Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 17

Musha - Santa Monica

Have you ever had Japanese cuisine without eating a plateful of sushi? Have you ever had Japanese tapas? (Probably not). At Musha you can get quality Japanese food, full of flavor and origination without order sushi, sashimi or any raw fish and rice combination.

Musha is like the Japanese version of The Melting Pot for those of you who are familiar. They have dishes that come with a little "grill" with hot stones (see picture) and you can grill the meat and veggies to your liking. There are tons of gluten free, non meat, non fish, and vegetarian/vegan options for the whole family!

Allergy Info:
Allergy friendly
Vegetarian friendly
Vegan friendly
Gluten free options available

Foodie Rundown:
Tapas / Small Plates

Uba Shinjo - shrimp dumplings wrapped with tofu skin and deep friend (Pictured)

Ebimayo - Musha's version of rock shrimp tempura, fried to perfection with a sweet and spicy mayo sauce! (Pictured)

Appetizer
Spicy Tuna Dip - served with rice cake crackers was light and delicious, the best part of a spicy tuna roll, without the roll! (Pictured)

Grill
The Shichirin is a modern table top charcoal grille. My friend and I ordered the Saikoro Steak, which is cube cut rib eye steak served with 2 different sauces (garlic soy steak sauce and ponzu sauce) - the steak was tender and juicy and the sauces went with not only the steak but everything else on the table! (Pictured)

Locations:
Santa Monica, CA
Torrance, CA
Pasadena, CA

Follow them on Twitter

Musha

Thursday, October 4

Decaf Vegan Delight!

Do you hate coffee? Are you a vegan? Do you like keeping a healthy diet? Do you love tea?

Argo Tea has an insane menu of teas, hot, cold and decaf. With scattered locations around NYC, the standard menu along with the seasonal menu flavors cannot be beat. The first time I went to Argo Tea was because of the “Irish Cream Tea Latte” poster that was hanging in the window. My friend Jaymelee and I walked by, then walked back and said we had to try it! It just sounded to good not to try! We left Argo Tea full of smiles. Delighting in the flavor of the tea while actually drinking something quite light. The customization of soy milk, whole milk, almond milk or skim milk allows you to customize to your liking.

In addition, their small bakery of quiche and muffins has some gluten free options for our gluten free friends! This place keeps getting better and better! For all nutritional information, you can check the link on their website! Nutritional Information Here

Allergy Info:
Customizable Tea’s (all tea can be made either hot or cold!)
Many Decaf Teas
Gluten Free and Vegan Options at the bakery and the catering menu
100% Organic
Nutritionally balanced
Wholesome ingredients

Foodie Rundown:
My personal favorite is the Green Tea Strawberry Cream (made with skim milk). This is naturally sweetened and delicious! Definitely has caffeine, but is delicious either hot or cold! You can also buy the loose tea and bring it home, which is fabulous!

Seasonal Irish Cream Tea Latte (made with skim milk) was my first ever tea from Argo. A life changing experience, if I must say so myself!

Other Teas to try:
Earl Grey Vanilla (hot)
White Tea Acai Squeeze (cold)
Pom Tea (either hot or cold)
Tea Sangria (hot or cold)

Locations:
NYC

Flatiron Building
NYU Langone Medical Center
Columbus Circle
Chelsea
Union Square
NYU Academic Resource Center
Chicago
Boston
St Louis
Beirut, Lebanon



Argo Tea

Thursday, September 13

Travel Thursday!

Psych! Today we are traveling to Colombia without actually leaving Manhattan. Palenque is a food truck with gourmet Colombian delicacies. The food is made using only the best eco-friendly and organic ingredients and has vegetarian and vegan options as well.

What is an Arepa? You might ask…It is a bread patty made from corn and water (Palenque offers brown rice or quinoa based patty’s as well). Arepa’s can be topped with arugula, queso de hebra, beef, chicken, shrimp, seitan (wheat based and vegan), portobello mushrooms (vegan), organic vegan Italian chorizo or organic vegan chipotle chorizo! And if you think that’s not enough! They have organic vegan chipotle mayo (made with soy), guacamole and chimichurri-cilantro sauces!

Allergy Info:
Organic
Vegan
Vegetarian
Nut free!

Foodie Rundown:
Organic Chipotle Chorizo Arepa– A fan favorite according to the truck. This vegan, vegetarian, chorizo arepa, on a corn based patty, was outrageous. It was full of flavor and definitely packed a nice little spicy punch!

Beef Arepa on a Brown Rice and Sesame Patty – same great flavors as the chipotle chorizo, with a little less of the spcies! Absolutely delicious, the patty was nice and crisp, and both were thoroughly enjoyable!

Location:
Their Schedule is located here: http://palenque-schedule.blogspot.com/


http://www.palenquehomemadecolombianfood.com/

Monday, September 10

Babycakes


Is your diet refined sugar, gluten, wheat, soy, dairy or egg free?  Are you vegan or kosher?  If you answered yes to any of the previously mentioned allergies, you will LOVE Babycakes NYC.  This bakery is all of the above, and more.  They don't use any peanuts or nuts except coconut, so based off the food and drug administration stating that coconut is now a tree nut, they are not able to mention that they are nut free.  But if you are allergic to nuts, and not allergic to coconut, then you are in luck!  This place is definitely for you! 

*Note - In the non gluten free items, Babycakes uses a flour called spelt which contains gluten. It is NOT recommended for those following a gluten/wheat free diet. Also, an individual with a wheat related condition (i.e. celiac sprue, gluten sensitive enteropathies, etc...) should not consume spelt flour.

Allergy Info: 
Refined sugar free
Gluten Free Friendly 
Wheat free
Soy free
Dairy free 
Egg free
Vegan 
Kosher 


Foodie Rundown: 
Sugar Cinnamon Doughnut (See Pictured) 
Chocolate Mint Cupcake  (See Pictured) 

Locations: 
NYC - 248 Broome Street (Btwn Orchard & Ludlow)
Orlando - Lake Buena Vista
LA  - Hollywood, Larchmont






Terri Tuesday!

What are you doing for lunch today?  Head over to chelsea (23rd and 6th) during your lunch break to get a vegetarian, organic, vegan & gluten friendly lunch! All items on the menu are 100% vegan and kosher, and only organic ingredients are used.  They have sandwiches with gluten free bread available, along with some great dessert options, including cookies, donuts and cupcakes! Make sure you grab a drink or a side to go in the fridge on the left, the strawberry mint lemonade is delicious!



Allergy Info: 
Vegan
Vegetarian
Organic
Gluten Free



Foodie Rundown:
*Fan Favorite - I would have to say, that while waiting for my Hummus & Avocado Wrap, the 4 people before me got the Hummus & Avocado Wrap!  Full of hummus, avocado, smoked tofu, hot peppers, lettuce and tomato (See Picture)

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich - 'chicken', Buffalo sauce, vegenaise (a vegan version of mayo), lettuce, onion and celery

Strawberry Mint Lemonade - says it like it is


Location:
23rd and 6th

Follow Terri on Twitter here









Wednesday, August 29

Olive You <3

Fig & Olive is a trendy, fun, and healthy place to have either a romantic dinner, a quick casual dinner and drink or a family gathering in the city. My family and other families alike, love going to Fig & Olive for their variety of shared crustini’s and veggies and delicious salads. All the ingredients are fresh, and everything is made with Olive Oil and not butter. The philosophy is to highlight the use of the different and the best olive oils from the coastal regions of the South of France, Italy and Spain. Figs are predominant on the menu (that shouldn’t be too surprising), but their use of vegetables and flavors are delicious! Making those who are health conscious, very excited!

Allergy Info:
No Butter
Vegetarian Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Nut Allergy must be careful as there are a lot of walnuts, almonds and pine nuts on the menu

Foodie Rundown:

So being that I’ve been here a few times, I have tried a lot of what is on the menu. I have also never had anything that myself or someone else didn’t like – so I will give you a review of everything! (Hey! The more the merrier, right?)

Let’s start with the Crustini’s – Depending on the number of people at the table, make sure you get enough to share. These are pretty small, but can be cut in half to share. For 4 people, I recommend at least 6 crustini’s (and other appetizers, duh?)

Burrata, Tomato, herbs and Blasamic – A classic twist to a Bruschetta
Roasted Bell pepper, Ricotta – This was the largest and juiciest bell pepper I think I’ve had in my life, I think I cut it in half to share, and then stole the 2nd half back, whoops?
Prosciutto, Ricotta, Fig, Olive, Walnut – This is the epitome of Fig & Olive – so delicious
Salmon, Ricotta, Citrus, Cilantro – Mom’s favorite, salmon is fresh, and refreshing with the citrus
Shrimp, Avocado, Cilantro, Tomato – A little taste of mexico with the avocado and cilantro and a fresh crisp shrimp on top! (See Picture)

Veggies:
Zucchini – Pesto Ricotta with Pine Nuts, is really just a Zucchini spin on Pesto, with ricotta instead of Parmesan, dunk the extra Zucchini sticks or use the extra bread that they will give you (See Picture)
Artichokes – Family Favorite! These juicy artichokes with Parmesan and Balsamic, are a great combination (See Picture)

Appetizer:
Fig Gorgonzola Tartlet – So I don’t even like gorgonzola cheese, but warmed, with prosciutto, fig, walnut, arugula, scallions, tomatoes on a fine puff pastry, nothing matters anymore. These flavors and the crispy yet fluffy puff pastry, just melts in your mouth! (See Picture)

Dinner:
Fig & Olive Salad – Crisp lettuce with fig, apple, manchego, gorgonzola (I replaced this with goat cheese), tomato, walnut, olive, scallion and 18 year fig balsamic and Arbequina olive oil – want something delicious and guilt free? This salad is the way to go! (See Picture)

Melon & Prosciutto Burrata Salad – This was like an art sculpture when it came out of the ktiche, piled high with argula, melon, burrata, pesto, tomato, fresh herbs and lemon with Picholine Olive Oil, this was a sight to see! (See Picture)

Zucchini Blossom & Goat Cheese Ravioli – House made goat cheese ravioli, zucchini emulsion, tomato confit, curpsy zucchini blossoms with parmesan & shaved ricotta salata with Nocellara Olive Oil

Truffle Risotto – So my love for truffle never ends, Arborio rice, trumpet and cremini mushroom, with scallions, parmesan, parsley and white truffle oil

Locations:
NYC - Meatpacking (13th and
NYC – 5th Ave
NYC – Lexington
NY - Westchester
California (Melrose Place)

http://www.figandolive.com/

Tuesday, August 28

Dare to Dumpling?

If you’re in the mood for some dumplings…nice, plump, yummy dumplings (ok, my mouth just watered), and you don’t want to order the fried rice, the egg roll or the chicken and broccoli, you can simply have a dumpling feast at Rickshaw Dumpling Bar! In addition to their location in Flatiron, on Lexington and in Times Square, they also have a food truck! And we all know, everything tastes better from a food truck! Indulge in different flavored dumplings, different dipping sauces, and an array of side dishes that will make you dance for dumplings! Have a desire for a double dose of dumplings? They will cater an event as well!

Allergy Info:
Peanut allergy be careful! – there are peanuts in some of the dumplings as well as the sauces
Vegan Friendly
Vegetarian Friendly
Looking to eat healthy? Rickshaw says an order of 6 dumplings has less than 300 calories! After a meal, your dumplings will still look good!
No MSG

Foodie Rundown:Szechuan Chicken Dumpling – Bell & Evans chicken with Szechuan chilli, white soy bean and Chilli soy dipping sauce
Peking Duck - Local Hudson Valley duck with cabbage, scallion, 5 spices and hoisin dipping sauce
Chicken & Thai Basil – Bell & Evans chicken with lemongrass, glass noodle, carrot and spicy peanut dipping sauce
Never can go wrong with Classic Pork or if you’re vegetarian / vegan, check out the Vegetarian Edamame Dumpling with organic edamame with lemon in a whole wheat wrapper and lemon sansho dipping sauce!

Order a Rickshaw Regular for the best dumpling deal in town! Medium order of dumplings (6 dumplings) with a choice of noodles, salad or side for only $8.96!

Locations:
Flatiron – 23rd between 5th and 65h
Times Square – Broadway between 42nd and 43rd
45th and Lexington
Food Truck – Make sure to follow Rickshaw on twitter for their daily location changes! @RickshawTruck

Dare to Dumpling? http://www.rickshawdumplings.com/

Tuesday, August 7

Veggie Tales!

This is one of my all time favorite restaurants in NYC. I have been to 2 out of the 3 locations in the city (west village and Chelsea) and they have yet to let me down.

Westville, is known for being fresh, simple, vegetarian and vegan friendly! Their mom and pop style restaurant is a local hot spot that I frequent. They have a great menu full of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs and veggies. The veggies are daily specials and are definitely my favorite part of the menu, (and I'm totally not a vegetarian) they are always fresh and delicious!

Allergy Info:
Vegetarian Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Nut Friendly

Foodie Rundown:
Greek Salad - Salad portions are huge, which is great for a dinner salad!
Veggie Chili – my parents love this!
Grilled Cheese: Cheddar / Gouda blend melted on a Portuguese muffin (with bacon) – this will just melt in your mouth, fat kid style (see picture)

Veggies (Note – these vary by location / day but here are some of my favs)
Arichoke Hearts with Parmesan
Soy Glazed Green beans
Broccoli with Garlic
Honey Dijon Brussel Sprouts – another brussel sprout award from Foodergie! (these will totally clear out your sinuses, so make sure you like Dijon!)
Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella
Korean Cucumber Salad – So fresh, great during the spring / summer!


Locations:
Chelsea - 18th between 7th and 8th
East Village - Avenue A and 11th
West Village – Bleeker and West 4th (this one only has about 8 tables, so try and go at an off time so you don’t have to wait too long!)

Daily Specials are listed on Westville’s website, they also deliver, so make sure you check the delivery map! http://www.westvillenyc.com/

As seen on serious eats! http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2011/07/a-sandwich-a-day-grilled-cheese-with-bacon-an.html

Tuesday, July 31

It’s Taim…

It’s TIME to get over to a food truck called “The Taim Mobile”. Taim means highly pleasant to the taste or delicious, which is exactly what this food truck delivers. Not only do they have gluten free falafels, but they have a vegetarian and mostly vegan free menu!

So today, my colleague and I ventured to Varick and Grand (see location list here: http://www.taimmobile.com/). We were so happy with our Falafel Sandwiches that we have vowed to make Tuesdays “food truck Tuesday” and head over to this truck every week!

The guys were great, fun, and the service was quick. If you work in Soho or Tribeca (on Tuesdays), definitely head over to Taim and get a falafel sandwich, or probably anything on their menu, because it was delicious!

Schedule for the rest of this week (Week of 7/30) – If you haven’t left yet to find the truck, you’re totally missing out!
Wed 20th St & 5th Ave 11am- 330pm
Thurs World Financial Center, North End Ave at Vesey 11am-3pm
Friday 27th & Park Avenue 11am-330pm
Sat McCarren Park, Williamsburg 11am-?

Allergy Info:
Gluten Free Falafel
Vegetarian
Mostly Vegan

Foodie Rundown:
Falafel sandwich “with everything” – Let’s break this down, the Falafel sandwich has green falafel, hummus, Israeli salad (chopped tomato, cucumber, parsley and lemon mint dressing), pickled cabbage (marinated in a sweet and sour marinade), tahini sauce, S’rug (spicy sauce), Amba (mango chutney), pickles AND peppers! Seriously – it’s like everything but the kitchen sink, leave now to get to tribeca before the truck leaves! I’m not even kidding…have you left yet?

Locations:
Follow Taim on twitter for their most up to date locations (@TaimMobile)
Check out their website for the schedule as well www.taimmobile.com

Thursday, July 12

Travel Thursday!!!

My cousin lives in Philly (shout out to Laurel) and during my nut allergy she told me about a bakery called Sweet Freedom. She said, “they are gluten-free, vegan, dairy free, egg free, soy free, peanut free, corn free, refined sugar free, and Kosher!” I looked at her, and thought, well I’d rather just not eat dessert or maybe off my right arm?

To my surprise, this place was AMAZING! Not good, but amazing! Did you know that you could get flour from a garbanzo bean? All of their ingredients are listed on their website (www.sweetfreedombakery.com) and I wish and hope and pray that they open one of these fine establishments in NYC, because we all know someone that has at least one of the above mentioned allergies.

Allergy Info:
Gluten-free, vegan, dairy free, egg free, soy free, peanut free, corn free, refined sugar free, and Kosher – I don’t think there are any allergies left?

Foodie Rundown:
Magic Bars are seriously magical, seems impossible that this could be allergy friendly!
Cupcakes – yummy!

Addresses:
1424 South Street
Philadelphia, PA
Powered By Blogger