Miserable Spring Break

My so-called "Spring Break" in Columbia Heights

Ever heard that saying, "if you want to make G-d laugh, tell him your plans?" Absolutely could not be more true for my pitiful excuse for a Spring Break.

First, let me back up and say that Spring Break is cherished in a law student's year, not necessarily for the opportunity to travel to exotic locales and imbibe tropical drinks, but more often just for the much needed opportunity to catch up! I was excited about my break for the most mundane of reasons- I speculated I could study for the MPRE, start my outlining, and finish some job applications. How lame is that? Yet even those most soporific of plans could not be completed, because almost immediately I came down with the absolute WORST flu... and didn't recover until break was over and it was back to the grind. No studying, no progress, just 7 days of staring at the ceiling and choking down the occasional potato or bowl of oatmeal...

And to think, I had planned to make a different cookbook recipe every day last week! HA!

Directly prior to my gloomy illness, however, I got to partake in an extravagant vegan lunch at one of my favorite spots, Teaism. Teaism has been around forever, and is sort of a new-agey tea salon for posh people with a few locations around DC. They shill bubble teas, loose leaf teas, and various nibbles (including an ostrich burger, wtf?) and have sort of an Asian bent. And despite how yuppie and expensive it is, I find myself haunting there on those occasions that I have a very specific craving... their tofu bento box. Behold!

Now, as far as I know, this is the only vegan thing on the menu. But what a vegan thing it is! The box is stuffed with freshly steamed edamame, brown rice covered in gomashio, silky tofu in a ginger scallion soy sauce, and the best part- a sweet potato salad drenched in creamy miso dressing.

I have no idea if this is authentically Japanese, but it is the best combination of flavors and always makes me feel like I have a total protein buzz. If you happen to be in DC and heavy of pocket, definitely give it a shot.

Although I cannot vouch for its healing properties, since I immediately got the flu afterwards... oh well. Upon returning to school I found out that lots of others had this dread illness as well, so I'm hoping that none of you in blog-land were struck down in recent days! You probably weren't, because unlike me, you probably weren't heard bragging to your Mom the day before, "That's why everyone should go vegan. I NEVER get sick, like, EVER! I can't even remember the last time I've had a cold that lasted more than 2 days! Blah blah blah...." What a dumbass.

Oh well. Spring break may be over, but Spring is just around the corner! I can't wait!

Song of the Day: Neko Case- People Got a lot of Nerve