The return of Ada’s…

Ada's returns...

Ada’s Natural Store use to be the only real health food store/cafe to get some healthy and organic in the Ft. Myers area. I was a frequent (most everyday) for lunch seeing as the cafe use to be run by Chef Brooke who has now branched out and opened her own very successful Chef Brooke’s Natural Cafe not to far away from Ada’s. The “old” Ada’s ended up closing down ( due to the economy) for over a year, and has

"hot bar"

now made a return(with new owners)! I had to stop in to check out the new Ada’s seeing as I was such a faithful customer in the past. The store hadn’t changed to much as far as the grocery section was concerned. To be honest it really wasn’t that impressive though, the prices were not anything to get excited about, and the store wasn’t overflowing with products.. I really was interested to eat lunch at the new

the no name soup..

“Ada’s Natural & Organic Garden Cafe’.. I mean, can they really make it work without Chef Brooke? I had my doubts, and they seem to prove true unfortunately. On the website they mention that they offer a variety of organic, natural, vegan, and gluten free foods. They also mention that they have a hot bar & salad bar like the Ada’s back in the day as well as some pre made wraps available for purchase

our mix for the day..

and the smoothie bar which looked kind of good… My mom and I arrived and noticed that the hot bar had been cut down in size from when Brooke was chef there. They only had a tofu dish, a rice dish, and a soup for us vegans, oh and the salad bar ( not a lot going on). I was really craving a vegan baked good that day but I didn’t see anything vegan in the case ( even more annoying, I called the day before and was told they

inside...

had a ton of vegan goodies..what??). I asked the girl at the counter if they had any vegan baked goods, and she looked bewildered and then told me that they had “chocolate mousse” .. I don’t think you bake a chocolate mousse? Needless to say they had NO vegan goodies for me, despite the fact that the menu says “Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcake”. If it is on the menu, then it should be available daily..or it shouldn’t be on the menu. The cupcake also cost $4, that is a little steep for what they offer up if you ask me. We got a cup of the small soup it didn’t have a tag for what it was but I believe it was some kind of a “Veggie Barley Soup” ($4.99) Barley with a Tomato base and Veggies. The soup was pretty good, slightly bland but it was hot and had a lot of veggies. We then decided to try the dishes at the hot bar (only 2) “Hot Bar Mix” ($7.99/pound) A Tofu Stir Fry, Mixed Veggies, Salad, and a Rice Dish ( once again no tag, so I have no idea what was in it, just that it was vegan).  Overall the food was ok, nothing to exciting, like the soup most of it was pretty bland. The rice dish had the most flavor and tasted pretty good. I can’t say that I’ll eat at Ada’s again, they don’t have any vegan baked goods ( I went by another day in the week to check and nothing still), and limited vegan hot bar items that aren’t anything to special.. I really wanted Ada’s to be as amazing as before, but I guess the cafe just isn’t the same spectacular place it was with Chef Brooke in the house!

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Ada’s Whole Foods Market:

 

4650 S. Cleveland Ave.

Fort Myers, FL.

239.939.9600

Whole Foods; Arabella Station.

Killer Cinnamon Roll!

The Whole Foods market located on Magazine Street in New Orleans is a delight for the city in my opinion! It’s a great big store sitting right in the heart of historic New Orleans! Great location to stop in if you’ve been shopping on the fabulous Magazine Street! They offer up a huge store with fresh produce, dried fruits, body supplies, pizza, a hot and cold bar, coffee bar, and a crazy good vegan pastry case! My mom and I stopped in for a tasty little ‘dessert’ and our socks were knocked off! We decided to split

Muffins!

the “Cinnamon Roll” ($1.99) Freshly baked Cinnamon Roll with Creamy Icing. Oh Lord, this thing was just a melt in the mouth addictive little treat. My mom is the one who decided to get it and it was the best decision! I loved this thing! MHM I also got a couple of muffins to have for breakfast the next couple of days. First up the classic “Blueberry Muffin“ ($1.99) Fresh Wheat Batter filled with Blueberry Muffins.I love Blueberries and this muffin was full of them! It was simple, healthy and light. Smitten with this muffin:) I also got the

gooey greatness!

“Apricot Bran Muffin“ ($1.99) Bran Batter filled with Fresh Apricots. This muffin was just ok ( I mean coming up against that cinnamon roll and muffin its hard to beat). It was a little dry for my taste, but then again Im not a huge fan of apricot muffins. It was ok though!! Over all a great trip to Whole Foods on Magazine. Check it out if your ever shopping on Magazine, you won’t be sorry! Eat Sweet:)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Whole Foods:

5600 Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA.

504.899.9119

Whole Foods; Metairie.

Coffee Goodness!

While visiting my parents in New Orleans, me and my mom became frequent lunch goers at the Whole Foods in Metairie! This is one of my favorite Whole Foods stores ever! It’s a big store with tons of groceries, prepared foods, a great salad and hot bar serving breakfast and lunch, a fresh made make your own area, some delicious vegan pastries, and a fabulous coffee bar! I will start off with a delicious drink they are offering at their coffee bar down there the “Cafechata“ ($2.79) Almond Milk blended with fresh Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Expresso ( make sure you ask for vegan). This is one of the best drinks I’ve ever had, I got one every morning without fail! Just perfect on a hot Nawlins’ day! They also have a “Make your own trail mix bar”($2.99 pound *i

Trail Mix

believe*) A mix of Dried Fruit, Nuts, Granola, and different Mixes. I LOVED this bar, what a great idea.. making your own personal mix! Such a spectacular snack! Now onto our delicious hot bar goodie “Hot/Cold Bar” ($7.99/pound) Tofu Scramble, Quinoa, Fresh Veggies, Sesame Noodles, and Roasted Potatoes. They have the *Best* tofu scramble I’ve had, it was slightly crisp and perfectly seasoned ( new orleans knows

and thats lunch!

how to use there spices!). I looked forward to the same thing everyday! MHM. Last but not least was the celebration of my moms birthday! No birthday is complete without a vegan cake, and Whole Foods was my go to place! I ordered her a “Vegan Carrot Cake” ($12.99) Fresh batter filled with Carrots and Walnuts baked to perfection and topped with a Cream Frosting. This cake was rockin! Great job Whole Foods!! My mom

Let them eat cake!

couldn’t get enough of it!! Made her birthday even more special:):)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Whole Foods:

3420 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie, LA.

504.888.8225

Whole Foods: West Hollywood

$5.99 on Wednesday Baby!

West Hollywood has two Whole Foods locations not to far from each other. I have found that the location on West 3rd has more vegan options. This Whole Foods has a hot bar, salad bar, bakery case ( normally with vegan cookies, pastries, and breads), a chinese bar, Sushi, and coffee area; they also serve as a full service grocery and body store! Im writing this specific post to bring light to the $5.99 hot bar Wednesdays. The Salad/Hot bar is normally $7.99/pound but on Wednesday’s it is now $5.99- woot woot! I made me a lovely salad from the “Salad Bar” ($5.99/pound {$7.99}} Fresh Spinach, Kale, and Romaine Leaves topped with Quinoa, Garbanzos, Fresh Veggies, Berries, and Dried Fruit, with Diced Seitan. Served with a Acai Berry Dressing. One reason I really enjoy Whole Foods is because you can get a HUGE variety of fresh food for a pretty reasonable price ( especially on Wednesday). Always a fan of Whole Foods, be sure to check it out on a Wednesday for a good deal!! Eat Clean!

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Whole Foods:

6350 West 3rd St.

Los Angeles, CA.

323.964.6800

Erewhon: a new favorite !

Erewhon:)

Every time I head to the Grove to grab a coffee or do a little shopping I always drive by “Erewhon Natural Foods Market”, and want to stop in but never seem to..until today! I finally made my way inside what seems to be a small health food store but it is SO much more!! This place has SO much healthy and VEGAN food inside. They have a salad bar, soup bar, prepared foods case, crazy amounts of raw food dishes, prepared dishes, groceries, fruit, a smoothie bar, and

Vegan Goodness!

some delicious vegan baked goods!!  They even have food dishes pre packaged from a vegan restaurant in Hollywood called “ Rahel Vegan” was so surprised that this store packed all this greatness inside! I had already eaten but I did decide to try one of their vegan cookies the “Oatmeal Raisin Cookie” ($1.99) Fresh Oatmeal Batter with Plump Raisins full of healthy ingredients. I adore this cookie. Im going back tomorrow to get some more vegan stuff from the store.

Prepared Goods & Baked Goods

I really wasn’t expecting it to taste so good. .. simple ingredients, but this cookie killed it. I am so excited to head back to try some more stuff! Check it out maybe stop in before you hit wholefoods for a little mix up:):)Shop Green!

Peace, Love, and Vegan Shopping,

Kris

Erewhon Natural Foods

Dang good Oatmeal Raisin Cookie

Market:

7660 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles CA.

323.937.0777

 

Wholefoods: Tarzana CA.

Salad with Gardein Meat.

So Im a HUGE fan of Wholefoods! They always have great organic fruit, vegetables, a salad bar, a hot bar, a deli case, different groceries, and some “whole body” items. Today I came across a fantastic Wholefoods that opened up not to long ago in Tarzania California. This Wholefoods knocked it out of the park when it comes to vegan options at the hot & cold Bar. They had “Gardein Soy Meats” to add to salads, tons of hot veggies, a mexican area with vegan salads, vegan pastas, Vegan Backlava, pastries and even Chocolates!. The salad bar had tons of options as well. Today I got a bowl from the “Salad Bar” ($7.99/pound) TONS of Fresh

Pastries

Vegetables, Mexican Mix, and fresh Gardein Meat. This is a great way to get a variety of veggies, and I was so happy to find so many soy meat choices! YAY Tarzana Wholefoods! I also got a “Blueberry Muffin” ($1.99) Fresh Vegan Batter with Plump Blueberries. This was such a delicious muffin, it was super moist and fluffy.. mhmm I heart blueberries.. ALL in all this Wholefoods is a gem in Tarzana and worth a trip! Check it out:) Eat Clean!

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Blueberry Muffin

Wholefoods: Tarzana:

18700 Ventura Blvd.

818.578.7840

Vegan Chocolate!

Elm Health Store: Greenwich Village!

Elm Health Greenwich Village!

SO I was super excited to come across a new Health store that opened up in Greenwich Village ( just on the border of Chelsea) “Elm Health Store” carries organic grocery, produce, skin care and cosmetic products, nutritional supplements. They also have a juice bar and a full service pharmacy. It’s quite a large store that carries some amazing Vegan stuff! They have some organic salads, sandwiches and also carry Vegan Diva’s Desserts! It’s a great addition to Greenwich Village! A great place to stop in if you need to get some grub to cook up at home, want to stop in for a

Bakery Case!

fresh juice, or maybe a vegan snack!! Check out Elm Health!!

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Elm Health Store:

56 7th Avenue

New York NY.

212.348.8500

Deli Case!

Whole Foods: Union Square

Tempeh Stir Fry

So I can’t believe Im just now getting around to posting a blog about Whole Foods Market. Whole Foods has locations all around the world. Offering Organic and Natural Produce, Dairy, Bakery Goods, Coffee and Tea, Prepared Foods,

Stir Fry ($8.99/lb)

Frozen Foods, Snacks, Floral, and Whole Body Products as well as little goodies for the pets! I love Whole Foods and frequent it normally a couple of times a week. I love grabbing me some lunch at there bar or grabbing a prepared dish they

Banana Pecan Scone ($1.89)

have that day! In NYC Whole Foods has a few locations this review is from the Union Square location, but you can find the same products at all stores ( normally)… Today I got ” Tempeh Cashew Stir- Fry” ($8.99/ lb) Fresh chunks of Tempeh, mixed with Broccoli, Bok Choy, Peppers, and other Mixed Veggies with Cashews. I really enjoy this dish! I’ve eaten it before and it has a great flavor!! For just about $3 I got a good little munch:)  I also got one of my favorite scones the ” Banana Pecan Scone” ($1.89) Wheat Flour with Fresh Bananas and Crunchy Pecans with a hint of Maple. I love these scones, very simple but delicious.. Only about 5 ingredients in this scone of love but it is delicious! I really recommend Whole Foods for all of your healthy and organic shopping! They have it all:) Eat Clean and Healthy!

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Whole Foods Market:

4 Union Square South

New York NY.

212.673.5388

Organic Planet: Brooklyn

Organic Planet

Organic Planet is a small shop right on Bedford Avenue that offers Fresh Organic Juices, Fresh Smoothies, Organic Baked Goods, as well as Vegan To-Go Snacks. They are a full service organic grocery store selling dairy, snacks, fruit, and dried fruits and nuts. I stumbled in on a visit to Brooklyn and decided to get a snack. I got the “Raisin Oat Bran Muffin” ($1.89) Whole Wheat Flour, Soy Milk, Apple Sauce, Potato Flour, Tapioca Flour, Citric Acid, Baking Powder and Raisins (

Muffin ($1.89)

from Healthy Delites). I was pleasantly surprised this packaged muffin was so flavorful and yummy. If you live in Brooklyn or visit this is a great little shop to get some of your organic goodies to go!.Healthy Eating kiddos:)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

 

 

 

Organic Planet:

169 Bedford Avenue

Brooklyn NY.

718.388.8320

Eataly:NYC

Pasta

Pizza

Italian Desserts

"Expresso" ($3.00)

On August 31, 2010 Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich  and partners opened up “Eataly” a 50,000 square foot italian food funhouse which has essentially everything Italian you can possibly imagine! From the moment I walked in I felt as though I had stepped back into Italy for the duration! It was fantastic! Eataly offers “LA PIAZZA” a stand up food and drink bar. “IL PESCE” a seated counter and table area with different specials each day. “LE VERDURE” a seated counter and table area that serves italian style vegetable dishes such as soups, bruschetta, and warm and cold dishes. “LA PIZZA & LA PASTA” which serves everything from fresh pasta, lasagna, ravioli, and of course pizza! and “MANZO” a more formal dining experience serving up Italian favorites. Eataly also has a huge grocery section with some organic fruit ( some of the brightest colored apples ever to be seen!) pastas from Italy, a huge selection of organic freshly made breads (vegan options). “GELATERIA” Gelato bar ( but of course, if you’ve ever been to Italy you know that there is more gelato than people!) “PASTICCERIA” Fresh made pastries and desserts”. CAFFE LAVAZZA” Coffee and Expresso Bar... whew SO MUCH STUFF IN THAT STORE! I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!  You may be wondering why Im reviewing because no it is not strictly vegan, but they have vegan options, lots of fruits and vegetables and bread- which are worth going in for! Also the coffee bar.. which is where I stopped in and got a “Expresso Dopio”($3.00)Double Expresso in other words. Fantastic, Strong and delicious just like in Italy.. You absolutely MUST MUST MUST go to Eataly if your in the city!! Right on 5th Avenue in the Flatiron District! Ciao!

Eataly:

200 5th Avenue (23rd st.)

New York NY.

212.229.2560

"Eataly"