Champs Diner
Pictured above: Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, Tempeh Wings, Spicy Grilled Chik'n Burger, and S'Mores Shake
When I decided to switch to a pescatarian diet I was worried that I would become bored with the food in no time. I was under the impression that a diet that did not consist of meat, dairy and eggs was a diet filled with endless plates of bland salad and seafood. However, places like Champs Diner makes this journey so easy. So easy that I forget that what I'm eating is completely vegan. At Champs Diner you can find the vegan versions of all of your favorite foods, from Philly cheese steaks, to milkshakes, to wings. So if there was anything you thought you had to erase from your mind and your taste buds since you became a vegan, you can stop right now and head over to Champs!
Based on the environment outside the restaurant, I didn’t know what to expect. Champs Diner is located in the warehouse/storage district of Brooklyn, and on that block it was surrounded by nothing but apartment buildings. However, once I stepped inside, the interior provided the perfect contrast to the surrounding neighborhood. The setting and decor is very reminiscent of those days when diners were poppin'. It is equipped with black and white checkered tiles, a bar, and cute booths. Also, Champs Diner is open until midnight, so you can always rely on them if you ever need a late night meal.
“How do you make a vegan Philly Cheese Steak taste like the original?” I wondered. On the first bite I was quite surprised at how delicious it was. The seitan was very soft, in comparison to the meat found in regular cheese steaks, which tend to be chewy. The sauteed onions and bell peppers added texture and flavor to the sandwich.
I decided to order a combination of BBQ and buffalo wings, simply because I couldn’t decide which one I wanted. The wings sent me on a spiral of addiction to vegan wings. So now whenever I visit a vegan restaurant, the two things I’m guaranteed to order are wings and a milkshake. Both wings were heavily coated with their respective sauces. The BBQ wings were covered in a hickory smoke sauce that provided the perfect balance to the strong ranch dressing. On the other hand, the sauce on the buffalo wings were a little over bearing, to me.
All in all, Champs Diner has a lot to offer on their menu. Their extensive menu includes breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes. I would definitely go back there because I haven't had pancakes and french toast since I became a pescatarian and my life just hasn't been the same since.
