The Holistic Holiday at Sea Experience

Holistic-Holiday-At-Sea-2

I’m back from a week aboard the MSC Divina on the Holistic Holiday at Sea and am bringing home tons of great info and experiences to share!Holistic Holiday At Sea

Let me start by saying that it was one packed week. My good friend Anne came with me on the trip and we both agreed that the experience was a perfect mix of fun and education. One of the hardest part about the trip was deciding which classes and lectures to attend because there were so many to choose from. I couldn’t ask for a better problem to have! 

I could go on and on about the details but photos do a great job at telling the story…

The Ship:

Holistic-Holiday-at-Sea-Photos

The MSC Divina is a classy ship with great service, and our room was very comfortable. 

The Dining:
Holistic-Holiday-At-Sea-Dining

For breakfast and lunch, Anne and I went for the vegan buffet because there were so many activities we were trying to squeeze in during the daytime. We went for the sit-down dinners though, which included a 5 course meal every night! It was refreshing not to have to question the servers about how the food was made. For once, being vegan was the norm not the exception. So cool!!! Dinner was also the time we met the most interesting people from all over the country, everyone with a unique story about how they came to be on the cruise. I definitely recommend attending the dinners every night, and sitting with new people each meal.

The Excursions:

Holistic-Holiday-At-Sea-Excursions

Book your excursions early! We made the mistake of waiting until the last minute and many of the excursions were booked, especially the ones that came with a vegan lunch included. This year we went to Saint Thomas, Nassau, Bahamas, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. We have a good friend who lives in San Juan so were lucky enough to have a personal, local tour guide on that stop. 

The Classes/Lectures:

Holistic-Holiday-At-Sea-Lectures

There were inspirational classes and lectures of different topics offered over the course of the week by some of the world’s leading experts on nutrition, cooking, and fitness. It was hard to pick which ones to attend because I was interested in so many! I even tried a qi gong class one day, which is something I’ve always been curious about. I was thrilled that one of my all-time favorite speakers, Dr. Greger, was there, and after his last talk, I ran up to the stage to say hello and give him a copy of my book. He was so thankful and we agreed we needed to team up because, as he put it, “The paleo people are killing me!”  

The Amenities:

Holistic-Holiday-At-Sea-Gym-SpaI managed to make it to the gym early most mornings. The gym is at the very front of the ship and give you a gorgeous view of the sunrise over the water. Yoga and other classes were also offered every day at 7am as well as throughout the day as well. The ship also has a nice spa where Anne and I got an amazing massages after loosening up in the steam room and relaxing for a bit. 

The Book Signings:

Holistic-Holiday-At-Sea-Book-Signing

There were book signings every evening. I felt so honored to be there among such inspirational authors.

A big thank you to Sandy Pukel, the dedicated founder of the Holistic Holiday at Sea for inviting me on the cruise. I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of such a special week.

Stay tuned for more info on next year’s cruise including early bird specials!!!

 

 

Top 8 Vegan Events 2016

vegan-events-2016

Mark your calendars and grab some tickets because 2016 is packed full of vegan events worth checking out!

I’m giving you my top 8 picks for vegan festivals and events, some based on my own experiences, others based on speaking with like-minded experts such as Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness founder Robert Cheeke. I ran into Robert at Brendan Brazier’s book launch party last month and was able to ask about his favorites since he pretty much travels year round attending and speaking at these events!

Holistic Holiday at Sea

February 27-March 5, 2016Holistic-Holiday-at-Sea-Photos

I’m super psyched about this year’s cruise because I was lucky enough to have been invited as a special guest. Robert Cheeke told me that out of all the events he attends this is his absolute favorite (this will be his sixth year in a row on board)! I’m especially excited because some of my favorite nutrition experts (like Dr. Michael Greger), plant-based chefs, and fitness pros will be on board presenting and teaching. I’ve found that most health or wellness-focused cruises offer yoga but not strength and conditioning type classes. Not true for this cruise! There is a class for everybody and every mood, so in addition to yoga and pilates there are also boot camp and body building type of classes from some of the top names in the fitness world. And the other part about this cruise that makes it different than other health cruises is that it not only gives you the opportunity to detox and relax, but also is upbeat with a wide variety of things to do from cooking classes to snorkeling to cocktail parties… how appealing does that sound?! Then there are the awesome plant-based meals, catering not just to people eating vegan, but also those who eat gluten-free or oil-free. I just find this incredible, and I want to experience it with you all! 

Here is a description of the experience:

Holistic Holiday at Sea presents the ultimate gift for your mind, body and spirit. Share the experience and wisdom of some of the world’s leading authorities and experts in holistic living and natural health. Cruise the Eastern Caribbean on one of the world’s premier Italian luxury liners, the MSC Divina, which combines the style and sophistication of Europe with American comforts and convenience. Visit exciting ports of call as we sail from Miami, Florida to natural paradise Charlotte Amalie/St. Thomas, USVI; historic and vibrant San Juan, Puerto Rico; and sun-soaked Nassau, Bahamas. All this and more while you dine on specially prepared vegan natural foods and beverages prepared by our own chefs. Lectures and workshops included.”

When they say, “health experts,” it’s the real deal… the line-up includes Dr. Michael Greger of NutritionFacts.org (one of my all time favorite speakers), Dr. T. Colin Campbell, co-author of The China Study” and featured in Forks Over Knives, Dr. Neal Barnard, founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Dr. Michael Klaper, long-time radio host and acclaimed health educator, Chef AJ, inspiring speaker and author of Unprocessed: How to Achieve Vibrant Health and Your Ideal Weight… and this is just to name a few. You MUST see the line-up. It’s crazy! And 95% of ALL the classes, workshops, presentations, and lectures are included in the price of the cruise, including the big names guests. Plus, these presenters are not all quarantined off in their own VIP areas, they eat and hang with everyone on board.

I’m honored that the bookstore will also be carrying my new book, The Six Weeks To Sexy Abs Meal Plan! I will be doing a book signing as well.

As I mentioned above, there are also daily yoga, pilates, fitness, running, meditation, and body building classes. Food options for everyone, including vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. There will be vegan pizza and ice cream parties and other social events and parties. We’ll have opportunities to swim, snorkel and kayak in the beautiful Carribbean waters.  On top of all that, this is all on an award-winning environmentally friendly ship!

I hope to see a bunch of you guys on the ship, but if you’re not able to make it this year, go ahead and put it on your calendar for next year – tickets are available now for early bird special prices.

Learn more about the 2016 Holistic Holiday at Sea Cruise HERE.

Seed Food and Wine Festival

November 2-5, 2016

seed food and wine festival

I absolutely adore this festival! Only in it’s third year of existence, the Seed Food and Wine Festival is a huge hit and growing rapidly. One of the things I like most about this festival is it’s focus on marketing to the main stream. Nothing makes me happier than seeing non-vegans be open-minded to learning the all the “whys” and “hows” to go vegan, and the events of this festival attract those people (along with already established vegans). 

Details for Seed Food and Wine 2016 have not yet been made public, but I’m sure it will not just match, but also exceed the quality of last year’s. 

Seed Food and Wine is described as “a weekend adventure for guests who want to sip, savor and experience conscious, sustainable plant-based living. All activities are carefully crafted to take guests through a one-of-a-kind journey from cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, celebrity chef dinners, craft beer and spirits tastings, celebrity cook-offs, fitness to body care, workshops, yoga, urban gardening, a 5k run, kids day and more. SFWFs line-up features something for everyone and showcases the beauty of the tropical paradise that is Miami and her beaches. Everything served during the festival will be plant-based (vegan) and whenever possible organic and non-gmo certified.”
To get an idea of the kind of events there will be, read about some of the 2015 events (just to mention a few):

FIRST ANNUAL PLANT BASED BURGER BATTLE™

Walk the green carpet, and chow down on plant-based burgers created by chefs from across the country, cast your vote for BEST VEGGIE BURGER IN AMERICA, enjoy paired craft brews by Brown’s Distributing curated by Box Elder Wynwood, Reeds Root Beer Floats, live music with the MAGIC CITY HIPPIES and great company. Celebrity judges include: Burger Beast, John Salley, Nic Adler, Nom Yourself and Chef Derek Sarno (Whole Foods Market·Austin).

FOOD FORWARD

Bringing together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to create a NEW conscious and sustainable food system.
This all day conference is designed for food and sustainability industry entrepreneurs, farmers, chefs, government and education leaders and those passionate about our future. There will be six workshops covering a variety of subjects including: Food Waste, Regenerative Agriculture, GMOs and Organics, Made In Miami Entrepreneurs feeding our community, Sustainability and Sea Level Rise, Feeding Good Food to Everyone.

FUTURE OF FOOD DINNER EXPERIENCE with CHEF MATTHEW KENNEY, SCOTT WINEGARD, AARON ADAMS & CHEF JONNY SENINGEN

The ultimate evening for plant-friendly foodies, start with cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, followed by a 5 course wine paired dinner presented by some of the best plant inspired chefs in the country, Chef Scott Winegard for Matthew Kenney Cuisine, Chef Aaron Adams from Farm Spirit in Portland and Chef Jonathan Seningen from Dirt Miami.

5K_WEB_ADSv2

SEED WYNWOOD 5k RUN, YOGA, MEDITATION & FESTIVAL DAY PACKAGE

Start the day with a 5K run through the art filled streets of Wynwood. Lead by ultra-endurance athlete, RICH ROLL, Miami’s very own, “WE RUN MIAMI”/ FRANKIE RUIZ, ELLA MAGERS the Sexy Fit Vegan and JOHN LEWIS the Bad Ass Vegan.

Then you will hit the mat for a yoga class with MEGHAN ELIZABETHfrom LoveLife Wellness Center, AMY DANNHEIM from Green Monkey Yoga and CORBIN STACY from Namastacy Yoga. Then take a breather with JENNIFER GRACE leading a guided meditation.

Pleasure awaits after all that hard work, as you enter the festival first before the public. Enjoy the ultimate day of plant-based health, wellness conscious and sustainable living with a beer garden, live music, chef demonstrations, speakers stage, yoga lounge, fitness zone, crafts, apparel, edible garden demonstrations, organic cruelty free beauty bar and over 100 restaurants, bakeries, brands, wines, spirits and juices sampling delicious plant based treats all day.

SEED FESTIVAL DAY AND TASTING VILLAGE

Enjoy free sampling all day at the ultimate day of plant-based health, wellness conscious and sustainable living with a beer garden, live music, Chef Demonstrations, Miami Book Fair Speaker Stage, yoga lounge, fitness zone, crafts, apparel, edible garden demonstrations, organic cruelty free beauty bar and over 80 restaurants, bakeries, brands, wines, spirits and juices sampling delicious plant based treats all day. Young Veg Advocate Award will be presented at 3pm on the main stage.

SPROUTS KIDS DAY

A fun afternoon for the entire family: Kids take part in an interactive learning experiences, from planting their own container gardens at the hands-on JugoFresh gardening lab, trying their hand at yoga with Magda Lopez and making their very own veggie pizzas with Chef Charlie Chen, and hitting up the Bunnie Cake’s cupcake lab to decorate and munch on organic, vegan, gluten-free cupcakes. We didn’t forget moms and dads, this year we will have a lounge with mocktails and yummy bites just for you. (programming designed for children ages 3 to 10).

Tickets to some of the events sell out quickly (the dinners especially) so stay tuned and as soon as they’re announced, jump on those tickets! The festival as a whole is on the pricey side compared to many other vegfests, but once you go you’ll understand why. The Seed Food and Wine Festival takes vegan to the next level!

Toronto Veg Food Fest

September 9-11
 toronto-vegan-food-fest
I haven’t attended this one, but Robert listed it among his top picks and it has received great reviews! 
Here’s how the Toronto Vegetarian Association describe the festival:

Regarded as the largest event of its kind in North America, the Veg Food Fest provides an unparalleled opportunity to sample the very best of vegetarian cuisine. Each year, visitors discover delicious new products and innovative ideas from more than 100 exhibitors and enjoy informative presentations and exciting cooking demonstrations.

Over the years the Vegetarian Food Festival has featured the brightest minds of the vegetarian movement including nutrition researchers Dr. T Colin Campbell (The China Study) and Brenda Davis, RD (Becoming Vegetarian, Becoming Vegan) as well as animal advocates Gene Baur (Farm Sanctuary) and Melanie Joy (Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs & Wear Cows). We’ve showcased dozens of amazing cookbooks through cooking demonstrations by Terry Hope Romero & Isa Chandra Moskowitz (Veganomicon, Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World, and many more), Taymer Mason (Caribbean Vegan), Sarah Kramer (How It All Vegan), and Toronto’s jae steele (Ripe From Around Here) and Doug McNish (Eat Raw, Eat Well). We’ve also highlighted important documentary films such as Forks Over Knives,Peaceable Kingdom, and Vegucated.

Featuring plethora of delicious foods, and a friendly, supportive atmosphere, the Veg Food Fest fits perfectly with the mission of the Toronto Vegetarian Association: to inspire people to choose a healthier, greener, more peaceful lifestyle.

For details about our most recent Veg Food Fest, please visit vegfoodfest.com

Here are links to a few more popular vegan festivals around the country (click on the pictures)…

Vegan Beer and Food Festival

June 11, 2016 in Portland and June 18, 2016 in Los Angeles

vegan beer and food fest LA 2016vegan beer and food fest Portland 2016
 

Texas VegFest

April 2, 20116

texas-veg-fest

Chicago Vegan Mania

October 1, 2016
chicago vegan mania
 

Tampa Bay Veg Fest

November 12th, 2016
tampa bay veg fest
If you’ve been to other annual events/festivals please share with us!

Join Us On The Holistic Holiday At Sea Cruise 2016!

Holistic Holiday at Sea 2016

When I found out about the Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise I was ecstatic… A cruise that is BOTH healthy AND fun?!

I couldn’t believe I have lived in Miami 13 years and have never taken advantage of this cruise. The 2016 Holistic Holiday at Sea will be my first year on board this ship and I’m rounding up friends and family to come with me. (The dates are February 27th-March 5th so it’s time to get on the ball and make it happen!)

I’m especially excited because some of my favorite nutrition experts (like Dr. Michael Greger), plant-based chefs, and fitness pros will be on board presenting and teaching. I’ve found that most health or wellness-focused cruises offer yoga but not strength and conditioning type classes. Not true for this cruise! There is a class for everybody and every mood, so in addition to yoga and pilates there are also boot camp and body building type of classes from some of the top names in the fitness world. And the other part about this cruise that makes it different than other health cruises is that it not only gives you the opportunity to detox and relax, but also is upbeat with a wide variety of things to do from cooking classes to snorkeling to cocktail parties… how appealing does that sound?! Then there are the awesome plant-based meals, catering not just to people eating vegan, but also those who eat gluten-free or oil-free. I just find this incredible, and I want to experience it with you all! Holistic-Holiday-at-Sea-Photos

Here is a description of the experience:  

Holistic Holiday at Sea presents the ultimate gift for your mind, body and spirit. Share the experience and wisdom of some of the world’s leading authorities and experts in holistic living and natural health. Cruise the Eastern Caribbean on one of the world’s premier Italian luxury liners, the MSC Divina, which combines the style and sophistication of Europe with American comforts and convenience. Visit exciting ports of call as we sail from Miami, Florida to natural paradise Charlotte Amalie/St. Thomas, USVI; historic and vibrant San Juan, Puerto Rico; and sun-soaked Nassau, Bahamas. All this and more while you dine on specially prepared vegan natural foods and beverages prepared by our own chefs. Lectures and workshops included.”

When they say, “health experts,” it’s the real deal… the line-up includes Dr. Michael Greger of NutritionFacts.org (one of my all time favorite speakers), Dr. T. Colin Campbell, co-author of The China Study” and featured in Forks Over Knives, Dr. Neal Barnard, founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Dr. Michael Klaper, long-time radio host and acclaimed health educator, Chef AJ, inspiring speaker and author of Unprocessed: How to Achieve Vibrant Health and Your Ideal Weight… and this is just to name a few. You MUST see the line-up. It’s crazy! And 95% of ALL the classes, workshops, presentations, and lectures are included in the price of the cruise, including the big names guests. Plus, these presenters are not all quarantined off in their own VIP areas, they eat and hang with everyone on board. 

I’m honored that the bookstore will also be carrying my new book, The Six Weeks To Sexy Abs Meal Plan! I will be doing a book signing as well 🙂

As I mentioned above, there are also daily yoga, pilates, fitness, running, meditation, and body building classes. Food options for everyone, including vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. There will be vegan pizza and ice cream parties and other social events and parties. We’ll have opportunities to swim, snorkel and kayak in the beautiful Carribbean waters.  On top of all that, this is all on an award-winning environmentally friendly ship!

I’m all booked and am psyched to get a good group together so we are ensured the BEST time ever!!! So please check it out and scoop up your tickets before it’s too late. Right now, you can also get a $50 on-board credit just by mentioning Sexy Fit Vegan 🙂

Learn more about the 2016 Holistic Holiday at Sea Cruise HERE.

Let me know if you have any questions and/or you are coming aboard – would love to meet you all in person!!

Holistic Holiday at Sea Sexy Fit Vegan

Miami Beach Vegan Restaurant Review: Full Bloom

Full-Bloom-Vegan-Restaurant-Review

Full Bloom, a new gourmet vegan restaurant in Miami Beach recently opened it’s doors and I couldn’t wait to check it out!Full-Bloom-Vegan-Restaurant-View-web

I have been living in South Beach for 13 years and although more vegan spots have been popping up in recent years, we haven’t had any gourmet vegan restaurants to choose from… until now. Full Bloom is not only upscale, but it has a killer location with a gorgeous Full-Bloom-Vegan-Restaurant-Owners-webview overlooking Biscayne Bay and the downtown Miami skyline. I can’t speak highly enough about the creative and gracious founders, Omar Barberini, Nicola Dominici, and Alessandro Farana, whose mission is, “to bring animal-caring, health conscious cuisine to food levels in Miami and provide an intimate special dining experience.”

Full Bloom is off to a great start in fulfilling their mission. The ambiance is classy, the vibe friendly, and the food delicious.

The menu can be considered “vegan fusion” with great variety. I had recruited my ex-boo to take me on a date and although he is not on a vegan diet plan, he was as impressed with the menu as I was. We started out with cocktails. Although the restaurant does not have a full liquor license, they are able to serve low a.b.v. liquor and can therefore still whip up some refreshing cocktails using fresh pressed juice. Rob and I got different margarita varieties with paprika salt which were wonderful. They also have a good wine selection.Full-Bloom-Vegan-Restaurant-Cocktails-web

They started us out with some bruschetta that came with a shot of vegetable puree. Yum!!! We then ordered a couple appetizers… the mac and cheese side (my pick) and vegetable tempura (Rob’s pick). The mac and cheese was awesome, and it was such a large portion I had to resist eating too much! Although I rarely eat fried food so I’m no tempura expert but wow, this tempura was outstanding, and the daikon soy sauce was the perfect compliment. 

Full-Bloom-Vegan-Restaurant-Bruscetta-webFull-Bloom-Vegan-Restaurant-Mac-'n-Cheese-webFull-Bloom-Vegan-Restaurant-Tempura-web

Choosing a main course was a challenge because all the dishes sounded so appetizing. We ended up ordering the farro risotto of the day and veggie fajitas. By the time these dishes arrived we were both fairly full already so we had a few bites and packed the rest to go (we ended up eating it later the same night). The risotto had a delightful flavor. If you try it, just keep in mind farro is an ancient grain that has a different, more course, texture than the rice typically used to make risotto dishes. The veggie fajitas were also incredibly flavorful and delicious. If I order these again I will ask them to include grilled tofu or tempeh for the added texture and protein  The menu was packed with so many items that interested me that I was already feeling excited to go back and try out more!Full-Bloom-Vegan-restaurant-Farro-and-Fajitias-web

The service we received was impeccable. (This is a statement that unfortunately cannot be said for many restaurants in South Beach.) I can say with confidence, “At Full Bloom you can expect the nothing but the best.”

I highly recommend the Full Bloom Gourmet Vegan Cuisine experience…. so check it out and let me know your favorite dishes!Full-Bloom-Vegan-Restaurant-with-Rob-web

 

New Go-To Vegan Restaurant in South Beach is a Hit!

Vegan-Restaurant-South-Beach-Plant-Theory-Botanical-Cafe

Meet Sheryn Abalos, celebrity vegan chef and owner of Plant Theory Botanical Cafe, a fresh new vegan restaurant in South Beach with much to offer!

Plant Theory Miami Vegan Restaurant Owner Sheryn Abalos

Vegan Restaurant in South Beach-Plant Theory Botanical Cafe
I caught up with the busy vegan chef (who has an infectious smile and contagious positive energy by the way) to find out more about her vision and the secret behind creating such a unique neighborhood vegan restaurant.

Ella: What is your vegan-background? When did you go vegan, why, and how has it shaped your life?

Sheryn: My family was having shake and bake chicken for dinner, and when I took a  bite of the drumstick and saw the little bones and purple veins I realized it was once a living bird. Then, the next day we had a whole baked fish with the head and everything looking back at me. I read what they did to cows and couldn’t justify eating them. As far as dairy is concerned, once I cut it out of my diet I began breathing better and all my skin issues went away. Concerning eggs, I couldn’t eat them after I found out they were unfertilized eggs. All of those factors combined pretty much made me vegan, and while people think it’s harder but for me, it actually cuts out a lot of the crap and makes life easier!

Ella: What made you think Plant Theory Botanical Cafe would be a successful concept in this location at this time?

SherynI think the standard American diet is in dire straits and finally people are making the connection that it does matter what you eat and where it’s from. The majority of fatal diseases are diet related. What better place than South beach to open a restaurant where people can enjoy healthy food that will help them look and feel their best for years and years to come?!

Ella: In what ways is your spot different than other vegan and/or healthy restaurants opening in the area?

SherynNumber one we are truly vegan without any compromises such as honey, animal by products etc… We also use organic produce and supplies, and use eco-sustainable products. Our market focus on small artisan crafters you cannot find easily in Miami. Additionally, we are 98% raw with one hot soup and globally inspired special a day. We are a community space and love sharing our space for holistic events and community gatherings.

Ella: What are your top 3 recommendations from the menu for someone to try first?

SherynWow only 3! That’s hard!
1. Raw Lasagna
2. Grilled Artichoke and Raisin Wrap
3. Raw Save the Salmon Burger
4.  Raw Picadillo Salad

Ella: What advice do you have for people who are new to the idea of veganism and are interested in moving in that direction?

Sheryn: Just try substituting one regular meal with a plant based one at least once a day then increase it as you feel better. Educate yourself… There are so many free resources and community events out there for support and great recipes.

Ella: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Sheryn: Connecting with our food allows us to pause and realize what and even how you we eating. Eating should be true nourishment for the mind body and spirit. Stop by and experience Plant Theory, it’s a great community space for everyone!

 

Menu Item from Plant Theory Botanical Cafe Miami Beach

Vegan menu item from Plant Theory-Vegan Restaurant in Miami Beach

 

Acai Bowl from Plant Theory-Vegan Restaurant in Miami Beach

Dessert from Plant Theory Botanical Cafe Miami BeachAlso check out Plant Theory on the web:

Yelp

Facebook

Instagram

 

Vegan Traveler: New Orleans

Ella Magers, vegan traveler at UFC New Orleans

I took a birthday trip to New Orleans last weekend to see UFC Fight Night (my birthday gift from my boyfriend) and wow, as a pro at traveling on a vegan diet plan, this city is what I would call, “a great challenge!”

First off, I’m relatively easy to accommodate in that I’m happy with simple meals containing popular ingredients. I don’t need my vegan diet plan to be fancy. Give me a salad with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and some chickpeas and I’m a happy camper. I generally travel and go to restaurants, bars, and other hot spots more for the atmosphere than the food options anyway, but that’s just my personality. In New Orleans, there is no shortage of awesome venues to hear great live music, meet interesting people, have drinks, people-watch, and learn about the city’s history. But when it comes to eating, unless you like jambalaya, gumbo, po-boys, or deep fried food, you have a challenge on your hands. 

Here are some recommendations for places I enjoyed:

  • For a local sports bar vibe with great craft beer: The Bulldog
    • The hummus is home-made, FANTASTIC., and you can get it with raw veggie sticks!
    • Great selection of craft beer (The Unibroue Trois Pistoles is a strong, vegan-friendly Belgium beer that’s not served at many bars… loved it!).
    • vegan beer
  • For a local bar with a good beer selection and live jazz: d.b.a.
    • They do not serve food, but let you bring in food from elsewhere and chow there. 
    • The bartenders are experienced and super friendly.
    • d.b.a.-new-orleans
  • For a 100% vegan restaurant: Seed
    • Awesome high-quality menu with tons of variety, but all “nola style” so you still get a taste of traditional food.
    • Perfect brunch spot (pictured are the bloody marys, grits with seitan and mushroom gravy, chocolate chip pancakes, tofu scramble, and fresh squeezed orange juice).
    • An amazing, creative cocktail menu.
    • Modern, cool design.
    • Location is not great (only down side).
    • vegan-bloody-maryvegan-grits,-mushroom-gravy,-homemade-seitanvegan brunchvegan bloody mary
  • For a fun tourist bar with live music: Famous Door
    • Great cover-bands almost always on stage
    • Cheap drink prices
    • Perfect for letting loose and laughing at/with drunk tourists.
    • famous-door-new-orleans
  • To learn about history: WWII Museum 
    • ww2-museum

Then, of course, the UFC Fight night, the real reason we went, was at the Smoothie King Center, and we were incredibly lucky with the card. Almost every fight ended in a knock-out or submission! We were in the third row for these exciting fights, and through a friend, I was able to say what’s up to Bruce Buffer who is not only a talented entertainer, but also a super nice guy! I was happy the veteran Dan Henderson came away with a well-earned victory 🙂

Ella-&-bruce-buffer dan-henderson-ufc-winner ella-rob-ufc-fights

All in all, a fantastic experience. Thanks Rob for making it happen.

I’d love to hear comments about other tips and hot spots so please comment!

 

 

Conscious Bite Out Promoting Going Vegan

Conscious Bite Out Vegan Event Recap

Conscious Bite Out teamed with Seed Food and Wine Festival, Whole Foods Market, and Basil Park, for an outstanding vegan event I was fortunate enough to attend last night!

My boyfriend and I were greeted by Seed Food and Wine Festival co-founders Alison Burgos and Michelle Gaber making their own special recipe for spicy mango margaritas… no better way to start a night out!

Seed-Food-&-Wine-Allison-&-MichelleWe mingled during cocktail hour, meeting many interesting people with different stories leading to how they ended up at the event that night. The venue, Basil Park, was gorgeous, and the staff was friendly and made the experience excellent from start to end.

Once seated, we got to start with the wine… John Salley‘s The Vegan Vine wine. Outstanding! Our table-mates, a couple from Pinecrest, kept us busy with fascinating conversation all evening as we were served one delectable course after the other. Conscious Bite Out’s Veronica Menin gave a thoughtful intro and closing and was an incredibly gracious host. We also got to hear a few words from Alison about the upcoming Seed Food and Wine Festival 2015 in Miami, which I’m already pumped for (it will be here before we know it, November 18-22)!

Vegan-Event-WineVegan-Event-Beet-SaladVegan-Event-DumplingsVegan-Event-Main-Course

Concsious Bite Out Vegan Event

Thank you to everyone involved with making this awesome event such a hit, bringing people from all over together to have some fun, enjoy delicious food and drinks, while raising awareness about how we can all come together to make this world a better place!

Miami Vegan Dinner Event at Basil Park

Conscious-Bite-Out-Dinner

I’m excited for Conscious Bite Out‘s vegan dinner event Thursday, May 7th so I wanted to share!

As the Miami New Times article states, “The beginning of the month is always an apt time to start new stuff: better habits, New Year’s resolutions (it’s only May, you have even months to make it happen), new hobbies. So maybe kick off May with Conscious Bite Out, a vegan dining experience by Basil Park‘s Tim Andriola.”

The dinner is sponsored by Whole Foods Market and Seed Food & Wine, and features a full five-course meal, passed hors d’oeuvres and organic wines. 

“We love Tim’s story, passion and cuisine,” says Conscious Bite Out co-founder Veronica Menin. “We love Basil Park and happy to have partnered up with Whole Foods Market and Seed Food and Wine to collaborate on this event together, always to inspire and create an awareness in our community of better food choices and to create better food choices available in restaurants as well.”

Check out the mouth-watering vegan menu!

Hors D’oeuvres

~Purple artichoke “pizzette” with Harpke Family Farm’s arugula pesto, macadamia nut cheese, and crisp essence flat bread

~Fava bean and black truffle crostini with golden flax seeds, cashew parmesan, and mâché

~White asparagus sushi with spinach, pine nuts, jicama, and red curry

~Avocado ceviche with coconut milk, lime, ahi amarillo, sweet potato, and young cilantro

~Watermelon radish “raviolini” with english pea purée, pea shoots, and pistachio oil

~White grape gazpacho with cucumber noodles, micro sorrel, and fresh green almonds

~Shaved vegetable daikon roll with pickled mango, fresh ginger, and tamari

First Course

Heirloom Tomato and Golden Beet Salad with Red Romaine, Avocado Vinaigrette, and Brazil Nut “Cheese”

Second Course

Steamed Wild Ramp Dumplings with Fiddlehead Ferns, Edamame, Baby Bok Choy, Toasted Nori, and Red Miso Broth

Main

Sous Vide of Porcini Mushrooms with Roasted Vidalia Onions, Spring Vegetable Ragout, and Black Garlic “Aioli”

Dessert

Raw Chocolate Lasagna with Cacao, Hazelnuts, Frozen and Macerated Raspberries

If you are in South Florida on Thursday I hope to see you there!

Vegan Restaurant Review: Cafe Gratitude

Ella Magers at Cafe Gratitude Vegan Restaurant Sign

On a recent trip to Santa Monica, I met a friend at Cafe Gratitude, a trendy vegan restaurant with rave reviews.

I wanted to check it out to see if all the talk was just hype or if this place was truly special. I’m here to tell you Cafe Gratitude exceeded my expectations. I was so hungry when I arrived I was slightly overwhelmed with all the options… they all looked so good! Check it out…

cafe gratitude-menuWe ended up getting a phenomenal asparagus and arugula appetizer special and the “Abundant” antipasto plate. The antipasto plate didn’t really do it for me, but when the main course came, any doubts I had about the restaurant as a whole disappeared. The “Whole” Macrobiotic Bowl was extraordinary. My friend also raved about the “Humble” which had become his go-to dish. In addition to the awesome food, I had an excellent experience from a service standpoint, and the atmosphere was thick with positive energy and a chill vibe. 

Conclusion: Vegan or not, Cafe Gratitude is a restaurant destination in west Los Angeles not to be missed!

Ella at Cafe Gratitude