Basil Canteen (1489 Folsom), is an offshoot of nearby Basil Thai (1175 Folsom) that opened last summer. Where the original Basil specializes in more formal dishes, the Canteen's focus is on small plates and snacks from the streets of Thailand. It's a great spot to stop for a light meal before hitting the multitude of nightclubs around the corner on 11th Street.
Achieving just the right moist texture is usually the main challenge when it comes to vegan baking; it's been the downfall of oh so many chefs. But the smart addition of pineapple helps Aunt Nettie's Carrot Spice Teacake to pass that important test with flying colors. Nettie's, a Santa Cruz-based wholesale bakery and kitchen, is not strictly dairy-free but has created a notable vegan product with its teacakes, also made in banana and blueberry varieties. Find them all at Rainbow Grocery (1745 Folsom).
