Category : Travel
Posted in Travel on March 14, 2012
Ah Ojai, just a hop, skip and a jump from Los Angeles, this quaint and cute town, tucked in the valley of Ventura county is a hot spot for spa goers, golfers, celebrities and all around relaxation seeking folks. With wineries and olive oil tasting outlets as well as great hikes and shopping, you’ll definitely work up an appetite hangin’ in Ojai!
For a getaway, you’ll need a cool place to stay and The Capri Hotel is just that place. Eco-friendly, hip and pleasing to the eye, the young vibe is a welcomed juxtaposition to the bed and breakfasts and spa style inns in the area. The rooms are bright and modern, the pool area and grounds are relaxing and peaceful and it has done a great job of keeping its vintage look while giving it a fun twist. You can rent DVDs and VHS tapes (yes!!) to watch in your room as well as order up indulgent spa services. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a fun place to hang with your pals, the pool cabanas and private patios welcome you!
Just steps away from the Capri, you’ll find the only fully vegan eatery in all of Ojai, Hip Vegan Cafe. Located behind a yoga studio, this cozy place serves lunch, dinner and dessert. From soups, salads and sandwiches to raw vegan desserts, come in for lunch and take some food to go to chow during a nice hike or picnic in the park! Go for the old faithful, vegan Reuben or go wild with the gluten free Indonesian wrap!
If you’re in search of a healthy brunch, quick lunch or fun dinner, The Farmer and the Cook is your place. A walk up counter, casual diner, Farmer also boasts a market with fresh deli/salad bar, soups, juices and a variety of organic grocery products for healthy homes. While the crux of the menu is Mexican, all vegetarian, with lots of vegan and raw, don’t miss their weekend pizzas! It’s a great place with a breezy vibe, great for families, kids and groups of friends or even just to sit under the canopy to enjoy your shake and a good book! My personal fave: share a kale Caesar salad and a vegan BBQ tempeh pizza under the stars!
Azu is a great place for a romantic meal and a finer dining experience. Specializing in Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine, special diet diners can dine happily here. With dishes like vegetarian paella, veggie soft tacos and scrumptious patatas fritas, you won’t leave hungry. Get a glass of wine and dine by the brick fire place for lunch or dinner at Azu.
So if you’re cruisin’ the California coast or just want to getaway for a relaxing weekend, Ojai is a great choice and now you know where to eat!
Most folks are familiar with Southern Italian fare. Cheesy, tomatoey and very pasta-y. At Monte Grappa, you’ll find traditional Northern Italian food, with ingredients sourced fresh from local farms. yet another place that is very accommodating to vegans, gluten free and other special diets, you won’t be disappointing with the portions of succulent veggies. My polenta and seasonal veggie dish was light and clean along with my tasty dessert of raspberry sorbet! Dining is as great outdoors as it is indoors and if you ask for the owners either the chef or his lovely wife will come out and greet you!
Posted in Travel on March 6, 2012
While Huntsville Alabama might not be a big tourist destination, it’s the center of some pretty impressive stuff. It’s the home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the US Army Aviation and Missile Command. Close to the Tennessee River and not far from the state, Huntsville is a nice community filled with a ton of aerospace brainiacs, rich history and some great healthy food options!
Located in the historic 5 points area, you’ll find 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern. A hip and chic eatery that specializes in local, seasonal and organic food. And with that, you know it’s an easy leap to awesome vegan and gluten free options! With Huntsville’s widest selection of gourmet vegetarian options, coming in for brunch, lunch or dinner, they’ve got you covered. I devoured my black bean tamales and they were extra yummy as I mixed in my salad covered in delicious chimichurri. So. Freakin. Yum. Come in for drinks, share an appetizer or order a bunch of dishes. Either way, you won’t leave disappointed!
If you’re looking for the flavors of the Caribbean when deep in the south, Curry in a Hurry is the place for you. With food prepped with no butter, low oil and the owner herself being vegetarian, this fun joint is full of delicious and healthy choices. The sides are a plenty with curry veggies, brown rice, steamed veggies, plantains and all go well with the mock chicken curry or curry tofu and potato. Full of flavor with none of the guilt, get a taste of the islands in the heart of the south, be sure to get some curry in a hurry!
I really had a lot of fun at Happy Tummy. A cute restaurant specializing in a plethora of sandwiches, many of them veggie. My favorite was the Voltron, packed with BBQ Tofu, jerk tofu, lettuce, tomato and onion. It’s spicy, it tasty and you might not want to kiss anyone directly afterward ; ) Happy is the perfect spot to pick up sandwiches for a road trip, picnic or just a great lunch time spot. It’s not wonder their tagline is “gastronomic delights”!
Mediterranean is always an easy choice for veggies and other special diet travelers. Jamo’s Cafe not only has the usual falafels and hummus but they even have veggie blt’s, pitas and more. I always get really excited when restaurants have more then just the usual 1 or 2 veggie choices. Close to the University, it’s a good choice for a quick meal.
So that’s a wrap on Huntsville! If you happen to be driving through or going to space camp, now you know where to go. And knowing is half the battle, G.I. Jooooooooooooooooooe! ; )
Posted in Travel on February 29, 2012
I had the good fortune of spending some time in Chattanooga, Tennessee recently. One of the greenest cities in America (surprised?) Chattanooga is home to quite a bit of history what with the trail of tears, the famed Chattanooga Choo Choo and its placement on the Tennessee River. It’s a beautiful scenic city with places like Lookout Mountain and its proximity to the Appalachians, there is a lot to do and see in and around the Dynamo of Dixie. But most importantly, there is some awesome vegan, gluten free and overall healthy grub!
One of my favorite Mexican restaurants experiences ever was at Taco Mamacita. A super hip joint just across the river from downtown, in North Shore, they offer local organic Mexican “street’ food along withe a full blown vegan menu! There were so many delicious options I couldn’t choose just one. So I started with an incredible tortilla soup (an absolute must!) and shared the freakin’ vegan taco (yeah, that’s the name). The margaritas are made from freshly squeezed lime juice and everything is insanely good and a ton is gluten free. So if you pop in to Chattanooga, Nashville or Sullivan’s island, you now know where to get kickin’ fresh mex!
I was very excited to stumble across Sluggo’s North. Having frequented their original location in Pensacola, Florida, it was fun to check out a familiar place. A fun bar and vegetarian hot spot, Sluggo’s is known best for their indie entertainment. A great basement level stage and concert area, they are a fun place to hang, drink and eat too! Awesome pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and yummy apps, come for the foo and stay for the tunes!
If a hearty breakfast or brunch is what you’re in search of, The Bluegrass Grill might be your choice. With dishes like tofu hash, vegan granola bowl and black bean chili, you’re sure to start your day on the right foot!
Now if you’re looking for a juicy burger to fill you up, make a beeline to Urban Stack. A trendy burger palace, they take care of non-meat eaters quite nicely. The vegan on shrooms is terrific with its homemade mushroom patty, tomato, roasted red pepper, balsamic onions, lettuce and vegan garlic mayo. Add a simply southern side of sweet potato fries, pickled beets or tomato blueberry salad and you are in for a treat!
Another all-American treat is the hot dog and Good Dog is the place for veggies to indulge. Being able to make virtually any version of their hot dogs veg and gluten free friendly, it’s tough to make a decision. I fell in love with the BBQ dog that comes complete with fakin’ bacon! Oh yeah!
I was only in town for a short while but was so happy to soak in some local flavor! I’d love to visit again soon and take in more of their green attractions and tasty veggie food!
Posted in Travel on February 22, 2012
With so many incredible historic locations and delicious places to dine on vegan, gluten free and overall healthy food, I just had to return for a second post. Whether you’re checkin’ out the famed Beale Street or walking through the legendary Sun Studio, there is so much tasty food in and around the music city on the Mississippi River that you gotta make time for some awesome eatin’!
If indeed you are looking for a unique and memorable Memphis and delta area adventure, you may want to look into American Dream Safari Tours. Customized tours of Memphis and surrounding areas, curated and chauffeured by the one and only Tad Pierson. One of the coolest cats you’ll ever meet, Tad drives you around in style, in a pink ’55 Cadillac. Taking you to the most touristy to way off the beaten path, American dream Safari is the best way to soak in the city from its most popular sites to the most secret juke joints and everything in between.
One of the cutest places I had the good fortune to stumble upon is the Trolley Stop Market. Just a stone’s throw away from Sun Studio, the market is a kitchy market style eatery, bakery and bar that showcases local, organic and seasonal food as well as arts and crafts from local artisans. The menu is full of fresh daily offerings and even feature some of the owners’ own vegetables from their own farm. With a ton of great vegan offerings (they even have “Vegan Night” once a week), the sides, sandwiches and salads are delish. But what knocked my socks off was their vegan pizzas! Whoa Nelly, fantastic crust, delicious sauce and fresh veggies topped with a light sprinkling of vegan cheese that compliments all the ingredients makes for 1 of my all time favorite pizzas. oh so good!
A fun place off the beaten path is Three Angels Diner. Very vegan friendly, brunch, lunch or dinner, you can find a dish you’ll love. I popped in for brunch and went to town on my biscuits and gravy along with a nice helping of tofu scramble. Bring your friends, enjoy the local art and bring your appetite on over to Three Angels!
I’ve always loved the idea of cute diners or bakeries located inside of an old timey gas station. Fuel Cafe is just that kind of place! Obviously fuel is a great name for restaurant in an old gas station but it has a double meaning as the food is fresh, local, seasonal and healthy. Lots of vegan options as well as a number of local and organic dishes, this cute place doesn’t skimp on taste. With one of the first food trucks in Memphis, Fuel is cornering the market of healthy eats both at a great brick and mortar locations as well as mobile. A Fuel must: Vegan tacos or shall I say Gorditas! OMG, 2 corn tortillas held together by delicious melted vegan cheese, stuffed with fresh pico de gallo, guacamole and homemade vegan taco meat. So yum but don’t miss their chili, vegan dips and so much more!
Now if you have a hankering for some authentic Italian, you may want to saunter over to PaPa Pia’s on Union. Just a quick walk from the famous Peabody Hotel, Papa has some nice Italian fare. I was delighted with their gnocchi primavera as it was so tasty and light, bursting with flavor, I didn’t have to douse my dish in marinara sauce to give it oomph. Very accommodating to special diets, it’s a great rustic place in the heart of downtown Memphis.
I had so much fun in Memphis, met some wonderful people ( like Tad Pierson, Chef Timothy, Chef Gary of Dejavu, Bianca Phillips of Vegan Crunk & Justin Fox Burks of The Chubby Vegetarian!) and can wait to see the healthy and vegan options grow in this bluesy, rock n’ roll town!
Posted in Travel on February 14, 2012
Memphis, the birthplace of rock n’ roll, home to Elvis and famed Beale Street, this music city right on the banks of the Mississippi River. Known for it’s bbq, I was beyond delighted with incredible food that was abound for a little ol’ vegan. The city is rich with history and boasts some famous folks but now, it’s quickly becoming a hub for great special diet culinary finds!
Graceland is synonymous with Memphis. Home of the late great rock n’ roller, Elvis Presley, it is THE place to see when in town. Touring the king’s home, airplanes and various gift shop/museums, whether you’re a fan or not, it’s impossible to not see him in a whole new light. This Memphis boy did right by his city and they are loving him as much now as they ever did.
Another important stop on a Memphis tour is the National Civil Rights Museum at the site of the Lorraine Hotel. The very spot where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took his last breath is memorialized in a beautiful, poignant and heart wrenching museum. The hotel’s facade still remains however the building has become a labyrinth of exhibits on the civil rights movement in America, all culminating with the room that Dr. King spent the last minutes of his life. The entire museum is well done and so moving that it is impossible to leave with dry eyes.
And now for the food!
Let’s begin by highlighting the only fully vegan restaurant in town, Imagine Vegan Cafe. Located in the hip Cooper Young district, this fun diner has got everything a vegan comfort food joint should have. And I mean everything! Their menu is giant and everything on it rocks. Being in the south, I had to have their “pulled pork” bbq sandwich with hush puppies. Yumm!! Oh, and I split the spinach artichoke dip with some buddies, heaven!!
One of the prettiest places I’ve ever had the good fortune to dine at is The Majestic Grille. What was once a silent movie theater back in 1913, just off the main trolley tracks, is now a chic and classy restaurant that is a must visit. Playing old films and vintage cartoons, the menu is just as cool as the location. And cooler yet are their plentiful vegan dishes! Try their homemade veggie burger or their delicious veggie flatbread with caramelized onion base. Ooh la la! And their Bloody Marys and Mimosas are not to be missed either at brunch or dinner!
Now, you’re in for a treat. DejaVu is a New Orleans Creole and soul food restaurant that specializes in vegetarian and vegan fare! Chef Gary is not only one of the most fun people you will ever meet but he will treat you right in his place. Always packed to gills, customers are more then happy to squeeze in with perfect strangers to enjoy a meal at DejaVu. Chef whipped me up a fabulous creole pasta full of veggies along with plantains, veggie rolls, carrot cake and banana nut bread. Everything looked so good but I only have 1 stomach so I’ll be sure to come right back to visit Chef Gary at DejaVu next time I’m in town. And you should too!
College kids are so progressive so you are sure to find health conscious dishes nearby. RP Tracks is exactly that kind of place. A fun college bar, complete with pool tables and darts as well as vegan options. Famous for their bbq tofu, they can sub it for basically anything. I shared the bbq tofu nachos and the bbq tofu burrito loved every bite!
Are you “All Shook Up” about Memphis? If so, join me next week because there is more to come! Thank you…thank you very much!
