P.O.C. Pierogies of Cleveland Market

I know pierogies are more of a traditional Slavic (Polish, Russian, Slovak, Ukrainian) food, but this little German girl just loves a good stuffed dumpling.

So when the P.O.C. started rolling out handcrafted, gourmet pierogies in their new Middleburg Heights location, I just had to check it out and see if they were offering anything vegan.


And they are!

Four standard vegan flavors are offered everyday of the year - potato, onion & chives, cabbage, mushrooms and mushroom & sauerkraut.  You get six very plump pierogies at $6-$8 a pack.  All pierogies come frozen and have no artificial flavors/sweeteners, no chemical preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup, no partially hydrogenated oils and no bleached/bromated flour.  They are also GMO-free!  You can tell whoever is in charge of grandma's approved recipe, knows what time it is!

There's a few other vegan goodies available, so you know there's some earnest consideration being given to us fellow plant eaters.  I also appreciate that everything is clearly labeled and ingredients listed - no accidental vegan food here, it's by design.

Now if they could only come up with a vegan Kolaczki...a girl can dream.

Welcome to the neighborhood P.O.C. this vegan girl is certainly glad you're here and by the line of customers it looks like I'm not alone.

Check it out!

Eat at Earth Bistro Cafe!

If you're ever in the Northeast Ohio area or more specifically, Lakewood, you have to check out Earth Bistro Cafe!  I just had my first experience here this past weekend with my bestie (Hey Steph!).  Their business model: "A Healthy Place To Eat! Contemporary American cuisine with a Cuban flair."  I'm down with that!

Once you get inside this rather unassuming storefront you are treated to a very warm and cozy atmosphere.  Not too big, not too small.  But what's got me all jumping for joy is the mega Vegan Menu!  It's the same size as their "regular menu" and for this vegan chick that scores major points!  (I'm so sick of these restaurants trying to pass of one or two vegan options and expecting us to be happy about it.)

But what about the food: local, healthy, organic and fresh...oh and it just happens to be AMAZING!  Steph & I had a very good time scoffing down:

Caribbean Veggie Quesadilla: A blend of veggies galore with melted vegan cheese served with guacamole and salsa $8

Vegan Tostadas: 3 Toasted tortilla topped with black bean spread, grilled vegetables avocado, and grilled pineapple topped with a lime creamy dressing. Served with a side of cactus marinated slaw and salsa. $10

Black Bean Veggie Burger: Homemade quinoa, black rice, veggies and beans.  Served with spring mix, tomatoes, onion, and slices of avocado. $10

This picture does not do this meal justice.  The food was beautifully plated - a colorful feast for the eyes (I appreciate these things after attending Chef School) and piled high with tastiness.  We had to laugh when the server brought more toppings!

The only utter disappointment of the night...they were sold out of their Vegan Chocolate Cake!

Sigh, I guess I'll just have to go back and I already have plans to do so this weekend - and that cake better be there!

Earth Birstro Cafe

11122 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio. 44102

Check it out!

Tree Hugger's, Oberlin...Don't Bother

I really don't like to criticize "vegan" businesses - they are a struggling species in Ohio.  But keeping quiet about subpar food and/or subpar service is not going to further the cause.

So, that brings me to Tree Hugger's Cafe.  I have been known to sing the praises of the original Berea, OH location, but that stops now; for a couple of reasons.

1. High, untrained, staff turnover - I have severe food allergies, that's why I'm vegan, I make this very much known before ordering in any restaurant.  But I have been served dairy several times by staff that didn't know and didn't ask how the food was being prepared.  And depending on what day you ask, you get a different answer at this place.

2. Vegan & non-vegan community is turned off - for years I assumed it was just me and my guests that were annoyed with the service, but the more I talk to people, the more I learn that many, many are not happy with the downturn of Tree Hugger's over the past years.

3. They don't care - I have and others have spoken to the owner and management with zero response, zero action and zero correction.  I guess they feel they are doing pretty well and don't have to answer to customer dissatisfaction.  Good luck with that.

And this brings me to the Cafe's newer Oberlin, OH location.  Frankly, I have been avoiding this place like the plague since it opened a year or more ago; in fact I have been avoiding Tree Hugger's all together after several disappointing experiences.  But, my mother has had her heart set on going (she's not vegan) and wanted to check out Oberlin.  Ok, for her I conceded and we made the 45-minute haul to Oberlin for my birthday dinner.

As we walk in the door, it doesn't start off well.  No hello, no smile, not even a simple acknowledgement from the 2-person staff and it was really, really hard not to tell we were there, given the rush of their three customers (all eating) and the fact that the place is the size of a closet.  But size, doesn't matter, so we stood around waiting to be seated before finally realizing, it was a seat yourself kind of joint.  Menus in hand and we quickly determine that this is no full-size Tree Hugger's.  The menu is about half, if that, of the Berea location.  Ok, not giving up hope yet...  My bf goes to the bathroom, promptly returns and states that he doesn't want to eat there.  Well, years of me telling him that the bathroom is a clear indicator of the cleanliness and quality of staff must have paid off.  He was ready to bolt.  My mother went to the counter and asked a few questions and promptly returned and said she didn't want to eat there.  Since I was still pissed off of the lack of welcome, I said giddy up!  Now mind you, I was starving, we drove 45-minutes to get there and Oberlin is a tiny, tiny town and the odds of getting anything vegan were slim.

Thanks to my Happy Cow app, we landed around the corner at the Black River Cafe.  Not a vegan restaurant by any stretch of the imagination, but they did have a few things that could be turned vegan, plus a waitress who knew exactly how the food was prepared.  Confidence in your server is priceless when it comes to food allergies; Tree Hugger's has lost my confidence.  Anyway, we enjoyed a Beet Salad, minus the goat cheese, a Margarita Pizza, minus the cheese and the one pure vegan offering - Quinoa Stuffed Peppers.  All pretty good given the circumstances.

So, why the sudden change in my lack of support?  Well, I've been silently discontented for awhile, but after my recent visit to Santa Monica, CA - where vegan businesses get it and take veganism very seriously, I'm not willing to settle anymore and my silence isn't helping any of these places get their shit together, in fact, just the opposite. 

Mitchell's Ice Cream Does Vegan

If you're in the Cleveland area, you're in for a fantastic treat!

About a month ago, I finally made it to Mitchell's Ice Cream to check out their newly crafted vegan ice creams.  I wish I would have checked them out sooner because, OMG!

They only have two flavors, which coincidentally tend to sell-out: Salted Caramel Pecan, made with coconut milk flavored with homemade toasted pecan butter, caramelized brown sugar and sea salt and Chocolate, made with coconut milk and Belgian 72% chocolate.  The ingredients alone make you drool.

I naturally had to check both out (for you readers; I do it all for you...) and got a double scoop of each. AMAZING!  The Chocolate is super rich, creamy and literally melts in your mouth and pairs so well with the mellow salty kick of the Salted Caramel Pecan.  I highly recommend that you do the same and get both... together, the perfect pairing.

So, I was super excited when my local Heinen's grocery store started carrying both flavors.  Unfortunately, they are $5.99 a pint - OUCH!  The steep sticker shock kept me from my beloved new find for quite some time until recently... 

Being my birthday month (yeah, that's right, all of July is blocked for my birthday extravaganza!!!), I decided to splurge to celebrate.  Supreme yumminess ensued in the comfort of my cozy home.  I still can't justify a $12 ice cream run any ole' day of the week, but this just might be my new celebration ritual!

Check it out!

Beet Jar, A Vegan It Spot In Cleveland

Thanks to my friend Katie, I got my ass out of the office finally after a long winters hibernation and hit up lunch at the BEET JAR juice BAR, a new local little gem that has popped up in the Cleveland Veg scene.


Now, while I may be vegan, I'm far from a raw foodie.  So the fact that this restaurant is all raw, I was a little concerned for my rumbling tummy.  But my fears were replaced with genuine love for this vegan delight.

The menu may be small & pricey ($23 for lil' ol' me), but it's packed with unique flavor combinations.

For lunch I gleefully devoured a Silver Apple Raw Juice (apple, beet, cucumber + ginger), cheddar Kale chipz & THE MOST AWESOMEST SANDWICH OF MY LIFE - smokey coconut, greens, cashew mayo, red onion and avocado on toasted sourdough (num, num, num).  Seriously, days later and I am still drooling over this sandwich!



Welcome to Cleveland, Beet Jar!

New Cleveland Vegan Restaurant Alert: BEET JAR juice BAR!!!

Not quite ready yet, but sometime this month, BEET JAR juice BAR will unveil its awesomeness to the citizens of Cleveland - hooray!!!

BEET JAR juice BAR is an Organic, Raw, and Vegan Food establishment. Vegan-owned and Vegan-operated!  Not only will this place be a safe-haven for Vegans, the food will be made with a health-conscious focus.

The menu will change seasonal, but feature specialties include Cold-Pressed Juices, Nut Milks, Kale Chipz, Raw Slaw, Pauerkraut, Zucchini Pasta, Spring Rolls, Gluten-free Desserts & more!  Starting out completely raw, BEET plans to expand to soups & noodles as well.

Come on Cleveland - get out there and support one of our own!



Location: 1432 W. 29th St. Ohio City, OH 44113

Check'em out!

Ms. Julie's Kitchen - The Place To Be In Akron, Ohio

FRESH, LOCAL, ORGANICS

I finally made it to Ms. Julie's Kitchen!  This place has been on my must visit list for quite some time.  I don't get to the Akron area much and when I do, it's to stock my pantry at the Mustard Seed Market.  Since they just happen to have one of the best, no-oil, vegan menus around, I naturally always dine there.

Let me tell you, I wish I would have gone to Ms. Julie's Kitchen sooner.

This place is eccentric to say the least - with its mix and match hand-me-down furniture and screen door reminiscent of Kramer's small town break from reality - "Serenity Now!!!"

But, the staff is wicked awesome friendly and the food is phenomenal.  I don't know how they managed it, but in the dead of winter, the tomatoes were fresh and the peppers were crisp!  Did I mention the open style kitchen, where they make everything to order the minute you sit down?  No, heat lamps, no microwaves here my friends.

Let me give you the lay of the land, so as a newbie, you don't stand around looking lost, like I did.  This is a no frills place, all the attention goes to the food.  That means, step up to the counter and place your order.  Specials are on the chalkboard, menu is on the flyer.  Grab your utensils and napkin and pick a seat.  When you're done, go back to the counter to pay.  That's it, you're now a pro.

I thoroughly enjoyed their Falafel Sandwich - two generous falafels stuffed into a whole wheat pita, smothered in tahini & topped with a giant tomato slice.  The addition of pickle relish sent this sandwich to a whole new level!

My boyfriend had their Spicy Black Bean Burger, which upon the first bite exclaimed, 'This is the freshest sandwich I have ever had!!!"  What the hell does that say for my cooking?  (I'll deal with him later.)

I could not resist the special of the day - Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese (gluten-free)!  By far the best vegan Mac & Cheese I have ever experienced. A Snoopy happy dance ensued.

Now, I couldn't leave empty handed.  For Christmas breakfast, I raided their freezer (it's help yourself, I wasn't trespassing - come on people), for their ready-made assortment of waffles - apple cinnamon, pumpkin, cranberry orange, gingerbread...  I also scored the Christmas special, Sauerkraut Balls to entertain my holiday guests (confession - my bf & I ate them all and we are not ashamed).

Their menu changes seasonally, because Ms. Julie gets her produce from her very own farm as well as from other local Ohio farmers.  She also stocks an array of locally produced teas, jams, preserves, honey, maple syrup, nuts and bakery.

Still don't think Ms. Julie is the bomb?  She holds cooking classes so you too can do what she does.  "Julie will teach you how to use your kitchen to stay out of the hospital!" - Dr. Joel Fuhrman

Oh, I forgot to mention the greatest gift of all - Julie's Kitchen is 100% vegan!!!  Like a kid in a candy store, I will be back for more...

Ms. Julie's Kitchen
1809 S. Main St. Akron, OH 44301
330-819-3834
M-F 8am - 7pm
Sat 9am - 5pm

Check it out!

Grocery Stores Are So Last Season...Blue Sky Green Fields is HOT!

How cool would it be to order your groceries online and have them delivered?

Let me tell you, it's beyond cool, it's AWESOME!!!

Recently, my employer teamed up with Blue Sky Green Fields to provide just that.  I know it's hard to believe that I'm not jet setting around the world on my blogger fame, but I keep it real by maintaining a 9-5...

Anyway.

Blue Sky Green Fields is a Cleveland-based company.  They offer farmer market quality food, local when they can, organic & conventional.  Prices are comparable if not lower than grocery store chains.  They even have specialty items from places like Ohio City Pasta (pizza dough is the bomb) and the Olive Tap.

Delivery is FREE!  Membership is FREE!  Prices are LOW!  Quality is HIGH! 100% Quality Guarantee!

To get on board this gravy train, you just need to have a minimum of 20 people ordering per week.  That's it!  There is no obligation, no contracts.  So this means, if you don't have a cool employer, you can still get the hook up at your kid's school, a church, even a housing development.  Anywhere you can have a centralized drop-off.

Got a hungry group?  Get started, now!

Check it out!

Tree Hugger's Cafe Opens in Oberlin!

Treehugger's Cafe

Opens in 

Oberlin, Ohio!

I love the Tree Hugger's in Berea, OH & now they've opened a second location in Oberlin, OH!

Tree Hugger's Cafe is a fantastic local, organic cafe/restaurant offering vegan, vegetarian and overall good for you food (they have chicken, turkey and fish as well).  The owner, is also the chef and she creates fantastic food combinations with as much locally, organically grown food as she can get her hands on.  It's super yummy and the staff is very friendly!  A certain peace and calm overtakes you when you enter this cafe and it makes you want to be a healthier, better person.

You can count on Tree Hugger's to always have an assortment of hot and cold teas on hand (black, green and white).  They have an organic espresso bar and organic, certified fair trade Hoot Owl Coffee.  Like smoothies? They got'em!

You must try the sweet potato fries with honey dipping sauce.  The Great Egret Zucchini Parmesan Panini is fantastic, so is the Marbled Murrelet Mushroom Panini (substitute the mozzarella for avocado - to die for!). Their salads are so fresh and GINORMOUS - I recommend the Strawberry Kiwi Koala Salad (how can you not love the names of these dishes)!  And the fresh baked vegan bakery, don't get me started (Lemon Cookie!)  I've eaten here a lot, but there is so much more I need to try, check out their awesome menu.

Gluten allergy?  Tree Huggers can handle that.  They even have gluten-free bakery!

One last pitch - they have no freezer!  That means you are guaranteed a seasonal, fresh meal every time!

Support our local vegan movement & eat at Tree Hugger's in Oberlin:
55 East College St, Suite 1, Oberlin, OH 44074

Check it out!

New Vegan Restaurant Coming To Cleveland!!!

Earth Bistro Cafe

To Open Soon!!!

I'm super excited to announce a new vegan/vegetarian restaurant using plenty of organic, fresh & locally sourced ingredients is coming to the west side of Cleveland!  Woo hoo!

Earth Bistro will be located at 11122 Clifton Ave, Cleveland OH 44102

Rumor has it that they plan to open their doors at the end of July...umm, that's in five days.

No official open date has been released to the public at this time.

Whenever they open their doors, they will be a welcome addition to the Cleveland vegan scene.

I can't wait to check out their vegan tacos, roasted vegetable panini sandwich or tofu burger with cucumber slaw and butter lettuce!!!

Welcome Earth Bistro & Good Luck!

Northeast Ohio V-Guide 2013

The first issue of the Northeast Ohio Vegan & Vegetarian Directory (V Guide) has just been published!!!

V Guide will feature vegan/vegetarian-friendly restaurants, caterers, grocery stores, organizations & events for Downtown Cleveland, the Eastside, the Westside & the Southside!

You'll be amazed at the hidden gems scattered all over town - wheatgrass shots at the West Side Market!  Who knew!?!

This directory will be published bi-annually; once in January and again in July.  The first edition runs from January 2013 - June 2013. 

Triple word bonus - this guide is FREE!

Get the Online version now!

Be sure to check out the forward from John Robbins!

The V Guide is an extension of The Journey, a free bi-monthly magazine serving the health & wellness community in Northeast Ohio.

If you have something to promote that aligns with the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle, check out the rates or contact: info@thejourneymag.com

In order to grow the vegan/vegetarian community, we must support businesses catering to our community.  Be sure to frequent and spread the word about the businesses in this guide!  And be sure to tell them you heard about them in V Guide!

BIG thank you to Clyde Chafer for putting this awesome resource together - XOXO!!!

Keep it Healthy!
The Hoff

Amazing Carving - Not Your Mother's Centerpiece

Standout from the rest of the parties with your very own customized vegan centerpiece or fruit platter!

Amazing Carving of Brunswick, OH will give your party a healthy flair with edible fruit & vegetable carvings for any occasion!

Check out these amazing creations!

Check out Amazing Carving or contact Svetlana Partem: AmazingCarving@gmail.com or 440.212.9046 to order your special piece today!

Vegan Eats Hits Heinen's!

Typically, I hit up Heinen's to score vegan sushi & their stellar produce.  

Now, I'm super excited to announce that they have added a line of Vegan "grab & go" items!  Woo hoo!!!  (Knew I liked Heinen's for a reason.)

Bonus, aside from being a 100% Vegan - no added oil!!! (I might shed a tear.)  

Why?  

Because this line is based on Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn's No Oil diet!!!

Check these tasty winners out:

• Adobe Black Bean Soup
• Creamy Corn Chowder
• Tuscan Bean Stew
• Creamy Spinach Lasagna Bowl
• Creamy Tomato Bisque
• Thai Sweet Potato Soup

Each 15.5 oz. container sells for $7.99.

Vegan Eats are available now near the fresh soups & deli section at your local Heinen's store!

Mad Props Heinen's! 
The Hoff 

Good Greens!

So, what does Good Greens have to offer you?

A vegan, oil-free, gluten-free yummy snack bar packed with 100% of your daily fruits and vegetables and loaded with antioxidants.  While the ingredients lists is pretty extensive at least you can pronounce everything listed & Google Dictionary is not required.  They are also all-natural, mostly organic and GMO-free!

Bars come in an array of different flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter (not oil-free), Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Chunk, Chocolate Raspberry, Chocolate Coconut (not oil-free), Wildberry (not oil-free).  (I'm liking the chocolate theme.)

Priced at $2.49 per bar, you can find them locally at various Marc's, Heinin's, Dave's Markets, Hobart's, and Chuppa's Grocery Store.

If you can't find Good Greens near you (Northeastern Ohio), you can score some online!  Spend $50 bucks and you get free shipping!

Best of all, Good Greens is an Ohio born & raised business - headquartered right here in Shaker Heights!

For those with peanut allergies, read the ingredients carefully because some of these bars contain peanut paste.  The Chocolate Chunk is safe - thank goddess!

So how are they?

Unfortunately, Chuppas only had the Chocolate Peanut Butter & Chocolate Coconut bars and since I'm allergic to peanuts, I could not personally try these out.  My boyfriend on the other hand was more than happy to be a test subject and inhaled them promptly.

His conclusions:

Chocolate Peanut Butter: Very chocolatey, definitely taste the berries, but the peanut butter was barely noticeable.  Overall, he'd eat this chewy bar again!

Chocolate Coconut: This one had a mild chocolate flavor with a hint of berries & a heavy coconut taste.  Softer, not as chewy as the Peanut Butter bar.  As he does not care for coconut, he would not consume again.

I on the other hand cannot wait to get my hands on the Chocolate Chunk!

Snack Healthy!
The Hoff

Update 10.13.12:

Finally tracked these bars down at the store and they all contain peanuts in some form - either in peanut flour or peanut paste.  Sigh.

Mustard Seed Market Cafe: New Chef! New Menu!

As if the Mustard Seed Market Cafe in Montrose could get any better, they have hired Executive Chef Scot Jones, former chef of Chrissie Hynde's VegiTerranean restaurant (sadly gone)!

This is HUGE for those of us on a whole-foods, plant-based, oil-free diet or those of us with food allergies.  Finally a restaurant that we can eat at without concern!

The first thing Chef Scot did was overhaul the menu!  Being an oil-free, vegan himself, he saw the opportunity to incorporate this type of food into the new menu.  But, don't panic, you can still get your meat, chicken and fish on, if you are so inclined.

What I love most about the menu is that the newly added labeling system, has taken the guess work and negotiations out of ordering.  You clearly know which dishes are raw, gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, soy-free and oil-free (first in the country!).  Don't despair, special requests are still encouraged!

One of the newest features to the menu, is a Customize Your Burger option for a mere $10.  You pick the type of burger and toppings.  There are two vegan burger options - locally-owned Luna Burger and Gardein.  Daiya Cheese for you "cheese" lovers.  Even vegan-mayo!  Plus an array of additional topping options.

If that's not your bag, check out these other tasty vegan dishes: Risotto Cakes (which ROCK, but sadly are not oil-free), Grilled Cauliflower Steak or Buccatini Pasta Carbonara!

And of course - there are vegan desserts!!!  I always get the vegan Double Chocolate Raspberry cake!  Don't forget to hit the bakery for more vegan deliciousness to take home!

Check it Out!
The Hoff

Luna Burger: Artisan Veggie Burgers

Who are they...

Luna Burger located in Columbus, Ohio was started by Megan and Barbie Luna. Their vision is to offer all-natural, meatless, veggie burgers with a conscience.

What makes them special is that they have partnered up with a variety of Ohio Suppliers in order to source the best, organic & sustainable ingredients possible all while supporting Ohio local farmers!

In addition to making a mean burger, Luna works to minimize environmental impact through composting, recycling, and conscientious use of resources and seasonally-preserved ingredients.

What's in it...

As a person who suffers from food allergies, I love that they openly post their nutritional/ingredients for each hand-crafted burger!  Not only does Luna use only minimal, real, whole-foods in these burgers, there is no oil!!!

Using ingredients such as apples, ginger, brown rice, sunflower seeds, maple syrup - Luna offers 6 unique flavors.  From The Classic to the Peanut Cilantro, Luna Burger has the burger to satisfy your craving.

How much...

Each frozen burger comes sold as a pack of 2 for $4.50.  That's a bargain!

Where to get them...

Luna Burger can be found at various retail locations (including Whole Foods) around Columbus, Cleveland, Akron, Toledo, etc as well as some surrounding states. But, if none of those locations work for you, you can order online!

Check out the burger I put together using the Luna Garden Thyme flavor!

"One of our missions is to not just support the local economy but support local foods," said Barbie Luna, co-founder of Luna Burger. "Using locally grown ingredients is really important to us."

How can you not support that - try a Luna burger today!

Check'em Out!
The Hoff

Cleveland CSA: Central Roots

That's right...it's CSA season again!!!

I've got a new kid on the block to tell you about, Central Roots!

Now in their second growing season, Central Roots is currently accepting applications for their 2012 CSA until June 20, 2012, which will run weekly from June 22nd through December 21st.

Matthew Pietro, Sarah Sampsell & Todd Alexander    

Don't let the newbie status scare you off, Central Roots is growing a lot of stuff, over 60 varieties of  produce & they know their stuff!

Who are they?

Sarah, Todd, and Matt founders of Central Roots have a love for Cleveland and a passion to grow, eat, and sell healthy food!  Their goal is to make healthy food hassle free.


What makes them special?

Central Roots is committed to producing nutrient-dense, flavorful vegetables and fruits.  They utilize a practice called ‘integrated pest management’, in which they confuse insects and disease to reduce or altogether eliminate the need for pesticides and fungicides. What does that mean for you?  No chemicals!

And um, they are farming under the skyline of downtown Cleveland - that in of itself is just cool!


Where are they?

Central Roots actually has two farms, one at the Ohio City Farm: West 25th and Franklin Avenue (CSA pick-up point) and one at the Thackeray Avenue Orchard: East 59th and Thackeray Avenue.

They also have a food stand at Ohio City Farm: West 25th & Franklin Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 each week; Friday & Saturdays, 9am - 3pm, June - November.

For more info, check out the CSA page on their website or their blog!

Got questions?  Give'em a shout!

Keep It Healthy!
The Hoff

Shout out to Wendy of the Earth Day Coalition for passing this info along!

Cooking with C.A.R.E. to Offer Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Classes!!!

I'm super excited to share that Cooking with C.A.R.E., a Cleveland based cooking/personal chef service has just announced plans to offer vegan and vegetarian cooking classes for 2012!!!!

Woooo hooo!!!!

But wait, it's get better!

They have a new, bigger location that can accommodate more students - the Shore Cultural Center in Euclid, Ohio.

PLUS - due to a funding grant, live classes are now only $25, online classes are $15!!! Now that is a bargain!

Check out the schedule for Online Classes and for Live Classes for more details!

Another very cool concept that was just announced is Shore Cultural Dinners!

Occurring every 4th Friday of the month from 6:30pm - 8:00pm, Chef Robin will guide your exploration of a different culture through books, music, arts & crafts, activities, live cooking demonstrations and a full meal that represents that culture. This is a family friendly event that's open to everyone!

Upcoming 2012 Schedule:
January - Chinese New Year
February - Mardi Gras
March - Indian Cuisine

Cost is only $10 per adult and $25 per family of 4!

Check it Out!
The Hoff

The Olive Tap

 
If you're a fan (or patient) of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, then you've heard of The Olive Tap - if not, allow me to enlighten you!

The Olive Tap is a neat little shop in downtown Medina, Ohio (Kmart Shopping Plaza); actually there are five locations, but only one in Ohio. 

As the name suggestions, The Olive Tap specializes in a variety of fresh, artisan Extra Virgin Olive Oils from around the world, but that's not why I think this shop is so great.

I go there for their fresh, artisan Balsamic Vinegars from around the world!

Dr. Esselstyn says that greens (kale, spinach, bok choy, etc.) are essential for good health and need to be eaten daily.  Only problem is, I don't like them!  Ok, I have alleviated this problem to a degree by incorporating wraps into my daily routine, but Esselstyn wants you to eat greens at every meal - ugh!  Esselstyn knows what time it is and that greens don't have a strong fan base.  So, he tells his patients to use flavored balsamic vinegars to make the greens more appealing; which this shop just happens to specialize in and Esselstyn is a frequent patron of.

By the way, I found out that Esselstyn's favorite vinegar is Aceto Balsamico di Modena (not bad!).

Now I am even a less of a fan of vinegar than I am of greens, so I knew I had to taste test before buying, which this shop encourages!  In fact, the staff is so super friendly and knowledgeable - all I had to do was mention Esselstyn's name and they knew exactly why I was there.  I explained that I didn't like traditional balsamic, but that I did like fruit and I was directed towards a Strawberry Balsamic and Mango Passion Fruit among others!  They even have a Dark Chocolate vinegar (pair that with some fruit)! 

I even learned that there are thicker, almost sauce-like vinegars, kinda cool!

And the best part!  

While they do sell typical large, about 12.68 oz bottles, they offer a set of 4, 3.4 oz bottles for $25 of the flavor(s) of your choice - the bottles are made up on the spot!  My plan is to keep trying all the sample bottles to discover my ultimate fav!

These cute little bottles would make a perfect gift and as a little bit of vinegar goes a long way, I predict my set is going to last me a few months and I use them daily!

The Olive Tap, Medina
1077 North Court St.
Medina, OH 44256
(330) 721-6500


Check them out or shop online!
The Hoff

P.S. They have a newsletter!

My Vegan Night at Wild Ginger

Tonight was date night and I just had the most excellent vegan meal for two at Wild Ginger China Bistro, in Brooklyn, Ohio.

I have been at this restaurant many times for lunch, but never for dinner.  The ambiance and mood take a dramatic shift for the night: dimmed lighting, soft, soothing oriental music and nothing but couples also having, "date night."  Very relaxing and romantic - this place may become one of my favorite restaurants!

I was very excited, because I got to order for the two of us and anyone who knows me, knows that I love variety in a meal!  I did my usual homework, checking the online menu, in order to formulate a game plan and make sure that the restaurant had some vegan options.

The meal started with an appetizer order of Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps - diced tofu & vegetables quickly wok tossed and served with cool lettuce wraps (I like mine with that sweet & sour orange sauce, typically served with vegetable rolls).  I love the crispness of the iceberg lettuce and the yummy tofu filling.

Next, an order of the Veggie Maki Combo - a combination of the California Veggie (avocado, cucumber, asparagus) and the Veggie (carrots, cucumber, asparagus, red bell peppers) Maki Rolls.  A touch of soy sauce and a slice of marinated ginger make these vegan sushi rolls out of sight!


Main course time!

An order of the Vegetarian Pad Thai - fresh mixed vegetables sautéed with rice noodles, egg, bean sprouts, tofu, red & green peppers, and onions topped with roasted peanuts - hold the peanuts and egg.  So delicious!

Of course, no Chinese meal would be complete without a nice hot cup of tea, white ginger tea in my case.

That's it!  One appetizer, one order of sushi and one main entree turned out to be just the right amount of food for us to share.  We were filled to the point of satisfaction, but not stuffed to the point of immobility.  I'm actually glad that the side order of steamed broccoli never appeared - I think that would have pushed us over the edge.  I left the restaurant happy that I had just consumed a relatively healthy meal, full of veggies and avoided all the indulgences that would have made me hate myself in the morning.

And true to form, I am hungry a mere hour later...sigh.  Since Wild Ginger does not have a vegan dessert option, my evening has been topped off with a slice of homemade vegan pumpkin pie.  Not exactly Chinese cuisine, but it hit the spot!

And is it me or are the fortunes in the fortune cookies sounding less and less fortuney (in bed)?

Gan bei!
The Hoff