Dixie Dharma has opened its stall inside of Armature Works, and it’s made all of my vicarious vegan dreams come true. I know what you’re wondering. “Kahla, are you a vegan?” Nope. To be honest, I love Five Guys burgers a little too much to give them up permanently. Fun fact for my friends at home though: I was a pescatarian for a full year of my life. I said bye bye to burgers, ribs, and chicken for 365 days and relied on fish as my only meat source.
Although I’ve given up the pesce lifestyle, I still opt to order vegetarian, vegan, or fish entrees on most occasions. Usually they sound more intriguing, plus I’m a freak about meat textures. One wrong grissoly chew and I’m OUT. I was 100% convinced that I needed to get to Dixie Dharma ASAP when I read they were serving up a whole menu of fun plant based options like creamy cashew mac and cheese, bbq jackfruit, maple tempeh bacon, not-dog hot dawgs, and more.
I took my sister Kaci along for the sans meat lunch date. She’s been a pescatarian for 7 years now and I knew she’d be the perfect plus one to fan girl with over all of the meatless southern comfort options that Dixie Dharma had to offer. We were in awe as we reviewed the menu board. I teetered back and forth between ordering the Heirloom T.L.T. sandwich (a vegan style classic on the BLT) or the Hillbilly Chili Dawgs. When Kaci ordered the sandwich, I committed to the Hillbilly Chili Dawgs. Isn’t it the best when your lunch date orders the other dish you’re considering? #canIhaveabiteofthat
We both opted for the cashew mac and cheese as our side dishes: garlic for my sis, and buffalo for me. Hers came with literal garlic cloves on top and they packed a punch of flavor. I obsessed over the red pepper poppers that came on top of my buffalo mac. Honestly, I could have hung around maxing out on these macs all day. I love me some side dish sized comfort foods.
The Hillbilly Chili Dawgs were a meal and a HALF. I fork and knifed my way through them, each bite better than the last. The two not-dogs were piled high with house made Indian-spiced chili. Dixie Dharma’s cheez sauce added a nice savoriness to the spice arrangement. It’s safe to say that the Hillbilly Chili Dawgs are not for the faint of heart. They’re definitely for the empty of tummy.
Kaci loved her Heirloom T.L.T. sandwich. I had a bite (or two) and could definitely see myself ordering that the next time we visit. The smoked maple tempeh bacon and peppery arugula were an on point combo. Classic BLTs are usually a go to sandwich option for me (bacon has never failed me texturally). The Heirloom T.L.T. sandwich rivals my love for the classic. If given the choice between the two, I’d even opt for Dixie Dharma’s version. These are strong words coming from a BLT lover like myself.
On our way out of Armature Works, Kaci and I were instantly plotting about when we could bring our favorite guys back to Dixie Dharma. I’m convinced that even Ben would love it (he was super intrigued by the Hillbilly Hot Dawgs). That’s the true beauty of Armature’s latest food stall. Meat eaters and non-meat eaters alike – we can all be fans of plain ole’ good food. And plain ole’ good food is exactly what Dixie Dharma is serving up. Or as they like to call it: fiiiiine vittles.
Dixie Dharma is located inside of Armature Works at 1910 N OLA AVE, TAMPA, FL, 33602. Check out their website here, and their Instagram page here.
Thanks so much to Armature Works and Dixie Dharma for having us out! All opinions expressed here are my own.
This looks so delicious!
girl. YES. that cashew mac and cheese was BOMB.