Organic Lives

I have been a vegetarian for some time and recently I went back to eating salmon for health reasons... but I am intrigued by the concept of the raw and vegan life style. After going for lunch with my mom who is always trying new alternative approaches recommended organic lives.  I was in awe of the juice bar menu and vowed to order the hot pink (beet, pineapple, pear and burdock) next time.  We were in love with the way it was all so fresh and clean and after eating our lunch felt bright and 'glowing'.  With it being a bit pricey for some sprouts and almond croutons... it was worth try.  I ordered the wrap and mom got the sushi made with sea veggie and rice (raw?) and the carrot and avocado cold soup! So good!

Food to me is a cultural things, something we communicate through and indulge in.  It is what brings us together and relate.  The idea of veganism and raw for me is really intriguing because it seems there is a higher worshiping of our food, an honour for the earths abundance and a grace for what we have gathered.  Often I find the food in our western culture is over processed, filled with preservatives and shipped from overseas.  I would like to take a step back and see what the soils in BC offer and how I can live a lifestyle where I know what is in my food and where is came from.  I eat mostly organic and make a conscious effort to by local.  For me I am to much a cheese loved to vear to the realm of veganism/raw but perhaps we can learn something from those who are disciplined enough to structure and take time for a lifestyle like this.   I am looking into some local veggie boxes from the vancity and valley gardens.

Grace! 

Peggy Porschen Cakes

This whole cupcake trend was getting a bit much, it's almost like on every street corner where you could find a starbucks there is a cupcake shop!  But there is an exception and a place worth idolizing and that is Peggy Porschen Cakes.  When I was in London walking around with my Mom and sister we came to Elizebeth street, a beautiful street with lovely shops and cafes... and Peggy Porschen Cakes.  With an exceptional eye to the detail and perfection of a cake there are no average cupcake.  She is best known for wedding cakes and has a mock up William and Kate cake congratulating the couple, for a more appropriate treat these Sticky Toffee cakes looks divine!  

I love the cake mold lights!

Harolds - Food Hall

WOW!  THis place was amazing, little did i know that Harolds was like this.  The first time I went to London I thought I was a little airport shop that sold handbags and British memorabilia... little did I know!  We went to the Food Hall and all around there was chocolates and pastries, then meats and bread and veggies and h'ordeuvres.  It was brilliant.  You could have oysters at the bar, or an ice-cream sunday. You could have sushi and... Laduree!   Having been in the Laduree on the champs Elysee I felt that at that very moment I was in Paris again, walking around discovering things with my little bag of 2 macaroons.  Some things are worth the indulgence, good chocolate, small delicate pastries and a trip to Harolds Food Hall!  

for the love of Jaimie

After a couple days in England (first night in Hendon), we thought it would to really great to venture to Bath, where the romans came and build beautiful bath houses and where most Jane Austin movies are filmed... done! So  after the grand length drive and a mini stop to see the Queen at Windsor we made it to Bath.  Hungry and unaware of where and what to eat around the city we asked our concierge at the little hotel we had booked to recommend some places, he recommended Indian, Chinese, a small bistro with good soup ... and then Jamies Italy! Bingo!   So we fallowed his instructions to a T and found Jamies Italy!  It was great and just the ticket we needed after our adventure in our little coupe!  I should mention that before we were seated we had some Elderberry cocktails and a gingerbeer mimosa! 

Brusetta with marscapone, thyme and juicy tomatoes! 

iced olives with tapanade

Max had Ratatouille

Momsy had Truffle pasta 

.... I didn't take any pictures of the tiramisu... probably cause it was so good and I was to busy eating it haha

British Breaky

Recently Mom, Max and I went to Great Britain for the Royal wedding and to visit my cousins in Scotland.  On our very first day there we toured around the city and ended up at tower bridge were we were guided by signs that read all day breakfast where we came across this place.  here we have a traditional breakfast of egg, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms and.... whatever is in the 'veggie sausage'.  I think Im more of a porridge kinda gal when it comes to breakfast but this was pretty tasty... however i might add that just before it was served the waiter said the chef cut his finger so he is just going to mend it up and your meal will be served in a bit....  tasty.  

Mason Jar Meals

Mason Jars are just the best thing! So versatile and retro chic.  Often I store my teas and spice blends in them or use one to hold my tooth brush and paste but this is a great way to 'shake' things up! Mason Jar Meals!  I came across this posting on the subject on the decorative cookie blog.  It was part of a Project Food Blog competition and this challenge was to make a meal that would travel well and still look good!  So clever and so going to do this avec my next picnic, which hopefully will be soon as the weather is saying lovely!

when the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie...

antipasti e insalate

left: bianca top: funghi bottom: margerita

The other evening we went for a family dinner outing to this brilliant new pizzeria.  After much overheard chit chat about Nicli Antica Pizzeria seeked and found!  The space was a convered house stable from the early days and the architect took that to note bringing back the arches and brick.  I loved how clean and open the space was, it felt inviting and pleasant.  With modern statements, there was recognition and focus on the simple things that matter and was later very apparent when our pizza pies arrived.  The hostess was very charming and told us that the pizza sauce is hand crushed so not to loose the acidic bitterness from the seeds and once placed in the specially designed wood burning oven they only take 90 seconds to cook, mind you that oven is 900 degrees.  This is authenic Neapolitan pizza with flour and san marzano tomatoes there are no short cuts here.  I had a great time breaking apart the pizza and diving into the mozzerella like no other (my dads eyes lit up).  The meal was... speechless! bravo!  

slickety Jims: REOPEN

Chat n Chew! Max and I went for brunch the other day at the greatly anticipated new Slickety Jims.  About a year ago this place had the horrible misfortune of a fire that took the restaurant with it.  A hub for local Main street patrons this spot was known for there breakfast and wicked vintage decor! Well.... its back and better then ever!  Charming, friendly and still that 45minute wait! haha Max ordered this amazing omlette with gorgonzola cheese and mushrooms and for myself, i had the pigs in a blanket with veggie sausage!  We sat at the bar and shared our ketchup.  I love this place because its a community, a common ground and a frickin fantastic place for brunch!  

As an early bird I often find myself woken by the sun at some odd hour and so while the rest of the world is beginning to wake up and stretch I dive into my blogs.  This morning I was craving berries! So along with my blueberries and plain yogurt I delved into my favourite food blog What Kate Ate.   Here is a stellar food photographer who captures the rustic textures of food and adds a depth to them... for example the cheese!  She's inspiring!  I really enjoy reading up and seeing the beauty of food photography through other peoples blogs, I just have to dive in and begin shooting my own shots!.. however my berries were a bit boring in comparison to this!

Whimsy and Spice 

Damn... another reason to be missing New York City! I might aswell officially change my blog to Don't Tempt Me... a blog about a girl wanting what she cant have!  I feel like New York to me is like some one with siliac disorder.   You want the bread... but you just can't have it.   As a Canadian ... i've never been overly compelled to get a greencard for the soul purpose to become an american. BUt then Whimsy and Spice, Mast Brothers and... Vogues come into the picture and I get weak and long for living in that half of North America... BUT CAN'T!  Bloody visas...  Anywho I live for my Christmas Bonus and the cheap seat sales so I can once again visit the city my heart longs for.  I mean wouldn't you if you saw these!!! haha However to be honest.... these are just one reason why i want to be there, the other details are left in central park, Bryant park and lay over the brooklyn bridge!

I stumbled upon this beautifully seductive cocktail on pinterest and thought how divine! I will take one, please. The Seductive Swan 1.5 oz Russian Standard Vodka 5 blackberries 3 oz Lemonade Muddle four blackberries in bottom of a tumbler. Add ice, Russian Standard Vodka and lemonade. Garnish with remaining blackberry. 

L'Abboir

For our birthday this year Max and I celebrated with our family at the greatly anticipated L'Abattoir!  Being vegetarian i was a bit skeptical from the name but once i stepped inside I realized why everyone is talking about this place.  Located at 217 Carroll St along the restaurant block in gastown, L'Abattoir is sure to mark on your list of top restaurants to check out in the near near future!   Known for having wicked cocktail bar talent the drinks menu is beautiful!  I ordered a A Spot of Tea, which a mix of pimms, early grey and beefeater gin.  So great! The atmosphere was really lively, friendly servers and really the food speaks for itself!   It was a wonderful birthday enjoying a really great meal among my family!  I look forward to visiting it very soon!

and then of course we had to go for icecream at our favourite spot on Venables!

Great bottle label! 

Honey Mascapone icing with lemon pound cake and figs! heavan

Bam! Bam!  THis evenings dinner was not what i expected... I signed myself up for Japanese but this was above and beyond.  We went to a Japanese Steak house where they grill your food right in front of you and dance around the grill flipping and chopping and steaming and twirling knives!  Okay he didnt twirl the knife but he did have some mean skills this dude!  We ordered a series of dishes and watched our chef prepare it right in front of us.  It almost sounded like he was ringing bells as he'd hit down on the metal hot plate!  It was a really great vibe and seeing how we were celebrating our friend who is leaving for a bit to go travel and learn German is was all together awesome! ... however one small side note, the chef kept sliding me bits of meat on my plate when i got the vegetarian options and thought it was funny how sneaky he was being...but it was odd.

Last night i made some mean Miso soup!  It is such an easy, healthy thing to prepare... and it goes a little something like this.

In a pot of water, however much miso ya wonna make

Add some miso paste, some low sodium soy sauce, ginger and onion. simmer like a sinner

then chop up yo veggies. I did carrots, chinese and canadian broccoli, red cabbage, and jazzy mushrooms

Then i had some precooked rice that i placed in the bottom of the bowl and ladled the soupAH over it. 

Half a halibut cake on top and garnish with some green onions.  Really refreshing and tasty!  I would suggest lessening the load on the soy sauce, it should enhance the flavours... not be the flavour.  and always a rule of thumb, get local for as much as you possibly can!  

i scream!

shut the fuck up!  There is a school for ICECREAM?  I just discovered that Penn State University does a 9 day course on... none other then icecream creation!  DOne! It only happens once a year in January! I have discovered over the last little while a love i am developing/rekindling with what i visualize as summer time delight  but really lets be honest its a year round thing!  A few interesting vender ideas i have come across through blogs and what not but there are a couple that i am realling impressed by... and will make it a mission to venture to at some point this year.  To name a few...

Peoples Pops  - new york

Sweet Lucies  - LA

Big Gay  new york

(the song )

Humphrey Slocombe san fran

they have weird flavors like Fais Gras and guinness Gingerbread!

Damn i love this city... for this single reason! Budgies Burritos!  Every time i hit up this stellar burrito joint just off kingsway in Van it reminds me that indeed we got it all in this place.  Mountains, ocean and burritos!  I went here last night for a dinner hang with my good friend and we both ordered the Johnny!  rice,beans, cheese, chipotle, sour cream, guac, salsa! So awesome!

 

Love shack, baby love shack!  I am in love with this place called Rockaway Taco!  Not that i've ever been there of course... seeing how its in Queens and until this morning when i was laying in my bed in Vancouver I discovered this new world just outside of Manhattan called rockaway.  Not only is it a surfers escape from the city like but it is home to this really awesome Taco stand.  The dude who owns the stand is this really interesting individual who is a surfer by heart and a hard worker who has built this seasonal place for the community to gather and enjoy great food and eat locally.  I think the idea i love most about this place is that it is built for the community and its purpose is to be somewhat of a gathering spot! The food lookes amazing, fresh jams, local produce, tacos to die for!  I discovered this place on The Selby. and one day i shall get on a plane again bound for new york and escape the relm for Queens!