There was once little hope in Milwaukee for diners who wanted to go out for soul food and eat vegan. Now, pay-what-you-can-afford Moravian Church eatery Tricklebee Cafe (4424 W. North Ave.) offers a solution to that culinary conundrum, at least on Fridays.
That’s when vegan soul food figures into the ’Bee’s midday bill of fare. In part, the soulful offerings give testimony to the versatility of tofu. That soybean curd comprises much of the base of the mock catfish the café often serves.
It has also been a major ingredient of the salmon croquettes that excited my taste buds.
Tricklebee’s meatless iteration of an entree sometimes found on soul food restaurant breakfast menus replicates the taste and texture of those grilled fish patties. Served with brown rice pilaf and root vegetables, it’s flavorfully guilt-free comfort food.
Seafood and fowl may be easier to mimic, but here’s looking forward to what Tricklebee’s cooking talent could do to imitate chitterlings and ham hocks.
