College Place is a small town (approximately 8,000 residents). Although Walla Walla is quite a bit larger (30,000), the area is still a rather familiar size. I say "familiar," because that comes from the word "family," and that's what it feels like here. With so few people, you are sure to know at least one person in any given restaurant, shop, cafe, or department store. The other reason for this is because the area is highly populated by Seventh-day Adventists. This is a result of Walla Walla University, a Seventh-day Adventist institute of higher education, being located here. So, in addition to being in a small town, a majority of folks go to school, work, and church together. One of the fundamental messages of the Adventist church is its health message. A lot of Adventists are at least vegetarian, if not vegan. In addition to the fact that vegetarianism/veganism is a growing fad, that is why this little eatery popped up in a corner of College Place. It's called "His Garden & Bakery," and its cuisine is entirely vegan. And those who don't eat vegan may think that sounds awful and they would never eat here...but honestly, I used to be one of those people and it is DELICIOUS! I highly recommend it. Sandwiches on delicious homemade bread, burritos, soups, cookies, salads, muffins, truffles, smoothies, and even fresh squeezed juices are on the menu. This picture was taken in the middle of the afternoon when it's not too busy, but if I'd been there at noon, there would have been more people than chairs! The place is actually run by a student of Walla Walla University who had a dream while studying in Greece that "if you bake it, they will come." He returned to College Place and started this restaurant focused on healthy eating, and he is doing very well...in addition to attending classes at the university! If you're ever in this little corner of the world, I recommend stopping by His Garden and Bakery. I might even meet you there for a smoothie.
3 comments:
I'd eat there. I'm mostly vegetarian (fish if I feel like it). But not vegan (way too much of a challenge for a guy who can't even cook).
The nicest aspect of this is that a vegan eatery can flourish in a small centre.
The stuff I learn!
When I was a kid we used to drink "College Dairy" milk that came from college place, so this brings me right back to that.
Aaaaah, you're making my mouth water. I want to go there sometime to eat. Sounds delicious! For those of you who are not vegetarians, it is so much easier to cook without the "dead carcass" than you could possibly imagine! My husband has never eaten meat in his 60+ years, and I haven't eaten meat in nearly 30 years. I can honestly say that I don't really miss it!
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