Seitan Soba Stir Fry: By yours truly:)

Tamari (a Japanese soy sauce, made by natural methods and often aged also)

So on the rare occasion that I find myself cooking a vegan meal instead of going out to enjoy one, I like to make something quick, healthy and fresh:) One of my favorite ( and most loved by my parents) meals to prepare is “Seitan Soba Stir Fry” Grilled Seitan and Onions mixed with Broccoli, Carrots, Mushrooms, Cauliflower, Peppers, and Green Beans with Buckwheat Soba Noodles. I don’t have exact amounts for the “Reduced Sodium  Tamari“ ($4.29/per bottle) I used, it’s kind of a “how much you want type thing”.  I love this meal and it is so easy to prepare! All of the items today were purchased at Whole Foods. (Pictures Below)

*1 Pack of Grilled “West Soy Seitan” ($4.29): Pre Cut add Onion and put in Pan with light Tamari, Grill for 5 Minutes.

” 2 Packs of “Ohana Buckwheat Soba Noodles”($3.99) These come pre cooked all you have to do is put them on the stove for about 5 minutes to loosen them up.

*2 Packs of Frozen Vegetables ($2.59) Steam Veggies and add to Grilled Seitan .

Grilled Seitan and Onions

 

*After all of that is cooked and drained you throw it all together in one big pot and mix it up..

*Allow it to cook about 5-7 minutes on stove top.. then serve it up and enjoy! Delicious and Nutritious at home:)

Eat Clean and Healthy ..and sometimes at home:)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

West Soy Seitan/ Buckwheat Soba Noodles

 

Stir Fry Frozen Veggies

 

YUM

Stir Fry- Delish!

 

Loving Hut:

"Summer Roll Deluxe" ($3.75)

Today for lunch me and the parents decided to head to Loving Hut in Cape Coral for a bit of vegan asian eating:) Loving Hut offers numerous appetizers like summer rolls, wontons, and tempura, along with fantastic entrees of stir fried noodles, rice dishes, sandwiches, a few desserts, and some creative entrees to dine

"Mushroom Caviar"($5.25)

on as well. The menu is so extensive that we couldn’t decide what to get, so we got a few things..(some of which have been previously reviewed here) One of the great things about Loving Hut is that it is so inexpensive and you get the perfect amount of food. Let’s start off with one of the two appetizers we tried today:) “Summer Roll

"Fabulous Pho" ($7.25)

Deluxe” ($3.75) Rice Paper Wrapped with Salad, Shiitake Mushrooms, Carrots, Vegan Protein Meat, Jicama, Cucumber. These rolls were tasty to say the least! I loved the thick pieces of protein buried inside with the crunchy bite of lettuce. mhm good:) Secondly we got an appetizer that my dad really wanted to try, but

"Au Lac Crepe" ($6.55)

to be honest didn’t sound that appetizing to me or my mom. “ Mushroom Caviar” ($5.25) Mushroom Sesame, Soy Meat Saute in a Chef’s Grill Sauce, Served with Crackers. It’s not only me right? I mean Mushroom Caviar at Vegan asian restaurant doesn’t really go together right?!? How wrong was I!! This was

"A Taste of Heaven" ($7.95)

one of the best dishes ordered today.. The mushrooms were so flavorful and a great juice soy meat mixed in.. super good, we almost ordered another. ha Next up was the “Fabulous Pho” ($7.25) Rice Noodles, Tofu, Protein Meat, White Mushroom, Served in a Vegetable Broth. Im not a huge noodle soup person but I was pleasantly surprised by this pho;) It reminded me of a ramen noodle soup with fresh herbs. MHM. every last drip was slurped.:) Next up is a unique menu item in my opinion, “ Au Lac Crepe” ($6.55) Rice Flour, Portabella, Tofu, Soy Meat, Cabbage, Served with Salad, Mint, and Special Sauce. Once again another good surprise from Loving Hut.. A crisp crepe with fresh flavored mushrooms and soy meat.. yummy! The Special Sauce was a little tangy and sweet at the same time.. which was just a perfect topping to the crepe! Lastly, we decided to try the special for today ” A Taste of Heaven”($7.95) Pineapple, Yellow Squash, Bell Pepper, Broccoli, Pea, Cabbage, Mushroom, Tofu Saute in Chef Sauce. Served with Brown Rice & Salad. I love cooked pineapple, so I had high hopes for this dish and I wasn’t let down at all:) I enjoyed this sweet and sour flavored meal. Nice on the taste buds:) I just realized writing this that the theme today was mushrooms.. not a bad theme if you ask me:) Well thats all eat Clean and Healthy..

Loving Hut:

1918 Del Prado Blvd.

Cape Coral FL.

239.424.8433

Chef Brookes Natural Cafe: *perfection*

"Split Pea Soup" ($5.99/bowl)

So stopped in to the most delicious cafe around today for lunch! Chef Brooke is one of the kindest around and Im glad to call her a friend! Lizzy works alongside Brooke at the cafe and always has a warm inviting smile on her face! They makes coming to Florida a delight! I have never eaten anything that Chef Brooke has created that I didn’t absolutely love! Her food is healthy, fresh, organic, and

"Faerie Cake"($2.99)

always surprises the palate! She is just as much of an artist as a chef because her food is gorgeous! The cafe offers Breakfast, Baked Goods, Wraps, Sandwiches, Soups, Smoothies, Vegan Food, Hot Drinks, and different inventions by Brooke!:). Today we got to try something new from Chef Brooke “Vegan Split Pea Soup” ($5.99/bowl) Freshly Flavored Vegan take on Classic Split Pea. This was delicious! It’s always great to see how Brooke can take a classic food and make it her own! The split pea soup was so flavorful and cooked just to perfection! LOVED this soup! …Be warned the next item reviewed may cause drool, and hunger;) “Peanut Butter and Jelly Berry Faerie Cake” ($2.99) Classic Faerie Cake with Fresh Peanut Butter and Jelly oozing inside, topped with a Peanut Butter Frosting and Raspberries” OH MY WORD I don’t know how to describe this piece of Heaven.. as if it isn’t pretty enough to look at, the taste is divine! It really melts in your mouth… I have no idea how Brooke manages to make food taste THIS good, but she always does.. i am NEVER disappointed! I can’t say this enough but you have to make a trip to Chef Brookes in Fort Myers.. Eat Clean and Healthy ( and at brookes) !

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Chef Brookes Natural Cafe:

1850 Boys Scout Drive

Fort Myers FL.

239.332.2433

*Chef Brooke is now at the Fort Myers Green Market on Saturdays*

The OTHERside Cafe:

The OTHERside Cafe:

The first thing I did before heading to Boston was find a great place to get a vegan lunch! The OTHERside Cafe got my vote so my first stop was to Newbury Street for some OTHERside Cafe grub:) This place is suited for a more rocker type loud

Hummus Platter ($4.56)

experience. Not a place to go if you want a quiet peaceful lunch.. A lot of local students stop in and in general a younger crowd.. This cafe isn’t 100% vegan but MOST things can be made vegan and they have a BIG variety of vegan options.. Sandwiches, Soups, Wraps, Raw

Combination Plate ($9.81)

Dishes, Desserts, Salads, Smoothies, Burritos, and Brunch on the weekend. LOTS! I wanted to get a bit of variety to review so here goes.. I started off with the 1/2 Hummus Platter ( $4.56) House-Made Hummus Served with Tomato, Cucumber, Onion, Carrot, and Pita Bread. This was great! I loved that I can order the 1/2 ( whole is $9.75). The Hummus was fresh and creamy with pieces of Garlic to flavor it up with Crisp Veggies, and Thin Pita Bread. A fantastic light appetizer! Then I chose there Chili/Tempeh Salad Combo ($9.81) Vegan Chili made with

Bon Bons ($4)

Organic Beans, Tomatoes, Corn, and Bulgar Wheat. Served with Grilled Tempeh Salad with Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions, and Carrots. The Chili was spectacular thick and full of fresh veggies and seasoned just right! Very filling and hearty! The

Simple Divine.

Salad was pretty simple, I love tempeh but it could have used a bit more seasoning.. I wasn’t overly impressed with the salad but the chili was kickin;) and for dessert…try not to drool as I explain what I had.. “Chocolate Cookie Dough Bon Bons ($4.00) 2 round Chocolate Covered Cookie Dough Balls. These things were packed with Antioxidants and fresh Vegan Cookie Dough.. Smooth and Crunchy Chocolate Chips covered with Melting Chocolate.. Oh my word  absolutely DIVINE.. They just melted in my mouth ( they also offer Peanut Butter Bon Bons) These are not made on the premises but shipped in from Sugar Me – a pure genius!… I love the fact that they’ve created vegan cookie dough as a treat – I mean it’s perfect for kids… “raw” cookie dough that can’t hurt you?!! They think of everything! These should be at the top of your Vegan dessert hit list my friends.. you have no idea what your missing…. This place  had a great vibe and a great staff! So check it out!!

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

The OTHERside Cafe:

407 Newbury Street

Boston MA.

617.536.8437

Expresso Royale Caffe:

ERC- Newbury Street.

So on my day meandering around Boston, I came across a quaint little coffee and tea type shop Expresso Royale Caffe. They serve up green and organic coffees, teas, regular desserts, vegan

Tea Cake ($3)

desserts ( which is why i went in), bagels, breakfast sandwiches, tofu cream/cheese spreads and wraps. This place was filled with local college students studying up

Delicious!

while enjoying a nice cup of joe:) Expresso Royale Caffe has 3 locations in Boston, I visited the one on Newbury Street ( the “Rodeo Drive” of Boston if you will) . They had 3 different vegan goodies but I decided to try the ” Tea Cake” ($3.00) Wheat Batter filled with Chocolate Chips, Dried Fruit, and Banana  molded to a perfect cake for one. This was really delicious and very much enjoyed with a cup of there jasmine green tea! A filling scrumptious vegan goody that I was happy I stumbled upon! The staff was friendly, and they kept very busy! If your ever touring around Boston, Newbury Street is a must so while your there make a stop in at ERC for a hot cup of somethin’ and a little vegan treat! Eat Clean and Green!

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Expresso Royale Caffe:

286 Newbury Street

Boston MA.

617.859.9515

 

Cafe Blossom: Sunday Favorite:)

Caesar Salad ($15)

I seem to find myself stopping in to Cafe Blossom every Sunday after church.. It’s so close to my church so it makes it convenient. Plus the food is killer so why not?:) I’ve been going to Blossom for a

Cookie ($3)

while now and I haven’t been disappointed yet. The service is always top notch along with the cuisine! Today I decided to order the “ Caesar Salad with Tempeh Bacon” ($15.00) Romaine

Heaven on a plate!

Lettuce, Rosemary Croutons, Pine Nut Parmesan, Tapioca Cheese Crisps, Truffle Caesar Dressing and Tempeh Bacon. This salad was perfect one of the best caesars around! The croutons were so flavorful with the fresh rosemary and a sweet tangy dressing with smoky tempeh.. yum yum yum! I really liked this salad, light and delicious! For dessert I decided to get the ” Chocolate Chip Cookie” ($3.00) Fresh Batter filled with Chocolate Chips drizzled with a Vegan Chocolate Sauce.” YUM I have no idea what they put in these cookies but they are fabulous! I would challenge anyone who isn’t vegan to tell me they can taste a difference.. The only difference is it is fresh and vegan and healthy! LOVE Cafe Blossom- everything about this place is great! Check them out if your ever on the Upper West Side- you won’t be sorry! Eat clean and healthy! Until next Sunday Blossom:)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Cafe Blossom:

466 Columbus Avenue

New York NY.

212.875.2600

 

Peacefood Cafe: your service disappointed me today:(

"Pumpkin Spice Bread" ($3.95)

So as Im sure you’ve read on some of my other Peacefood reviews: I generally have really good things to say about it but today was disappointing in terms of service.. First I’ll start of with something new that I tried today ” Pumpkin Spice Bread” ($3.95) Fresh Pumpkin Batter baked and topped with Vanilla Frosting. I really enjoyed this bread ( as I do most of there baked goods) It was fresh and well spiced with a sweet frosting. Great for a nice crisp sunny day! Along with this I ordered a salad that I have previously reviewed and a side of pumpkin ( which normally takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare.. I mean its lettuce? ) Today I waited 30 minutes for a salad! I kept asking and the waitress simply responded that it’s not her it’s the kitchen.. When i started seeing other people who had arrived after me getting there lunch ( things that take much longer than lettuce like: dumplings, paninis, and even a women getting a salad ordered after me)  I asked again and she said “the kitchen said soon, I cant really do anything you can cancel if you want”.. No help at all. Since I had already waited so long I kept waiting and finally it arrived along with my check.. First off I ALWAYS get a side of mustard with my pumpkin and have NEVER been charged anything for it.. well on the bill $1 mustard was so I told her the situation and she said well it’s always been a $1 , so I told her I didn’t want it .. she tossed it in the trash… Good service in my opinion would have been to tell me that she’s not sure why I had NEVER been charged in the past and would not charge me this time ( since she already brought it to the table) but from now on it would be $1 ( which I wouldnt have payed but still) BUT she didn’t. Very rude, and slow service today.. disappointing.. I don’t think I’ll be going to Peacefood for any sit down meals anymore perhaps just grabbing some baked goods to go… Peace for now!

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Peacefood Cafe:

460 Amsterdam Ave

New York NY.

212.362.2266

JivamukTea Cafe: Gluten Free Muffins!

Strawberry Peach Muffin (GF)

So JivamukTea Cafe is one of my favorite places ( if not number one) here in NYC. I visit for lunch often so today was nothing out of the ordinary..that was until I discovered that they now carry Gluten Free Muffins ( Banana Blueberry, Granola Peach, and Strawberry Peach). Being the vegan blogger that I am I had to try one ..just for the blog;).. I decided on the “Strawberry Peach” ($3.89) Gluten Free Batter with fresh Strawberries, and Juicy Peaches. This muffin was very good! You can taste the freshness of the fruit smothered inside and nicely baked GF batter. Spectacular… as is everything at JivamukTea. Always love stopping in to say hello to the kind counter staff and enjoying some healthy vegan goodness! Be sure and stop into JivamukTea if you are ever in NY.. or make a special trip;D.. EAT ClEAN!

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

JivamukTea Cafe:

841 Broadway

New York NY.

212.353.0214

Blossom Du Jour: “Shrewd Fast Food

Blossom Du Jour

Blossom is taking over NYC! After opening up V-Note on  the UES just a few weeks ago the owners are at it again! This time opening up a healthy take on vegan “fast food”. Blossom Du Jour located in Chelsea (right next to Cocoa V perfect for dessert) and is a vegan counter and take- away type cafe. The menu is extensive and offers salads, sandwiches, burgers, soups, pot pies, wraps, and vegan soft- serve. YUM! Of course I had to stop in since I’m a huge fan of all the Blossom restaurants here in NYC. Let

The Picnic ($7.5)

me start off by saying how incredibly nice and friendly the staff was! I think I say this about all of the blossom restaurants but it is so true. Such nice people! Lets get to the grub shall we?:) I decided to get

YUM

one of there 4 wraps today which all sounded great. I settled on “The Picnic” ($7.50) Un-Chicken Salad, Green Apples, Celery, Onions, Dried Cranberries, “Mayo”, and Lettuce served on a Spinach

"Tiny Caesar" ($3.95)

Wrap. This wrap was so good! A creamy “chicken salad” with the sweetness of apples and cranberries and a bit of crunch from the celery! Oh so delicious! A very unique Wrap- Light and healthy! I also got the “Tiny Caesar” ($3.95) Romaine Lettuce topped with Tomatoes, Capers, and a Creamy Caesar Dressing. For being a “Tiny Caesar” this was a big salad! Fantastic vegan take on a caesar! I loved the fresh flavors, and the capers gave it a nice touch! A wonderful meal at Blossom Du Jour! I will definitely be back for more “shrewd fast food” in the future!! Eat Clean!!

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

 

 

Blossom Du Jour:

174 9th Avenue

New York NY.

212.229.2595

Cocoa V:

Cocoa V

Cocoa V is the only 100% Vegan and Organic Chocolate and Dessert Bistro in NYC. Located in the artsy area of Chelsea they offer a complete line of bon bons, truffles, bark, bars and baked goods. Cocoa V is owned by one of the co -founders of the Blossom

Vegan Chocolates

restaurants in NYC, which are amazing…so why not open up a chocolate place?!  Dear Willy Wonka, watch your back..the vegans are taking over:D Alright so let us begin.. I loved the atmosphere of this chocolate boutique. Quaint little cafe tables, and a

Tea and Scone

case gallery filled with hand made vegan chocolates and baked goods… Enticing to my eyes to say the least. The staff at Cocoa V are some of the most kind staff I have come across in all of my vegan tastings. I am not a big “candy” person ( although this is good vegan chocolate) but I can’t pass up a healthy vegan baked good. I ordered the “Chocolate Hazelnut Scone” ($3.50) Thick Batter with Chocolate Chips and Crunchy bites of Hazelnut. This scone was just fantastic! Accompanied by a hot cup of green tea.. nothing could have been better on a cold day…

Chocolate Hazelnut Scone ($3.5)

Delightful, freshly made and baked to perfection! I am always so impressed by the staff, food and service at all of the “Blossom” chains.. You cannot go wrong… Cocoa V also serves up some delicious vegan cheese and chocolate plates so head on down to Chelsea and check it out!:)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Cocoa V:
174 9th Avenue

New York NY.

212.242.3339