Oh, sweet, sweet heaven on Earth for hungry herbivores... If the Vegan Shop Up was a person, I'd part with my fear of commitment and marry it. In case it's not already crystal clear, I love the Vegan Shop Up (VSU). As somebody who adheres to a strict, plant-based diet, there's nothing I enjoy more than sampling different foods and never needing to ask whether something contains dairy... or eggs (while I hope and pray that whomever I'm asking knows what they're talking about). Let's chat...
Things that make me feel warm and gooey inside:
1. The variety! There are so many awesome vendors here, offering up a vast number of different things. You can find savory food, desserts, bath/body products, tea, etc. Some of my FAVORITE vendors include... The Cinnamon Snail (uh... hello, obviously--see my Cinnamon Snail review for the DL on the world's best food truck); Yeah Dawg (AMAZING hot dogs made with seeds, different flours and root veggies--no icky soy or weird ingredients, tons of toppings, gluten free options and fantastic/friendly service); Gone Pie (first... how is this place not on Yelp--needs to happen, second... the desserts here are literally to die for--like I might literally put myself in harm's way for their gluten-free goodness--we're talking pecan pie, cashew butter cups, loaded brownies, cookies, and the list goes on--just get there); Sweet Maresa's (mother of all macarons--they are gluten free, come in some incredibly creative flavors and all around, mouthgasmic); Lagusta's Lucious (some of the best and most interestingly flavored vegan chocolate you'll ever want or need to know); and Three Little Birds, serving up some delicious ice cream, also in imaginative flavors like candied yams with pecans--uh, yes please!
2. The Brooklyn Shop Up (there's also one in midtown, but I've not been to that one), the original, the best... is held at Pine Box Rock Shop, a vegan bar! Is that not the most bomb.com thing you've ever heard? Okay, I may be exaggerating a bit, but this is a SUPER cool space, and I love the fact that I can indulge in vegan goodness while getting slightly buzzed. Again, another reason why the VSU is heavenly!
3. The crowd! There's just something special about being surrounded by like minded individuals who believe that a plant-based diet CAN be incredibly delicious and is the ultimate key to healthful, environmentally-friendly living. The shoppers are an eclectic bunch and always willing to chat! The vendors are indescribably cool, warm, friendly, accommodating, you name it! Overall amazing vibes!
Things that make me question my sanity (occasionally):
1. The Shop Up starts at 12 noon. I almost ALWAYS arrive as they're opening (close street parking is also plentiful at this time). The two times I've arrived closer to 2:00, the lines have been insane, specifically for The Cinnamon Snail and Sweet Maresa's macarons. When I'm hungry... I get hangry... and when I get hangry... I'm not at all interested in waiting in line OR pleasant to be around. So, if you want to avoid long lines, get there either when they open or towards closing.
2. Most of the vendors are cash only, and like all good things, it can get pricey. I almost always go with $60-80 on me and without fail, spend it all. I also have the appetite of a 300 pound lineman, so that could be the issue... but, you get the point. Come prepared to spend some cash.
Tips:
1. You must be 21 to enter (it's a bar, after all). There is usually a gentleman at the door checking ID.
2. The food truck (Cinnamon Snail) is obviously outside, so be prepared to wait in line... outside... in the cold (during winter)... if you want that, which you WILL want THAT.
3. It's not a daily or weekly event, so check out their blog or Facebook page for information on scheduling, vendor lists, etc.
4. In the summer, I think you'll find a longer vendor list and surely more vendors outside on the side walk--can't wait!
If you're still debating whether or not the VSU sounds like a good idea... then you clearly need to reread or check out some of the photos, because this place is not to be missed! read more