been really excellent… but the Tomato Basil Soup was just phenomenal (and I didn’t even order it, JC did. i.e., I stole more than a few spoonfuls from his bowl.)

Baked Goods

So many lovely things to choose from like cupcakes, muffins, cakes, cookies, donuts, and more. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m just going to say that the Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Stout cookie is amazing and you should try it if you haven’t yet.

My love for these cookies knows no bounds and it’s just the perfect combo of peanut butter with a touch of dark chocolate.  I also really love that Bloomers uses a lot of fair trade products like sugar and chocolate, and that many of the ingredients are clearly indicated. For just a little less mystery.

Other things

Bloomers is now licensed to serve alcohol so there are several craft beer options and a house-made baileys. They also have board games available if you’re into that – like Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, Guess Who, and Munchkin.

If you haven’t been into Bloomers yet – I’d recommend it. And if you’ve been, it’s worth paying them another visit – lots of menu additions have happened in the last month or so.

And feel free to join me at a Tuesdate in the new year!

Bloomers
873 Bloor Street west (map)
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram