tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57418458275344740332024-03-15T21:10:14.729-04:00The Veracious Vegan<center><b>a foodie perspective of vegan cuisine, chocolat, and vino</b></center>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.comBlogger1116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-60134484184497962072020-10-30T01:00:00.033-04:002021-10-11T12:42:34.914-04:00Vegan Vitamins<p>Although I am a food blogger, certified cooking specialist, and yoga instructor, I am not a medical doctor -- just to be clear. But, somehow, I suddenly feel compelled to write about vitamins. It's funny, but, not too long ago, I was completely against vitamins. I always felt, and still somewhat feel, that you should be able to get all of your vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from food.</p><p>The problem is that we can't always eat balanced diets that provide us with all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients we need to stay 100% healthy. So, in the absence of a completely balanced diet, I am now convinced that supplements are the way to go.</p><p>To begin, I would highly recommend getting a full blood profile completed at a laboratory. That is, getting bloodwork done that shows the levels of vitamins and nutrients in your bloodstream -- namely vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium and magnesium (they go hand in hand), zinc, iron, and vitamin C. </p><p>It was only recently, in the last few years, that Americans started getting tested for vitamin D and most Americans came up as deficient. I was no different. In fact, I was "dangerously deficient," as my doctor said, as most diets (not just vegan) are deficient in Vitamin D. And if you aren't getting enough sunlight, then you can't compensate for that. So, I started taking Deva Vitamin D2 60 mcg every day and voila! my Vitamin D levels were back to the healthy, normal range. This is despite the fact that I did not take Vitamin D3 (usually not vegan) as they advised and instead took Vitamin D2 (vegan). In the end, they just said that I should continue to take whatever I took because it worked. So there!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4Y1GV1jK-v_QEwZcH5eOQrF40rfnwMlorr8s3Hq5bz7lDsgViw1lopNAVVw-5eJ3pnV5n0_d0sqZdCH4Vv8wOnWuQR46iUNz2HLmWTUkEVn-IXQjDxc41wdB8WXvt0OBRl6v7CRnX_0/s600/D2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4Y1GV1jK-v_QEwZcH5eOQrF40rfnwMlorr8s3Hq5bz7lDsgViw1lopNAVVw-5eJ3pnV5n0_d0sqZdCH4Vv8wOnWuQR46iUNz2HLmWTUkEVn-IXQjDxc41wdB8WXvt0OBRl6v7CRnX_0/s320/D2.jpg" /></a></div><p>As a vegan, I also think it is important to take Vitamin B12 as that is a vitamin that is no longer present in most diets and especially not in vegan diets. A sublingual vitamin is best. For me, I've chosen the Deva B12 Fast Dissolve with Folic Acid & B6 and it has worked well for me. I take one a day and have never been deficient in this vitamin.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4r1oE4Etx2J7Q07Rl7WSBeHoys6uU8U_w779fZuP45Tq3CNk-NL9LbDxdW9bu7yaatFHw0KO1y5kWHB2mqz2UuspnVr0GwCG76s5STeoUgBxi1T6VVkoinuXKTziBHbTYM-iKrhaGFxk/s600/B12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4r1oE4Etx2J7Q07Rl7WSBeHoys6uU8U_w779fZuP45Tq3CNk-NL9LbDxdW9bu7yaatFHw0KO1y5kWHB2mqz2UuspnVr0GwCG76s5STeoUgBxi1T6VVkoinuXKTziBHbTYM-iKrhaGFxk/s320/B12.jpg" /></a></div><p>I've also recently started taking Deva Vegan Hair Nails & Skin with Biotin and my hair stylist has said that my hair looks so good now. :-)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTlhZcXQItWw8mOs1jQ59mFjdiV6QeQ2XJ0xgQK4NkIjegwLURCMYaua5jDHtKhJg5Pe07bBWCRsHoD6h79ugkxaSZOQN4ZVJeRvhBk8xre-XAuiqOIb316Ukf4lDS1vb5930Btq29rA/s600/Hair+Nails.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTlhZcXQItWw8mOs1jQ59mFjdiV6QeQ2XJ0xgQK4NkIjegwLURCMYaua5jDHtKhJg5Pe07bBWCRsHoD6h79ugkxaSZOQN4ZVJeRvhBk8xre-XAuiqOIb316Ukf4lDS1vb5930Btq29rA/s320/Hair+Nails.jpg" /></a></div><p>In addition, I also take calcium and magnesium supplements because...well, why not.</p><p>So, that's my two cents on supplements. Again, I'm not a doctor, but I thought it would be helpful to share my experience.</p><p>So, in summary, I am now a proponent of supplements. I have been tested for blood vitamin levels and been found to be deficient in just a couple. After just a couple of months taking the appropriate vitamin supplement, my blood vitamin levels returned to normal -- every time.</p><p>Consult with your doctor and find out if these supplements might be right for you. If so, you may consider starting with the Deva Vitamins as they are 100% vegan. For example, here is the <a href=" https://capitaloneshopping.com/p/deva-vegan-vitamins-hair-nails-s/QNCTMTQVBX " target="_blank">Vegan Hair Nails & Skin</a>.</p><p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;">Full Disclosure: This is post contains sponsored content, but my thoughts are still veracious. I love Deva Vitamins. :-)</i></p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0Switzerland46.818188 8.22751199999999918.507954163821154 -26.928738000000003 75.128421836178845 43.383762tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-13458266201783074172020-05-08T05:20:00.001-04:002020-05-08T05:20:09.637-04:00Rouxbe Cooking SchoolI hope everyone is staying sane and safe during this weird Coronavirus time. I think there is a lot of good that can come out of what many consider to be bad and giving us all the space to slow down and take time for ourselves is one of those things. For me, I've enriched my life with many positive things like being able to spend more time with my boyfriend, taking an ethics course online, and taking cooking classes online.<br />
<br />
Some of you know that I went to a cooking school in Boulder, Colorado and it was absolutely fantastic. That school also started an online program a few years after I completed my certificate and I thought, 'well, that can't be as good as the real thing,' and while I still somewhat believe that to be true, I recently took some online courses at the leading online culinary school, <a href="https://rouxbe.com/">Rouxbe</a>, and was really impressed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudH17C4wzDUtWFAFiy9fj2tgkJXc982FDb4XxYOfkeNqsEHRQwrLdAGKNPKWuR7cgTqXv1nFt1KFZfCI4ZzI6LYsxEWPvRNc38CSC-ViMbl10Jw0CAhSDstyojH7GAxwlYRRVRGvXgfA/s1600/Screenshot+2020-05-08+at+10.56.48.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="470" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudH17C4wzDUtWFAFiy9fj2tgkJXc982FDb4XxYOfkeNqsEHRQwrLdAGKNPKWuR7cgTqXv1nFt1KFZfCI4ZzI6LYsxEWPvRNc38CSC-ViMbl10Jw0CAhSDstyojH7GAxwlYRRVRGvXgfA/s320/Screenshot+2020-05-08+at+10.56.48.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The first course I took was the longest and most involved and that was the <b>Plant-Based Cooking: An Introduction</b>. It starts with a course platform tour that helped me understand how the platform works. The opening information about the course made the course seem accessible to all: "Switching to a plant-based diet is challenging, even for experienced cooks," which is totally true. They also introduce their Map of Cooking, which is the framework upon which the courses are based and is helpful in organizing information.<br />
<br />
The courses follow a logical progression and are organized by units, lessons and tasks. I loved that it started with knife skills, which are really important for veg chefs. Each task has a combination of text to read, videos, and practice. Most things are demonstrated in a video that you can stop and play back as needed. I was amazed at how much I learned in this course.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed refreshing my knife skill knowledge by practicing with scallions. There was also nutrition information that was spot-on! And immediately beneficial was the explanation of moist-heat vs. dry-heat cooking methods. While we all cook in some way, I'm not sure everyone understands why we do things in a certain order in a recipe. Rouxbe explains all of that. I really wanted to do some more roasting so I made the <b>Roasted Cauliflower </b>recipe and it turned out amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD-Tz7baQbuX3Mjy06R17YzFq1pOhjZFfdZxa-LExDdyAHSFOpltrwgq-SB11bAxaUyXh8WTNXW1bxfjaps5yhCvW1XXIjkVxNapNJ3bi5AC0ty6ka6g8kZc6IE_mhMVQmxYEMtH9w0o/s1600/E20C8462-07A2-4847-AAFC-C94D904657FE_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="1600" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD-Tz7baQbuX3Mjy06R17YzFq1pOhjZFfdZxa-LExDdyAHSFOpltrwgq-SB11bAxaUyXh8WTNXW1bxfjaps5yhCvW1XXIjkVxNapNJ3bi5AC0ty6ka6g8kZc6IE_mhMVQmxYEMtH9w0o/s320/E20C8462-07A2-4847-AAFC-C94D904657FE_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then, I was inspired to try the <b>Roasted Eggplant </b>recipe. It was much more involved than you would think, but in the end, I made the best roasted eggplant I've ever had and turned that into Baba Ganoush! I was so impressed with the end result!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdEyg5HFLAiefMyNHIlapquSP-G_GqTKiJm_0k1QRno0ITRR7BN4ajE-LNSWw3p-epgcUWjaheCGT3p-sJWFRyp6XaSd6iSoZyhbvhifJ5GjKVaUF4R82sHO82ZFhNxGM2_XFfwXqgyo/s1600/D48B6090-4F4F-4B5D-94F1-AE77F442B8F6_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdEyg5HFLAiefMyNHIlapquSP-G_GqTKiJm_0k1QRno0ITRR7BN4ajE-LNSWw3p-epgcUWjaheCGT3p-sJWFRyp6XaSd6iSoZyhbvhifJ5GjKVaUF4R82sHO82ZFhNxGM2_XFfwXqgyo/s320/D48B6090-4F4F-4B5D-94F1-AE77F442B8F6_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a>\</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlq6CJzpNzJBaJREcSFthq0Hk2Q5_T4aGtnz-H4QzhHZo3BRAK7U-NdutpQ5tpSX9YqP3dFNn9TUIbMTCUti4r9KyCcOhW7HHBA-WMsCagc9C0GEsH_WCfo0LKoQL0xABrC6sopfngzI/s1600/2A231AC8-2727-46BE-9EBA-45605CC11CE4_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlq6CJzpNzJBaJREcSFthq0Hk2Q5_T4aGtnz-H4QzhHZo3BRAK7U-NdutpQ5tpSX9YqP3dFNn9TUIbMTCUti4r9KyCcOhW7HHBA-WMsCagc9C0GEsH_WCfo0LKoQL0xABrC6sopfngzI/s320/2A231AC8-2727-46BE-9EBA-45605CC11CE4_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They go into the combination cooking methods as well like braising and stewing. Then, into vegetables and salad. Do you know the proper way to make vinaigrette? Do you know why we add acid during cooking and to which vegetables this enhances color? Do you know how to properly store salad? Do you know how to preserve vegetable pigments while cooking? All of this is covered. I also made the <b>Kale Salad</b> as a practice recipe. Delicious!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6h1rofxTOFPKNibc0U9SmNOuUZKWXg1BG43c5QC76UA3Oj_P9B5iP7Q5gVqgzRtqsS8nIAZ2eJAfbT4BfKCdqYIh-P54tZN-UqCmw6lwr1VjWUn6-h_7wSg_B6kKoJyPvMVyvMUTJPY0/s1600/4A9DCFFA-3C44-45B6-A02B-7B2B5D8D4CB5_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6h1rofxTOFPKNibc0U9SmNOuUZKWXg1BG43c5QC76UA3Oj_P9B5iP7Q5gVqgzRtqsS8nIAZ2eJAfbT4BfKCdqYIh-P54tZN-UqCmw6lwr1VjWUn6-h_7wSg_B6kKoJyPvMVyvMUTJPY0/s320/4A9DCFFA-3C44-45B6-A02B-7B2B5D8D4CB5_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Juicing is covered as is how to properly cook grains, legumes, and rice. I really enjoyed the section on the different ways to cook rice. It shows that we can all learn and relearn these things over the years. Some of this stuff was a really nice reminder and some was new.<br />
<br />
The practice recipes were really top-notch and there are still so many more I want to try. In addition to this course, there are lots of others. The ones I took and enjoyed were Art of the Wok: Stir-Frying, Food Safety, How to Cook & Make Pasta, and Cooking Vegetables. While there is definitely some overlap, I found I learned some important techniques in each of these courses.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: center;">I also liked that there is a self-assessment at the beginning of each course and practice quizzes before the final exam. At the end, you are given a certificate and sent on your way!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: center;">Rouxbe offers a free 30-day trial and is currently offering a special membership of only $59.99 for the year, which is well worth it in my opinion. To sign up, click <a href="https://rouxbe.com/">here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;">Full Disclosure: While I received a free two-month membership to Rouxbe, that did not influence my veracious opinion.</i></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-35057929499218421422020-04-06T10:15:00.000-04:002020-04-06T10:18:51.032-04:00What the heck should I do all day? Version 2For those of you holed up due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all this free time could be driving you crazy. But, for those of us that have been lucky enough to stay healthy, the extra time we have on hand could be a blessing in disguise. It has allowed companies and individuals to think creatively and now you can even use this time to take that course online that you always wanted to take.<br />
<br />
Here are 5 of my favorite things to do right now:<br />
<br />
1. <a href="https://www.netflixparty.com/">Netflix Party</a>: By installing a Google Chrome extension, you can now watch Netflix shows and movies with your friends. You just log on to your Netflix account and once you find what you and your friends want to watch, then you click the NP extension in your browser and voila! you receive a link. Send that link to your friends and you are now watching it live together complete with a chat room on the side that you can use to discuss the series or movie. Now you too can watch Tiger King with your friends! To download it, click <a href="https://www.netflixparty.com/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sIQjGHBw2bHOdKOo1IShbaqpR5G0O2e-pXRN7mdS5aBHJg6wIt8BBCSPo6MLWJZCDDjD-QqInXakhUDdlf2viGff_mKFbwjtcVFxrr33BIPyZiaK97QZb1OJA33ATWCAssgBoTFeHhM/s1600/Screenshot+2020-04-06+at+16.18.12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1492" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sIQjGHBw2bHOdKOo1IShbaqpR5G0O2e-pXRN7mdS5aBHJg6wIt8BBCSPo6MLWJZCDDjD-QqInXakhUDdlf2viGff_mKFbwjtcVFxrr33BIPyZiaK97QZb1OJA33ATWCAssgBoTFeHhM/s320/Screenshot+2020-04-06+at+16.18.12.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
2. <a href="https://www.classcentral.com/collection/ivy-league-moocs">Free Online College Courses</a>: Class Central has put together an amazing list of the top nearly 450 free online courses by Ivy League Colleges. I was surprised at how many free courses were available! And I'm currently taking <b>The Ethics of Eating course by Cornell</b>, which raises some interesting points about factory farming and its effects on...well everything. This course, however, is not pro-vegan, rather it states arguments from those who promote the eating of animals as well as those who do not and a lot more. I'm only in week two now, but I'd recommend it based on what I've seen. To see the list, go <a href="https://www.classcentral.com/collection/ivy-league-moocs">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm_0VhQFJuYvfQWYJSr5toon18EdHmk8FtWWyudvtsqrPSRrqtU0O5aawmleqS3Vv5yVOIaHng3_ykOit-RH-iLgn2iy4sxzs8X5jxZEkX_Yo22qFMeUWfrj1l2Ne_vn8KLJl6SP9luk/s1600/Screenshot+2020-04-06+at+15.41.15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="1272" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm_0VhQFJuYvfQWYJSr5toon18EdHmk8FtWWyudvtsqrPSRrqtU0O5aawmleqS3Vv5yVOIaHng3_ykOit-RH-iLgn2iy4sxzs8X5jxZEkX_Yo22qFMeUWfrj1l2Ne_vn8KLJl6SP9luk/s320/Screenshot+2020-04-06+at+15.41.15.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
3. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWzuNr0ulUY">Hamsters</a>: You know they are cute. And how about spending just five minutes watching one of the coolest and cutest videos of all time?! A spine that allows a hamster to turn 360-degrees inside a small tube and cheeks that extend to their hips--there's so much to learn with the amazing videography and narration in this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWzuNr0ulUY">video</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-BMa-gxZc_evQCa8MMrCI994GcfyD7YSR5neWr5k3rdujQlH0tG0XBWaEDohpul2KER0jBehkmPwJ9oBQ0yShMeYeG2bnLIt3dzV_xElmQu6xj7sm3bDVq6zwfLunOlT0VQu_-scRfg/s1600/photo-1425082661705-1834bfd09dca.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-BMa-gxZc_evQCa8MMrCI994GcfyD7YSR5neWr5k3rdujQlH0tG0XBWaEDohpul2KER0jBehkmPwJ9oBQ0yShMeYeG2bnLIt3dzV_xElmQu6xj7sm3bDVq6zwfLunOlT0VQu_-scRfg/s320/photo-1425082661705-1834bfd09dca.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
4. <a href="https://www.nikonevents.com/us/live/nikon-school-online/">Free Photography Courses</a>: Nikon is offering free photography courses during the month of April. This is your chance to learn how to better photograph the landscape, people, pets, and much more. These classes run from 15 minutes to one hour in length and usually are available for a charge, but this month only, they are free. Access them by clicking <a href="https://www.nikonevents.com/us/live/nikon-school-online/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIjuKPomBL5ejSwwYVbO6lVWqgEjvSpKgNAKZCtidqU84RWEd9J96JY0NhLecUhZYkdabWOoKymqngJ8zM7Oo8Etd-ICDAQhhhxC5JZLIvWRo2y0wxjLDbgKUQrSHKYygQ2L3Ss2Zpaw/s1600/Screenshot+2020-04-06+at+16.01.21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1600" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIjuKPomBL5ejSwwYVbO6lVWqgEjvSpKgNAKZCtidqU84RWEd9J96JY0NhLecUhZYkdabWOoKymqngJ8zM7Oo8Etd-ICDAQhhhxC5JZLIvWRo2y0wxjLDbgKUQrSHKYygQ2L3Ss2Zpaw/s320/Screenshot+2020-04-06+at+16.01.21.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
5. <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Vegan-DC-MD-VA/events/269774677">Virtual Vegan Happy Hour</a>? Why not! Join the Vegetarian Society of DC for a Virtual Happy Hour tomorrow, April 7 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Pour up a Quarantini and a cute vegan t-shirt and meet like-minded people online. Join <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Vegan-DC-MD-VA/events/269774677">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyd6-87ZXiO12berh1QLNq1iFYQriBMgkhwcmK0ga-s7SJMFKt66l4E8_iS52UYgwhcrW85szyAccwcrp0r6KmFRlJz9GyKAqfqJC7UGCNOyW4gmciWN3u55simw9KgDFcsMLZuZHKxAI/s1600/Screenshot+2020-04-06+at+16.09.36.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1302" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyd6-87ZXiO12berh1QLNq1iFYQriBMgkhwcmK0ga-s7SJMFKt66l4E8_iS52UYgwhcrW85szyAccwcrp0r6KmFRlJz9GyKAqfqJC7UGCNOyW4gmciWN3u55simw9KgDFcsMLZuZHKxAI/s320/Screenshot+2020-04-06+at+16.09.36.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That's it for now! Stay tuned for more if the quarantine continues...Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-46858026404406333412020-03-31T07:56:00.000-04:002020-03-31T07:56:36.273-04:00Papa John's Now Offers Vegan Pizza DeliveryIn these days and times, it is better to order food than to go pick it up. So why not order a pizza today?! Papa John's now offers vegan pizza delivered!<br />
<br />
There was a time, in the not too distant past, when certain things were hard to come by. One important example: <a href="https://www.papajohns.com/vegan-pizza/">vegan pizza</a>. Now it's yours for the asking, and you can even get it delivered to you. It's all part of the pizza revolution: pizza the way you want it, with nutritional ingredients, fresh onions, peppers, roma tomatoes, and mushrooms. To get a custom pizza without any animal products, you just have to build the pizza the way you like.<br />
<ul>
<li>Start with original hand-tossed dough that contains no animal products</li>
<li>Add the original or BBQ sauce</li>
<li>Layer on an assortment of veggies such as peppers, spinach, pineapple, and onions</li>
<li>Throw on some seasonings or sauces to add flavor</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXT4UeKAT4IOiG9OstxI_coiHP3_5sYYkHuFjBHwNNXX4EIUEaSwJwp9g3L4Y4sGmiQi_DQUsUDdc-TDfGHPrsKlfa9SXKKUUnw95O0K5V-u9WT06ic6qrs-DhLxzc1QLuIkhow20cjt0/s1600/DvO65dNV4AAzdsZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXT4UeKAT4IOiG9OstxI_coiHP3_5sYYkHuFjBHwNNXX4EIUEaSwJwp9g3L4Y4sGmiQi_DQUsUDdc-TDfGHPrsKlfa9SXKKUUnw95O0K5V-u9WT06ic6qrs-DhLxzc1QLuIkhow20cjt0/s320/DvO65dNV4AAzdsZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There, as quick as that, you have veganized your pizza. For a complete meal, add a side such as original breadsticks and drinks and you are all set. In a few minutes, the pizza will be delivered to your door.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>The Importance of Quality Ingredients</b></div>
<div>
It is important and understandable that you want to know what goes into the food you are eating. Fortunately, now it's easier than ever to find out all of the nutritional info on your orders by looking online or asking a customer service representative. It can be comforting to know that the <a href="https://www.papajohns.com/glutenfree/">best gluten free pizza crust</a> is yours for the asking. Made from ancient grains, including sorghum, teff, amaranth, and quinoa, the crust is thin and crispy and has a uniquely delicious flavor. This is all part of the "better ingredients, better pizza movement," with a simple goal: provide quality foods for customers. In 2016, this resulted in the removal of artificial flavors and synthetic colors from the food menu. Other enhancements include not using certain preservatives or flavor enhancers, partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup in any of the menu items. It's all about menu transparency and giving customers the needed tools to make informed choices.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>The Importance of Affordability</b></div>
<div>
It is always nice when the food you eat and love is good for you, and it's certainly helpful when you get a good deal. When it comes to the affordability scale, nearly everyone will agree that <a href="https://www.papajohns.com/free-pizza/">free pizza</a> is about as good as it gets. With a robust rewards program, you can rack up points every time you order. Soon you will be rewarded with a pizza on the house. You can also look for exclusive offers, deals, promo codes, and discounts that make this already affordable choice of pizzas or Papadias even less expensive. This includes a vegan pizza or one with a gluten-free crust, as well as everything else on the menu. It's an affordable choice for treating the family to a night out, or bringing the meal to you with delivery. Eat well today and get your favorite pizza.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LXU0B-CkUXtMBgoshkTr1Yuklk3FEBGu8lXHvIUB4UHIqE505YGI6EZAQ5abjwbKbrrwa8e1RDD-jq2NAL2ERESGwUpr-OM_Wy4pIiIJMePk3GLrK3sgMe6KNHK8Nd0hUzD_3cifPls/s1600/cover-image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LXU0B-CkUXtMBgoshkTr1Yuklk3FEBGu8lXHvIUB4UHIqE505YGI6EZAQ5abjwbKbrrwa8e1RDD-jq2NAL2ERESGwUpr-OM_Wy4pIiIJMePk3GLrK3sgMe6KNHK8Nd0hUzD_3cifPls/s320/cover-image-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;">Full Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Papa John's. Besides that, I love Papa John's pizza. :-)</i></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-39218675438095336182020-03-19T07:32:00.000-04:002020-03-19T07:43:28.138-04:00What the heck should I do all day? (In response to COVID-19 isolation)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hello everyone! As you may have noticed, I've taken a break from blogging since I relocated to Switzerland in August of 2018.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GH9_SdbkEXwJItG0f25uD2j2TuQmVqFl9eM1465RAKAcPwwYkIonRSsVEioxvI0jCtTM0neaucS53lvxGGg_0UYUlixFlJRUdp7VtORnqmI2c_IjF0fqh3PjqGPRhcMaaO8uE5AUXH0/s1600/60C2E768-26E4-4EAA-B591-6C33AA62060E_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GH9_SdbkEXwJItG0f25uD2j2TuQmVqFl9eM1465RAKAcPwwYkIonRSsVEioxvI0jCtTM0neaucS53lvxGGg_0UYUlixFlJRUdp7VtORnqmI2c_IjF0fqh3PjqGPRhcMaaO8uE5AUXH0/s320/60C2E768-26E4-4EAA-B591-6C33AA62060E_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
What? Why did you do that?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjIwISdX-Dfok4YozcvmatzvJqGdZVVQM1kd90oilarkRfHvvIH8Nr2IFyXxzl9ygoDqZCS27-IHJhzGgxPPfe-sHrRUuljZo3rMgGkkawoUcZ-js_eWhch9n-rJdmtK3iLcffqpVmCo/s1600/09D36CBD-2AB0-4ADE-A697-941F13AFAC40.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjIwISdX-Dfok4YozcvmatzvJqGdZVVQM1kd90oilarkRfHvvIH8Nr2IFyXxzl9ygoDqZCS27-IHJhzGgxPPfe-sHrRUuljZo3rMgGkkawoUcZ-js_eWhch9n-rJdmtK3iLcffqpVmCo/s320/09D36CBD-2AB0-4ADE-A697-941F13AFAC40.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Good question! As many of you know, in addition to being a vegan blogger, I'm also an extreme sports athlete. Having started with drag racing at the tender age of 22, it seemed only logical that I someday get into skydiving and BASE jumping (jumping off of buildings, antennas, bridges, and mountains with a parachute). I've been participating in skydiving regularly since 2016 and BASE jumping since 2018. My BASE jumping "career" almost ended abruptly in my first year when I had a terrible accident in Norway in 2009 that resulted in me shattering my heel bone and breaking my ankle. It was during this time of reflection that I started this blog.<br />
<br />
Now let's fast forward to November 9, 2016, which is the day that Trump was elected president. I do not want to turn this into a political blog and appreciate all of my followers regardless of which party they identify with, but, for me, this was equivalent to the end of the world. In 2017, I called the German Embassy to see if I might have been born a dual citizen as my mother was born in Germany and come to find out that the law changed the year I was born, so I was born a dual citizen even though my older brother was not. So I could actually leave the country? It started as a joke, but ended up changing my life. I went to the German embassy in Washington, DC in 2017 and picked up my passport, then moved to Switzerland in August 2018 where I've been happily BASE jumping since!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRTJ5kyaO_WdCuE2SmDoDb3DVY7CIuXd9fHDPogGtzTT5L-8k6UcVOOjteE42q94DDftqVuDfzGjIYJ1E5wH5Dh2XyVP8FF6pmprDv8RtHRte_PXOjhiqJZ90jVdn_XROhOCS8xE8yGE/s1600/3735B4C8-9CAB-4B5D-B193-767869A5BD49_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRTJ5kyaO_WdCuE2SmDoDb3DVY7CIuXd9fHDPogGtzTT5L-8k6UcVOOjteE42q94DDftqVuDfzGjIYJ1E5wH5Dh2XyVP8FF6pmprDv8RtHRte_PXOjhiqJZ90jVdn_XROhOCS8xE8yGE/s320/3735B4C8-9CAB-4B5D-B193-767869A5BD49_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Again fast forwarding...this time to today and here we are in a crisis. Here in Switzerland, everything has closed except for pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, etc. We are supposed to stay inside, but that's driving everyone crazy. And I have a personal crisis in that I ruptured my ACL and tore my meniscus in a skiing accident, so I've been recovering inside since December 30! This experience has made me grateful for all that I have and now I'd like to give back to my community. So, I thought I'd share some resources that may help brighten your day. Instead of overwhelming you with lots of resources, I'm going to highlight just five to begin.<br />
<br />
<b>1. <a href="http://rouxbe.com/trial">Rouxbe Cooking School</a></b>: They call themselves the leading online culinary school and while I'm currently taking their classes and planning to review them, from what I've seen, they are very high quality classes. They have just announced a 30-day FREE membership providing access to 75 lessons, hundreds of chef-created recipes and more than 12 courses ranging from pasta to knife skills. Everything is available to members 24/7 and can be streamed on any device. With restaurants being closed in many areas, it's the perfect time to hone your cooking skills! To sign up, visit <a href="https://rouxbe.com/trial">https://rouxbe.com/trial</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGvZAA8hFGeRx5xQMe7hodZbu0m5svxvVJvgNDNTHnlhrcDSFH_ZIbOlc2YoKcCkZOehOzOJRKdQNc_QpxTlTkWtkyzL9EPgCtEfGIjp6Ysyrj88KVgDyEo0uOT9BvDoCAJ_RD83UwuE/s1600/Screenshot+2020-03-19+at+11.56.11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1600" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGvZAA8hFGeRx5xQMe7hodZbu0m5svxvVJvgNDNTHnlhrcDSFH_ZIbOlc2YoKcCkZOehOzOJRKdQNc_QpxTlTkWtkyzL9EPgCtEfGIjp6Ysyrj88KVgDyEo0uOT9BvDoCAJ_RD83UwuE/s400/Screenshot+2020-03-19+at+11.56.11.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>2. <a href="https://thedaileymethod.com/Online/browse/class-format/dailey-meditation/21-day-meditation-challenge/">The Dailey Method Meditation</a></b>: This FREE 21-Day Meditation Challenge is perfect for those who don't feel like they have time for meditation. I've been doing it from Day 1 and it starts with just 5-minute long meditations and progresses up to a 13-minute long meditation (so far). I find it cleansing to clear my mind and be present a few minutes per day. They started on March 2 and are scheduled to continue through March 22, so be sure to access them soon. I imagine they'll be online a bit longer than the last scheduled day. You can access the meditations at <a href="https://thedaileymethod.com/Online/browse/class-format/dailey-meditation/21-day-meditation-challenge/">https://thedaileymethod.com/Online/browse/class-format/dailey-meditation/21-day-meditation-challenge/</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAX2lVdGuE5L17vCjgIR0pHhEAVoIv6wWKQgXOv7tXi5vpUgeRbO4PcqPeIB1upyfi9evYUdIN5Pq-J14YEKcypeVSJcsAAY5lA0lRMiofDnzNXffSyj2ZXoWVlFZmo2KIt6-F5hYqlc/s1600/Screenshot+2020-03-19+at+11.53.40.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1600" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAX2lVdGuE5L17vCjgIR0pHhEAVoIv6wWKQgXOv7tXi5vpUgeRbO4PcqPeIB1upyfi9evYUdIN5Pq-J14YEKcypeVSJcsAAY5lA0lRMiofDnzNXffSyj2ZXoWVlFZmo2KIt6-F5hYqlc/s400/Screenshot+2020-03-19+at+11.53.40.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>3. <a href="https://www.duolingo.com/">DuoLingo</a></b>: Learn a new language for FREE! Using DuoLingo's platform, you can begin learning a new language right away. They make it fun and interactive and some languages allow you to access "stories" to chat with a bot. If nothing else, it's entertaining and you are bound to learn a thing or two. To join, go to <a href="https://www.duolingo.com/">https://www.duolingo.com/</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpQ6WaY98mGR9cLniNK9F2Vx6yXFlOcE2T0E4OvUdtmWsIVmkVLIxUYzg5wg1WvVuZHwG8IXclmt5VU1o58B9IM07Hw2IF8JlHVfTrb9mnEjIE5WHl9sAnOWeyVYG-XD3Nd9YncGrEtM/s1600/Screenshot+2020-03-19+at+12.11.39.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="392" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpQ6WaY98mGR9cLniNK9F2Vx6yXFlOcE2T0E4OvUdtmWsIVmkVLIxUYzg5wg1WvVuZHwG8IXclmt5VU1o58B9IM07Hw2IF8JlHVfTrb9mnEjIE5WHl9sAnOWeyVYG-XD3Nd9YncGrEtM/s200/Screenshot+2020-03-19+at+12.11.39.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u></u></div>
<b>4. <a href="https://www.yogadistrict.com/">Yoga District</a></b>: DC's leading yoga studios is offering live online classes in yoga and meditation. This studio employs top-notch instructors and offers high quality instruction. Full Disclosure: I used to teach yoga there as well. :-) To see the class offerings, go to <a href="https://www.yogadistrict.com/">https://www.yogadistrict.com/</a>.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEU10G2YJEKCbhHz1Cv1TdDMabJj5xsyXK7eWwK1g1Wy-sTLGz3qchj4CTmrb5hveQdmxTdvbwrzkc1o1DCbRdMibjUpmb4y8afabVbTuuoAIhoevtGPwKP7_q6cYY3PupZklHTLzgX8/s1600/Screenshot+2020-03-19+at+12.14.59.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1600" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEU10G2YJEKCbhHz1Cv1TdDMabJj5xsyXK7eWwK1g1Wy-sTLGz3qchj4CTmrb5hveQdmxTdvbwrzkc1o1DCbRdMibjUpmb4y8afabVbTuuoAIhoevtGPwKP7_q6cYY3PupZklHTLzgX8/s320/Screenshot+2020-03-19+at+12.14.59.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>5. <a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours">Tour a Museum</a></b> (Virtually): Travel and Leisure Magazine put together links for 12 museums that offer online interactive or video tours and they are really cool! Who said you couldn't become more cultured sitting at home? To view, go to <a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours" style="background-color: transparent;">https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyBBNYgtAm8QeLokV_8Nj6AYHCNrKt9OPjSCXqmgbFnH9e7NzMKd3JQWaPVot9uwQ3gW571Bx0ca6Xebegr3l4-NSF6yKJMoywjl6zPLMJtCQetNI9QuaE9p5ynIyZhu4hsKmfAOe42s/s1600/Screenshot+2020-03-19+at+12.21.27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1264" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyBBNYgtAm8QeLokV_8Nj6AYHCNrKt9OPjSCXqmgbFnH9e7NzMKd3JQWaPVot9uwQ3gW571Bx0ca6Xebegr3l4-NSF6yKJMoywjl6zPLMJtCQetNI9QuaE9p5ynIyZhu4hsKmfAOe42s/s320/Screenshot+2020-03-19+at+12.21.27.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So that's it for today. I hope you enjoy these resources and I hope to be back with more soon. Let me know if you know of some I can share with others!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-4592135021721394262019-01-07T02:15:00.000-05:002019-01-11T15:11:42.577-05:00An Announcement and Review of Campaign Monitor ServicesHi All! I have some very exciting news--I have relocated to Switzerland! More on this later!!<br />
<br />
For now, I had an exciting opportunity to announce this using an email marketing platform provider called, "Campaign Monitor," that allows you to send emails to your subscribers. If you are on my subscriber list, you would have received this announcement over the weekend. If not, please sign up now by clicking this <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TheVeraciousVegan&loc=en_US" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.campaignmonitor.com/features/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Campaign Monitor</a> is this awesome, easy-to-use platform to send emails to your subscriber list or customer base that can feature an important announcement, distribute a newsletter, send deals or offers on products you sell, obtain feedback, announce events, or confirm an action taken on your website like a hotel booking. It's really cool! It has beautiful templates that you can work with so that even those who are not that tech savvy (like myself!) can create gorgeous, eye-catching emails in very little time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVeh1aSpS00r7kbc6hkYqrvngCysBm8pGvbkFlCPPiO2MZi3vCRhd2EcR3zw73uBoL22efmWbZY_YqcbbYfj4nEXOW_CUJ_tHq3_3s0PrHvitWh1wiPdIBTMFNHhGxsUP5E28l5-Hn8Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+12.22.22+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="1600" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVeh1aSpS00r7kbc6hkYqrvngCysBm8pGvbkFlCPPiO2MZi3vCRhd2EcR3zw73uBoL22efmWbZY_YqcbbYfj4nEXOW_CUJ_tHq3_3s0PrHvitWh1wiPdIBTMFNHhGxsUP5E28l5-Hn8Q/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+12.22.22+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So, I designed an email to announce my move to Switzerland. Here's how it worked:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First, I answered some questions about my business. I indicated that my contacts were stored in a csv file that I was able to pull from Feedburner and I indicated that I was the only person using this account. Done.<br />
<br />
Then, you have the option to watch a five-minute video on how to get started, which I did. I thought it went a bit too fast as I wasn't able to catch everything, but it was a nice quick overview to show me that this process would not be too difficult.<br />
<br />
Then, you must choose your plan. For just $9 per month, you can send 2,500 emails across campaigns, receive customer support via email, access all core email marketing features, and have access to the insights analytics suite. That sounded sufficient to me! There are other options for $29 and $149 per month that offered features I truly didn't need.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5U8JkIIcKppLwE8hwBCO0KJO6PgqAghn_Sys-sLTXBIDfq6gbBJR6K4vQm3l-gym8aFcrEafWOna2R3Dn41GMop3uftvOZPKw1-UUQKxFDcRVLu2JgbesaEsvcJ1U7uL3xpxuTZKNUaY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+9.57.08+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5U8JkIIcKppLwE8hwBCO0KJO6PgqAghn_Sys-sLTXBIDfq6gbBJR6K4vQm3l-gym8aFcrEafWOna2R3Dn41GMop3uftvOZPKw1-UUQKxFDcRVLu2JgbesaEsvcJ1U7uL3xpxuTZKNUaY/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+9.57.08+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once I signed up and paid the $9 fee, I was able to sign up for a 30-minute webinar that is offered once a week. That sounded great, but the next webinar was scheduled in five days and I was anxious to get this email out, so I skipped signing up for that.<br />
<br />
To begin, you choose who you would like the email to come from, i.e., which email address, what the subject line will be, and whether you'd like the subject line to include your subscribers' first names.<br />
<br />
Next, you choose a starting point by choosing a design. I chose an Announcements design and was shown many cool templates.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrudVEn1BU0IAlYUV8rFCig_O0m0YweAcAZDQxjK5JnPWPm80rpTPxieVKBftvX9TElxLKy6raTH41qOiqAp3zo29wq9JXbe1jq63djUzERjnNOwGmv5lphDru_sqhKuUQOmJd8WbpTo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+10.09.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrudVEn1BU0IAlYUV8rFCig_O0m0YweAcAZDQxjK5JnPWPm80rpTPxieVKBftvX9TElxLKy6raTH41qOiqAp3zo29wq9JXbe1jq63djUzERjnNOwGmv5lphDru_sqhKuUQOmJd8WbpTo/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+10.09.50+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once I double clicked the template, I was able to start customizing it. I was amazed at how easy it was. You can keep all the predefined fields in the design if you like or you can swap them out for other types of content. For example, you can keep a text box as text or change it to a picture.<br />
<br />
You have a bunch of options on the left-hand side that allow you to customize as you wish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisq6mV2awldq2KDqmAJFI744VeJ5yYaDMs1AHSxXcwoIG423Juwg5mzfkUis1YJRisj2erPbGxmerjwezK1pDRBxXi5KaUatrmFn-yMFJKQ6SooIbNw8sYNSwbN_J97fD5-kT6aTk8waw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+10.39.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="596" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisq6mV2awldq2KDqmAJFI744VeJ5yYaDMs1AHSxXcwoIG423Juwg5mzfkUis1YJRisj2erPbGxmerjwezK1pDRBxXi5KaUatrmFn-yMFJKQ6SooIbNw8sYNSwbN_J97fD5-kT6aTk8waw/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+10.39.32+AM.png" width="221" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I used mostly text and picture buttons. I had to play around with the text options to get the look I wanted. There are lots of options for fonts and colors.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the pictures, you could resize them within a limited range. I was surprised that you could crop images, but not rotate them as one of my images was accidentally taken upside down and I couldn't use it because I could not flip it right-side up. </div>
<br />
<br />
I had a little trouble sizing two pictures at the bottom of the announcement as they were set up to be next to each other in one row, but they were different sized pictures, so when I made one the same size as the other, there was a lot of white space remaining in the picture box surrounding the picture itself. I figured out how to change the background of this white space to gray and then it looked a lot better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweXsfjAEx5aZILQGRbe-gI_06BIfkxJu_vlFMPuyYWWv2c9cRWyLDEB63NkC_Y9NslKuMBdiYgJvySx2wnt5iUie9MWgCdSEjum8ZnskWaKbKkx6W17PN-DC3USSfjGJc4-ZapnX5xrs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+12.54.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweXsfjAEx5aZILQGRbe-gI_06BIfkxJu_vlFMPuyYWWv2c9cRWyLDEB63NkC_Y9NslKuMBdiYgJvySx2wnt5iUie9MWgCdSEjum8ZnskWaKbKkx6W17PN-DC3USSfjGJc4-ZapnX5xrs/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+12.54.08+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I also thought this would be a great way to collect feedback from my subscribers on what they like about my blog and any suggestions for improvement, so I inserted a feedback survey. Campaign Monitor partners with getfeedback to allow you to create a simple survey for free. For more robust options, you must pay. So, I created a four-question survey as well and linked to it in my email.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOIqhBDPWf43vz9vKA0l7XZ76IbilUDGiaGWPPM4e0Xg8pEqbgRgo_laBvviwAIm9HgcQ4Zdd9483aEbhNq-DT_dbuzUuEgyWlcLMPs7e8b6NRfF3IROkEzNzBIAPtpgHRdEPBT6RhvM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+12.55.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1600" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOIqhBDPWf43vz9vKA0l7XZ76IbilUDGiaGWPPM4e0Xg8pEqbgRgo_laBvviwAIm9HgcQ4Zdd9483aEbhNq-DT_dbuzUuEgyWlcLMPs7e8b6NRfF3IROkEzNzBIAPtpgHRdEPBT6RhvM/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+12.55.35+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In the end, after fully designing a simple email announcement, the only thing I couldn't figure out how to do was change the color of the top header and bottom footer, which I wanted to do. Oh, well.<br />
<br />
The header serves as the place you can put your logo. The footer allows you to link to all your social media accounts using the nice little logos--looks very professional. I loved this feature.<br />
<br />
Once completed, you can preview your campaign to see how it will look via email and mobile. This is another great feature.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dnwh8jf0pRYH3ChJizdJzO2TBxcHkHxex58L5-eHvPeoiReN9kofW6scxORIJlrLscDj0P7PHZ9LI9xKn3_0PYS7uHtNJZoLanq95M7vr1TD8qdBFqzfs2IWDum5i244Sn-gDmQY5H4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+11.40.52+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dnwh8jf0pRYH3ChJizdJzO2TBxcHkHxex58L5-eHvPeoiReN9kofW6scxORIJlrLscDj0P7PHZ9LI9xKn3_0PYS7uHtNJZoLanq95M7vr1TD8qdBFqzfs2IWDum5i244Sn-gDmQY5H4/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-01-05+at+11.40.52+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Even after previewing it, I sent myself a test email and then I saw what really needed to be changed.<br />
<br />
Once I was sure I was ready, I went to the Define Recipients screen. I uploaded my csv file with no issues. Then, I got to choose to send the campaign now or schedule it to be sent in the future. I just went ahead and sent it Now!</div>
<div>
<br />
Then, I waited. There are two more things I wanted to do following this campaign:<br />
<ol>
<li>Check my insights to see how many people opened my email</li>
<li>Check the results of my survey on gofeedback</li>
</ol>
<div>
The next day, I checked my Insights on Campaign Monitor. This is great information. It showed that 26.5% opened the email, 3.23% clicked the links and 10% bounced. The information is displayed in a really easy to understand format.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ahXHgCBchZKOyBr0L0Lyt17MfDJ4gmWYPu2Ktxa44QJAHxnUCTH1iCNrLXV9gcVPYAcFcDhTSvu-xF6Te0zxkv_E9a5fWn8O7I4u8pbuHk-30fYrb5JoGD8GNCyBo6fObg1p26tpf40/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-06+at+9.29.52+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ahXHgCBchZKOyBr0L0Lyt17MfDJ4gmWYPu2Ktxa44QJAHxnUCTH1iCNrLXV9gcVPYAcFcDhTSvu-xF6Te0zxkv_E9a5fWn8O7I4u8pbuHk-30fYrb5JoGD8GNCyBo6fObg1p26tpf40/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-01-06+at+9.29.52+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I also check my gofeedback page, but no one had completed the survey yet. I completed it myself, then reviewed the results and it looked like an easy-to-understand format. Very basic for the free version.<br />
<br />
In the end, I'm really excited about Campaign Monitor and may continue to use it going forward. I think it's a great platform, is easy to use and user-friendly, and offers great insights to understand the effectiveness of your campaigns. To learn more, click <a _blank="" href="https://www.campaignmonitor.com/features/" rel="”nofollow”">here</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;">Full Disclosure: Although I was compensated to review Campaign Monitor, that in no way influenced my veracious opinion.</i></div>
</div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-68871804151221658672018-08-09T07:30:00.000-04:002018-08-09T07:30:00.641-04:00St. Regis, AtlantaI recently had the pleasure of staying at the <a href="http://www.stregisatlanta.com/" target="_blank">St. Regis in Atlanta</a>, a 5-star hotel. I'll start by saying that this hotel is amazing. It is definitely one of the nicest places I have ever stayed and the service was beyond belief.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRZ2Q-pXogqvn0vppSHXx81QqEqIl_jG45XTdwnXxhiE7lDlYhMoLB7SGM69wTtcDykJfAaSMZggGN5UZxpCleUGUSJ6DAsPwNmdSjgjrb4zaNOJ9Ddwuyh2tt3akpa-ie9erCkmi0Ac/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7ead.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRZ2Q-pXogqvn0vppSHXx81QqEqIl_jG45XTdwnXxhiE7lDlYhMoLB7SGM69wTtcDykJfAaSMZggGN5UZxpCleUGUSJ6DAsPwNmdSjgjrb4zaNOJ9Ddwuyh2tt3akpa-ie9erCkmi0Ac/s320/fullsizeoutput_7ead.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I was there for an event that my company was putting on so all of my food experience was from in-room dining and special catering by the hotel. On my first morning there, I ordered the McCann's Irish Oatmeal. These steel cut oats were topped with banana brulee and served with raisins and brown sugar. I paired this with a freshly squeezed orange juice. For $33, it was the most expensive oatmeal and orange juice of my life, but also the best. It was like they torched the bananas with that sweet topping and there were oh so good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdSUnQSeadIZL9t4RfzWO2vCRObfd9OeGm16zR0FX3y6y9qetRCnSzMJ3UTumy3BWH1sy0g1H7jLKWEUIITXO5hVWPwfqG1FpSPr2Eefg-OTiLa6zr7tseH9LzUf-FyX8OzEd1KkNDUw/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7eab.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdSUnQSeadIZL9t4RfzWO2vCRObfd9OeGm16zR0FX3y6y9qetRCnSzMJ3UTumy3BWH1sy0g1H7jLKWEUIITXO5hVWPwfqG1FpSPr2Eefg-OTiLa6zr7tseH9LzUf-FyX8OzEd1KkNDUw/s320/fullsizeoutput_7eab.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpXRh-X7QkK0xt0npVi3EGKvORJjewEF64FXmjD5w-IbhE7OHww6hvEkE3TOKI79BlWcMW26gsNmq5ogdWHx-zig50U1uQqN9xl11HdtGtTQKgEnGWmmUdwMFVmVPnK_uvS-X3enDq4E/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7eb1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpXRh-X7QkK0xt0npVi3EGKvORJjewEF64FXmjD5w-IbhE7OHww6hvEkE3TOKI79BlWcMW26gsNmq5ogdWHx-zig50U1uQqN9xl11HdtGtTQKgEnGWmmUdwMFVmVPnK_uvS-X3enDq4E/s320/fullsizeoutput_7eb1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For my lunches there, the good new is they had a vegan meal on the menu. The bad news is that there was just one vegan meal and little did I know, they planned to serve me the same meal every day for four days. On day one, I thought the Quinoa and Kale Power Bowl was great--chickpeas, black eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, edamame, sweet potato, and miso vinaigrette with alfalfa sprouts and avocado. It's so much goodness in one bowl. But, by day four, I had to walk across the street to Whole Foods to get something different.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SGxIBdQwRYa9I35MzL-b9rxYxJGx3UzSMXmYKhqn8ATZ9CwJV-vKA7epIR_mkN1cU7SnhlAhoGLwuV0-VosrvmAbjWAojN3HNYj6lS9GxBQLKqCpLUq-OBGHqdznDj-ML2Af2iS7gTM/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7eac.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SGxIBdQwRYa9I35MzL-b9rxYxJGx3UzSMXmYKhqn8ATZ9CwJV-vKA7epIR_mkN1cU7SnhlAhoGLwuV0-VosrvmAbjWAojN3HNYj6lS9GxBQLKqCpLUq-OBGHqdznDj-ML2Af2iS7gTM/s320/fullsizeoutput_7eac.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One morning, they served me potatoes sauteed with greens and mushrooms and it was fantastic!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXmLu81HM7pNw5h0ay0v-fBKRRB9_RgusEw4CUUmFc5pkA091efsktDNKjDlgutB8nCeC_LPadF4RzWHDD28SzCXDiS2SMJSV2jwI4IMG7mHzUWyugLLrCOkp7MZgP4PIKJ2g04PuTCs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7eb0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1600" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXmLu81HM7pNw5h0ay0v-fBKRRB9_RgusEw4CUUmFc5pkA091efsktDNKjDlgutB8nCeC_LPadF4RzWHDD28SzCXDiS2SMJSV2jwI4IMG7mHzUWyugLLrCOkp7MZgP4PIKJ2g04PuTCs/s320/fullsizeoutput_7eb0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Bowls of fresh fruit were served as my dessert.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3OazmjwIz1acGtDz92m7HKkOMMuSi63V6bRGDd-qVn1YHVle92F21Br70wOk2i_6RvQoRL9HUPS68KjKfUfb-4k1rUhoSPq-JcIcSBxT9izWt9ww9nAuxlE6IDR9M_M2wfHTm_hzbhs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7eb2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1403" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3OazmjwIz1acGtDz92m7HKkOMMuSi63V6bRGDd-qVn1YHVle92F21Br70wOk2i_6RvQoRL9HUPS68KjKfUfb-4k1rUhoSPq-JcIcSBxT9izWt9ww9nAuxlE6IDR9M_M2wfHTm_hzbhs/s320/fullsizeoutput_7eb2.jpeg" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
And at our reception, there were lots of vegan options including hummus, olives, grilled asparagus and carrots, tabbouleh, and artichoke hearts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEg4R2iLP-ukK3c9qRsXlaUVwyb_ezJWGbEqST2nbrHebrJEwpWXwieuLtPnG8-Hmlrr6eSZVLtJlxZZskCD9lNcesvhtPtNLHhBHGs0NsUTJt-DTGIJ7cLPZPHJjbrq6yat2WdyesNrY/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7eb3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1600" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEg4R2iLP-ukK3c9qRsXlaUVwyb_ezJWGbEqST2nbrHebrJEwpWXwieuLtPnG8-Hmlrr6eSZVLtJlxZZskCD9lNcesvhtPtNLHhBHGs0NsUTJt-DTGIJ7cLPZPHJjbrq6yat2WdyesNrY/s320/fullsizeoutput_7eb3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But, back to the service--it really couldn't have been better. This is a five-star hotel with five-star employees. They were attentive to my every need during our reception, event, and in my room. I really have nothing but great things to say about the St. Regis. And for the television in my mirror in the bathroom--I never knew I needed this until now. ;)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.stregisatlanta.com/" target="_blank">St. Regis</a><br />
88 West Paces Ferry Road<br />
Atlanta, GA 30305<br />
(404) 563-7900Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-89375221488055568682018-08-07T07:30:00.000-04:002018-08-07T07:30:09.576-04:00R. Thomas' Deluxe GrillMy good friend in Atlanta has been raving about this diner that is open 24 hours and is vegan friendly for a long time. Since I had a whole week in Atlanta, I finally got to check out the <a href="http://www.rthomasdeluxegrill.net/index" target="_blank">R. Thomas Deluxe Grill</a>!<br />
<br />
Now this place is a funky place. It was quite dark on this weekday night, but what I could see was eclecticism! Holiday lights, pinwheels, plastic flamingos, and plants all graced the outside of this restaurant. On the way in there were caged birds like Toucans that were apparently all rescued birds. They were sleeping so we didn't mess with them, but I was curious as to the story behind the birds as an animal activist myself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_t5t5e9iQBXIDySD47UzK0HzDp5qmpVWG3vmdf_sNeXyBEzkqMlwtummwCDnU7QOHilJf14FUgskKQ5qoyPpzDfw1siN5lLPZDzzcGHnr1ISg6GEoC3XHsI71NC89tbqMMvf_waAIl1g/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7ebe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_t5t5e9iQBXIDySD47UzK0HzDp5qmpVWG3vmdf_sNeXyBEzkqMlwtummwCDnU7QOHilJf14FUgskKQ5qoyPpzDfw1siN5lLPZDzzcGHnr1ISg6GEoC3XHsI71NC89tbqMMvf_waAIl1g/s320/fullsizeoutput_7ebe.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Inside, the funkiness continued with brightly colored tablecloths and a green floor within the tent that shielded us from the outside. The menu was extensive and hard to navigate as nothing was labeled vegan. As soon as I asked though, the server said that many things are vegan and began to list them as he was apologizing for a menu that he said hadn't been updated in decades. Wow!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAy7MqbfCecO-fydvmmg9FUmnJBDNTHorg0V-MB10YbjXD_4D42Jn62bnPbHDrh8vTq7aGXorZvBT78hZnCTkDIm8SeTWRANNnozmDJbt-xjOf6ra_JFamcUl7_7nm8YUNKB-slTRa0A/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7ec2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAy7MqbfCecO-fydvmmg9FUmnJBDNTHorg0V-MB10YbjXD_4D42Jn62bnPbHDrh8vTq7aGXorZvBT78hZnCTkDIm8SeTWRANNnozmDJbt-xjOf6ra_JFamcUl7_7nm8YUNKB-slTRa0A/s320/fullsizeoutput_7ec2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I started with a fresh juice, the Champ, made with organic carrot, apple, and ginger. Yummy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtL5NEum5EvtWU4Ekap2iQkwWu3sqw2OaNySZjYXKMSaGGsuqExPBB-TzMcZY7U6_EYWQWVFobkY5RnZhlh2RZ-HDRMNK_AvXR3dIpD7tXuV_yO59YS3tGc9PaguAZaq-INuxogpibyk/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7ebf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtL5NEum5EvtWU4Ekap2iQkwWu3sqw2OaNySZjYXKMSaGGsuqExPBB-TzMcZY7U6_EYWQWVFobkY5RnZhlh2RZ-HDRMNK_AvXR3dIpD7tXuV_yO59YS3tGc9PaguAZaq-INuxogpibyk/s320/fullsizeoutput_7ebf.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
For our started, we chose the Raw Walnut Sunflower Pate and Raw Guacamole. Our server said the cashew cheese was better than the sunflower pate so we subbed that out. It showed up with Flackers flax chips and carrots and other veggies. Both spreads were fantastic. We were very pleased.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oojt2M-k6b-xLeb5Ulv84UwI-u8udJEa5AXVmRAkpTBPbzje4oYzGqRTyFMPK8VsPeEfchWB6XW6QM2tjbrXDapgUGmEw7waycbuqY05F-b2VkBYeSXnVRFRGe3Ph4qLMVM83wARuHc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7ec0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oojt2M-k6b-xLeb5Ulv84UwI-u8udJEa5AXVmRAkpTBPbzje4oYzGqRTyFMPK8VsPeEfchWB6XW6QM2tjbrXDapgUGmEw7waycbuqY05F-b2VkBYeSXnVRFRGe3Ph4qLMVM83wARuHc/s320/fullsizeoutput_7ec0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I asked what the server recommended as a vegan entree and he said The Southern Vegetarian was vegan, so I went with that. This hearty meal had layers of millet corn casserole, collard greens, smashed potatoes, and shiitake mushroom gravy surrounded by butternut squash and a salad with chili flax dressing. It was simple and delicious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDv1Ea4pje9oi7ZQIL-Loxo7IHnVNqc1VcPXBBFNe839yuwbcFf8E4kxuvQqsX2PGXWEhW-x3gm66blsfcvI-tJzPHUoVXiGUYK81N6nABZpqn6V-tvMAiFwn5eQ2AGXIbeflNcln9ZU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7ec1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDv1Ea4pje9oi7ZQIL-Loxo7IHnVNqc1VcPXBBFNe839yuwbcFf8E4kxuvQqsX2PGXWEhW-x3gm66blsfcvI-tJzPHUoVXiGUYK81N6nABZpqn6V-tvMAiFwn5eQ2AGXIbeflNcln9ZU/s320/fullsizeoutput_7ec1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For dessert, we got a massive slice of caramel cake. The cake tasted like it had been frozen and was a bit too cold, hard, and perhaps stale. It had good flavor, but wasn't as fresh as it could have been.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi533ktr5oTDnTFnfbuh3NCl3DBjdtUaEk40ntDtbq50HfccVi2vpjN96tWyrwdrJXeDRm-e2mpXMHAFMX-xU3O8B8gKg5zffznmHU0ijMUEZeGq9SRGeOGDJ8rtLK5dxVILcy3-vnzMJ4/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7ec5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi533ktr5oTDnTFnfbuh3NCl3DBjdtUaEk40ntDtbq50HfccVi2vpjN96tWyrwdrJXeDRm-e2mpXMHAFMX-xU3O8B8gKg5zffznmHU0ijMUEZeGq9SRGeOGDJ8rtLK5dxVILcy3-vnzMJ4/s320/fullsizeoutput_7ec5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Prices here were pretty reasonable at $15 for the entree and $10 for the raw appetizer. The service was great, the decor and environment fun, and the food was good. I give this old school 24/7 diner two thumbs up!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rthomasdeluxegrill.net/index" target="_blank">R. Thomas Deluxe Grill</a><br />
1812 Peachtree Street NW<br />
Atlanta, GA 30309<br />
(404) 881-0246<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/atlanta/r-thomas-deluxe-grill-brookwood-hills" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about R. Thomas Deluxe Grill, Brookwood Hills and other Restaurants in Atlanta"><img alt="R. Thomas Deluxe Grill Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16894911/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-47634244802187565292018-08-02T07:30:00.000-04:002018-08-02T07:30:17.180-04:00True Food, AtlantaInterestingly enough, when I asked the locals where I could go for good vegan food, they all said that <a href="https://www.truefoodkitchen.com/" target="_blank">True Food Kitchen</a> was great. True Food is a chain that also exists in Maryland, which is somewhat close to where I live, so I wasn't sure if I wanted to waste one of my dinners on a restaurant that is close to me. But, seeing that I hardly ever go to Maryland and this seemed like the restaurant of choice, why not?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2krpx-chl7Xslwpk8xBZcN16w-PmwzS49DWJmMufjzrTUGjDyR3Hs0TNt5QRfAgWuG7_y0iWDyyQDG1SuajwJD3ueoBZcr3SXmy9HtERGPP6V13p9OSegOXxPhil2FhcTgsFI4keKqPQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7eb4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2krpx-chl7Xslwpk8xBZcN16w-PmwzS49DWJmMufjzrTUGjDyR3Hs0TNt5QRfAgWuG7_y0iWDyyQDG1SuajwJD3ueoBZcr3SXmy9HtERGPP6V13p9OSegOXxPhil2FhcTgsFI4keKqPQ/s320/fullsizeoutput_7eb4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
True Food is located in Lenox Square in Buckhead, which is a very fancy mall. Amidst the Lamborghinis and Porsches, I was finally able to find a parking spot after circling for 15 minutes. How all the parking spots were taken on a Tuesday night, I will never understand, but there is also the option for valet parking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ifrepsiTpAp3pEI8ZkVTNnsrMiokm4A7Pa1Ra6hxMrxTgNiLEMkY7hkCYGjp3G6vPomjsEbRkqJRqYGCClniUwEML-7P9yBXiigYKSisOPxgm8lLBw_P3QoORGmTy7SsADpe_HMPgdA/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ifrepsiTpAp3pEI8ZkVTNnsrMiokm4A7Pa1Ra6hxMrxTgNiLEMkY7hkCYGjp3G6vPomjsEbRkqJRqYGCClniUwEML-7P9yBXiigYKSisOPxgm8lLBw_P3QoORGmTy7SsADpe_HMPgdA/s320/IMG_1692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Inside True Food, it was just as busy! My friend was meeting me in 20 minutes or so, so I added my name to the list and took a seat at the communal high top tables, sipped a Prosecco, and waited. I was seated with other lone tourists who struck up a conversation that kept me interested until my friend arrived.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3cE9jOlb0EBnGhhVeRqmGXafzwxUD9BTbimwbGxL7VJHCom6X8thRXw780cgLlYRExRLOWPJYhKh3fU0lbXNwt3rD34XEegXkSbJFq3sgTLrLSDcFCEu9XkNEu0gkMJBRv23Zn_VXMQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7eb5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3cE9jOlb0EBnGhhVeRqmGXafzwxUD9BTbimwbGxL7VJHCom6X8thRXw780cgLlYRExRLOWPJYhKh3fU0lbXNwt3rD34XEegXkSbJFq3sgTLrLSDcFCEu9XkNEu0gkMJBRv23Zn_VXMQ/s320/fullsizeoutput_7eb5.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The decor was inviting with its bright green booths and large lighting fixtures. Wine bottles lined the walls and the open kitchen was interesting to watch as well.<br />
<br />
When my friend arrived, our table was ready. What I love about the menu is that there are tons of vegan options and they are labeled as such. For appetizers, I could choose from Shiitake Lettuce Cups, Kale Guacamole, Charred Cauliflower, and Winter Squash Toast. The Charred Cauliflower appeared to be the crowd favorite, so we went with that and I'm so glad we did!<br />
<br />
The cauliflower was covered in harissa tahini and mixed with fresh dill and mint along with pistachios and medjool dates. It was fantastic!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFDt8_e_wI12WXeY3xKUFaxWdOmxGjc20fGscDQADd7-Oef19_mqZnO0YScz3xv2i4hQLAzsY2yXwN06ZKxM3I9Qs5R211t3RYJ8DtjkfpeveUni9-l3VWaco3BqHZaIuMQA2t9uWbGM/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7eb6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFDt8_e_wI12WXeY3xKUFaxWdOmxGjc20fGscDQADd7-Oef19_mqZnO0YScz3xv2i4hQLAzsY2yXwN06ZKxM3I9Qs5R211t3RYJ8DtjkfpeveUni9-l3VWaco3BqHZaIuMQA2t9uWbGM/s320/fullsizeoutput_7eb6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For my entree, there was so much to choose from including vegan pizza. I ultimately went with the Ancient Grains Bowl. Miso glazed sweet potatoes, charred onions, snow peas, grilled portobello, and tofu were topped with turmeric, avocado, and hemp seeds. There was also pesto in my bowl, which wasn't on the menu and seemed like an odd pairing. Other than the pesto, I thought it was great!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcBO9yIv7VHSJzS7AxQnLVaDX9a2nXNJaKlahVFSszZD1cuqgS2v749uwTUsFex0dF5o2DTTL67B21kI3ROUn3pFjY7Gyt6ocE9RhlPGf3J61WMvK3WbTuCULChAZ3eXRkdmMdtp3rhc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7ebb.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcBO9yIv7VHSJzS7AxQnLVaDX9a2nXNJaKlahVFSszZD1cuqgS2v749uwTUsFex0dF5o2DTTL67B21kI3ROUn3pFjY7Gyt6ocE9RhlPGf3J61WMvK3WbTuCULChAZ3eXRkdmMdtp3rhc/s320/fullsizeoutput_7ebb.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My friend ordered the Teriyaki Quinoa bowl with broccoli, carrots, bok choy, mushrooms, brown rice, avocado, and sesame seeds. It had a great charred flavor to it and was very tasty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MYRR196gbSPc2YSBIY9re4HxOJTXBHjPl0GQPcCaF7SiMkK34Oc0jguWBD7EpQW4dshlWnkMUlZmmzQhkXLQTzGekGt_q6SnvAev5eZuaWJA-Cu9PpJ_NcNoniQaiq5i7W0-21hlE6Q/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7eba.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1600" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MYRR196gbSPc2YSBIY9re4HxOJTXBHjPl0GQPcCaF7SiMkK34Oc0jguWBD7EpQW4dshlWnkMUlZmmzQhkXLQTzGekGt_q6SnvAev5eZuaWJA-Cu9PpJ_NcNoniQaiq5i7W0-21hlE6Q/s320/fullsizeoutput_7eba.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For dessert, we ordered the chia seed pudding with bananas and coconut chips. Again, another delicious dish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOL_Z1fbmJ0ZyLByqKUSr5pE_LPAR4L61qgCYEZ_84XVlsGRJx30ZdFB9o5c1UWItttU1xzzMwdJBbE_nJTnob_f5bsceN9z7ez6QGAeI0tyJppJTREvmIQYib8qdGgzEq6BfX4XTt2E/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7ebd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOL_Z1fbmJ0ZyLByqKUSr5pE_LPAR4L61qgCYEZ_84XVlsGRJx30ZdFB9o5c1UWItttU1xzzMwdJBbE_nJTnob_f5bsceN9z7ez6QGAeI0tyJppJTREvmIQYib8qdGgzEq6BfX4XTt2E/s320/fullsizeoutput_7ebd.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The bowls were $17 and the appetizer was $9 so a bit on the pricey side, but it was all so worth it. The service was pretty good. The only bad experience we had was that we were both brought the wrong dishes initially and my friend's had fish sauce in it, which neither of us realized until it was too late. Both our meals were replaced, but that wasn't cool. Besides that though, the food was really exceptional. I'd eat here again in a heartbeat and may even check out the one in Maryland too!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.truefoodkitchen.com/" target="_blank">True Food Kitchen</a><br />
3393 Peachtree Road NE<br />
Suite 3058B<br />
Atlanta, GA 30326<br />
(404) 481-2980<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/atlanta/true-food-kitchen-buckhead" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about True Food Kitchen, Buckhead and other Restaurants in Atlanta"><img alt="True Food Kitchen Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16910197/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-82890014061254043982018-07-31T07:30:00.000-04:002018-07-31T12:47:06.741-04:00Tempeh Bacon, Tomato, Lettuce, and Avocado Sandwiches TTLAWhole Foods created a sandwich that became a viral sensation -- the Tempeh Bacon, Tomato, Lettuce, and Avocado or TTLA, which is, of course, a spin on the BLT--bacon, lettuce and tomato. <a href="https://lightlife.com/" target="_blank">Lightlife</a> makes the best tempeh bacon I've ever had. It is smoky, salty, and delicious. I may have just eaten out of the package at one time.<br />
<br />
Lightlife recently contacted me and asked if I would make my own version. I'd be happy to! This sandwich is one of my go-to's, so how can I spin this to make it different?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCTOopU3GVSzB24AO_9iWhqR-mS5zu86bX96H3tthuDnirJa3ibEwsJJP-gscpwnhFr6B8GSOgiWMyIDWkkZq-u1IMAkPkirp76r5KRHHAUE_aIKIXTNJkoSkWvLITImQiiWHZ0AOIg4/s1600/fullsizeoutput_817b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCTOopU3GVSzB24AO_9iWhqR-mS5zu86bX96H3tthuDnirJa3ibEwsJJP-gscpwnhFr6B8GSOgiWMyIDWkkZq-u1IMAkPkirp76r5KRHHAUE_aIKIXTNJkoSkWvLITImQiiWHZ0AOIg4/s320/fullsizeoutput_817b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I started with the bread. Instead of using ciabatta, I went with a hearty sandwich bread from Alvarado Street Bakery--the sprouted whole wheat. I toasted it lightly, then added some Organic Vegenaise to one side, fried the tempeh bacon or "<a href="https://lightlife.com/products/organic-fakin-bacon-tempeh-strips" target="_blank">Fakin' Bacon</a>" as they call it, and layered it on the bread, then topped it with lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, and avocado. Lastly, to give it a kick, I put Jeff's Naturals sliced golden Greek Peperoncini on top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFm9Iias6Hok8Es0o7TjKAQ1i6uv6nd3IeY-tIuTR2BRbwezQAubVONK7A6j7CeRrjFM-fThFK4BkyZi7GrVN_-ykIRaqp2R8X3eFlq-NbVqWNSsli7TJaqFVJTpJhvZAwt24ioesEbqU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_817c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFm9Iias6Hok8Es0o7TjKAQ1i6uv6nd3IeY-tIuTR2BRbwezQAubVONK7A6j7CeRrjFM-fThFK4BkyZi7GrVN_-ykIRaqp2R8X3eFlq-NbVqWNSsli7TJaqFVJTpJhvZAwt24ioesEbqU/s320/fullsizeoutput_817c.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was exploding with flavor! All of these ingredients really make for an irresistible sandwich that you don't even want to put down. I gobbled it up in just a few minutes and wanted more.<br />
<br />
Seriously, you have to try this. <a href="https://lightlife.com/" target="_blank">Lightlife</a> has won the fakin' bacon contest for sure with a delicious product seasoned just right.<br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;">Full Disclosure: Although the ingredients were provided to me at no cost to review, that in no way influenced my veracious opinion.</i><br />
<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-30636815976180674742018-07-26T07:30:00.000-04:002018-07-26T11:39:54.623-04:00Green Sprout, AtlantaIn search of a vegan restaurant in Atlanta that I'd never been before, I came across <a href="http://www.greensproutga.com/" target="_blank">Green Sprout</a>. This vegan Chinese restaurant has been in business in Atlanta since 2003 and was one of the only veg restaurants open on a Monday, so I headed over.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Qw_RRTn4pr-f704N3l7oSJrTBcRiX6eu4n1NYYTlUAnlE_tkt_Z65tUpbRa_30n7BcKO0IVnwIFJ8YtKhzkAWAB9p9hex4YamRpZsXS_k9yUOWvdTNC51OQ2y5H92s4E65UHmvGTnnU/s1600/IMG_1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Qw_RRTn4pr-f704N3l7oSJrTBcRiX6eu4n1NYYTlUAnlE_tkt_Z65tUpbRa_30n7BcKO0IVnwIFJ8YtKhzkAWAB9p9hex4YamRpZsXS_k9yUOWvdTNC51OQ2y5H92s4E65UHmvGTnnU/s320/IMG_1669.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On this early Monday evening, there was no one in the dining room. I took a seat at a booth and perused the menu. The decor was typical for a Chinese restaurant--simple with shiny tables and chairs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwU3bwtJF5jZJs0qetTDqHBJIz0J3RSe06UDoV7GIicsPtR4vqBRetEy_0Kkgit_cM0y0ae4lArSUR1ZbKMffYdC5Go9wJFyb26kliPCweDoLs-c01oKOwqsCRI2QLsKgvMb0QJ-ZTEU/s1600/IMG_1670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwU3bwtJF5jZJs0qetTDqHBJIz0J3RSe06UDoV7GIicsPtR4vqBRetEy_0Kkgit_cM0y0ae4lArSUR1ZbKMffYdC5Go9wJFyb26kliPCweDoLs-c01oKOwqsCRI2QLsKgvMb0QJ-ZTEU/s320/IMG_1670.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I started with steamed dumplings filled with bok choy, carrot, and soy protein. They were okay, but the sauce was nothing special and, therefore, the appetizer wasn't anything special.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzcqMqGENJbB6BBikzEtlAp1A7MyiKG0Evyr88xLvXObSl9N6SXjvZ-NcCL8tPav28i0rhDAMnDApKuqH1DzM0UH5Ya6TRkh4JcYAZRrbAAvyfb_aCJMMGPyTpfl1104FeCFY3T4VvG0/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7eae.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzcqMqGENJbB6BBikzEtlAp1A7MyiKG0Evyr88xLvXObSl9N6SXjvZ-NcCL8tPav28i0rhDAMnDApKuqH1DzM0UH5Ya6TRkh4JcYAZRrbAAvyfb_aCJMMGPyTpfl1104FeCFY3T4VvG0/s320/fullsizeoutput_7eae.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For my entree, I went with one of their most popular entrees--the Empire Soy "Chicken." Crispy soy "chicken," broccoli, cauliflower, bell pepper, and mushrooms were cooked in a ginger brown sauce and served with brown rice. I asked for spicy, but it wasn't spicy at all. It was pretty plain in general.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEmMnqRcD4NjQ1vJLg_T6t10Ij11uevTgxEloGotOYzBNN-Zx1MIyZebxvFDSLFtp-ZX3WDV_NsX4cHQYmmEfZt1H6bgOFi9WniDNOPBf0N6vXJSrqVnoKt8WiJvyiAyOO7cetU11S3A/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7eaf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEmMnqRcD4NjQ1vJLg_T6t10Ij11uevTgxEloGotOYzBNN-Zx1MIyZebxvFDSLFtp-ZX3WDV_NsX4cHQYmmEfZt1H6bgOFi9WniDNOPBf0N6vXJSrqVnoKt8WiJvyiAyOO7cetU11S3A/s320/fullsizeoutput_7eaf.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The entree was $15, which, for what it was, seemed a bit pricey. The service was fine--as I was the only patron, they were attentive to my needs. But, all in all, I left underwhelmed. As the whole menu is vegan, perhaps there are other items that are tastier than what I ordered.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.greensproutga.com/" target="_blank">Green Sprout</a><br />
1529 Piedmont Avenue, Suite D<br />
Atlanta, GA 30324<br />
(404) 874-7373<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/atlanta/green-sprout-midtown" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Green Sprout, Midtown and other Restaurants in Atlanta"><img alt="Green Sprout Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16894759/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> <br />
<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-66998455179371095652018-07-24T07:30:00.000-04:002018-07-24T07:30:12.391-04:00Superfood Soups - Cookbook Review<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1454919477/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1454919477&linkCode=as2&tag=theverveg-20&linkId=02ce3da3f82eca2c1606449ba56712f8" target="_blank"><i>Superfood Soups</i></a> by Julie Morris should be considered the bible to healthy soup making. It isn't often that I actually read over 50 pages of written text in a cookbook (before the recipes begin), but I took the time to do so after the first recipe turned out to be amazing. She really breaks down the ingredients, the process, and superfoods in an easy to understand way. From medicinal mushrooms to sea vegetables, you are bound to learn something in this book.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFPhJSteExz-A3gCkNHTw2QCR9ENrq3xJuhji9CaXdoXlDa7O9gegwr5pRkqxP2mnS-rio9rFLJc4YbCfR8vbuHnYW5D530tSgbmLMSlugWAY9cunKKfkmUvo5Dd_vS8IfKUaSAMe_zk/s1600/superfood+soups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="441" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFPhJSteExz-A3gCkNHTw2QCR9ENrq3xJuhji9CaXdoXlDa7O9gegwr5pRkqxP2mnS-rio9rFLJc4YbCfR8vbuHnYW5D530tSgbmLMSlugWAY9cunKKfkmUvo5Dd_vS8IfKUaSAMe_zk/s320/superfood+soups.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
And then, there are the recipes. These are not quick cooking recipes, but rather, hearty, healthy, superfood-filled soups that will make you and your family smile.<br />
<br />
The first one I tried was <a href="http://www.theveraciousvegan.com/2018/06/kitchari.html" target="_blank">Kitchari</a>--a famous mixture used in Ayurvedic medicine, which usually includes a starch, in the form of grains, and a protein, in the form of legumes. The recipe is used to balance the body in myriad ways--to detoxify, ease digestion, balance weight, and support recovery from illness or physical hardship. Split peas and brown rice make up the base as the carrots, cauliflower, and Swiss chard give it its heartiness and the super healthy aromatic spices give it its flavor. This soup should be made to be shared!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv36M9q4nYNffj3XOzpeqVr7YcwLV2WS01bTW3yg5RuPicMMXybPQyI6KpEwEAAuqcHU7jirc5aW0r8dnu_ZqA9rH4sEcmyHTBppVbtBxWBuwUO91MaMiYuyVx9OH56zLTvx_OVL-rRO4/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7d97.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv36M9q4nYNffj3XOzpeqVr7YcwLV2WS01bTW3yg5RuPicMMXybPQyI6KpEwEAAuqcHU7jirc5aW0r8dnu_ZqA9rH4sEcmyHTBppVbtBxWBuwUO91MaMiYuyVx9OH56zLTvx_OVL-rRO4/s320/fullsizeoutput_7d97.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The second one I tried was the <a href="http://www.theveraciousvegan.com/2018/07/minestrone-with-farro-chia-pesto.html" target="_blank">Minestrone with Farro and Chia Pesto</a>, which is a delicious and hearty soup that is loaded with protein-rich farro, chickpeas, carrots, celery, and kale. So much good stuff in one bowl! Superfoods used include miso, kelp, goji berries, and a pesto made with chia seeds. As funky as that all sounds, it ultimately results in a fantastic soup and the chia pesto is worth the time to make--trust me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Hvh9lb8qP2z1klecNzPtxR7nqkNFYTC0lKj_J63nj0rqqVbYjkxy2Ed6Rm3Gqoy7GxpMci2fKne32_PaZf3pjDodyi-RmczBzZo7kdCfjwDDbfix7-37W4V32jCLtl3ttTw2NH5u7To/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7db6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Hvh9lb8qP2z1klecNzPtxR7nqkNFYTC0lKj_J63nj0rqqVbYjkxy2Ed6Rm3Gqoy7GxpMci2fKne32_PaZf3pjDodyi-RmczBzZo7kdCfjwDDbfix7-37W4V32jCLtl3ttTw2NH5u7To/s320/fullsizeoutput_7db6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The photography is absolutely stunning and serves to complement the great recipes. I also love that there are cheat sheets and substitutions listed to aid with understanding the ingredients, their cooking time, and any substitutions that may work instead. She even codes each recipe with icons indicating which ones are good for beauty, bone strength, cleansing, heart health, or immunity and which ones are good for protein or are low calorie. If you want a new cookbook filled with healthy soups and tips, you will find it on Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1454919477/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1454919477&linkCode=as2&tag=theverveg-20&linkId=02ce3da3f82eca2c1606449ba56712f8" target="_blank">here</a>. Highly recommended. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;">Full Disclosure: Although the cookbook was provided to me at no cost to review, that in no way influenced my veracious opinion.</i>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-68885744502193315922018-07-19T07:30:00.000-04:002018-07-19T11:37:32.041-04:00Minestrone with Farro & Chia PestoThis delicious and hearty soup is loaded with protein-rich farro, chickpeas, carrots, celery, and kale. So much good stuff in one bowl! This soup is from Julie Morris's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1454919477/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1454919477&linkCode=as2&tag=theverveg-20&linkId=02ce3da3f82eca2c1606449ba56712f8" target="_blank">Superfood Soups</a>,<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=theverveg-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1454919477" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> in which each soup is loaded with superfoods. This one in particular uses miso, kelp, goji berries, and a pesto made with chia seeds. As funky as that all sounds, it ultimately results in a fantastic soup and the chia pesto is worth the time to make--trust me. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tABzHPLJeA_IyBuuWCJtZDUq1zFtA55z6gg1iGtq7dTTjc-2KhFydgvPiHz_7601udsiIESIWlzpvKsIKA5jKWwevjgN2qhmuBYPJsW-nJJa-2G1UUvWpI9P9XOrXaH-MqBFG4yiAt8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7db7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tABzHPLJeA_IyBuuWCJtZDUq1zFtA55z6gg1iGtq7dTTjc-2KhFydgvPiHz_7601udsiIESIWlzpvKsIKA5jKWwevjgN2qhmuBYPJsW-nJJa-2G1UUvWpI9P9XOrXaH-MqBFG4yiAt8/s320/fullsizeoutput_7db7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Minestrone with Farro & Chia Pesto</b><br />
<i>Serves 6</i><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 large tomato, chopped</li>
<li>1/4 cup dried goji berries</li>
<li>1 tsp kelp granules</li>
<li>8 cups <a href="http://www.theveraciousvegan.com/2018/06/miso-broth.html" target="_blank">Miso Broth</a></li>
<li>1 Tbsp olive oil</li>
<li>1 onion, chopped small</li>
<li>2 carrots, cut into thin half moons</li>
<li>2 stalks celery, chopped small</li>
<li>3/4 cup farro</li>
<li>1 medium zucchini, chopped small</li>
<li>2 large cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme</li>
<li>1 bay leaf</li>
<li>1 cup canned diced tomatoes with juice</li>
<li>1 tsp ground black pepper</li>
<li>1.5-cups cooked garbanzo beans (1 15-ounce can, drained)</li>
<li>1/2 lb broccoli florets, chopped small (about 3 cups)</li>
<li>3 big leaves kale, ribbed and chopped small</li>
<li>Sea salt</li>
<li>1 batch <a href="http://www.theveraciousvegan.com/2018/07/chia-pesto.html" target="_blank">Chia Pesto</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Instructions</b></div>
<div>
In a blender, combine the tomato, goji berries, and kelp granules with 1/2 cup of broth. Blend until smooth.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Warm the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and farro, and cook, stirring often, for 6-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the zucchini, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, and cook for 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Stir in the blended tomato mixture, the remaining 7.5-cups of broth, the canned tomatoes with their juice, and the black pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, then partially cover, leaving the lid a little ajar, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20 minutes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Turn up the heat to medium, stir in the garbanzo beans and broccoli, and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat, and mix in the kale. Let the soup stand for 5-10 minutes to let the kale fully wilt. Remove the bay leaf, taste, add salt as desired. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and swirl in a tablespoon or two of chia pesto on top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcAok2Ubr4lkqk1-2Atq9Q3X-g6Q5hdrBHqK08I_fvZwriBVKnQVDkrgx_BfIfr-LSwcEPmw5DbLQLE122SIsgmXmpizyjJStur24zqSXhKiceBUpEuaQanbOniArgE6mSmDebFnRs2U/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7db6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcAok2Ubr4lkqk1-2Atq9Q3X-g6Q5hdrBHqK08I_fvZwriBVKnQVDkrgx_BfIfr-LSwcEPmw5DbLQLE122SIsgmXmpizyjJStur24zqSXhKiceBUpEuaQanbOniArgE6mSmDebFnRs2U/s320/fullsizeoutput_7db6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-8595748898270140422018-07-17T07:30:00.000-04:002018-07-17T07:30:01.055-04:00Chia PestoChia in pesto? I was so skeptical! But, Julie Morris in her new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1454919477/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1454919477&linkCode=as2&tag=theverveg-20&linkId=02ce3da3f82eca2c1606449ba56712f8" target="_blank"><i>Superfood Soups</i></a>,<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=theverveg-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1454919477" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> showed me the light! This pesto is used in a minestrone I'll be posting in a few days and it is outrageously good! The chia seed gel serves to thicken the pesto and is a fabulous way to shave off calories and up the nutrient density in pesto compared to the classic recipe.<br />
<br />
<b>Chia Pesto</b><br />
<i>Makes 1 cup</i><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 Tbsp chia seeds</li>
<li>6 Tbsp water or vegetable broth</li>
<li>1 cup packed fresh basil leaves</li>
<li>3 Tbsp pine nuts</li>
<li>1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced</li>
<li>1/4 cup olive oil</li>
<li>1/4 cup nutritional yeast</li>
<li>1/2 tsp sea salt</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Instructions</b></div>
<div>
In a medium bowl, mix together the chia seeds and water or broth. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to swell, stirring once or twice to break up any clumps.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, nutritional yeast, and salt. Blend until smooth. Scrape the pesto into the bowl with the chia seeds, and mix well to incorporate. Cover, and refrigerate until use. Chia pesto will last up to 1 week, refrigerated.</div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-82555260768105577022018-06-28T07:30:00.000-04:002018-06-28T07:30:14.265-04:00Tupelo Honey, ArlingtonI wanted to go out and celebrate with my colleagues, so I searched for a nice, business lunch appropriate restaurant in the Courthouse area of Arlington. <a href="https://tupelohoneycafe.com/" target="_blank">Tupelo Honey</a> was recommended by others at work, but I figured that a Southern restaurant wouldn't have much for me. Searches on the internet confirmed it was not very vegan friendly, but mentioned that the burger there was vegan. And, honestly, I'll try a place that has just one vegan item just to see if it is good.<br />
<br />
So, off to Tupelo Honey we went! In my research, I discovered that this restaurant originated in Asheville, North Carolina. Tupelo Honey now has restaurants in Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJC-TVCCIwHKducqLuGDGt4upAU1fSO-sEwQD0OiHsFE7MFalUNy0cEItCMnRmbabRKm8Ddpcn9JZz9hkSvmzfBEoozO6YC5aghg-55t3yR0whkr-CikZIwspyUSDtdtccdYh2F0kS-U/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7d69.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJC-TVCCIwHKducqLuGDGt4upAU1fSO-sEwQD0OiHsFE7MFalUNy0cEItCMnRmbabRKm8Ddpcn9JZz9hkSvmzfBEoozO6YC5aghg-55t3yR0whkr-CikZIwspyUSDtdtccdYh2F0kS-U/s320/fullsizeoutput_7d69.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Inside the atmosphere is bright and pleasant. Colorful, Southern-inspired paintings hang on the walls along with an American flag made of wooden posts. It's pretty cool.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EjeSOSJRdblyuiBQBOePG6UA7Ijl72lOzVRRUmf1nWw2v8j0wT9FrTRjO9A5DJLATKaNR_7qedJXUMLfTsjvWm5cnF54AfNAuSN5XGRefBD2ohJ5lLGQafCaaKSrdNsImbr1QoItLLM/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7d6b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EjeSOSJRdblyuiBQBOePG6UA7Ijl72lOzVRRUmf1nWw2v8j0wT9FrTRjO9A5DJLATKaNR_7qedJXUMLfTsjvWm5cnF54AfNAuSN5XGRefBD2ohJ5lLGQafCaaKSrdNsImbr1QoItLLM/s320/fullsizeoutput_7d6b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I started with a Sparkling Blueberry Punch that was very tasty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlZiEBvmXnMK2Jo5wWGwAleySL-OfK_6BVZI3uE1o7mrCrA52IWMlq-dxlMqhoLwjvt2W2pVOj-RvK-dVI52VhSTCwQrd2cfngZdwD6YqPnSdjBNiK2r5rJOJqo0tvKbp74az8p9FH_s/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7d6d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlZiEBvmXnMK2Jo5wWGwAleySL-OfK_6BVZI3uE1o7mrCrA52IWMlq-dxlMqhoLwjvt2W2pVOj-RvK-dVI52VhSTCwQrd2cfngZdwD6YqPnSdjBNiK2r5rJOJqo0tvKbp74az8p9FH_s/s320/fullsizeoutput_7d6d.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I inquired about the vegan options and was given a few dishes that could be modified, but not many. I'm sure the salads could be modified to be vegan, but I was in the mood for an entree. To start, I ordered the "Fried Okra with Carolina White Sauce," which when veganized was grilled okra with no sauce. I love that the chef was willing to accommodate because it turned out great! Slightly blackened and cooked perfectly, this okra was delicious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstfONYiOBy-bSKmTlo9Df4biFkG8xfcpHr5WjZzGqBTC0fLNFDPW_W2hYwMkjhJnk2mQ-Q19DizG72Gb6igEyD62ebwJGmx5K65cCIu_6TCtjM_TdVSz2_yGgLy5kMGBqbojEet-bHL8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7d70.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1600" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstfONYiOBy-bSKmTlo9Df4biFkG8xfcpHr5WjZzGqBTC0fLNFDPW_W2hYwMkjhJnk2mQ-Q19DizG72Gb6igEyD62ebwJGmx5K65cCIu_6TCtjM_TdVSz2_yGgLy5kMGBqbojEet-bHL8/s320/fullsizeoutput_7d70.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For my entree, I ordered the Grateful Veg Burger. Honestly, I wouldn't even have believed it was vegan had I not done so much research ahead of time. In fact, they have their own cookbook and the recipe is available online. They use tofu as a binder instead of egg. When I asked about the bun, I was told it was not vegan, but there were a variety of breads that were and I chose pumpernickel instead. And without the aioli.<br />
<br />
The housemade veggie burger was fantastic. Loaded with carrots, poblano chili, black beans, corn, bell pepper, celery, and spices, it was packed full of flavor. They put a huge slice of onion on top that was a bit overpowering and the bread was good, but probably not the best choice for this burger. Overall all though, it was great.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKLfQkrVKSbB8QSwMLzsY2_05SJsZ2A2PCaQWWgCtyQ-aqzf6gt_D939xq2y4YLVK-CPB-4hpmviPc8Tq0d8Zr6BOlaI5QsaAMxaEKvsYIVuyrzkrWq6LaWo7uC1U4HXFtl52mJE4mAU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7d72.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKLfQkrVKSbB8QSwMLzsY2_05SJsZ2A2PCaQWWgCtyQ-aqzf6gt_D939xq2y4YLVK-CPB-4hpmviPc8Tq0d8Zr6BOlaI5QsaAMxaEKvsYIVuyrzkrWq6LaWo7uC1U4HXFtl52mJE4mAU/s320/fullsizeoutput_7d72.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I chose the side salad as my side and they said they didn't have any vegan dressings so I was brought oil and vinegar. Eh, I'll take what I can get.<br />
<br />
So, even though there's only one entree I can eat here, it was good and I'd come back again. The service was a bit slow, but the server was so nice and helpful that I really can't criticize. The prices were a bit high, but it's a nice restaurant so I expected that. Thanks for accommodating, Tupelo Honey, us vegans would love it if you'd add more vegan options too!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://tupelohoneycafe.com/" target="_blank">Tupelo Honey</a><br />
1616 N. Troy Street<br />
Arlington, VA 22201<br />
(703) 253-8140<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/arlington-county-va/tupelo-honey-cafe-arlington" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Tupelo Honey Cafe, Arlington and other Restaurants in Arlington County"><img alt="Tupelo Honey Cafe Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17952647/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-16751930333829879522018-06-26T07:30:00.000-04:002018-06-26T07:30:11.674-04:00Miso BrothA simple, yet nutritious broth. It'll take you just a couple of minutes to make this and it punches up the flavor of everything it is added to. This miso broth is one of Julie Morris' from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1454919477/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1454919477&linkCode=as2&tag=theverveg-20&linkId=02ce3da3f82eca2c1606449ba56712f8" target="_blank">Superfood Soups</a>, a fantastic cookbook. She recommends using yellow miso, but I used the lighter white miso and it turned out great. Use this as a base for any soup!<br />
<br />
<b>Miso Broth</b><br />
<i>Makes 8 cups</i><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>4 Tbsp yellow miso paste</li>
<li>1 tsp kelp granules</li>
<li>2 quarts (8 cups) water</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Instructions</b></div>
<div>
Blend all the ingredients together in a blender until the miso is fully dissolved. Use in soups as directed, or warm over low heat to enjoy as a sipping broth.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The broth may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or kept in the freezer for several months.</div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-72734270902061447042018-06-21T07:30:00.000-04:002018-06-21T07:30:10.492-04:00KitchariKitchari is a famous mixture used in Ayurvedic medicine, which usually includes a starch, in the form of grains, and a protein, in the form of legumes. The recipe is used to balance the body in myriad ways--to detoxify, ease digestion, balance weight, and support recovery from illness or physical hardship. I found this recipe in a fantastic cookbook--<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1454919477/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1454919477&linkCode=as2&tag=theverveg-20&linkId=02ce3da3f82eca2c1606449ba56712f8" target="_blank">Superfood Soups</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=theverveg-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1454919477" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Julie Morris. This soup will take some time to make, but the result is rewarding. Split peas and brown rice make up the base as the carrots, cauliflower, and Swiss chard give it its heartiness and the super healthy aromatic spices give it its flavor. This soup should be made to be shared!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7MkE86KtPwqPnAdBCBt2kM93QaMyQNJv1DBjKSsEZWxVMWnIC-vtto70z2oqKWluNmBwcqLl_bcXLIDSVKYz8teghw1bWUG73BVy87ZnH8LF085K7H6vvAPUzXpBsAFbJI86iSaF7Og/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7d97.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7MkE86KtPwqPnAdBCBt2kM93QaMyQNJv1DBjKSsEZWxVMWnIC-vtto70z2oqKWluNmBwcqLl_bcXLIDSVKYz8teghw1bWUG73BVy87ZnH8LF085K7H6vvAPUzXpBsAFbJI86iSaF7Og/s320/fullsizeoutput_7d97.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Kitchari</b><br />
<i>Serves 4-6</i><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 Tbsp coconut oil</li>
<li>1 tsp cumin seeds</li>
<li>1 tsp fennel seeds</li>
<li>1 tsp black mustard seeds</li>
<li>1 cup long grain brown rice</li>
<li>1/2 cup yellow split peas (I used green)</li>
<li>1 tsp ground coriander</li>
<li>1/2 tsp ground turmeric</li>
<li>1 tsp freshly grated ginger</li>
<li>6 cups water</li>
<li>1 2x4 inch strip kombu</li>
<li>1 Tbsp chaga powder (optional)</li>
<li>Sea salt</li>
<li>1 cup finely chopped carrots</li>
<li>2 cups finely chopped cauliflower</li>
<li>4 medium Swiss chard leaves, finely chopped, stems and leaves chopped separately for about 2 cups total yield</li>
<li>1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Instructions</b></div>
<div>
Warm the coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and black mustard seeds. Cook, stirring, until the mustard seeds begin to pop and the spices are fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the brown rice, yellow peas, coriander, turmeric, and ginger and cook for 1 minute longer, stirring constantly so as not to burn the spices. Pour in 6 cups of water and add the kombu strip, chaga powder, and 1 1/4 tsp sea salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 30 minutes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stir in the carrots, cauliflower, and chopped Swiss chard stems, adding more water as needed. Cover the pot again, and cook for 30 minutes longer, or until vegetables, rice, and peas are very soft. Stir in the chard leaves and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more water if a soupy consistency is desired. Remove the soup from the heat and let rest until the chard is tender. Serve the soup warm with a little chopped cilantro.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Note: Kitchari is immensely flexible in its ingredients and structure. You can use anywhere from 2 to 6 cups of any vegetable you enjoy in this recipe, such as zucchini and green beans. You can even swap out the rice for another starch and the peas for another legume.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGZ3BdQzE1rJp3Ug2jQSIQMxApDGpnA3S-IEelzpy4ulZDJldLXO1n7cVC8Jg-45SrHPUuDPa_C__zhxqOpMXEvDsJwNzHnOO7Z8M03Q30CsGvh1kpuzH2kPSpoNiHP2KKQFz8agR-JM/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7d94.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGZ3BdQzE1rJp3Ug2jQSIQMxApDGpnA3S-IEelzpy4ulZDJldLXO1n7cVC8Jg-45SrHPUuDPa_C__zhxqOpMXEvDsJwNzHnOO7Z8M03Q30CsGvh1kpuzH2kPSpoNiHP2KKQFz8agR-JM/s320/fullsizeoutput_7d94.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-41051693683318936332018-06-19T07:30:00.000-04:002018-06-19T07:30:13.615-04:00The Little Beet, DC<a href="https://www.thelittlebeet.com/" target="_blank">The Little Beet</a>--how have I missed you all this time? Apparently, The Little Beet, a fast casual restaurant originating in New York City, came to DC in 2015, but I guess I missed it. I was recently contacted by them to check out their new Rosslyn location, when I stumbled across their DC restaurant on my own. And this place is super vegan friendly! Better late, than never, I suppose!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhx1YnJDFl5OkmLEYu_VdFmytpAt7dAV_q8csXxjCh2322Y3gRkMbukIOxRCD3LHjJ0KxwTN7zjC67j884x56AxIDcw4pGkCNNAL3iteOw9ldAzklATI3wmNjltx8wi8Ux5g9UHHWblSE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7da5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhx1YnJDFl5OkmLEYu_VdFmytpAt7dAV_q8csXxjCh2322Y3gRkMbukIOxRCD3LHjJ0KxwTN7zjC67j884x56AxIDcw4pGkCNNAL3iteOw9ldAzklATI3wmNjltx8wi8Ux5g9UHHWblSE/s320/fullsizeoutput_7da5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Inside, it's your typical small, fast casual setup with a typical style menu. Nice wood paneling and simple wood tables with beet colored chairs make up the dining room. My favorite part about their menu is that their online menu allows you to select "vegan" and when you do, it crosses out all menu items that aren't vegan. It's brilliant!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8IumBLCBBvpiF2nvMdP2j8FTVifhi2WWSiz3ZtL9VZ8neeCuVQsklblYyYOp7gonvxrms3Cb8e_FisOWygiFt0AesRSATTVSpjY_y36x_78_p-Daxtz3n9A5afy6kiz4c9fKp8D-ZzI/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7da6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8IumBLCBBvpiF2nvMdP2j8FTVifhi2WWSiz3ZtL9VZ8neeCuVQsklblYyYOp7gonvxrms3Cb8e_FisOWygiFt0AesRSATTVSpjY_y36x_78_p-Daxtz3n9A5afy6kiz4c9fKp8D-ZzI/s320/fullsizeoutput_7da6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You can choose from two vegan chef-made bowls or you can make your own. I chose to make my own. I started with a mix of half of the little beet salad mix and half of ancient grain blend. Then you have your choice of tons of delicious cold and warm veggies and beans. I went with the white beans marinated in herb salsa verde and lemon and the sweet potatoes with smoked sea salt and olive oil. Other veggie choices are beets and lentils, roasted kale, cucumber and sea veggies, butternut squash, broccoli, and green beans.<br />
<br />
Vegans have three proteins to choose from: grilled avocado, tofu, or beet falafel. I just had to try the beet falafel, which they brought out fresh and grilled in front of us. Then, you can have as many sauces as you like, which is dangerous. I chose the turmeric tahini, piquillo garlic, and avocado white bean spread. And then I topped it with pickled red onions and super seeds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2lObacGI7UvQVob2ks7QMkJdT3R60K0chYJHAPbLi02UxTw-E8e2I7lPWS7HIZaNevHp30gRtwkTvHw51qNtC2Rf6g5IoZVHpeZ15a2VSW5SG7a4PDtDhz0AKh6if0A0XRx6GxgpqtY/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7da9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2lObacGI7UvQVob2ks7QMkJdT3R60K0chYJHAPbLi02UxTw-E8e2I7lPWS7HIZaNevHp30gRtwkTvHw51qNtC2Rf6g5IoZVHpeZ15a2VSW5SG7a4PDtDhz0AKh6if0A0XRx6GxgpqtY/s320/fullsizeoutput_7da9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Goodness, that is a lot of food! And it was really, really good! The beet falafel was really fresh as it was cooked right there in front of us and very hearty. The white beans and sweet potato were seasoned so well and all the sauces just made it all taste delicious. I was really impressed.<br />
<br />
My friend got a vegan bowl as well and raved about the broccoli.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihULSyw4cFblsB5kScCQDacY2d7b-R9AfQWNT70fCpFfaFfpL5vspM8VtbkRsZinlnD49sU3437iVV61ENl2O0I6wzgnxH9Kj0gQxcTuKzBJprN9TNhYa2yLpPY0C1mRaA50_hph45RfI/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7da7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihULSyw4cFblsB5kScCQDacY2d7b-R9AfQWNT70fCpFfaFfpL5vspM8VtbkRsZinlnD49sU3437iVV61ENl2O0I6wzgnxH9Kj0gQxcTuKzBJprN9TNhYa2yLpPY0C1mRaA50_hph45RfI/s320/fullsizeoutput_7da7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't believe it took me three years to find you, Little Beet, but I'll be back. The price ended up being a little over $11 so a little pricey for fast casual, but the food was so good and fresh and the ease of ordering with the dynamic menu made for such a great experience. Please come support this awesome restaurant either in DC or Virginia!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.thelittlebeet.com/" target="_blank">The Little Beet</a><br />
1212 18th Street NW<br />
Washington, DC 20036<br />
(202) 796-5100<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/washington-dc/the-little-beet-downtown" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about The Little Beet, Downtown and other Restaurants in Washington DC"><img alt="The Little Beet Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/18275798/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-49111517612462145892018-06-14T07:30:00.001-04:002018-06-14T07:30:02.443-04:00Le Pain Quotidien, Arlington, VA #4Oh, Le Pain, you are still one of my favorite international chains. Meaning "the daily bread," <a href="http://www.lepainquotidien.com/" target="_blank">Le Pain Quotidien</a> originates out of Belgium and always has delicious food. They change their menu often, but I'm always able to find good hearty food. I recently discovered the Clarendon location in Virginia and visited twice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMYexVuku3C7hMB7bC5oLkahIrNIe7xCG01Z_Ip6Qh_hxmKZOM2vE3dNKFxV26FLhzS9lveXczbuH9i_D6Gi1tEfzjkPvQ_L7qyMxcTtDCNm9mLjVw9vOmIdquDUCKpvfSCA3ck0-yBE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7da0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMYexVuku3C7hMB7bC5oLkahIrNIe7xCG01Z_Ip6Qh_hxmKZOM2vE3dNKFxV26FLhzS9lveXczbuH9i_D6Gi1tEfzjkPvQ_L7qyMxcTtDCNm9mLjVw9vOmIdquDUCKpvfSCA3ck0-yBE/s320/fullsizeoutput_7da0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This location is quite large. You are surrounded by the warming scent of fresh baked bread upon entering and quickly directed to find a seat of your choosing. The dining room itself feels a bit barren with its light wood floors, tables, and chairs. The only accent is the white exposed ductwork in the ceiling--otherwise it has a very monocolor feel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFrGaIq44m2KWQoqd2SrD6gzy_VKWqGn42ZBrh4qhlzeQOxvWpTo0vRtkn4_DpUKoWzbc3ESn92wFRJPspq1hlZ5jwyPPxjKUauzLFgycLwMh7BiLa2iovBBtYx8EJDhz4TqeKfCwrrk/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c69.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFrGaIq44m2KWQoqd2SrD6gzy_VKWqGn42ZBrh4qhlzeQOxvWpTo0vRtkn4_DpUKoWzbc3ESn92wFRJPspq1hlZ5jwyPPxjKUauzLFgycLwMh7BiLa2iovBBtYx8EJDhz4TqeKfCwrrk/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c69.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqck5bw-UiFGY5ffFdEodpAKyqPNSEgEuU_2HuygHPvt97i0cXHnQQkkDREcIrzWdoCz3fbaVBj8tI5xnxjeHeJK7PuEeq-ilzYkkCJmIegceNPFVSWEnL-r5EL90gwGIS-9HnU4-SGog/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c61.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqck5bw-UiFGY5ffFdEodpAKyqPNSEgEuU_2HuygHPvt97i0cXHnQQkkDREcIrzWdoCz3fbaVBj8tI5xnxjeHeJK7PuEeq-ilzYkkCJmIegceNPFVSWEnL-r5EL90gwGIS-9HnU4-SGog/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c61.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I started with a Raspberry Lemonade. Freshly made, it had a natural flavor to it--not too sweet and well balanced.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSmihdqyifVDHpr1yDnm-lWm3kZSwNGdhpE1UnCZu3MUQr4CJ1Pmw7mbnausB9mxtzexE5nlrJsJwUYduwUel4iYZBdCzErJQBWPcIC2omIqwQ4HISuFfk1TGhAMyIB-XJMxUSUq9u-8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7d9e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSmihdqyifVDHpr1yDnm-lWm3kZSwNGdhpE1UnCZu3MUQr4CJ1Pmw7mbnausB9mxtzexE5nlrJsJwUYduwUel4iYZBdCzErJQBWPcIC2omIqwQ4HISuFfk1TGhAMyIB-XJMxUSUq9u-8/s320/fullsizeoutput_7d9e.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
For my lunch, I went with a seasonal special--the Sweet Potato and Black Bean Toast. This beautiful, fresh toast was layered with sweet potato cubes, black beans, and arugula and topped with avocado slices and vegan chipotle aioli. Oh my my--it is so good. All those flavors meshed perfectly together. The bread was crispy, the sweet potato soft and the aioli creamy. And it was very filling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyyacWX5YqqC3wtCcGqgph4yd-mosQRUx6h2l_JVGBUjcqseIWsA1-l6-f41CbSgEx7gtouQpeVq_ex0drjzJy8ZV9pl24q0ti5gaGdsQSpt3P2_EwoR3pH268lyS8PI0FqaSuZgsCCA/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c67.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyyacWX5YqqC3wtCcGqgph4yd-mosQRUx6h2l_JVGBUjcqseIWsA1-l6-f41CbSgEx7gtouQpeVq_ex0drjzJy8ZV9pl24q0ti5gaGdsQSpt3P2_EwoR3pH268lyS8PI0FqaSuZgsCCA/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c67.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For my second visit, I ordered the Baker's Lunch, which consists of the soup of the day, a salad, and a tartine. The soup was split pea and was excellent. The salad was the quinoa taboule served with arugula--pretty good. The real star of this show though was the avocado toast topped with extra virgin olive oil, citrus cumin salt, and chia seeds. Do not go here without ordering one of their tartines!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcioQK92giehpZ4MmWbPQCBBzWFT0qo_hrYPRiSvPlO46HgxkTsMXWh1pLpS9ULnv7aCs2AjNv2aZhZF8cdST_7GH9b9X5VX9xqref6W9Aj6okfKepVx_OWHdgdSIbTz_ZOeJOo4AGc48/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7d9f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcioQK92giehpZ4MmWbPQCBBzWFT0qo_hrYPRiSvPlO46HgxkTsMXWh1pLpS9ULnv7aCs2AjNv2aZhZF8cdST_7GH9b9X5VX9xqref6W9Aj6okfKepVx_OWHdgdSIbTz_ZOeJOo4AGc48/s320/fullsizeoutput_7d9f.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My friend got the same thing, but with vegan chili. It looked scrumptious!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJLZpCQ1bDR4go_0rns0I99INUDWKIiXogC-SmzFSrztzTpqT_RIwmhrAXCupIzK0sw_YeGezb-m8pu6JdjEMNNVSWWjOYsUHEIHXA6r_vx5cpPjujF4wNMvYvIM8xwJ8XyZXbtbM48U/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c65.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJLZpCQ1bDR4go_0rns0I99INUDWKIiXogC-SmzFSrztzTpqT_RIwmhrAXCupIzK0sw_YeGezb-m8pu6JdjEMNNVSWWjOYsUHEIHXA6r_vx5cpPjujF4wNMvYvIM8xwJ8XyZXbtbM48U/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c65.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And I couldn't leave without my favorite vegan carrot cake cupcake. You must try one of these cupcakes--they are to die for!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1qEiDJJuhOE6DhmpytDGz41SjsbrZnik2feBbU86WXm15fWsOchEjHmORmH3pGX5YgPoLx5XDtHIm3JLqouMmN2QA9bX8S8kU1ERAXw0gLluLDXScM9lAo5g4AKgTTnFgmYEMyInsXY/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7da1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1qEiDJJuhOE6DhmpytDGz41SjsbrZnik2feBbU86WXm15fWsOchEjHmORmH3pGX5YgPoLx5XDtHIm3JLqouMmN2QA9bX8S8kU1ERAXw0gLluLDXScM9lAo5g4AKgTTnFgmYEMyInsXY/s320/fullsizeoutput_7da1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
All in all, the service on our first visit was pretty good, but the second visit wasn't so great. The prices are definitely high for lunch at $12.95 for the toast and $14.95 for the baker's lunch, but well worth it as the food is fantastic. The atmosphere is pretty laid back there--no reservations needed. So, I'd say it's one of my favorite places to eat in Arlington...and really all of DC. Recommended.<br />
<br />
<b>Previous reviews</b><br />
<a href="http://www.theveraciousvegan.com/2014/11/le-pain-quotidian-cupcakes-virginia.html" target="_blank">November 18, 2014</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theveraciousvegan.com/2014/02/le-pain-quotidien-alexandria-va-2.html" target="_blank">February 17, 2014</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theveraciousvegan.com/2014/01/le-pain-quotidien-alexandria-va.html" target="_blank">January 6, 2014</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lepainquotidien.com/" target="_blank">Le Pain Quotidien</a><br />
2900 Clarendon Boulevard<br />
Arlington, VA 22201<br />
(703) 465-0970<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/arlington-county-va/le-pain-quotidien-clarendon-1-arlington" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Le Pain Quotidien Clarendon, Arlington and other Restaurants in Arlington County"><img alt="Le Pain Quotidien Clarendon Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16874031/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-36977832184251233302018-06-12T07:30:00.001-04:002018-06-12T07:30:09.768-04:00Nasoya Toss'ablesQuick and convenient--I think we are all drawn to quick and convenient meals because we are always on the go! And in comes <a href="http://www.nasoya.com/healthy-tofu-products/" target="_blank">Nasoya</a> with a grand idea of pre-marinated, cubed tofu! Nasoya sent me the new products in both flavors--Balsamic Vinaigrette and Garlic and Herb.<br />
<br />
I absolutely love this idea because these flavorful, cubed pieces of tofu can be dropped into any wrap, salad, pasta, etc. right out of the bag! And the bag is resealable--it's like they thought of everything!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SaAzuw6IEc6_JvCExRjEftJwTSu730Ny8ShFvuDlbM9WMJdAQPvppdArhcvbdltmSTQOh2PUZJ7mKbxS4G_qG9u7u2V6Ezv5sM-DcMK9i9CjtZAkahvj9kBST7EHTXfOF8jk4zooHbU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_808a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SaAzuw6IEc6_JvCExRjEftJwTSu730Ny8ShFvuDlbM9WMJdAQPvppdArhcvbdltmSTQOh2PUZJ7mKbxS4G_qG9u7u2V6Ezv5sM-DcMK9i9CjtZAkahvj9kBST7EHTXfOF8jk4zooHbU/s320/fullsizeoutput_808a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The first flavor I tried was the Balsamic Vinaigrette and I wasn't a huge fan. As someone who mostly has real olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dressing and not the salad dressing with all the fillers, this tasted a bit fake. Thankfully, they use organic tofu, but there are some weird ingredients in this pack like concentrated grape must, caramel color, tapioca starch, and xantham gum. All the other ingredients were pretty natural.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauzVJVRVPNy4126Smw1nfNeDdFXEKK4wOEL9v3x7-t3YoQBxcx_tbF9mpBXeVIzps__E_JhIOSj53T03U0b8aiQesMe0jUy7OSjw7yxOGUcqbJ17ZnLPomZMo4KLTZy1_Ydzt9IIN_Wc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_808b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauzVJVRVPNy4126Smw1nfNeDdFXEKK4wOEL9v3x7-t3YoQBxcx_tbF9mpBXeVIzps__E_JhIOSj53T03U0b8aiQesMe0jUy7OSjw7yxOGUcqbJ17ZnLPomZMo4KLTZy1_Ydzt9IIN_Wc/s320/fullsizeoutput_808b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then, I tried the Garlic & Herb flavor and loved it! They also sent me this amazing bowl with a compartment on top for your salad toppings and dressing, complete with a fork! So, I loaded all my kale, tofu, avocado, and onions into this bowl and took it straight to work. The garlic flavor is strong and delicious. Although caramel color is also in this flavor, everything else is pretty natural: rice vinegar, garlic powder, organic canola oil, salt, onion powder, oregano, basil, and black pepper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJcBOsCEWrv0wuCJyZYHy9Yoekn84C-Z89z9oacLDaUTVmlXKzjQLlCGs-j68353yX214y77szGawHa1dpRkqnZNJ2E7L7qdcIA8NZOJzTPig9pUzyfkK3ZsTTmfD_I3I4coDpyCyVQk/s1600/fullsizeoutput_8098.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJcBOsCEWrv0wuCJyZYHy9Yoekn84C-Z89z9oacLDaUTVmlXKzjQLlCGs-j68353yX214y77szGawHa1dpRkqnZNJ2E7L7qdcIA8NZOJzTPig9pUzyfkK3ZsTTmfD_I3I4coDpyCyVQk/s320/fullsizeoutput_8098.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My favorite part about these little cubes of joy are that they are super firm--great texture. There is also 14 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. Also, they are gluten free, certified organic and Non-GMO Verified.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0_RtgjIRlpaA753U2MoPdF-m69Vq6oCoh5Xe6diP1ClA_HYeTpO6pw6bx7Zr6fbKZwIIWE6oLYeKv6JUhrFQhEUmH1t6lNGK2kg-9z6GRpfhLVBBTKv8D1Wtamr-fuLEbku432FDrIw/s1600/fullsizeoutput_8099.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0_RtgjIRlpaA753U2MoPdF-m69Vq6oCoh5Xe6diP1ClA_HYeTpO6pw6bx7Zr6fbKZwIIWE6oLYeKv6JUhrFQhEUmH1t6lNGK2kg-9z6GRpfhLVBBTKv8D1Wtamr-fuLEbku432FDrIw/s320/fullsizeoutput_8099.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So, although I didn't like one flavor, I love the other and I think the concept is a great idea! Thanks, Nasoya! You will find this new product in grocery stores like Safeway, Walmart, and HEB.<br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;">Full Disclosure: Although the products were provided to me at no cost to review, that in no way influenced my veracious opinion.</i>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-32089422757655051832018-06-08T07:30:00.000-04:002018-06-08T14:54:10.571-04:00Padaek, Falls Church, VAI was searching for a new place to go and stumbled upon <a href="http://www.padaekdc.com/" target="_blank">Padaek</a>, a Lao and Thai restaurant in Falls Church, Virginia. I discovered that Padaek is the old Bangkok Golden, which was very vegan friendly. So, off we went!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnwSfL7bMIVP8DJoSYxfxjInPNM36xnVio3o-ihwk-wx1AlM6fvPsu93MogCJmT8dtBRHVQwGQyAu0KbqwlTHGbmYnevE-_A7z1LIcq07w56LgWs5oASmXNCEY4rm18g04SqLxipptic/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c3b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnwSfL7bMIVP8DJoSYxfxjInPNM36xnVio3o-ihwk-wx1AlM6fvPsu93MogCJmT8dtBRHVQwGQyAu0KbqwlTHGbmYnevE-_A7z1LIcq07w56LgWs5oASmXNCEY4rm18g04SqLxipptic/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c3b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Padaek is a small restaurant with Thai artwork on the walls and simple furniture. It was a busy Sunday when we arrived, but we were seated immediately.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDJROwphvNp5pMuyiutxZ7yqKDFoAHhkaiqewv-Ie8hipEyql32xSviirHBzISbcg6dX3Rl-DtkbBpmISq16Ot3tQGvN7WnN2RbgzmHcz33AEn5GfietJUYIP-3vPOvD8QHQhIakiAZE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c47.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDJROwphvNp5pMuyiutxZ7yqKDFoAHhkaiqewv-Ie8hipEyql32xSviirHBzISbcg6dX3Rl-DtkbBpmISq16Ot3tQGvN7WnN2RbgzmHcz33AEn5GfietJUYIP-3vPOvD8QHQhIakiAZE/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c47.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I ordered a glass of white wine as I perused the menu. The server didn't seem to know what was vegan, so she asked some people at the front, then came back to us. She basically said that very little on the Lao menu could be made vegan because it all had fish sauce in it. When she walked away, I noticed that some of the items she said that about were labeled vegetarian. That made me worry that they didn't understand the definition of vegetarian or vegan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStPbdrDoHjUiYeTt4_SiLjs3ZVl1joyrnKHkK8UyefiNKU8ILjLC7AzgYzmTUV8emL6hEw9YgjiAOlflVgo1tFzf-vcUpccWwwTYVilRSoUnwd99E6_IM1_Vu6B0iru2qUJxhS3tJMuA/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c3f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStPbdrDoHjUiYeTt4_SiLjs3ZVl1joyrnKHkK8UyefiNKU8ILjLC7AzgYzmTUV8emL6hEw9YgjiAOlflVgo1tFzf-vcUpccWwwTYVilRSoUnwd99E6_IM1_Vu6B0iru2qUJxhS3tJMuA/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c3f.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
So, we thought it safest to stick with the Thai menu rather than the Lao. We started with an order of spring rolls. We didn't realize they'd be as deep fried as they were. You know when something is so deep fried that all you taste is oil and nothing else?! Yeah--it was like that. There was mung bean noodles, cabbage, and carrot inside, but you could barely taste it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCu3XYPcsUVOPNCnEXf32IwVq9JQY0twzpTQkQ4zQwdyOiMJS-D9vPXc8d9E5sKQI3iipHrVyTjEVwRU_jMS2aX1Z8A_t5z1QlgmQPgTMlnhb0evNvNBrTMv7DQ7gzBWCJKAs0ccJ5EcE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c41.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCu3XYPcsUVOPNCnEXf32IwVq9JQY0twzpTQkQ4zQwdyOiMJS-D9vPXc8d9E5sKQI3iipHrVyTjEVwRU_jMS2aX1Z8A_t5z1QlgmQPgTMlnhb0evNvNBrTMv7DQ7gzBWCJKAs0ccJ5EcE/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c41.jpeg" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />
For our entrees, we ordered the Spicy Eggplant. I got mine vegan, no fish sauce, and extra spicy. This dish was really good. Japanese eggplant were sliced thickly and stir fried with onions and bell pepper with a chili-garlic sauce. It was served with white rice (brown rice was not an option).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsRT7b8kju-AmWWude7dUEo40qBtwr3nbZE43hb6oZehjFgCqbDZVnxOlIO6P3Pri08X7YckJbXvGr1aY6JuoWPVvKFdMiOM7zpYVZr7cIyM_nUrCorxDeiHeTt_npVdbXsm5VR81sXc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c45.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsRT7b8kju-AmWWude7dUEo40qBtwr3nbZE43hb6oZehjFgCqbDZVnxOlIO6P3Pri08X7YckJbXvGr1aY6JuoWPVvKFdMiOM7zpYVZr7cIyM_nUrCorxDeiHeTt_npVdbXsm5VR81sXc/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c45.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We ended up hanging out there for a while to catch up and luckily the place was clearing out so we weren't nudged to leave.<br />
<br />
I'd say this place is just okay. The fact that the vegetarian items are not vegetarian is not a good thing. The appetizer wasn't good, but the entree was, but nothing about the experience made me want to go back there in an area with tons of vegan options. And we both had upset stomachs afterwards. I'd say there are better places to dine than Padaek.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.padaekdc.com/" target="_blank">Padaek</a><br />
6395 Seven Corners Center<br />
Falls Church, VA 22044<br />
(703) 533-9480Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-55537072810834663922018-06-06T07:30:00.000-04:002018-06-06T13:40:16.192-04:00El Centro, DC #3<a href="https://www.eatelcentro.com/14th-street-menu" target="_blank">El Centro</a> is one of those restaurants that is always busy, always bumpin'. But, it wasn't until I was walking around the streets of DC with a friend who lives an hour away that I saw it and realized it's been years since I've been there. After checking many other restaurants who said they were booked at 5 p.m. on a Saturday, we decided to go to El Centro.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmj5dtmpRoxoCg5tudFX5Hk-iBljykq4ogYYEgFlYgkpsfKcRLIpr681PIyg8MFJf8zEjDXKjxakk-4SOzOK3O4JCYgahJxkGBGkQGqGOjNF9jeo2Twdzo4i6VEw-uE5u2fWOZ8sI8U0/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7cd0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmj5dtmpRoxoCg5tudFX5Hk-iBljykq4ogYYEgFlYgkpsfKcRLIpr681PIyg8MFJf8zEjDXKjxakk-4SOzOK3O4JCYgahJxkGBGkQGqGOjNF9jeo2Twdzo4i6VEw-uE5u2fWOZ8sI8U0/s320/fullsizeoutput_7cd0.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I nearly forgot about all the controversy that had recently surfaced about their "no sneakers" policy and how it was applied in an effort to discriminate. I walked in wearing sneakers and no one said anything. As busy as they were this early in the day, I was hoping there was a table available and there was. Hooray! Before sitting down, I inquired about the vegan options and the hostess wasn't sure. The lady who came up to talk to us also wasn't sure and said the usual, "you can have the green salad." So, I took the menu and asked about the veggie tacos and she went and talked to the chef and he said that, of course, he could make them vegan. Great!<br />
<br />
We were seated in the dining room on the top floor with the open kitchen. El Centro has this warehousey feel to it with the dark walls and exposed ductwork. On this particular visit, the music was loud, as were the patrons. It was definitely happy hour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5jXqsssDZQqj7zEo43wtHaCdCmeC7VJj8AJ18MxNmbuFBMN3EqCP5zyNqIS12i8-QEhQo2ARMuj7gKmBfQ3SOWaudly6VE1hHoZzHGrl1s7owoYMmS1aVbl82h69FtTM85wnwArmKvU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7cc3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5jXqsssDZQqj7zEo43wtHaCdCmeC7VJj8AJ18MxNmbuFBMN3EqCP5zyNqIS12i8-QEhQo2ARMuj7gKmBfQ3SOWaudly6VE1hHoZzHGrl1s7owoYMmS1aVbl82h69FtTM85wnwArmKvU/s320/fullsizeoutput_7cc3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I started off with a Pepino--a spicy margarita made with serrano infused blanco, agave nectar, fresh lime, and fresh cucumber. I liked it, but it wasn't nearly as spicy as I was hoping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRqShUB2vhe2uMMty6jlWDcXnsgTJBYcxit1oebnbhgHnadrj3cOVohlhqyMdN12ypVQ-77yUh1BTVarOfz44LsG-814T-Av1ZJHsVUOpwwsRhE7_Uu3MyhtxCG-KTlOGGNFAy8YiLkE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7cc4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRqShUB2vhe2uMMty6jlWDcXnsgTJBYcxit1oebnbhgHnadrj3cOVohlhqyMdN12ypVQ-77yUh1BTVarOfz44LsG-814T-Av1ZJHsVUOpwwsRhE7_Uu3MyhtxCG-KTlOGGNFAy8YiLkE/s320/fullsizeoutput_7cc4.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We also ordered the Traditional Guacamole served with chips and salsa. It was pretty good, but definitely not the best guacamole in the city. And the presentation could have been better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVunD8mp9Wk5rhlUujvZa0h98aXP_wlqRwl_XufO8ykhknJpp_x2L3jWg7V5T8toky08pLpVzldF2k368GO2mZ62L3vpxDcXvWUDzYtDOI9r1cZK8fHsRp7WgXRe43XE6eFcSJvzmfpDc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7cc6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVunD8mp9Wk5rhlUujvZa0h98aXP_wlqRwl_XufO8ykhknJpp_x2L3jWg7V5T8toky08pLpVzldF2k368GO2mZ62L3vpxDcXvWUDzYtDOI9r1cZK8fHsRp7WgXRe43XE6eFcSJvzmfpDc/s320/fullsizeoutput_7cc6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our server, Luis, was fantastic. He was so nice--addressing all of my questions about what is vegan or not. There really were only a few options--salad or tacos, but he was able to tell me that the rice and beans that come with the tacos were vegan and that the veggies were cooked in oil and not butter, etc.<br />
<br />
So, I went with the Roasted Heirloom Vegetable tacos sans the cheese. The roasted vegetable tacos had lots of different vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, onions, and root veggies sauteed in fresh tortillas. I topped them with the guacamole and they were pretty good. But, surprisingly, the best part of this platter were the black beans and rice. The rice, in particular, was seasoned so well and cooked perfectly with fresh peas and carrots mixed in. Yum!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJCB54Hm4NO7ZmOvTzYWBa11ChJD8Z1cNveZTWasAcMF9yKvGxEj32TJJ8A63xRVUqAr-HNwbCfDwHqNBOh01GSDJU4xh_c9pa1zy63OYH9DT63yA9_xk4L_DvT-rMM0e5nwuwBP51Ro/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7ccc.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJCB54Hm4NO7ZmOvTzYWBa11ChJD8Z1cNveZTWasAcMF9yKvGxEj32TJJ8A63xRVUqAr-HNwbCfDwHqNBOh01GSDJU4xh_c9pa1zy63OYH9DT63yA9_xk4L_DvT-rMM0e5nwuwBP51Ro/s320/fullsizeoutput_7ccc.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The server even gave me their habanero sauce to add to my food and it was not only hot, it was really good!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJAWaRukum8saRr0fdzp1nuRldirX22xzMfzYA_Zrgj-vWhhyphenhyphenCSdX7lzoyjs3X2Q9-gqmkHor11FHwTvBbCCKUTNtDAgMT9CFaMNDp7FFEijatHoOLJmkpvYebEHZEEjM3cVoFgSkaVw/s1600/IMG_1109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJAWaRukum8saRr0fdzp1nuRldirX22xzMfzYA_Zrgj-vWhhyphenhyphenCSdX7lzoyjs3X2Q9-gqmkHor11FHwTvBbCCKUTNtDAgMT9CFaMNDp7FFEijatHoOLJmkpvYebEHZEEjM3cVoFgSkaVw/s320/IMG_1109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This turned out to be a good choice. The atmosphere was fun, drinks good, and food really good. The prices are on the high side with the tacos being $15.50 and the drink $11, but the service was so good that I didn't care. And when you spend so much time out of town eating awful veggie fajitas in Mexican chain restaurants, El Centro is a welcome upscale spin on Mexican food.<br />
<br />
<b>Previous reviews</b><br />
<a href="http://www.theveraciousvegan.com/2013/07/el-centro-dc-happy-hour.html" target="_blank">July 30, 2013</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theveraciousvegan.com/2012/03/el-centro-df-dc.html" target="_blank">March 29, 2012</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.richardsandoval.com/elcentrodf/" style="background-color: white; color: #635e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">El Centro D.F. </a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;">1819 14th Street NW</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;">Washington, DC 20009</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;">(202) 328-3131</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/washington-dc/el-centro-d-f-u-street-shaw" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about El Centro D.F., U Street/Shaw and other Restaurants in Washington DC"><img alt="El Centro D.F. Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16875289/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-91054465600314920862018-06-01T07:30:00.000-04:002018-06-01T07:30:05.656-04:00Cava Mezze, Arlington #2<a href="http://www.cavamezze.com/" target="_blank">Cava Mezze</a> is best known in DC for its fast casual Cava Mezze Grill concept, but they actually have restaurants as well. There are five locations and I had previously only been to the one in NE DC. This time I ended up in Clarendon (Virginia).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VhszIW56rlF1jRalk5QGXd8lCahPjLSq89x-b0B9kC_SAY0PZaYqWo2-d9vo3Vi6aYUX79ZX_j7awtcB8tO4_NklyzV0t1lsDe_KM1Yiu2URuEoVd0MNmVZgYugGqMu0tMUzlpXvOOE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c1e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VhszIW56rlF1jRalk5QGXd8lCahPjLSq89x-b0B9kC_SAY0PZaYqWo2-d9vo3Vi6aYUX79ZX_j7awtcB8tO4_NklyzV0t1lsDe_KM1Yiu2URuEoVd0MNmVZgYugGqMu0tMUzlpXvOOE/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c1e.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Inside, the restaurant appeared relatively small. It was noon on a weekday and there were just two of us--we were seated immediately. They gave us the lunch menu, but when I asked what was vegan, they brought me the mezze menu of all vegan mezzes that is available for lunch or dinner. Very nice.<br />
<br />
Our server brought some complimentary pita, harissa, and olive oil to the table. Yummy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWkcaIamC6xGYw1ILQ0h_3CDYMPzLh6u1prn47eTDRWf1Ks5Lm5UwrnjrclnwIle32-Pwpt5i__w3ND9RGcO5WGHnzihA2wDOq4gzPEiNwYYVq0M2Dvu1pInWPEcCI26O-UedA9FrQ84/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1600" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWkcaIamC6xGYw1ILQ0h_3CDYMPzLh6u1prn47eTDRWf1Ks5Lm5UwrnjrclnwIle32-Pwpt5i__w3ND9RGcO5WGHnzihA2wDOq4gzPEiNwYYVq0M2Dvu1pInWPEcCI26O-UedA9FrQ84/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c11.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There was a rustic feel to this restaurant. It was dark with dark tables and chairs and exposed ductwork painted black. The booths had high walls, which left the bar basically hidden behind the booths.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboV9RevhCPTg5GpqJVNqMrdoOjZluujqvV2ThTWuFLm640wbWbXUj8Kz_PHYIc5Edp2PV0Im4b52osxvl00sJxK_ZPcNLWRxrP5txPKJ3BwP5Ehyphenhyphen5JPpcO43GPG1TkIWtgGl7MijiyMc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboV9RevhCPTg5GpqJVNqMrdoOjZluujqvV2ThTWuFLm640wbWbXUj8Kz_PHYIc5Edp2PV0Im4b52osxvl00sJxK_ZPcNLWRxrP5txPKJ3BwP5Ehyphenhyphen5JPpcO43GPG1TkIWtgGl7MijiyMc/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c13.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We started with an order of hummus. It was good hummus, but there wasn't much of it. They took the hummus and spread it along the edges of the bowl so it barely covered the edges and there was nothing in the middle. So, we had to take the bread and run it along the bowl. We found it a bit odd.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1t6PORjSg5QLnFwUyPNtWmshB8Z5niUV1c0OCauFFYH0DT4zcDL1tYS61bd6ebiHiezE_ibD3J_ggfVGKAaHB0K6HsmaeNuJ5A-nrCE1QDzVNmjbJhb4Nrh7DbqQ8OUo4GYeikoedzc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c16.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1t6PORjSg5QLnFwUyPNtWmshB8Z5niUV1c0OCauFFYH0DT4zcDL1tYS61bd6ebiHiezE_ibD3J_ggfVGKAaHB0K6HsmaeNuJ5A-nrCE1QDzVNmjbJhb4Nrh7DbqQ8OUo4GYeikoedzc/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c16.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our favorite dish by far was the Baby Beets, which had roasted red and golden beets, tangerines, candied pistachios, and lemon. For some reason, this dish normally has a honey aleppo dressing that is listed on the vegan menu so be sure to request it vegan without honey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AUmOkCLItDAhV04bt_jO2SS9tjoYfL4KPgigobonEdVIczSlXclwR4T2jE5DedrkvNnlZAAdXpXBvOPRhJrhTUukek6PdBGCMy4qkDcAywDM2xI4YunP1hmM06s-2FdfPd-uroGyJ5o/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c18.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AUmOkCLItDAhV04bt_jO2SS9tjoYfL4KPgigobonEdVIczSlXclwR4T2jE5DedrkvNnlZAAdXpXBvOPRhJrhTUukek6PdBGCMy4qkDcAywDM2xI4YunP1hmM06s-2FdfPd-uroGyJ5o/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c18.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next up was the Roasted Cauliflower made with crispy chickpeas and spicy dill vinaigrette. This was pretty good, but a little too sweet for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCo3AR4UfeKdVokDi8sJMnzc7jc0_fTwr96cB20l5PL1kEJenT6XikFYYoEehXqgQu31Gswb9MkFfp5xAFfzFx9N5SSj6Kgv42k3PGAGzA5nSocau9K3qBjg6c5FwLR0-ioTzP21hSxNE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c1a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCo3AR4UfeKdVokDi8sJMnzc7jc0_fTwr96cB20l5PL1kEJenT6XikFYYoEehXqgQu31Gswb9MkFfp5xAFfzFx9N5SSj6Kgv42k3PGAGzA5nSocau9K3qBjg6c5FwLR0-ioTzP21hSxNE/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c1a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Spicy Mushrooms were weird. They were button mushrooms covered in warm harissa and beet sauce.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQyCK4aeCLhss__ryLSR6NJLp-OuURAl8MU3WUdk4-l_vqG0-P4c4qjYUM7swsEdMzg9KKQ1eBIyQ6PVvaV1nk9F3D1kHSFeoOP9gA6beDQUlp5rYuZUtQMxdU-B_EkkCAoSYNzrW8RM/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c1c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQyCK4aeCLhss__ryLSR6NJLp-OuURAl8MU3WUdk4-l_vqG0-P4c4qjYUM7swsEdMzg9KKQ1eBIyQ6PVvaV1nk9F3D1kHSFeoOP9gA6beDQUlp5rYuZUtQMxdU-B_EkkCAoSYNzrW8RM/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c1c.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Broccolini was probably my least favorite. The menu said it was grilled, but I'm sure it was steamed. So steamed broccolini covered in dates, olive oil hummus, and scallions is what the menu said. I didn't see any hummus. This dish was clearly missing something.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdW1mmMQyfZMuUJ1UNnII2yKiFTic9B90dfNzfiLzj0l8_bSzbhwe2YyQTp2WCWhjsKZEE-vcjSnGRNISO8AFjde9KHg1W54Oztqe0QgXU5MRZmhxulRRfVursdDWvs8fJ4BgRJxTWWLQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c1d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdW1mmMQyfZMuUJ1UNnII2yKiFTic9B90dfNzfiLzj0l8_bSzbhwe2YyQTp2WCWhjsKZEE-vcjSnGRNISO8AFjde9KHg1W54Oztqe0QgXU5MRZmhxulRRfVursdDWvs8fJ4BgRJxTWWLQ/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c1d.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The service was okay. We had to hunt the server down to get our check. The mezzes are the typical high price you get in this area of $8 to $12 each. And the atmosphere was okay. In the end, I have mixed feelings about this place--a few dishes were good, a few were not, and they have a non-vegan ingredient on their vegan menu, which isn't right.<br />
<br />
<b>Previous review</b><br />
<a href="http://www.theveraciousvegan.com/2017/02/cava-mezze-dc.html" target="_blank">February 28, 2017</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cavamezze.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #635e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Cava Mezze</a><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.87px;">2940 Clarendon Boulevard</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.87px;">Arlington, VA 22201</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.87px;">(703) 276-9090</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.87px;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/arlington-county-va/cava-mezze-restaurant-arlington" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Cava Mezze Restaurant, Arlington and other Restaurants in Arlington County"><img alt="Cava Mezze Restaurant Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16875401/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-23723599505348655912018-05-30T07:30:00.000-04:002018-05-30T08:28:37.117-04:00Cafe Sunflower, Atlanta #2In all of the years that I've been visiting Atlanta and going to <a href="http://www.cafesunflower.com/" target="_blank">Cafe Sunflower</a>, I don't think I've ever had a bad experience. They are a fully vegetarian restaurant that is mostly vegan and all of their desserts are vegan, which is fantastic. They have two locations and we decided to go back to the one on Peachtree Road.<br />
<br />
We've been lucky in that even though they've always been busy, we've never had to wait for a table. There were only three of us this time, so a relatively small party.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jwecMv2ClmoYV6mEKxzBa1Y8Mv1pvnJJwNVwc6q-84aI3-i52PzMpHl64B02R9LghUNUolVUNbsS4ZksaQcp1SZ9Um7aFhHZf7RajmiuB_DZxPh1eOtK5JGrYG1ByLVI83P8aQnPlvI/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7be5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jwecMv2ClmoYV6mEKxzBa1Y8Mv1pvnJJwNVwc6q-84aI3-i52PzMpHl64B02R9LghUNUolVUNbsS4ZksaQcp1SZ9Um7aFhHZf7RajmiuB_DZxPh1eOtK5JGrYG1ByLVI83P8aQnPlvI/s320/fullsizeoutput_7be5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I started with the Ginger Spice Juice made with fresh juiced carrot, ginger, and organic apple juice. It was delicious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJA2-abQQwZHLWgHyc6eDSGIBm4YrMyfoqU8FHytScNIgXLRkynGjLA_SfgdQM4DONcOR5Arf36C6h5IkANi3nf1gvhi7nhxn54BIwieBhbJnIoMTf06clT_07y5HPZmAVoSMhoM0yZek/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7be0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJA2-abQQwZHLWgHyc6eDSGIBm4YrMyfoqU8FHytScNIgXLRkynGjLA_SfgdQM4DONcOR5Arf36C6h5IkANi3nf1gvhi7nhxn54BIwieBhbJnIoMTf06clT_07y5HPZmAVoSMhoM0yZek/s320/fullsizeoutput_7be0.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
There was no discussion on the appetizers as the Buffalo Lollipops are so delicious here. Coated in buffalo sauce, these faux drumsticks are filled with flavor. And served with celery and blue cheese dressing, it all just goes together so well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxW3VWRFwediDuHhCXHNGz0ePSm3fbvHFkcekQNcrA2GjZtWQEmQbi4V0O_WH0rFfjspHopp-LvahQpPiNC0FV1K8vjbRboq_bUKB6mTr5Icpf3FiO_kcLpQxzsGd3SuKatzmZtWqujM/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7be2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1449" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxW3VWRFwediDuHhCXHNGz0ePSm3fbvHFkcekQNcrA2GjZtWQEmQbi4V0O_WH0rFfjspHopp-LvahQpPiNC0FV1K8vjbRboq_bUKB6mTr5Icpf3FiO_kcLpQxzsGd3SuKatzmZtWqujM/s320/fullsizeoutput_7be2.jpeg" width="289" /></a></div>
<br />
For my entree, I went with the Roasted Portabello Mushroom Melt. This delicious sandwich had a juicy portabello mushroom with spinach, tomatoes, and caramelized onions topped with melted Daiya cheese and tahini sauce on multigrain bun. It was perfect. Sweet potato fries and an organic mixed green salad rounded it all out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4_WLcOi8wGFFt2XTrPlX-eae1MKP8n4V0A1wRhrCeyXCooC9oG78Pd2QPQJBlalvoHu5S2HOwsat9SgnYYpUr9JjBt2q2TJHTV2Brwojawb-A8XvKMJqR1c-gh-bhWDWsalkfVkkXvg/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7c37.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4_WLcOi8wGFFt2XTrPlX-eae1MKP8n4V0A1wRhrCeyXCooC9oG78Pd2QPQJBlalvoHu5S2HOwsat9SgnYYpUr9JjBt2q2TJHTV2Brwojawb-A8XvKMJqR1c-gh-bhWDWsalkfVkkXvg/s320/fullsizeoutput_7c37.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My friend ordered a Black Bean Quesadilla and he said it was pretty good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3ECK0jg1GCqsM8uf4F6ZAv4iwu13mzr6zXQc_eK-5bb0wJ9hxcUPu7UFI5-WB-xwgfg7m3xnB0CITvr-B07kNyT0G4fsFpzcBqLdNzSBBt-D9m49ty_kOQfOhge8GlOQLNxnH8GC7TQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7be3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3ECK0jg1GCqsM8uf4F6ZAv4iwu13mzr6zXQc_eK-5bb0wJ9hxcUPu7UFI5-WB-xwgfg7m3xnB0CITvr-B07kNyT0G4fsFpzcBqLdNzSBBt-D9m49ty_kOQfOhge8GlOQLNxnH8GC7TQ/s320/fullsizeoutput_7be3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We then finished it off with a peanut butter chocolate cake that was rich and just the right balance of peanut butter and chocolate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghr-gXptRBgDxiq98sMlpxb2dw2lCck1xMnxEHs2Nldo617dwZfHnj84nxC89sjAA1iqfCofI8csVNskBEoyHMcFsEhWejX75IZEPPzAXEobQo0HHNGAIWZPvzaOvIn6FTXIYmIBryjbc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_7be4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghr-gXptRBgDxiq98sMlpxb2dw2lCck1xMnxEHs2Nldo617dwZfHnj84nxC89sjAA1iqfCofI8csVNskBEoyHMcFsEhWejX75IZEPPzAXEobQo0HHNGAIWZPvzaOvIn6FTXIYmIBryjbc/s320/fullsizeoutput_7be4.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Afterwards, we had tea and reminisced about good times. Nice job, Sunflower--I always look forward to coming back here.<br />
<br />
<b>Previous review</b><br />
<a href="http://www.theveraciousvegan.com/2017/07/cafe-sunflower-atlanta.html" target="_blank">July 20, 2017</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cafesunflower.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #635e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Cafe Sunflower</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;">2140 Peachtree Road</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;">Atlanta, GA 30309</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;">(404) 352-8859</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;" />
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/atlanta/cafe-sunflower-brookwood-hills" style="background-color: white; color: #66cc66; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.87px;" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Cafe Sunflower, Brookwood Hills and other Restaurants in Atlanta"><img alt="Cafe Sunflower Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16895081/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 104px;" /></a>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741845827534474033.post-63710350164194929832018-05-23T07:30:00.000-04:002018-05-24T11:05:27.438-04:00Mayuri Indian, TallahasseeAcross the street from our hotel, we spied an Indian restaurant, <a href="http://mayuriindiantallahassee.com/6700" target="_blank">Mayuri Indian</a>, and our local friend told us it was one of just two Indian restaurants in this small town. So, we met him there for dinner one night.<br />
<br />
We had a fairly large party of five and it took them a little bit of time to prepare the table for us, but luckily we came early because it is a very small restaurant and apparently very popular.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5741845827534474033" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5741845827534474033" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5741845827534474033" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5741845827534474033" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Inside the red tablecloths were covered with a sheet of plexiglass, so it wasn't the classiest place. Also, amidst the pictures of India was a large screen television showing a game--not really my cup of tea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMuGitHYOPaeQbS-avAXWymb6Zk3SEvvmAuXUcoa-6pB6G4FUf4h0UVOnecTBGac1wd14d7k4o_upX3GvNiLtvxsOo4U6fzrE8DYntS43g5TXS94wQIKKyEx3mb7SMDwOWy07KxndFRM/s1600/IMG_0884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMuGitHYOPaeQbS-avAXWymb6Zk3SEvvmAuXUcoa-6pB6G4FUf4h0UVOnecTBGac1wd14d7k4o_upX3GvNiLtvxsOo4U6fzrE8DYntS43g5TXS94wQIKKyEx3mb7SMDwOWy07KxndFRM/s320/IMG_0884.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was pleased though when I opened the menu to find a section of vegan entrees. When I inquired about vegan appetizers, there were some, but the samosas that I wanted were not vegan so I just decided to forego the appetizer.<br />
<br />
For my entree, I went with the Mixed Vegetable Curry-- extra spicy. The curry was tasty and the vegetables (potatoes, peas, cauliflower, and green beans) were good. The rice, however, was not the typical seasoned rice you get in Indian restaurants. Instead, it was steamed rice, which really took away from the meal. And as that was all I ate, it's all I have to go on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5741845827534474033" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5741845827534474033" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5741845827534474033" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5741845827534474033" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqXc2a1XluEYlIRj9CbMIWK0gXDl0SL-ewUuiHqU1z8uJvbXgo6OMOH_bRUSAKh2qiZLpFLNlvnzbItRb6HJN1DERgIfC4dUOHnHzLxfI2sp_sCjueUlv8j30xDAsnPg_Ic_-t1pPUFE/s1600/IMG_0886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqXc2a1XluEYlIRj9CbMIWK0gXDl0SL-ewUuiHqU1z8uJvbXgo6OMOH_bRUSAKh2qiZLpFLNlvnzbItRb6HJN1DERgIfC4dUOHnHzLxfI2sp_sCjueUlv8j30xDAsnPg_Ic_-t1pPUFE/s320/IMG_0886.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The service was slow, the entire meal was only $10 so very cheap, and the food was so-so. This place would never survive in DC, but it's probably the best Indian Tallahassee has.<br />
<a href="http://mayuriindiantallahassee.com/6700" target="_blank"><br />
</a> <a href="http://mayuriindiantallahassee.com/6700" target="_blank">Mayuri Indian</a><br />
1108 S. Magnolia Drive<br />
Tallahassee, FL 32301<br />
(850) 402-9993<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/tallahassee-fl/mayuri-indian-restaurant-tallahassee" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Mayuri Indian Restaurant, Tallahassee and other Restaurants in Tallahassee"><img alt="Mayuri Indian Restaurant Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17659726/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12627792551973743746noreply@blogger.com0