I wanted to try something different in a vegan food restaurant. I Googled vegan restaurants in Albuquerque. On the website, Happy Cow, Green Gene Vegan Cafe popped up. Green Gene is located on Central across the street from the University of New Mexico. Green Gene is making some incredible vegan food. As we walked up to their take out window, we were immediately told that this was a vegan cafe just so we knew that everything was vegan. That was very thoughtful but I was looking for vegan food. (ok, this is a phrase that I never ever thought that I would utter in my lifetime). Since I had a couple of questions, I didn’t want to order online. I wanted to check out the place first. We could order at the takeout window.
We ordered the Chicago style hotdog and the mac and cheese burger. One of the foods that I miss the most are hot dogs. Yes, I find that I can satisfy that craving with a carrot dog or a tofu dog. It works. I also miss a Chicago style hot dog. It is a comfort food for me. A hotdog covered with onions, mustard, fluorescent green relish, a tomato slice, a pickle, and of course a sport pepper on a sesame seed bun. Yes, that is a Chicago dog. At Green Gene, the Chicago style dog (10) comes with mustard, a slice of tomato, and a beautiful sport pepper on a bun. There were two small hot dogs which I didn’t expect. This made eating them a lot easier. The chip were house made. Green Gene’s gave us salt to put on our chips. I didn’t need the salt. The chips were wonderfully warm. The hot dog was very tasty on the bun. I loved it!! I added pickles and onion when I got home but that was not a big deal. I was so impressed with my meal that I forgot that it was vegan.
The mac and cheese burger(14) was awesome! I mean just look at this photo: OMG what a burger. It is one of Green Gene’s best sellers. I can see why. How they fit all of that goodness on a bun, I have no idea.
This Impossible Burger had lettuce, tomato, caramelized onion, and vegan mac and cheese. What a burst of flavor!
We capped off our purchase with a Bill’s lemonade(5) and limeade(5). It was an inspired choice. There was even a lime or lemon in our drink.
The man at the counter was delightful as well. He even asked where we parked. We found a place in their lot which is right next to the restaurant. There were a couple of people before us. Everyone was waited on quickly. While our order was being prepared, we walked down the street to Rude Boy Cookies. (I going to review Rude Boys next week).
Yes, I am now trying to figure out an excuse to go to Albuquerque, so I can visit Green Gene again. Next time, I am going to try their Asian specialties or maybe not.
Green Gene’s hours are 10am-8pm Sunday through Thursday and 10am to 4pm on Friday. According to the website they are closed on Saturday. I would check their hours at (505) 933-0435.
After the directions, I have some important events listed.
If you are in a charitable mood or don’t know what to do or get your special someone (or even yourself) for Valentine’s Day: Remember that Food for Love, the virtual online concert to benefit all the food banks in New Mexico is happening this Saturday at 5pm Mountain Time.
The Espanola Animal Shelter is also having an event called Puppy Love. You can bid on gift certificates from some great Santa Fe restaurants as well as artwork and staycations. It runs from February 6th at 8am to February 13 at 8pm. Thanks!!!
