Posts Tagged ‘vegan’

Miya's Sushi- New Haven, CT

February 17th 2010 Posted at Uncategorized, restaurants, resturant
2 Comments

Friday night my husband and I had one of the most amazing meals of our lives. It was one of those meals that not only had amazing food but was topped off with the best service and experience at a restaurant that we have ever had.  Prior to our trip away I had contacted Bun the owner of Miya’s Sushi about the vegan options as well as what was included in a vegan platter.  He quickly responded back to me to give him to tell him how much we would like to spend and that he would put together a great vegan spread for us.  Before we left he followed up on our reservation and told me to just let one of the guys know when we got there that we had a special vegan meal waiting for us.  Much to our delight we were seated, ordered our drinks and then the food just started to come out.  It was the best feeling to just sit down and not have to worry about what we were going to order and it was an exciting adventure to see what dish would be coming out next. Below are photos with descriptions of all of our dishes we had (we had 8 samples of vegan sushi rolls and I can’t remember what they all were):

sweet mother’s milk: a whole steamed artichoke served with our sauce made from spicy homemade middle eastern pureed jalapeno makdoos.

 

A vegan version of: tokyo fro- hip hop is the most popular music of japanese youth & has made the afro tokyo's most popular hairstyle; to have japanese hair processed into an afro costs over a thousand dollars at a trendy hair stylist. this recipe was inspired by the afro; it looks & tastes exactly like a japanese processed fro, drizzled with a delicious chef secret sauce.

Vegan version of Tokyo Fro: hip hop is the most popular music of japanese youth & has made the afro tokyo's most popular hairstyle; to have japanese hair processed into an afro costs over a thousand dollars at a trendy hair stylist. this recipe was inspired by the afro; it looks & tastes exactly like a japanese processed fro, drizzled with a delicious chef secret sauce.

 

 

 

Deep Fried Spinach

 

An assortment of amazing veggie sushi rolls - I think there were 8

A tasting of 8 vegan sushi rolls

 

Overall the food was amazing, the atmosphere was fun and the staff were great.  Although Bun was not he created a magical experience for the two of us and I can’t wait to return for some more sushi. 

Book Review: That's Why We Don't Eat Animals

February 17th 2010 Posted at Book Review, Uncategorized
0 Comments

 

Click to View on Amazon

 

My first impression of this book was that it seemed slightly morbid for a children’s book, however as I began to think about it there really is no easy way to explain to children why it is that we don’t eat animals.  Although this book is slightly morbid for children it depicts accurate images of life for animals on factory farms, in the sea or in the rainforest in a way that children will understand.  I think that the graphics are amazing in this book and that they are the closest thing to real photos of factory farms without actually having to show children such graphic pictures.

This book starts by introducing the idea that we are all Earthlings and explains what a Vegetarian and a Vegan is. The book is set up in a way that starts with the most familiar animals to the least familiar to children.  The first section is about pets which is a great place to start because pets are the animals that children have the most exposure to whether in their own house or at friends/families.  Following pets are farm animals from birds to pigs and cows.  These pages explain what life is like for the animals when they are free to roam on their own and how life is dramatically different for farm animals when they are placed in factory farms. The last sections of the book are dedicated to ocean  and rainforest life.  Both of the animals and other living organisms are the least familiar to the average child that would be reading this book (at least in North America). 

One of my favorite features of this book is the very last page that list ideas on what you can do to make a difference and learn more.  I think that this was a great addition to the book as it gives children and parents ideas on what else to do after the book is done.   I also have to add that this book is not only a great tool for teaching your kids why they are vegetarian or vegan but also to teach adults and others why it is important not to eat meat. 

Overall this is a must have book for any vegetarian or vegan bookshelf.

Blogger Disclaimer: The publishing house provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

One Lucky Duck at Chelsea Market

February 16th 2010 Posted at Uncategorized, restaurants, review
2 Comments

We had originally intended on having dinner at Pure Food and Wine for our Valentine’s Day dinner but after some time to think it over we decided that it’s a little too pricey for our budget right now.  We were however on a mission to make our way to One Lucky Duck at the Chelsea Market . When I saw the Mallomar waiting in the cooler I made a bee-line to it. My husband also picked up one of their Valentine Truffles for me, it was good but not really worth the $3 for the tiny treat.  However the $6 Mallomar was amazing and wish we had both got our own because it was that good.

The most delicious thing during our whole day in NYC the One Lucky Ducky Mallomar!

 

Hubby bought me a Valentine Truffle

Review: Caffe Ibis

February 4th 2010 Posted at review
1 Comment

 

Click to Visit Caffe Ibis Website

Caffe Ibis, located in Logan Utah, was great and sent me four samples of their organic coffees. The four coffees I tried were:
1. Organic Mayan Sunrise Blend- I really loved this coffee it was a great morning coffee that is a blend of dark and light roasts.
2. Organic Aztec Blend- what I loved about this coffee was that it is smooth, sweet and spicy.
3. Organic French Roast Blend- this coffee is rich caramelly, and smooth.
4. Organic Highland Sumatra Dark- This is my absolute favorite of the 4- it is a light french roast that is full bodied and has light acidity.

I drink a lot of coffee and I loved these coffees. The other thing that influences my coffee purchases are the companies ethical practices. Caffee Ibis has great ethical practices that are both socially and environmentally responsible:

Caffe Ibis Mission

“Our mission for thirty years has been to be “unbeatable for quality and freshness, while supporting social and environmental responsibility.” Caffe Ibis endeavors to:

1. Provide customers with mountain grown and mountain roasted specialty arabica coffee with unbeatable quality and freshness.
2. Provide due respect and fair compensation for the people whose labor brings us our exceptional organic coffees.
3. Respect and safeguard the environment that provides the extraordinary growing conditions true specialty organic coffee requires
4. Utilize buying practices that support shade grown and organic coffee, a sustainable coffee future, and social and environmental responsibility.
5. Honor and respect our partners in this endeavor, and the employees and customers of Caffe Ibis Coffee.

We believe that by adhering to the above principles that we will show returns that justify the costs incurred in presenting our goods and services along with the additional costs of future growth.” Source

To find out where you can get yourself Caffe Ibis Coffee you can visit their website or you can order direct from their website. 

Disclaimer: Caffe Ibis provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

Pantry Challenge Update

January 15th 2010 Posted at Recipes, restaurants, resturant, vermont
0 Comments

So I have been working on this pantry challenge and have come to realize it’s a fail.  I evaluated the contents of my cupboards and well I basically have tomatoes, tomato sauce, pasta and grains…no beans, no other fun pantry items.  My freezer is pretty sparse as well – only gin, bananas, edamame and sweet peas.  I think that this pantry challenge was a great idea but is just not going to work for me this month since I am lacking in staples. However I am considering coming back to this when i have a more well stocked pantry. 

I have to say though I have created some great meals this week.  My husband commented on the fact that they were fun and different than we usually have and actually have tasted great. I’ll leave you with some of the items I made this week:

Southwest Grits - Makes 2 servings

 

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup 5 minute grits
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 t each of  garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika
  • 1 t cumin
  • 1/4 t chipotle chili powder
  • 1/4 cup frozen corn
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced

 

Directions:

  • In a bowl mix together grits, nutritional yeast and spices.
  • Bring water to a boil, while stirring slowly stream in the grits mixture.  
  • Turn the heat down to low and let cook this should take about 5-7 minutes, make sure to stir frequently.
  • Once the grits are almost done add in the corn and green onions.
  • To serve place grits in a bowl and garnish with green onion, corn and your favorite hot sauce.

 

Creamy Butternut Squash Penne - Serves 1

For dinner last night I took the bus into Burlington to meet my hubby after work for a date night.  We went to American Flatbread which is delicious.  I love their menu because it is simple – all they have are 10 signature flatbreads, create your own flatbread and a salad; however their beer menu is extensive – I’d say close to 100 different varieties as well as house made ones. 

Hubby had the Wolaver's Coffee Porter and I had Unibroue's La Fin Du Monde

We shared 2 small flatbreads- This one is Revolution Flatbread- housemade tomato sauce, caramelized onions, mushrooms and herbs

 

Our 2nd flatbread was the Roasted Tomato Salsa- house made salsa (wood fired tomatoes, garlic, jalapenos, cilantro), corn and black beans

Review: Green Smoothie Revolution

January 6th 2010 Posted at Book Review
3 Comments

In the past 2 years I have really gotten into the raw foods diet and although I do not practice it as much in the winter I still try to get in at least one raw meal a day (we live in VT and produce is not so great in the winter).  Somedays this means just keeping it simple and having a green smoothie usually for breakfast, sometimes at lunch.  The recipe book  Green Smoothie Revolution by Victoria Boutenko has been a great resource for making some delicious green smoothies as well as providing a ton of information about green smoothies in sections such as The Importance of Rotating Greens in Your Smoothies and Food Combining in Green Smoothies. 

Click to View on Amazon

 

The second part of this book features:

  • Tips and Tricks for Smoothie Preparatoin
  • Green Smoothies for Beginners
  • Supergreen Smoothies
  • Savory Green Smoothies and Soups
  • Green Smoothies for the Adventurous Souls
  • Green Puddings
  • Green Smoothies for children
  • Green Smoothies for Pets
  • Green Smoothies for Body Care

So far I have been mostly playing around with recipes from Green Smoothies for Beginners, Supergreen Smoothies and Green Smoothies for Children however I am interested in trying some green soups and puddings soon.  The great part about this book is the variety of recipes there are, 200 to be precise, that are all fun and different.   The recipes use a variety of greens to keep things interesting as well as a number of great fruit and veggie combinations.  My favorites (so far) have been the Medallion Melon which is simple cantaloupe and romaine- simple and delicious.  However, my absolute favorite and so far go to smoothie has been the Winter Green Smoothie which is berries, spinach, water and ginger- soooo good.  

Over all this is a great book for those interested in raw foods, green smoothies and healthy new ways to get greens into ones diet. 

Blogger Disclosure:  Cooking For A Vegan Lover received this book at no cost from the publishing house for review.

New Years Weekend

January 4th 2010 Posted at Uncategorized
3 Comments

 

My new cup from Disney World that hubby bought

 

the best french toast ever that was cooked up by Neil

 

Delicious Homemade Pad See Ew

 

Chickpea and Root Veggie Tagine

 

Tofu Teriyaki in Lake Placid

 

Best part of the weekend- Meeting up with Derek and Emma in Lake Placid (most unflattering picture of me)

 

Brunch at Chair 6 in Lake Placid

 

Dinner of Steamed Greens and Homestyle Tofu at Asian Bistro Williston VT

Dinner of Steamed Greens & Mushrooms and Homestyle Tofu at Asian Bistro in Williston VT

Concord NH: Cafe Indigo

December 31st 2009 Posted at Uncategorized, restaurants
0 Comments

 On our way home from the airport we stopped in to the vegan Cafe Indigo in Concord, NH. We have wanted to go here many times but it isn’t open on Saturdays and that is when we normally go through. Well lucky us it was Monday and they were open and we were starving.

  

The Rachel

 

Veggie Burger

 

 My dad and Neil ordered The Rachel which is the vegan seitan version of the Ruben and it was delicious. My omni father who loves his meat even loved this sandwich he couldn’t stop talking about how good it was. My mom ordered the Veggie Burger which was homemade and so good. My favorite dish was my own the Spinach and Soysage Burrito it was amazing. The burrito was creamy and delicious.

Spinach and Soysage Burrito

For dessert the 4 of us split a chocolate chip cookie bar which was delicious. They were all out of there Carrot Cake which has been named by VegNews for being the best vegan carrot cake. Oh well we loved our cookie.

One of the other great features about this place is that they have to-go items such as cookies, cupcakes, and salads. They also have tofu turkeys to go and homemade pies- this would be great for anyone looking for a quick holiday meal!

Vegan Thanksgiving & Cookie Baking

November 22nd 2009 Posted at Book Review
9 Comments

.  Since Neil is heading north to New Brunswick next week we won’t be having vegan Thanksgiving so we enjoyed it yesterday with two of my girlfriends, Monica and Laura. After we shared vegan Thanksgiving we spent the remainder of the afternoon in the kitchen baking cookies from Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar. 
 

Celebration Roast, Cumin Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes and Green Bean Casserole

Already to bake!

We made the Blackstrap Gingersnaps first; I received a sample NuNuaturals NuStevia Baking Blend and we decided to try it out with these cookies instead of sugar.

 

Yeah! Gingersnaps!

Look mom greasy hands!

City Girl Snickerdoodles

Peanut Butter Chocolate Pillows


All of these cookies enjoyed with a nice cup of Boulevards Organics Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

We also made some Lazy Samoas (not photographed) which were delicious and just like the caramel delights I enjoyed as a girl scout.  The girls and I really loved this cookbook and found that all the recipes were fun and yet easy.  A few things we really loved were that all the cookies were baked at 350F and that all took 8min to 12min which was great especially when baking 4 different kinds. I really loved all the cookies I have to say it’s a toss up between the Chocolate PB and the Snickerdoodles for my favorite.

Boston & Veg Fest 2009

November 2nd 2009 Posted at Boston, boston veg fest, restaurants
6 Comments

This past weekend my husband and I headed south to Lowell & Boston for the weekend.  We stayed in Chelmsford and decided that we just had to go to Life Alive for dinner in Lowell.  We visited the cafe the same weekend last year and they actually had a booth at Boston Veg Fest 2008 (they didn’t have one this year though.)

IMG_5087

I enjoyed The Swami which had a- (as described on the menu)- ”Miso Curried Sauce sweetening a masterfully-tasty mix of tamari roasted almonds, flame raisins, pearl onions, dark greens, broccoli flowerrs, and shredded carrots, served over brown rice with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.”

IMG_5089

Neil enjoyed The Emperor- (as described on the menu)- ”Sweet and nutty short grain brown rice, melted cheddar cheese, sundried tomatoes, steamed greens, sweet yellow corn, shredded carrots, tofu and sunflower sprouts crowned by our Satisfying Sesame Miso sauce.”  He got it without the cheese obviously and subsituted with raisins and nutritional yeast.

IMG_5091

Neil loved his dinner so much that he just had to hug about it.

IMG_5094

For breakfast Saturday morning we went to our old standby Bagel Rising- inside the Espresso Royale on Newbury Street.  We both got the ’Joy of Soy’ on a whole wheat everything bagel; mine with jalapeno tofu spread and Neil’s with veggie tofu spread.  I enjoyed a double espresso and Neil a soy chai. 

IMG_5098

We love Life Alive so much that we went back again for dinner Saturday night.  We started out with a shot of wheatgrass.

IMG_5099

I’m boring and got The Swami again- this time with squash.

IMG_5100

Neil got The Rebel – (as described on the menu)- ”Sesame ginger nama dressing with flax oil and Braggs, tofu, carrots, beets, dark greens, broccoli and hijiki steamed over quino and short grain brown rice”- They were all out of quinoa so he just had brown rice and I gave him half my squash.

For breakfast Sunday we went to Newton Center to Prana Cafe- a mostly raw cafe that serves it’s full menu from 7am-4pm.

IMG_5106

I ordered the Burrito – (as described on the menu)-”Wrapped in chard leaves with refried beans, avocado, marinated vegetables, and sour cream.”  I have to say this was the best thing that I had all weekend and was a ridiculous amount of food.

IMG_5110

My husband decided that he would be nice and take a picture of me eating the biggest bite ever.

IMG_5108

Neil had the Prana Burger – (as described on the menu) -”Taylor grew up in Chicago eating deep fried hamburgers at a favorite family restaurant. This tastes so much better and actually fills your body with the best vitamins, minerals, and enzymes ever so you feel satisfied but not slowed-down. Served on our homemade-n-hearty onion bread.”  This came with yummy crispy kale chips and Neil ordered cashew cheese on top.  It was delicious!

 

We finally made our way to the Boston Vegetarian Food Festival where we enjoyed trying the different samples and meeting various vendors.  We are excited though because we met the owners of a new vegan B&B on Cape Cod and we are excited to check them out.  The owner told us that the vegetarian one we had visited last year is now closing so they are opening to fill the need. 

We stopped up to the noon demo but were really disappointed with it and decided to leave about 10 minutes in.  It drove me nuts that they guy kept calling omnivores carnivores …..seriously??

Anyways the fest was fun but after two years of visiting I don’t think we would go again unless we happened to be in Boston the same weekend it was going to be happening.

We did leave the fest with a wonderfully sinfull treat from Vegan Treats- the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Bomb- which was incredible.

IMG_5114

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Copyright 2010 Cook. Vegan. Lover. | Powered by WordPress | Designed by Diamonds Designers