CNN: After tornado, town rebuilds by going green

After tornado, town rebuilds by going green

Maybe after the next big earthquake L.A. will rebuild completely green! ; )

Earthlings documentary

Within my first month or so of moving to L.A. (in 2004) I was invited to my first screening by the woman I was interning for (the amazing Amy Janes). Amy told me I would like the film by her friend because I am vegan...and it stars the voice of Joaquin Phoenix (my vegan crush). We went up to the Hollywood Hills, where there was a party at a beautiful house, and I was thrilled about all the vegan snacks provided! And then everyone gathered in the screening room to watch Earthlings - within minutes the entire audience was bawling.

Earthlings is an incredibly moving documentary that I would recommend to everyone, vegan/vegetarian or not. It is an especially good film for vegetarians to show non-vegetarians if they are interested in learning about "humanity's absolute dependence on animals". This is the film that convinced me never to wear leather again, and I also think of it every-time I think of tuna. However, I'm not sure if I could handle watching it a second time, even after 4 years, because it is so emotionally draining (in fact I can't even make it through the trailer!).

Earthlings is a must-see film.

Cool vegan shoes for men

Thanks to @greenrideal (aka Ian) for Twittering/Tweeting (whatever it's called) about Macbeth Shoes - they are very good-looking eco-vegan shoes!

Vegan donut shops on the West Coast: video reviews

In light of all the drama surrounding Dee's Donuts in Los Angeles, I thought it was good timing to celebrate two wonderful donuts shops with excellent vegan options: Mighty O' in Seattle and Ronald's in Las Vegas.

Click on HD for the best quality

Buenatural vegetarian tamales: video review

I bought these at the Whole Foods in Venice.

Vegan discoveries this weekend

I had a great weekend showing my out-of-state dad all my favorite vegan places, and I discovered some new things.

- We had drinks at Windows Lounge at the Four Seasons, which was very pleasant. I was excited when they brought a trio of snacks, including the vegan Snapea Crisps (it's a small thing, but how many bars have free vegan snacks?!) I didn't touch the chips or nut mix because they looked suspiciously non-vegan. = )

- I finally went to Rahel's for the first time - it was very dark in there so I couldn't take a decent picture on my iPhone. We had the Millenium Special - very good and filling. I forgot to use the 15% coupon - bummer!

- We went to Le Pain Quotidien on Robertson and I had an AMAZING Matcha green tea latte. I can't stop thinking about it! They also had some new Vegan Ginger Green Tea muffins I wanted to try but didn't want to spoil my appetite for dinner at Vegan Glory (though they would have complimented my latte perfectly!)

- The next day we had breakfast (blueberry pancakes and a vegan benedict- yum!) at M Cafe on Melrose and their green tea latte was disappointing compared to Le Pain's.

- Mid-way through our tour of the Huntington Gardens, we stopped at the Chinese Garden Tea Shop to get snacks. We had some delicious hot tea (one jasmine, another oolong) and some inari sushi (wasn't very fresh, so it was mediocre).

- After my favorite burger and fries at Seed, we went to Urth Caffe where I had my third green tea latte of the weekend (they call it a Japanese latte) - this one was very good, probably tied with Le Pain's, plus they get extra points for the foam design!

C'est La V - vegan baked goods: video review

Sugar Donut Muffins recipe

I found this amazing recipe through C'est La Vegan (it's originally from bakingbites.com). I've got to try it one day!

Sheese - Smoked Cheddar Style vegan "cheese"

Seed Kitchen - 2 nights in a row

I had the pleasure of going to Seed Kitchen twice in a row this week with friends. On Wednesday I went with my favorites: Blackened Tempeh Burger with Sauerkraut and the Pommes Frites. However on Thursday I finally decided to try something a little different: the Mediterranean Burger, and it was great of course. Now I've had all the burgers and they're all so delicious it's always hard to choose. Instead of the fries last night, I went with my favorite green tea cupcake - yuuummmm.

My buddy Eric (the owner) was very excited about a great article about the restaurant in the L.A. Times - check it out.

Seed is my favorite vegan restaurant in town...maybe even my favorite vegan restaurant ever. = )

I love the vibe, the staff, the owners, and the food is so delicious. I always meet great people in there - my recent favorite is Jay the Venice Meat Eater, who eats at Seed to be healthy (Seed attracts a large amount of non-vegetarians)

Free tickets to Enlighten Up! tomorrow in Santa Monica!

If you are interested in seeing Enlighten Up! I can get you 2 free tickets for tomorrow night (Friday) at 7:20pm in Santa Monica. Email me/leave a comment ASAP - they're going fast!

Eco-vegan shoes at Payless

Payless has been a decent place to find cheap vegan shoes, and now they have an eco-friendly line. Not entirely sure how I feel about this, but it's a nice move.

Kombucha update

It's been 7 days since I started brewing the actual Kombucha tea (and 4 weeks since I started growing my own scoby). I noticed bubbles forming around the inside top of the jar, so it's starting to carbonate. I tasted it to check the progress and it still tastes pretty sweet - I hope by the end of the weekend it will be ready.

I'm a little worried because I haven't truly isolated the Kombucha jar. I keep it out of direct sunlight on my desk so I can keep an eye on it. However, I'm supposed to keep it left undisturbed and in total darkness...I'm just so curious! I also took off the cloth and moved it to take photos! I probably should have left it alone...I wonder if any of this will really effect the final outcome.

Photos coming soon - I've been documenting everything for the past month!

Also, my friend Hannah is a Kombucha expert and she has a great blog and Kombucha Kamp in Los Angeles. Check out the interviews with her below.

Happy Day Raw Foods - Vanilla Mouse

Happy Earth Day!

This day will certainly be information overload for me today, as everyone is talking about the environment. I am going to post all the interesting things I learn here, including Twitter highlights.

- CNN: Obama announces plan to lease federal waters for clean energy

- The Green Life is celebrating with discounts, raffles and planting a tree for every new visitor

- O! Burger - 15% off meals today

- "Veggie Grill is giving away free sweetheart (sweet potato) fries today"

- Twitter: @badbanana - "Sure enough, Al Gore came down the chimney last night and unplugged all of our appliances."

- CNN: "In honor of Earth Day 2009, Disney promised to plant a tree for each person who goes to see the movie [Earth] on its opening weekend."

- Twitter: @Odawalla - "Odwalla bottles (and caps) are fully recyclable and accepted in community curbside recycling programs!" "If you're beverage bottle has a <7> on the bottom, it hurts, not helps, your local community recycler. That's why we don't use those!"

- Twitter: @Gaim - "Motivated to green your lifestyle? Check out our collection of Earth-Day-inspired articles, videos and blogs" "To celebrate Earth Day, we are offering 20% off eco-friendly Gaiam best-sellers. Just use code EDEMC "

- Twitter: @yosoyliz - "@ecovegangal Do you know www.priscillawoolworth.com? its a cute little online ecoshop"

- Twitter: @molfamily - "Can recycling ruin a beautiful relationship?"

- Twitter: @ClimateTweeter - "Happy earth day....don't forget to brag that you are tweeting green and carbon neutral in 2009!"

Loose tea on 12seconds.tv

Golden Mean, take 2

Guest starring my friend Kelly Hennelly!

Veggie Pride Parade! (Los Angeles, Westside)

This sounds like a blast! It will go right past me in Venice, so I'll have to check it out, and maybe stop by at the end (around 2pm) to check out the festivities.

The best news is that C'est La V Bakeshop is going to be there! That's reason enough for me to go!

LA’S FIRST VEGGIE PRIDE PARADE
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 11 AM – 4 PM
Culver Events
11948 W. Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066

Vegetarians everywhere UNITE! Join LA’s first VEGGIE PRIDE PARADE and help make veggie history!

The festivities will begin at 11:00 am at Culver Events, where “veg heads” will register, enjoy a pre-march rally with veg entertainment and a special keynote speaker to rally the veg troups for our historic march. At noon we will begin a 5K walk through Venice with participants adorned with eye-catching costumes and thought provoking signs to educate people about the humane, environmental, and health benefits of a vegetarian diet.

After the march we will gather for a post-parade rally to celebrate the vegetarian lifestyle, with special guest presentations, music & veg entertainment, costume contest, and of course, a smorgasbord of vegan food from our area’s top veg restaurants.

So, come and get your veg on with inspiring guest speakers Karen Dawn, Rory Freedman, and other special guests. You’ll be able to explore great food and cruelty-free shopping with our Veggie Pride Parade Vendors!

CNN Latest News: "Animal activist on 'Most Wanted Terrorists' list"

This is a little embarrassing for vegans - it was the first article on CNN's online headlines this morning.

"The FBI announced Tuesday the addition of Daniel Andreas San Diego to the list...The "strict vegan," according to the FBI, is charged with bombing two corporate offices in California in 2003. The blasts caused extensive property damage but no deaths. Vegans eat no meat or any other food containing animal products."

Euphoria Loves Rawvolution

Wow. I just found an amazing write-up about my blog on Euphoria Loves Rawvolution's website. What wonderful, kind words! However, they must have written it when I was raw...oh well. I'm so flattered! I love that place.

"This is a blog by an environmentally conscious, vegan filmmaker in the LA area. Eco-Vegan Gal is down-to-earth in a way that we at ELR really dig. She gives the world a chance to connect with her unpretentious journey through, around and into the heart of an authentic raw food lifestyle"

CNN Latest News: "Vegetarian singer: Grilled meat better be human"

"Where else could you get Morrissey -- a well-known vegetarian -- complaining in the middle of his Friday set that the smell of burning animals was making him sick, and that he only hoped it was human? The Moz was referring to meat grilling in a food booth across the polo field."

Enlighten Up!

I've turned into a yogi and I'm really excited about this new documentary called Enlighten Up!
I'm going to try to see it this week.

RePEaT To-Go Ware Utensils Sweepstakes - thedailygreen.com

Complete Rules for the RePEaT To-Go Ware Utensils Sweepstakes - thedailygreen.com

And if you don't win a free set you can get 20% off until June through TreeHugger.

Angel City Derby Girl Fundraiser at Veggie Grill

I just got the following email, check it out:

On Monday May 4 the Angel City Derby Girls are having a fundraiser at Veggie Grill in El Segundo. All you have to do is eat healthy and delicious food. It couldn't be easier! From 2-10 on May 4, just mention "Angel City Derby Girls" when you order and 20% of your bill goes back to our league! Most places ask for a flier, but we are doing this fundraiser as GREEN as possible, so no flier! Just walk in and mention us to the cashier!

Veggie Grill is located inside the El Segundo Plaza at 720 Allied Plaza IN El Segundo.

In case you don't know who we are, Angel City Derby Girls is a skater owned and operated roller derby league based in El Segundo. We are members of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association and compete on a national level. Roller derby is an up and coming sport and has completely changed from the sport you saw on TV last century. Its a highly competitive, athletic, real sport that costs our skaters a lot of money to keep going.

On May 16 and 17 we are hosting a tournament featuring leagues from all over California at the Toyota Center, and this fundraiser will help us make it the biggest and best tournament roller derby has seen. Help us put Southern California roller derby on the map and stop by Veggie Grill Monday May 4 from 2-10.

For more information about what you've read here, please check out the following websites:

Veggie Grill: http://www.veggiegrill.com/
Angel City Derby Girls: http://www.angelcityderbygirls.com/
Women's Flat Track Derby Tournament Association: http://www.wftda.com/
The Big One Tournament: http://www.thebigonetournament.com/

Hope to see you there!
Love,
Angel City Derby Girls

CNN: "Obesity not eco-friendly, study says"

CNN: "Obesity not eco-friendly, study says"

Maybe I need to cut back on the donuts ; )

Las Vegan - wrap up

I had a great time in Las Vegas, and I'm really glad I did my research this time.

I arrived Friday night around 11pm and had a late meal at Chipotle, which was conveniently located next to the hotel (on the strip) and open at midnight. I'm shocked at their vegan options, and was worried the whole time that it wasn't, but apparently it's legitimate. The server was really helpful and kind about my dietary restrictions. I had a vegetarian burrito (no cheese of course) with all the veggies, guacamole, beans, and rice. I also had chips and guacamole, and I was very suspicious that the guac had dairy in it, but I guess not.

The next morning I eagerly drove to Ronald's Donuts and went crazy. There were 2 rows of vegan donuts (the last row was not vegan) and the owner was very helpful. Though the options were not as unique as Mighty O', Ronald's is much more traditional. My sister and I got a dozen donuts, including chocolate soy cream filled, raspberry filled, chocolate glazed, apple fritter, cinnamon roll, plain, sugar, some sort of fruit roll-up, and some sort of plain/chocolate twist.

I loved the donuts because they tasted so authentic: chewy & soft - I couldn't believe they were vegan.

Next stop was Sunrise Coffee Shop. I love that place. One of the owners, Juanny, served us and was so sweet. I had a special "Nutella" iced latte. Delicious. The whole place is organic and fair trade, with a ton of vegan options (including muffins and sandwiches), and everything was eco (corn cups and straws).

For dinner we went to Red Velvet Cafe. It wasn't quite what I was expecting - for some reason I thought it was all vegetarian and less casual. But the manager who served us was really helpful and kind, and gave us great recommendations. We shared the soy Cheddar Bacon fries, vegan Taco Salad and Buffalo Chicken wrap. And for dessert we got the signature Red Velvet cake - which knocked our socks off.

The next day I continued eating the donuts for breakfast and snacks (they were so good for the drive home!) For lunch/dinner we went to Komol Thai, which was excellent. It was hard to find at first, and looked vacant on the outside, but it was a diamond in the rough for sure. The inside is beautiful and there were a good amount of people inside. Our waiter, Dutch, was wonderful and told us that all the vegetarian options are vegan. We had thai teas, Mushroom Tom Kha soup, Fresh Spring Rolls with "Chicken", Pineapple Fried Rice, and Vegetarian Indian Curry. It was delicious, had original & authentic flavors, and we had leftovers for dinner.

What a great trip!

Homemade pizza with Cheezly & Rustic crust

I made a pizza tonight and although it was good, it wasn't great. I used my usual organic pizza sauce, black olives, and mushrooms. The mozzarella Cheezly melted really well, but it didn't have much of a taste. Rustic crust didn't either (even brushed with olive oil, spices, and garlic), so the entire pizza was a little boring. Its saving grace was the pineapple, which added a nice sweet taste here and there.

UPDATE: The pizza was much better the next day when I had it for lunch. I actually looked forward to eating it and now I want to make it again! Maybe I'll use Teese next time...

Multi-City Guide to Earth Day, from EcoSalon

Multi-City Guide to Earth Day, from EcoSalon

Better junk mail

As I went through the usual office junk mail, I came across an eco-friendly mailing from Lexus. Even though it was another unnecessary letter, I was quite impressed it because not only was it made from Mixed Sources, but the envelope was the letter! The letter was created to fold into a sealable envelope. So at the very least Lexus saved an envelope in a very creative way...but I'm still going to request to be taken off their mailing list!

Eco Taxes

It's April 15th. Taxes are due.

Luckily I did mine a few days ago, via eFile, and now I'm kicking myself for not blogging about it.

If you haven't filed yet, definitely consider eFiling. Go to your state government site and look for eFile links (Californians can use Ready Return or Calfile). I did my federal filing through TurboTaxe's free eFile (since I do 1040EZ). Turbo Tax makes it really simple, so it's worth paying for if you don't do 1040EZ.

Now I just need to figure out how to stop receiving the tax forms/booklets through the mail...

Amazon's Earth Day page

Amazon has a great page for Earth Day, full of eco-friendly products (with special savings all month) and advice.

Big Sunday in Los Angeles: volunteer opportunities

I'm thinking about volunteering on Big Sunday weekend in Los Angeles - May 2 & 3. They have lots of specifically green projects going on around the city. Check it out and find something to do - maybe I'll see you there!

Las Vegan

"Being a vegan in Las Vegas is like being coconut-intolerant on Gilligan's Island"

All I can say is, you've got to be kidding me, and why didn't anyone ever tell me there were vegan donuts in Vegas?!!

After going through withdrawal from Mighty O' in Seattle, knowing that another vegan donut shop awaits me this weekend is the best news I've heard all day! (I know, I sound like a total pig, but if you're vegan you probably understand).

Thank you to Vegyogini & Andreanna who told me about Ronald's Donuts. I heard about the soy cream donut - yum! I really wish they had a website with a menu, but I guess a surprise awaits me...although I read that they use sugar that has been bone charred. = (

And thank you Andreanna for telling me about Red Velvet Cafe - I can't wait to try that place!

Vegyogini suggested I try Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay, because of their Vegas Vegan sandwich.

While researching online I found this great vegetarian in Vegas guide.

This site from VegGuide is great too

Although Thai vegan is too popular in L.A., it's always a tasty option, so Komol might be a good place to check out because they have a huge vegetarian/vegan menu.

Ghandi Indian restaurant sounds ok, but it got pretty bad reviews on Yelp.

Another Indian option is Samosa Factory.

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop apparently has veggie meats for subs.

Cottage Cafe is an ethiopian restaurant with vegetarian options.

Veggie Delight sounds OK (it's an Asian restaurant).

Rainbow's End Natural Foods might be worth a trip too.

Of course most of these places aren't on the Strip, but at least I have a lot of options within 3-10 miles!

UPDATE:

Here's a good post from Vegan-LA, from when Lex went to Vegas

Himalayan Cuisine - has a vegan sampler

Lex raved about Red 8 at the Wynn (Chinese) - "sub Tofu in most of the dishes, but have steamed buns, curry, veggie dishes that are vegan from the get go"; "Pineapple Mojito"; "Kung Pao Tofu"

Vosges is a Vegan-friendly chocolate shop?!

Sunrise Coffee sounds like a great place to check out because it's organic and vegan-friendly.

Looks like I'm going to have a busy weekend...!

Vegan "Doritos"

I just had some really good corn chips, that tasted so much like Doritos I wasn't convinced they were vegan. You must try Garden of Eatin "Red Hot Blues." They're really not red hot - they taste a little spicy and sweet.

I know Doritos has a somewhat new product called Spicy Sweet Chili that are vegan, but I haven't tried them (they sound like they would taste the same as Red Hot Blues). At least Garden of Eatin is partially organic and does not contain MSG.

Vegas advice

Going to Vegas this weekend. I've been there twice before and easily found vegan options, and even a Raw restaurant outside of town (Go Raw Cafe). What restaurants do you recommend?

I went to Long Life Vegetarian and it was decent enough to go back. Not positive it's still open, since last time my sister and I were the only customers inside...

Think vegans are skinny whimps? Think twice

Found this website through my friend on Twitter.

Vegan bodybuilding

Twitter

Ok. I finally decided to commit to Twitter. I opened an account months ago and never used it. But today I started a one specifically for eco-vegan stuff, so hopefully I will use it. I at least need to figure out how it all works, especially since I'm a computer nerd!

Follow me: @ecovegangal

Sureshot cafe - Seattle: yummy vegan scone

I just ate my strawberry-peach vegan scone that I bought on Saturday from Sureshot cafe, and it still tasted fresh and delicious...never-mind that it was so greasy that it soaked the brown bag it was in. Sorry, I forgot to take a picture because I was too excited to eat it! It was a good size, with icing, and strawberry-peach filling.

Sureshot is a little cafe in the University district. I went in because it had a big sign bragging about all its vegan pastries.

Kombucha update

When I got home from Seattle I was excited to check up on my scoby (or, as I like to refer to it, my little jellyfish baby). I was thrilled to see that it has grown and became thicker! I think I'm about to ready to start the kombucha process, as it's been almost 3 weeks of growing the scoby. It's not as thick as some are in photos, but I think that's ok because it was home grown. 

I can't get over the fact that I grew it from a tiny, quarter size piece from High Country kombucha!

I've been taking pictures everyday to track the growth, and I will post those soon.

I learned today (through the internet) to keep an eye out for mold - luckily mine has none. I also discovered some pictures of scobys that look similar to mine - thin and with little dark strands. I'm excited to discover I'm doing it correctly!

Hillside Sandwich Shop - Seattle

Wow - Hillside Quickie's Sandwich Shop was great.. I haven't had a gyro since I went vegetarian 6 years ago, and this one was amazing. I subbed the potato side for mac and yease and it was very yummy too.

Stay tuned for the video review!

Gota counter-top dishwasher

I just read this article on Re-Nest about the Gota dishwasher - and I want one sooo bad! I can't find any info about where to buy it or how much it costs though... That is perfect for someone who lives alone. I always feel so guilty washing my dishes by hand, and I never want to do them anyways because I'm lazy!

Mighty O Donuts - Seattle

Mighty O was amazing. I'm bringing back 6 donuts to LA! I'm so mad LA doesn't have an organic, vegan donut shop...or pizza place. Maybe I'll have to open my own....

UPDATE: They survived the plane ride back to L.A., even after being in my bag for about 6 hours (leaving for the airport until getting home). Then, I froze them and they actually tasted good the next morning, even before defrosting them! And lastly, I put a frozen donut in the microwave for 30 seconds and it was very tasty. Definitely not as good as fresh in the morning, but better than no vegan donut at all!

Wayward Cafe - Seattle

Yum! The cheezy tofu scramble at Wayward Cafe is excellent - very different flavor. Even the toast is amazing!

I asked for kids portions of the pancakes and bisket so I could try more items from the menu!

The silver dollar pancakes are fluffy, light, and slightly sweet.

The biscuit and gravy is savory, with mushrooms. The biscuit has herbs in it, giving it great flavor. The gravy is great - not too thick, but packed with authentic gravy flavor.

Stay tuned for the video review!

Pizza Pi in Seattle = Best vegan pizza ever!

Loving Seattle already since Pizza Pi is in walking distance from my friend's apt and their Garlic Sauce Pizza is out of this world amazing!

Why can't L.A. have it too? (I'm sorry Lex, but Purgatory Pizza is nowhere near as good. Even though they use the same Teese cheese, the flavors at Pizza Pi are so much better and more creative)

UPDATE: I went again the following night and had the Thai Chicken pizza - sooooo good!

Stay tuned for the video review!

Seattle - Vegan recommendations?

I'm going to Seattle tomorrow for 3 days - got any great vegan recommendations?

There is a wonderful site full of info about vegan options in Seattle - there are a ton!

THANK YOU LEX! For showing me a picture of vegan donuts in Seattle! I seriously want to cry that place looks so good - vegan donuts are so rare, and that place is a mile from where I'm staying!

I saw Quarry Girl's post on Seattle too - I love you guys!

Golden Mean: restaurant video review

Click on "HQ" for best quality

Golden Mean: new vegan cafe in Santa Monica, part 2

I just got back from an amazing meal at Golden Mean's grand opening. My friend Nik and I shared the cornmeal pesto pizza, the Vegan "Chicken" Pesto Panini, and a delicious chocolate cream cupcake. The cupcake was easily one of the best I've had in town, and I've had a lot of cupcakes!

Aaron, the owner, is such a wonderful person. He explained how he made the walls by combining clay and crystals, to infuse the cafe with energy. All of the furniture and plates are made from bamboo. The upstairs is a zen area with pillows and books. The staff is amazing, and the chef (Brit) is very humble about her delicious food. Definitely check it out, and stay tuned for my video review!

Golden Mean

Wilshire & 11th

(they don't have a website yet)

9am - 3pm (temporary hours)

Click on the menu to enlarge it:

Empire State Building going green

CNN: Empire State Building going green

The conservation measures at the Empire State building include:

• Filling the existing windows with an energy saving gas and adding an additional plastic pane.
• Upgrading the building's cooling system.
• Using computerized "smart" energy management technology that can adjust temperatures floor by floor.
• Provide tenants with detailed energy use in their space.
• Shut off lights in unused areas.

Much of the interior lighting is also being replaced with more efficient fluorescent bulbs. The famous spire lights, which change color throughout the year in accordance with different holidays and events, are not getting an upgrade. But engineers on the project said the spire may get ultra-efficient LED lighting when the price for that technology drops enough, perhaps by 2013.

CoOp 10%-off day for members!

If you're a member of the Santa Monica CoOp don't forget about Big 10 Tuesday tomorrow (April 7th)! Owners save 10% off their purchase, and there's no limit (usually there's a $10 limit on saving days). This savings day is only happening tomorrow, so make sure to go.

And if you're not a member, this is a great time to join - here's a list of benefits.

Product Spotlight: Eco-Planet Cookies

Yesterday one of the Whole Foods in Santa Monica had samples of vegan cookies. I tried them and immediately bought them without a second thought. They are soooo good!

Eco-Planet vanilla organic cookies look like animal crackers but have a ton of flavor and are not too sweet. And I love them because not only are they vegan, but because the box promotes being eco-friendly! They are produced from 100% wind power, and the packaging is made from 100% recycled paperboard and soy-based ink.

Golden Mean: new vegan cafe in Santa Monica

Last night my vegan friend Nik and I were on our way to RFD for dessert when I realized that there was a new vegan cafe opening in Santa Monica that I wanted to check out. We swung by and saw it full of people, so we went inside. The display case was a little empty, but there were a few good looking desserts. Right after we ordered a chocolate cookie and a lemon bundt cake, the owner (Aaron) approached us and explained that they weren't actually open yet and were just having a private party! So, we accidentally crashed the party, but Aaron gave us the desserts on the house and invited us back for the grand opening tomorrow (Tuesday the 7th). The desserts were pretty good - no wow factor, but good enough for me to check it out again, and I'm always glad to have a new vegan place on the Westside! The staff was super friendly and the atmosphere reminds me of RFD - cozy and 2 stories. In fact, a former RFD employee now works at Golden Mean.

Golden Mean: Grand Opening - Tuesday, April 7th - 9am - 3pm.

Wilshire Blvd & 11th (across the street from El Cholo)

I can't find a website for them, so I don't know their exact address or telephone number.

In case you were curious about what the heck "Golden Mean" means, here's Wikipedia's explanation.

Free Glass Straw - came in the mail today

My "free" glass straw from Glass Dharma came in the mail today - that was fast! (I ordered it Wednesday afternoon) So much for everyone's April Fool's suspicions!

I can't wait to put it to use!

I love how it was shipped in a small jewelry box - so many companies mail small items in big boxes. Thanks Glass Dharma.

FREE GLASS STRAW!

I'm a huge fan of Glass Dharma's glass straws and today they're giving away free straws. Go to their website for more info, but hurry -it's for today only! (Technically they're not free - you have to pay $3 for shipping, but you save the $7 cost of the straw)

The best part about these straws is that they have a life guarantee! "If, for any reason, your GlassDharma Drinking Straw breaks, you may return the broken straw for repair or replacement. If we cannot restore it to its original condition, we will gladley replace it."

I also plan to buy one of the cool bamboo cases so I can carry my straw around in my bag all the time!