Screening of A Chemical Reaction (Giveaway!)

I went to the screening of A Chemical Reaction today and was really inspired by it. Though the movie was low budget (came out of the filmmakers' pockets), that was easily overlooked because of the strong story and message.

I encourage you to see the movie (check out my giveaway of the movie below!), so I won't ruin the plot, but here are some of my notes:

• One of the main messages of the movie is that people, particularly Americans, don't really think for ourselves. We often do things without thought, especially if most people around us are doing it, or we grew up watching our families do it. This is very in-line with how I feel about eating habits, but this also applies to the products we use outside of our homes. A Chemical Reaction is about pesticides, which is not something I've really given much thought to, despite the fact that I am so careful about what I put in, on, or around my body at home.
• Pesticides contain the same chemicals used to make bombs, and yet we spray them on the same grass that we/our children/our pets run on barefoot. They describe it best in the film, "we're living in a soup of chemicals". These chemicals are also linked to disorders like ADHD, Parkinsons, and Autism.
• Many people are very attached to their lawns and making them look perfect, but who for -us or our neighbors? Lawns not only require pesticides to be weed free, but lots of water to keep them green - neither are eco-friendly. What we need to do is redefine the American Dream, and in this case that means letting go of the attachment we have to perfect lawns. Instead, why don't we try growing lawns organically, or not having a lawn at all? In California for example, residents are encouraged to give up their lawns and instead grow plants that don't require a lot of water or maintenance.
• Another big question raised in the movie is about the source of information and who we trust. This really made me think, especially since I live such an unconventional lifestyle - so where do I get my facts from? Personally, I get information from people I trust, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's true. A Chemical Reaction implies that a lot of information is biased and/or corrupt, especially when money is involved. Ultimately, what we decide comes down to how it makes us feel, both emotionally and physically. But we also need to stop lying to ourselves about supporting things that we sense are bad, simply because we're afraid to go against the grain or make a change. As June Irwin says in the movie, "if you let it happen you're part of the problem."
• The movie mentions a term I haven't heard of, called The Precautionary Principle. Check out Wikipedia for a longer definition, but in summary: if an action or policy has suspected risk of causing harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of a scientific consensus that harm would not ensue, the burden of proof falls on those who would advocate taking the action...The principle implies that there is a responsibility to intervene and protect the public from exposure to harm. This is a great point, because it seems that a major reason people don't take action for the environment or health is because we don't have enough "proof" that we need to - this is basically just an excuse to take a back seat.
• Towards the end of the movie, someone (Paul Tukey?) says, "chemicals should not be innocent until proven guilty."

What can you do?

• There are some great resources on the affiliated SafeLawns website on how to have a natural lawn.
• It was mentioned post-screening that the E.P.A. is accepting comments on spray drift and ingredient disclosure - please check out the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances to let your voice be heard.
• Check out Pesticide Watch, a program that helps citizen groups across California develop sustainable solutions for dealing with pests, instead of using toxic pesticides
• This movie was sponsored by Seventh Generation and Firebelly Lawncare (organic)
• Check out my giveaway of the movie below for your chance to win it!

Movie giveaway:

After the screening they did a raffle and I won a copy of the movie, and since I've already seen it I'd like to offer it to one of my lucky readers. : )

• You must live in the United States
• You must follow each of the rules and keep your answers in one comment.
• You must provide your email address. If you don't want to post it publicly, please send me an email.
• **If you want to use this copy to show at a public screening, you must contact the filmmakers first, due to liability reasons**

1. Comment below and explain why this post inspired you to see the movie. Please let me know if you read about it anywhere else.
2. In the same comment, answer: do you have a lawn? If so, do you use chemicals? Why would this movie help you change your ways, or the ways of your loved ones? Why does it matter?
3. Follow ChemReact on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook - note that you did in your comment
4. Follow EcoVegan Gal on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, and subscribe to the FeedBurner email (top right column) - note that you did in your comment

Eat Pastry cookie dough: yum in a tub

The video literally speaks for itself, but the bottom line is that I love Eat Pastry cookie dough. It's one of the rare instances when you can judge a book by it's cover, because you can tell from the packaging that it's going to be delicious. Meeting Jessie, the co-owner and chef, sealed the deal, and I fell in love with the company.

Favorite flavor: Chocoholic (tastes like a brownie and a cookie got married!)

Organic: partially

Fair Trade: sugar is

Healthy: healthier, no preservatives, no GMOs

Eco-friendly: besides being vegan, not really. It's made from plastic #5, which is hard to recycle, but you can definitely reuse it.

Check out the website to find out where you can buy it, and to view cute descriptions of each flavor.

More opinions:

• VegNews : This Week's Must-Have Vegan Cookie Dough
• eat pastry vegan cookie dough | quarrygirl.com
• vegansaurus! · San Francisco Vegan Guide, IT'S AWESOME. - Product ...

Vegan Drinks at The Waffle

Tonight I went to Vegan Drinks at The Waffle in Hollywood, and I had a blast. Though my first Vegan Drinks (at Pizza Fusion) was fun, this was better because I stayed longer, it was at night, and a ton of my friends were there (Christy Morgan, Lindsey Packer, Lex, Robert Cheeke, Carolyn Scott, Prabhat Gautam, Billy Hulting, to name a few)

The Waffle is semi-vegan friendly, but less so then they advertise. Though their menu claims several items are vegan, be careful to double check. Their soy cheeses are not vegan (though the staff is super confused about this) and their fries are cooked in the same oil as meat. So make sure to double, if not triple, check everything. Their prices are also quite high, but I really enjoyed what I got. The $12 reuben was tasty, even though it was pretty basic. The $6.50 chocolate milkshake was really good - thick and malty.

Please try to make it to the next Vegan Drinks - you'll have a great time!

"Love, Sanae" Book Signing at Mystic Journey Bookstore

My friend Sanae Suzuki (married to chef Eric of Seed) had a signing for her new book "Love, Sanae" and spoke tonight at Mystic Journey Bookstore in Venice. It was fantastic: intimate and informative. I highly recommend you go to one of her upcoming signings (click here for details).

Sanae spoke about the healing effects of the macrobiotic diet, and here are some of my notes:

• Sanae, originally from Japan, used to love junk food, especially soda. She would literally pour Coke on white rice!
• She developed ovarian cancer when she was living in the United States, and turned to natural healing because she couldn't afford to go to a doctor. Through the macrobiotic diet she healed herself.
• Later down the road, Sanae started teaching macrobiotic classes, but people weren't impressed with the flavors - that's when her husband Eric stepped in, and the rest is history (just go to Seed to see how fantastic macrobiotic food can taste!)

• Sanae pointed out that Americans tend to overdue things when they believe that they are good for us. But like most things in life, there has to be a balance, so we should eat a varied diet. Food is incredibly complex and it's effect depends on what kind it is, and how it is prepared.
• The macrobiotic diet is very focused on eating foods based on the season and where you live in the world. Choose food just as you decide what clothing to wear - based on the weather/season.
• Macrobiotic is a Greek word that translates into "large life technique"
• There is a connection between food and feeling good. Sanae's main advice is to give healthy eating a chance and see how you feel, as each body is unique. She recommends trying a new diet for a full year, to experience it through each season. However, in order to avoid feeling overwhelmed, take baby steps and allow yourself to learn as you go.

• "Love, Sanae" features real photos of food made by Sanae, without the use of special lighting or photography tricks - she said she ate it as soon as she was done shooting! The book was also self-published, so it really comes straight from her heart.
• It features not only recipes, but a lot of great tips on how food can heal. There's even a "healthy checklist" with tips such as, making your own retreat one week a year, the benefits of sitting while eating, and the advantages of remedy drinks.

I left the talk craving macrobiotic food, especially miso soup and barely tea - if only Seed had still been open afterwards! Maybe tomorrow... ; )

A Chemical Reaction: movie

A Chemical Reaction is screening across the country, and will be in Los Angeles this Sunday afternoon. I'm going to try to make it.

A documentary movie that tells the story of one of the most powerful and effective community initiatives in the history of North America. It started with one lone voice in 1984. Dr. June Irwin, a dermatologist, noticed a connection between her patients’ health conditions and their exposure to chemical pesticides and herbicides. With relentless persistence she brought her concerns to town meetings to warn her fellow citizens that the chemicals they were putting on their lawns posed severe health risks and had unknown side effects on the environment.

Tukey and Rhys and numerous other members of the California environmental and health community will be on hand for the screening and a panel discussion. To reserve a seat at the screening, contact Brett Plymale at brett@pfzmedia.com.

TICKETS: By donation only ($10 suggested).

February 28th at 1 p.m. at the New Beverly Cinema

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Dry Bar - an almost green blow dry salon

Last night I went to the grand opening party for Dry Bar - an almost green blow dry salon in Brentwood. I say "almost green" because it has some eco aspects, but that's not really the mission. However, the party was co-hosted by my eco buddy Tracy Hepler of Your Daily Thread, so I had to go to support her. Ran into my friends Siel (Green LA Girl) and Erin (Chill Out LA), and made a new friend named Stacey (owner of Green Line Beauty). Natural beauty Josie Maran was there too. I was also happy to see Large Marge Sustainables there - love her food!

So what is eco about Dry Bar?

• Some green products like Eco Awesome by Love Peace And Planet (not vegan though)
• Mrs. Meyer's products in the bathroom
• CFL's in lighting fixtures

I'll see if I can find out any more details about how they're eco-friendly. It seems like a cool place - I may try it out since I have a free coupon. It is very trendy and "Brentwood" - lots of fashionable, beautiful women. I liked the space a lot, it's in a good part of town (near Coral Tree Cafe), but I hesitate to go back since their products don't seem to be vegan.

And what exactly is a "dry bar"? The salon only does blow outs and stylings, no cuts or colors

From Dry Bar

310-442-6084

11677 San Vicente Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90049

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Vegan options at Venice Farmer's Market

I've been going to the Venice Farmer's Market off and on since I've been living in Venice the past 3 years, however I don't go often because it's on Friday morning/early afternoon and I'm lazy. I value it because it is small and not too crowded, therefore relaxing. I was up running errands this morning so I decided to go.

I did my usual circle around the market to check out all the stands before I bought anything. I noticed that they're now covering most of the fruits with fly netting or plastic cases, which is nice.

I also discovered a new chocolate stand: ChocoVivo, which advertised "fresh stone ground chocolate". I was excited to discover that they sell mainly vegan chocolate, including hot chocolate - yum! I didn't try any, but I'll have to do so next time. She also sells at Akasha.

I picked up a bag of pretzel bread ($4.50) from The Bread Man - very fresh. Rockenwagner has pretzel bread as well, but it has margarine in it.

My most exciting purchase was from Dave's Gourmet Korean Food. I have seen the stand before and knew they were vegan, but I never tried it. This time I tried a sample and I was hooked. I bought some Tempha ($5) and Olive & Pear dressing ($7) - this stuff is like crack. In fact, I hesitate to mention it because I'm afraid you'll go there, buy some, become addicted, and blame me. When I bought it the women next to me said she literally spends $100 there every week, and I believed her when I saw the owner give her a bag full of items without asking what she wanted.

Vegan restaurants are closing?!

It is a shame that so many vegan businesses have been closing in L.A. recently. What can we do to prevent this? Please share your thoughts below.

R.I.P.:

• Cafe Flourish - last day of business on March 5, 2010
• Leaf Cuisine - closed on February 13, 2010
• Casa de Tree - closed on January 16, 2010
• Friedel Caribbean Cuisine - closed early 2010
• Taste of Life - closed in October 2009 (though you can still find their products in stores)
• Doomies - closed in February 2009
• Jax - closed June 2008

Californians - your help is needed!

If you're looking for ways to help the environment in California, please take action and/or consider making a small donation. Here's some reasons why you should (excerpts from emails I received from Environment California and Californians Against Waste):

• there's patch of garbage floating in the Pacific that's twice the size of Texas, containing 100 million tons of cups, containers, bags and other plastic junk
• plastic pollution is littering our beaches and killing ocean wildlife
• California is working on a statewide ban on single-use Styrofoam take-out containers because nothing that we use for 5 minutes should be allowed to pollute our ocean for 500 years (LOVE THIS!). Styrofoam is notoriously difficult and expensive to recycle - less than 1 percent of it is ever recycled.

Environment California is asking Californians to take action, persuade more cities and towns to ban take-out Styrofoam, build support for a statewide ban, and stem the flow of plastic pollution into the Pacific. If you're interested in donating, click here.

Californians Against Waste:

• The Bottle Bill Fix, AB 7, just passed the Assembly and now heads to the Governor's Desk. AB 7 will immediately restore roughly $15 million per month in core recyling funding under California's successful Bottle Bill. Funding was cut last July forcing the closure of hundreds of centers and the loss of several hundred 'green jobs'. If signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger, AB 7 will immediately restore funding and prevent millions in further cuts to recyclers, local governments, conservation corps and other core components of California's successful Bottle Bill.

TAKE ACTION: Tell Governor Schwarzenegger to Sign AB 7 into Law!

Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to CAW.

EcoTuesday at The Afford Eco House

I finally made it to an EcoTuesday event and it was incredible - one of the best eco events I've been to. I met some outstanding people and really enjoyed the energy of the group. Most importantly, everyone introduced themselves and gave a quick summary of what they do, so I really got a sense of each person there.

Here's a break down of the people I spoke with:

• Jennifer Gooding, the Los Angeles Ambassador, did an amazing job putting this event together. She is in PR and "almost vegan" - you can read her bio here.
• Dorit, Founder and COO of the Green Lifestyle Film Festival, gave a very powerful speech about how the outer environment is a reflection of our inner environment. She believes that we can't rescue the earth until we rescue ourselves. She is also a raw food vegan.
• Food was made by Large Marge Sustainables and it was delicious and mostly vegan - my friend asked her if she put crack in one of items because we couldn't stop eating it!
• I was thrilled to meet Mark Machuszek, a partner and the eco-mind behind Urth Caffe. I adore Urth and so I couldn't stop talking to him! We're planning to do a video of their downtown location soon.
• I was thrilled to see my buddy Ken Spector there - he runs Living ECHO
• Though I didn't speak with them, I really enjoyed hearing about Tatjana and her husband Mark, who own the Afford Eco/Tivoli House and company it's named after. Afford Eco makes "compostable and biodegradable tableware & to-go food service containers made from Sugarcane & Cornstarch"
• I briefly met Esti Miller, an attorney who told me how she was advised to go vegan while she was pregnant in order to have a pain-free birth - and it worked!

Of course there were lots of other people there that I didn't speak with, but hopefully I will at the next event!

Vegan options in Toronto

Someone asked me today about where to get vegan food in Toronto, so I reached out to my Twitter community and this is what they recommend:

Restaurants:

• Fresh
• Fressen
• King's Cafe
• Sadie's Diner and Juice Bar
• Udupi Palace
• Urban Herbivore

Markets:

• Ambrosia Natural Foods
• The Big Carrot
• Kensington Market
• St. Lawerence Market

Here's Happy Cow's list and a really cool vegetarian resource for Canada called Veg.ca

If you have any more to add, please comment below.

Avatar: The Environmental Message - James Cameron at NRDC fundraiser

Tonight I had the exciting opportunity to attend the NRDC fundraiser featuring James Cameron and his movie Avatar. Although I knew that there were environmental messages in the movie, they didn't really sink in until I heard him speak. He showed 40 minutes of clips from Avatar at Fox Studios (in 3D!) and I had an entirely different emotional reaction then when I saw it in the theater. (It certainly helped that Cameron was sitting just a few rows in front of me!) The first time I saw the movie I was focused on the incredible special effects and the story, and was very impressed by them. This time, after hearing Cameron give a summary of the environmental message prior to the clips, it all became clear and I got chills. In fact, some scenes were very uncomfortable to watch the second time around (spoiler alert: when the magnificent tree falls down).

I was quite moved by what Cameron had to say, so here are my notes:

• The environmental message was fully intentional and was one of the main reasons he made the film. He felt that in order to reach a global audience he had to make the movie in the "guise of entertainment", as opposed to the smaller audiences his documentaries attracted. He knows that creating an emotional reaction - eliciting "moral outrage" by taping into our "instincts at a primal level" - is the best way to get people to pay attention to an important matter, instead of "teaching or preaching". He felt that it was his duty to use the film for good. He wants people who see this movie to "see ourselves as nature sees us", and stated that the Na'vi are "an aspect of human nature", as are the antagonists: "good destroys evil in the film, and that gives us a sense of hope."
• He realized during the making of Avatar that "nature's imagination was better than that of the greatest visual artists on the planet" - no matter how inventive they thought they were while designing the scenery, they could always find similar examples that already existed in nature.
• One of the most fascinating parts was when Cameron spoke about his passion for being under water, and how that translated into the film. He pointed out how many of the plants, creatures, and colors are similar to what is at the bottom of the ocean. He conveyed the magical feeling of discovery and exploration he's experienced during dives.
• He had a lot to say about how the world is handling the environmental mess we're in: "we take what we need and we ignore the consequences, but we can't longer ignore the consequences anymore". We can't continue doing "business as usual", even though change is overwhelming. He said, "when people have the information, it scares them" and "we, collectively as a society, live in denial". We need to realize that our actions have repercussions and everything we do makes a difference, for good or for bad.
• Cameron closed the talk by saying that in order to make a change it will take "technology and social rearrangement".

Though I didn't go up to talk to him, I was happy to see that Cameron stayed for the entire reception to speak to the guests. I left with a lot of respect for him and will be rooting for Avatar during the Academy Awards!

If you haven't seen Avatar yet, make sure to see it in 3D (and iMax) before it leaves theaters! A few days ago I told a friend I didn't think I could see it again, but now I've changed my mind. ; )

When Cameron was done talking, NRDC president Frances Beinecke showed this great video they put together featuring great celebrity appearances like Leonardo DiCaprio.

Giveaways: Dinner at Seed Kitchen, and copy of "Love, Sanae"

Winners: Jennifer and Archie

You should know by now that I love Seed Kitchen, And since I love you too I want to give you an opportunity to discover why Seed is so amazing!

Therefore, I'm offering two giveaways:

1. The first is in honor of Sanae Suzuki, a woman that I discover to be more amazing each time I speak with her. She has lived an incredible life and shares her journey of love and healing in her recent book "Love, Sanae", which is also a vegan macrobiotic cookbook. I'm sure that when you read this you will also fall in love with Sanae. (check out her upcoming events here)
2. I also love Eric Lechasseur, Sanae's husband and the masterful mind behind Seed Kitchen's fantastic food. I continue to stand by my statement that they have the best vegan burgers I've ever had, especially the new Seitan Sirloin Burger (check out my review here). Here's an opportunity to try their food: enter to win dinner for two at the restaurant in Venice.

Green tips from Crossroads Trading Co.

These days I buy most of my clothes from consignment shops. This is eco-friendly (reusing clothes others don't want) and inexpensive. One of my favorite places in L.A. is Crossroads Trading Co. They have multiple locations, but I usually go to the one in Santa Monica. Last weekend I found a really cute t-shirt (which you'll eventually see in one of my videos), and I've often found great dresses there too. You can also recycle clothes you don't like there, and either get cash back or credit towards a purchase at the shop - they're picky, so make sure the clothes are in-style, clean, and in good shape.

I was thrilled to see this poster on their wall with green tips. It's not a clear photo, so here they are:

1. Support your local library instead of buying books
2. Unplug your cell charger from the wall when you're not using it
3. Switch to electronic banking and online credit card payments
4. Do full loads of laundry & set the washer to use cold water
5. Share a magazine subscription with a friend
6. Carry a reusable tote and just say "no" to paper or plastic
7. Get a reusable water bottle or coffee mug
8. Use non-toxic cleaner made from everyday household ingredients
9. Car pool or use car shares
10. Shop at Crossroads where you can get greener while saving or earning cash year round!

Forks Over Knives

Forks Over Knives looks wonderful, and is described as "The Inconvenient Truth about nutrition and disease prevention". Check out the trailer and make sure to see it this summer when it comes out!

The feature film Forks Over Knives examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods.

RakSa: interview with founder and review of cafe

I had a wonderful time at RakSa wellness center in Culver City. I initially went to support Luscious Organic Desserts, but once I met Apinya, the founder, I fell in the love with the entire place. Her mission is clear - to give people a chance to find their inner selves. RakSa is almost entirely eco-friendly, and the cafe is mostly vegan. I really look forward to going back and doing yoga there.

I enjoyed:

• Butternut & Roasted Vegetable Soup
• Cold Soba Noodles
• Roasted Vegetables
• Brocolli with Roasted Garlic
• Beets & Fennel
• Dosha "Air" bar
• Green tea

Taste: 7/10

Unique menu & flavors: no, except for the Dosha

My favorite dish: Cold Soba Noodles

Organic: yes

Fair-trade: I believe the tea is

Local: whenever available

Healthy: yes

Eco-Friendly: yes

Portion Sizes: medium

Price: Inexpensive

Customer service: very attentive and nice

Atmosphere: relaxing, peaceful, quiet

Location: great part of Culver City, close to freeways

Parking: some in back, or on street

I apologize that parts of the interview go out of focus - so much for auto focus!

310.559.7200

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Compassion Over Killing Valentine's Day Party

Featuring:

• Compassion Over Killing
• CobblerMania
• da Vinci's Delight
• Fakery Bakery

LA Street Food Fest: video

The LA Street Food Fest was fun, but incredibly crowded. I arrived around 2:30pm and the traffic was horrible. Luckily I found street parking a few blocks away. As I walked up to the venue, people who were walking by said it was closed and to turn around. It wasn't closed, but the wait to get in was around the block. Fortunately I was covering it, so I was able to skip the line. However, the crowds inside were just as bad - there was a long line at every truck. Therefore, I was unable to eat anything, though I did have some beer from New Belgium (my favorite).

The video features:

• The Sweets Truck
• Kabob n Roll
• Del's Lemonade
• Fry Smith
• Get Shaved

Pork MATCH Rosemary Citrus Tenderloin: video recipe

Another video recipe featuring MATCH meat! This is one of my favorites, since it's not something you'll usually find on restaurant menus. This recipe is also very simple and relatively quick.

Other video recipes using MATCH:

• The Conscious Cook - Paella w/ MATCH Sausage
• MATCH Meat vegan crab cakes

The Super Bowl goes green!

Ok, not entirely.

I watched some of the Super Bowl ads (wasn't too impressed), but this one is definitely worth sharing. Kinda makes me want to get an Audi - good marketing! ; )

Audi: Green Police

Organic vegan desserts at new Culver City healing arts center

One of my favorite dessert companies, Luscious Organic Desserts, will be selling their products, STARTING TOMORROW, at a new eco-friendly healing arts center (Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi) in Culver City. This is great news because this is one of the only places in L.A. you can get their desserts, as they're based in The O.C.. They will start by selling their cupcakes, and potentially more products like breakfast items in the future. Therefore, Luscious needs your support - go and check them out ASAP! And while you're at it, try out some free classes & services!

RakSa is open:

• 7 am – 8 pm, Tuesday – Saturday
• 8 am – 6 pm, Sunday

I'm also very excited about RakSa because they are eco-friendly. Here's what is written on their website:

The health of our community and the health of our environment go hand in hand. We consider you and the environment in all that we do. Our space was designed using sustainable materials free of harmful chemicals and toxins, including bamboo floors and zero-voc paints. Our lighting and appliances are energy efficient and we use biodegradable materials in our café. As students of life, we welcome any suggestions or ideas on what we can do to improve our environmental practices.

310.559.7200

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Related posts:

• My interview with Ioana of Luscious, at World Fest 2009
• QuarryGirl's review of Luscious' new cookie dough
• QuarryGirl's review of Luscious' new brownie batter
• VeggyWood's review of Luscious' new cookie dough

Re: The Kind Life - more cooking videos!

Yesterday Alicia Silverstone featured one of my video recipes on her site The Kind Life, which was really exciting! I've been reading through the comments and many people said that they were inspired to cook - what more could I ask for?! Thus, I am inspired to make some more cooking videos. I have several left to edit from the holidays, featuring The Conscious Cook and Match Meats. I'm also about to experiment with Viana vegan meat alternatives. Stay tuned for those!

In the meantime, if you're looking for more cooking videos, here are some to check out:

• The Kind Diet - Artichoke Dip
• The Kind Diet - Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
• Match Meat vegan crab cakes
• Basu's Homestyle Indian Cuisine
• The Conscious Cook - Paella w/ Match Meat Sausage

Wow, that's it?! I guess I literally need to get cooking! Thanks for inspiring me too! : )

The Conscious Cook - Paella w/ Match Meat Sausage: video recipe

If you read my first post on The Conscious Cook you already know how much I love that book, and that was written before I even tried any recipes! I made a few meals over the holidays and here is one of them. Tal's recipes are very gourmet, and thus a little intimating. Therefore, take your time and do it right, because you will be thankful that you did. This meal was fantastic, and I hope this video inspires you to try it.

I used Match Italian Sausage in this recipe - so good! Make sure you try it ASAP!

Green Drinks at Shades in Beverly Hills

Last night my friends and I stopped by Green Drinks at Shades Natural Color in Beverly Hills. I was excited to go there because I've been meaning to check out the eco-vegan salon for a long time. It's a really neat place and I look forward to going in and trying out their services at some point.

Though they specialize in natural hair coloring (naturally based, non-toxic, 100% ammonia-free), you can get hair cuts, styling, scalp treatments, reflexology, and I believe manicures & pedicures. I asked the owner and she confirmed that their products are vegan.

As for Green Drinks, it was a great crowd. They served some yummy food too. Only downside that it was quite crowded and noisy, but it had a great turnout! If you want to come next time, check out the L.A. Green Drinks blog.

More vegan pizza in Los Angeles

Another reason for vegans to love L.A. - there is lots of vegan pizza.

I just discovered Fresh Brothers pizza has vegan options, even though they're only a few miles from where I live - one of their 3 locations is in a really cute part of Marina Del Ray. It has a great vibe - very casual, warm, simple; just like most pizza places. Although, their employees are super friendly, which is not always the case.

The pizza is very good. I had their thin crust and their gluten-free (it's vegan!), and tried 3 different toppings: cheese, veggies, and Fresh Mama (without pesto). The latter was my favorite and they are working on getting vegan pesto - yum!

Fresh Brothers melts the Daiya cheese very well, to the point where it looks like "real cheese". As I say in the video, you can go there with your non-vegan friends and feel like you "fit in". They also do delivery, which I'll be sure to take advantage of.

How does it compare to other vegan pizza in town? I haven't been to Cruzer or Z Pizza yet (I know, I'm so behind!), but compared to Pizza Fusion, which I love, it is just different. Pizza Fusion has a gourmet feel to it, and it's organic. Fresh Brothers is more typical of a pizza place, but it's a little light. I really enjoyed it and, with the wonderful customer service, I'll be going back there for sure.

Taste: 7/10

Unique menu & flavors: some

My favorite dish: Fresh Mama

Organic: no

Local: some

Healthy: relatively

Eco-Friendly: not really

Portion Sizes: medium

Price: moderate ($14 - $20 for a pizza)

Customer service: very nice, knowledgeable about allergies/restrictions

Atmosphere: casual

Location: great part of Marina Del Rey

Parking: easy and plentiful

Dog-friendly: yes, you can eat outside

More vegan desserts in Los Angeles!

Click image to enlarge

Los Angeles, I heart you. You are such an amazing place for a vegan to live.

I just got an email from a company in Downtown L.A. that now has vegan desserts! I think this is a sign that Downtown is the new hotspot. They will also be available at other locations (see below)

Little Spoon Desserts is "launching a full line of vegan desserts, including layer cakes, cookies, brownies, and other delicious sweets". Guess I better add them to my list of bakeries with vegan options...!

Excited to try them out? Then make sure to go to their event a week from today at Groundwork Coffee in Hollywood (where they will also be sold on a regular basis). Check out the details on Facebook.

They are also partnering with some food trucks, so I'll find out if their vegan desserts will be available there too.

Tanzore: a fantastic dining experience

There are only 2 days left of this round of dineLA, and I highly recommend you take advantage of the special at Tanzore. While I didn't eat off their dineLA menu, I did have one of the best dining experiences I've had in Los Angeles and therefore highly recommend that you go there. They have a vegetarian menu (called "Holy Cow" on their website) but make sure you call ahead and tell them you're a vegan.

I contacted Tanzore to ask them about their vegan options, and they welcomed me in with open arms. Wide open arms. They presented me with some of the best and most beautiful food I've had in town. Though it is an Indian restaurant, it has a fusion of flavors from America, Italy, and Asia, and the food was overall mild (though you can request it to be spicy) - therefore this would be a great place to bring someone who isn't sure if they like Indian food.

But the food wasn't all that wowed me - Tanzore is gorgeous inside, and surprisingly so. I've driven passed the restaurant many times and never noticed it. It's in a big black building and the sign is back from the street. When I stepped inside the restaurant I felt a warmth, which heightened after being greeted by a very kind host. The manager came by and gave me a tour, showing me the lounge, bar, main dining room, and 2 private rooms - all of which were uniquely decorated; this would be a great place to have an event.

It's no surprise that Tanzore has won many awards:

• Best 50 Los Angeles Restaurants by Angeleno Magazine
• Top 75 Restaurants LA Magazine
• Winner of the 2007 Restaurant Design Award from the AIA
• Citysearch and Channel 7 also noted Tanzore as one of the Best New Restaurants to open in 2007.

I have a video review, including an interview with Chef Paul, which I'll post shortly.

The items that I had were either modified or not on the menu, but Chef Paul is more than happy to make them for you if requested. Most of the items had coconut milk in them - so good! I don't remember all the names, but they will be mentioned and described in the video. Though I didn't get wine, they have a great selection (I didn't check for what was vegan).

• papadum chips
• samosas
• parantha bread (naan is not vegan)

• a chopped salad

• a potato based appetizer (might have been the Chatpate Aloo & Samosa Plate)

• rice and kidney beans stuffed in cabbage with a creamy tomato sauce (vegan version of Masala Cabbage Rolls)

• a tofu dish with an Italian flavor (I think it was the Masala Tofu)

• a pear stuffed with candied walnuts on a raspberry sauce (a vegan version of the Cinnamon Poached Kashmir Pear)

• mango lassi
• chai tea

Taste: 10/10

Unique menu & flavors: absolutely

My favorite dish: I can't decide! The pear dessert was the most memorable

Organic: yes

Local: yes

Healthy: yes

Eco-Friendly: semi

Portion Sizes: medium

Price: moderate to expensive (between $10-$30 for an entree, will add up with drinks and appetizers)

Customer service: very attentive, nice, knowledgeable

Atmosphere: gorgeous decor, relaxing, upscale = great for a date

Location: very central to L.A. on La Cienega

Parking: valet or meters on street (street is kinda hard to find)

I would go back to Tanzore in a heartbeat and have been raving about it to my friends. The restaurant is excited about having more vegans dine, and they are considering adding more items to their vegetarian menu, and may even have a vegan buffet! Please go - this would be a great place for Valentine's Day actually...

(310) 652-3894

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"Humanely raised beef converting vegetarians"

Yesterday I posted a link on Facebook to an article I found about "humanely raised beef converting vegetarians." This seemed like a contradiction and I was shocked to read that some vegetarians started eating meat again because of this. I have met people that gave up vegetarianism because they had health problems - that I can understand. But I can't imagine eating meat again because it is supposedly raised in a kinder and gentler way - animals are still being killed, and that's not OK with me.

Granted, this method is at least better than conventional methods of raising cattle, so if one chooses to eat meat then I hope they choose that option. This article shows that the vegetarian voice has been heard, and though the world is not ready to give up meat entirely, they are willing to admit that cattle-raising in general is inhumane. No matter what you eat, make sure you know where you food comes from and how it was made, which means doing the research beyond the packaging. Find out what grass-fed, free-range, and organic really mean. Choose food that is makes the least negative impact on the source, planet, and your body.

My post raised a big discussion among vegetarians and non-vegetarians, which I didn't expect. It has certainly been interesting to read all of the different perspectives, and I encourage you to join in or at least read it. Some comments are a little harsh, but it's been a good debate. Commenters from both "sides" have raised some thought-provoking points.

It's important for me to note that I do not judge meat-eaters, just as I hope that I am not judged. What one eats is not a matter of right or wrong because we all have different reasons for our decisions. While I choose not to eat meat and do not support it or the industry, I do not look down on people who do. But I do like to express my opinion, mainly to educate those that are interested and open. I truly welcome comments from all sides - that's the only way I can start to understand and embrace the world.

New vegan panini at Coral Tree Cafe in Brentwood

Today Coral Tree Cafe in Brentwood started selling a new vegan panini, which beat out non-vegan paninis in a contest they held a few weeks ago. You can find more information about Chole Coscarelli's win on QuarryGirl's site - congrats to you Chole! I tried the new panini and it was great - nice flavors and textures. The bread was perfect, the vegetables were crunchy and well seasoned, and it was slightly sweet - very reminiscent of an Indian meal.

This location recently re-opened after being closed for a year due to a fire, so I haven't been in a long time. They have a few vegan options, but not as many as I remember. They are open to having more vegan options if there is a demand, and they said that Chole's panini has been inspiring. I encourage them to at least offer a vegan dessert, so join me in supporting them and maybe they will!

I enjoyed:

• Mango Masala Panini
• Grilled Portabello Mushroom sandwich (without cheese or pesto)
• Vegetable soup
• Moroccan Mint soy latte

Taste: 7/10

Unique menu & flavors: no, except for new panini

My favorite dish: Panini

Organic: whenever available

Fairtrade & Shade-grown: yes, coffee is

Local: whenever available

Healthy: yes

Eco-Friendly: semi (they recycle and use some corn-based products)

Portion Sizes: medium

Price: Moderate (about $11 for an entree)

Customer service: very attentive and nice

Atmosphere: casual, comfortable, young crowd, patio with fire pit and heaters, free WiFi

Location: great part of Brentwood, close to freeways

Parking: valet or street (street is hard to find)

Dog friendly: yes (seating on sidewalk)