I’m super delighted to be able to report back on even more Miami deliciousness! While there are lots of things to do in Miami it is an absolute must to save time to dine on the local fare. It’s super cool at how many places have popped up over the last few years that are not only accommodating to special diets but are also incredibly delicious. So whether you are looking to partake in some Miami sightseeing toursor just passin’ through, make it a point to check out the rest of the fave spots that I was lucky enough to get my grub on at!

There’s nothing like a romantic Italian meal but an organic Italian meal takes the cake! EscoPazzo is THE premiere organic Italian locale in Miami to get healthy, delicious food. And what’s even cooler is that they have vegan and raw vegan menu items!!! Yum!! No matter who you may be struttin’ down South beach with, you can all enjoy a world class meal at Escopazzo. My personal favorites are the tomato and avocado tartar with pickled watermelon and micro mustard greens as well the vegetable lasagna with cashew cheese. OMG!

I had the good fortune of being able to do my first book signing of my cookbook, The Healthy Voyager’s Global Kitchen, at Books & Books on Lincoln Road. Just before the signing, I dined with the chef at the Cafe at Books and Books. Chef Bernie is not only a hoot, and a fellow healthy Latino, he is a gifted chef as well. the vegan items at the cafe are fantastic! Full of the flavors of Miami, and my childhood, the veggie dishes are pure bliss. Using lots of grains, legumes and veggies, it’s pure, clean food with the tastes of Latin America. The carrot cake with mango sauce is a great twist, his quinoa and vegetable bowl is delish and there us even a mock chicken curry sandwich on the menu. Yumm!! Eat first, shop second!! Books and Books is a great place to spend an afternoon ; )

If you’re looking for a kick ass bar with healthy vegan food, The Lost and Found Saloon is the place for you. With it’s fun western theme, you might be surprised to find vegan friendly dishes there, let alone healthy ones. Not your usual bar food, Lost and Found does it up right. Their signature salad chock full of fresh greens, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, avocado, eggplant portobello mushrooms and topped with pepita encrusted tofu is enough to show you that this ain’t your traditional bar menu. And the list goes on! Chipotle black bean burgers, seasonal veggie plates, chipotle tofu melt, pinon and pepita encrusted tofu over saffron rice…Insanity! So much fun, so much yum, you gotta bring all your friends (veg or not) to get lost and found asap!

Fast food is gross so Evos has come to the rescue. Boasting their fresh real fruit smoothies, air baked fries and healthier options for traditional burgers, it’s much easier for folks to make the switch. with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, you too can enjoy an American classic meal of burgers, fries and a shake without the fat and guilt. Eco-friendly and cool, even their flavored ketchup rock! I fell in love with my thai vegan wrap and air fries dunked in garlic ketchup, mmmmm! Take that McD’s!

Just north of Miami and south of Ft. Lauderdale, you’ll find Hollywood. Home to Sara’s Kosher Vegetarian and L’Chaim Chinese restaurants. Owned and operated by a lovely couple, both restaurants are completely kosher and offer great veggie food. Sara’s is usually my first stop when i am home visiting as I crave their vegan Cuban sandwich all year long. at Sara’s, they’ve got it all from pizza, sandwiches, soup, salads and full entrees, all easily (and happily) veganizable. next door at L’Chaim Chinese, you can get vegan avocado spring rolls, veggie lettuce cups and basically anything on the menu made with tofu. So no matter what you’re in the mood for, Sara’s and L’Chaim have your cravings covered!

So that’s a wrap on Miami for now but it looks like the healthy spots are growing so I’ll be back to fill you in soon! Happy healthy trails!

Technorati Tags: cafe at books and books miami beach, chef bernie matz, dining, escopazzo, evos, Florida, food, Ft. Lauderdale, gluten free, healthy, l'chaim chinese, lost and found saloon, Miami, raw, restaurants, sara's kosher vegetarian, travel, vegan, Vegetarian

The holidays are meant to be a time filled with love, peace an understanding. But we all know that we still live in the real world and getting folks together can be challenging. There are bound to be differences in personalities, beliefs and lifestyles (especially with the stress of travel adding to things). While some holiday gatherings just involve a few hours over dinner, others last a few days.  This can induce a whole host of fears and stress for many, so much so that feathers get ruffled and the holiday can be ruined.

This year, here a few tips to get you through the holidays while still making them enjoyable and not stepping on anyone’s toes!

• While conversation is a must, and can be very enjoyable, over the holiday dinner table, specific topics should not be discussed.  While no one likes to dinner over awkward or superficial chatter, no one likes a meal to turn ugly.  Obviously the biggies to stay away from are politics, religion and sex (unless of course your group enjoys those topics). For the most part, not everyone will agree on such topics and it’s best to leave them alone. In fact, this includes veganism. The holiday table is not a place to stand on your soapbox unless it has been asked of you. In addition, it is not a place for attack on someone who is different.  If a topic comes up that you are uncomfortable with, politely let them know that you do not wish to discuss that particular topic at that time. Shut it down with a smile and offer up a new topic.
• Never assume that a host will be able to provide everything you need.  Always be prepared. It is impossible to make everyone happy and sometimes folks are left out of certain things.  If you have special dietary needs, be sure to let your host know ahead of time and offer to bring a dish that you can eat and share with the group. Or to be extra safe, eat before you got to the dinner so that you aren’t left starving during the meal.  The holidays are about enjoying the company of others so do your best to focus on that instead of what you can and can’t eat.
• If you are hosting a meal, be mindful of others. In fact, the best way to have a happy gathering is to share the experience. Potluck dinners are the best way to include everyone and the onus doesn’t fall on you to feed a bunch of folks who may or may not like your taste in food.
• If you aren’t feeling well or are in a particularly foul mood, admit it. Do what you can to handle your emotions before heading to a gathering. It’s not healthy for you or the other guests if you aren’t up for it or worse, taking it out on them. If you can pull through and try to have a good time, great. Otherwise, we all have bad days so do what you need to do to sort it out because nothing ruins your holiday and others like a foul mood.
• Nobody’s perfect – try to plan ahead. I know this sounds like common sense, but it’s really important to remember. If you want to have people over and you’re working, don’t go crazy trying to make everything – get some food at the deli or the gourmet shop. A lot of times, people don’t mind bringing a salad or dessert. The point is to get together and celebrate with people, rather than trying to make it perfect.
• Traditions can be changed. This might be hard for people, but there are a lot of people who actually dread the holidays, and some of that may be due to the way they’re celebrated. Maybe you don’t have to always be at Great Aunt Sue’s house, even though she’s hosted the holiday for years. Think of these things as being fluid and when they’re outmoded or outdated, come up with some new ones.
• Don’t let the details take over. It’s difficult to find the time to get everything done during the holidays, but it’s the people who are really important to you and those who take care of you, that you must remember. Try not to be so overwhelmed doing things like writing out Christmas cards that you can’t talk to your loved ones. Don’t brush people off because of the holiday madness.
• Always thank people. Whether it’s in writing or in person, you must put gratitude at the top. There’s never an excuse for not thanking someone for an invite or gift.

Remember that the holidays are about connection with others, understanding and love. The best rule, year round, is to treat others how you like to be treated, and there is no exception to that rule, especially over the holidays ; )

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Technorati Tags: etiquette, family, friends, gatherings, happy, healthy, holidays, parties, respect, topics, vegan, Vegetarian

Basically, healthy holidays is an oxymoron. Who wants to eat salad when you’re surrounded by hot cocoa, santa cookies, candy canes and awesome feasts? Pretty much no one however, there are ways around the 2 extremes, gorging or depriving.  Here are some tips to reach a happy medium over the next few weeks of holiday feeding and drinking frenzy!

• Let yourself enjoy the dang treats! – Look, you don’t have to eat the whole tray of cookies or a ginormous piece of pie to get the most out the holidays. AND you don’t have to “just say no” either. Allow yourself to have a cookie or 2, have a piece of pie and curl up with that hot cocoa by the fire. If you aren’t stuffing your face all day every day for the next 2 weeks, you’re ok. In fact, deprivation may cause you more stress in which case your body will produce more cortisol, a hormone that will actually cause you to gain weight. Those few bites of a holiday treat will not kill you and they certainly won’t be the complete demise to your waistline.
• Routine is key – Just because you’re on vacation, doesn’t mean that you should completely neglect your exercise routine. Sure, maybe you don’t work out hard core for an hour but if you can squeeze in a brisk walk around the neighborhood to check out the pretty lights, just getting moving can really help you keep yourself in check and not fall off the wagon entirely.
• Ho, ho, hydrate – Always have your BPA free or glass water bottle full and handy. Drinking water all day long will keep you full, hydrated and satisfied, helping you curb the junk food cravings.
• Sneak in the good stuff – Even if you are cooking up a crazy holiday feast, always sneak in veggies and whole foods whereevr you can. the more pure, whole and organic your food, the less it affects your body chemistry and weight.  Chop up yummy veggies like spinach, tomatoes and zucchini for pasta dishes; add sweet potatoes to your stuffing, make a giant salad full of delicious chopped veggies and legumes and fill up on that before the rich entree, etc.  If you’re eating 75%- 85% awesome, if the remainder is holiday treats, you’re good to go!
• Let yourself enjoy a long winter’s nap – REST! This time of year, stress is a biggie that leads to illness, fatigue and even full on burn out. Give yourself the gift of rest and relaxation so that you can start the new year happy, healthy and recharged.You are more likely to enjoy the holidays (and deal with family) if you get plenty of sleep and time to relax.
• Give yourself (and others) the gift of slack – No one is superman or wonder woman, no matter how how we try. Whatever can be put off, if even for a day, allow yourself to let it go and let others have the chance to chillax too. This is the time of year to relax with family and friends and reflect on the year. Let go of problems you can’t solve and enjoy the season. Give yourself and others a break, the new year is right around the corner!
• Be a kid – Yeah, let your inner child do something fun and silly over the holidays. In this day and age, sometimes we need to stop being so serious and the holidays are the best time to have some fun. Wear that crazy sweater, make a snow angle, get in a snowball fight, bake with your family….Whatever your holiday persuasion, do it and enjoy!

While all of these are probably no-brainers, sometimes we all need to be reminded to slow down and take it all in. Enjoy the season!!

Technorati Tags: christmas, cooking, diet, eating, exercise, food, hannukah, Healthy Holidays, new year, relaxation, stress, tips, vegan, vegetatian

Each holiday season, millions of people travel to visit friends and family and kill themselves trying to get to every holiday party, shop till they drop and eat like little piglets. A giant combo for getting sick and feeling miserable all winter long. Here are some of the things to look out for this holiday season and how to avoid the season of sick!

Sugar Plum Fairy: Immunity Killer  – Who can deny that we have entered the season of treats, sweets and general overindulgence. Sure, it’s totally fine to enjoy a hot cocoa or a slice of pie during the holidays but not every day. Do your best to eat healthy and clean as much as possible, building up your immune system with lots of veggies (dark & leafy are the best) and whole foods. Keep up your exercise routine as much as possible as well as your sleep schedule. Be choosy when you enjoy your desserts and processed carbs because with every bite, you’re suppressing your immune system. Snack safely and take your vitamins!

Sneezin’s Greetings – Flu season reaches its height in late fall and early winter. This is because viruses circulate better in the colder weather but it’s not only cold and flu bugs that become active during colder seasons. Other viruses, such as the norovirus and rotavirus, become more active during winter. Norovirus, known as the stomach flu, easily spreads through contamination in food, drink and surface contact. The virus is found in the stool and vomit of infected people. Rotavirus also causes diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. So If you’re sick, cough into the crook of your arm and steer clear of any physical contact

Jolly Holiday Crowds - Think of the holiday traditions: catching a show, shopping at a crowded mall, attending holiday parties. All this means you’re indoors in crowds and exposed to everyone’s germs. As people cluster indoors, they use the same doorknobs, banisters and surfaces after wiping their noses or sneezing. During the winter season, we’re more subject to crowding, touching something that’s not hygienic and crowding and we tend to get less fresh air, too. Because it’s so dang cold out, we stay indoors, windows shut, making any virus that may be present more easily spread. Be sure to practice frequent hand-washing (at least 20 seconds wiping both the top, bottom of hands and between the fingers prior to eating and drinking) or use hand sanitizers. Also, occasionally open the window to let fresh air circulate.

Over the river and through the woods…Germs travel too! – Air travel means if there’s a small flu outbreak on the West Coast, that virus could be in New York in less than five hours. Germs don’t pay to travel! When family members travel across the country, they’re bringing along pathogens that have been in their communities and exposing them to new places. And it’s not only the act of being in an enclosed cabin of a car, bus, train or plane. We’re also subject to making our way through the crowds in the airport. Again, frequent hand washing and low contact with strangers will help. And hey, if you’re not opposed, wear a mask to filter out airborne yuckiness!

It’s the most stressful time of the year - End-of-the-year projects, reports, final exams, shopping, family gatherings, money problems — it could be all that work before break that spikes a stress hormone in your body. So much so that the increased cortisol level induces likelihood of infection during the holidays. Cortisol is a natural hormone that responds to stress, lowering immunity and making you more susceptible to infections. It also contributes to weight gain! The interval between acquiring a virus and becoming sick takes about 48 to 72 hours. You may have become infected when you were stressed and the symptoms may start to show right when you go on holiday break. But  while stress may be unavoidable, try getting enough sleep, eating well and hydrating. Also, do your best to find things to do that bring you joy so as to counter act your stress. Prevent the stress hormones from wreaking havoc by better planning, avoiding traffic, buying presents earlier.

Technorati Tags: cold, flu, Health, holiday stress, illness, prevention, sick, winter

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Whether you are doing a tour of California for a little r and r or frequently travel San Diego for ComicCon, the southernmost metropolis of California, is a great place to visit. Beachy, relaxed and beautiful, healthy food is easy to find in this bayside border town. From my first San Diego postmany years ago until now, lots of great stuff has popped up so I’ve decided to go back and check out some of the new places in and around town.

San Diego is packed with cool little pockets of hip neighborhoods that boast cool places to drink and be merry. One such place is Hamiltons Tavern (no relation to me or my in-laws). A great, English style pub with tons of beers, including vegan and gluten free options, you don’t have to starve at this local watering hole. They offer fun vegan bar food like a hearty veggie chili, vegan sausages with loads of toppings and other, ever changing menu items fit for vegheads who like to drink with their meals (or vice versa!)

In the same building, down the block from Hamiltons, you’ll find Alchemy. A local, seasonal restaurant that serves up organic and fresh dishes that suit all sorts of special diets. Featuring cultural cuisine from around the globe, this healthy voyager was delighted to dig in to the international veggie offerings. I started with the black quinoa hush puppies and ended with a veganized version of their mixed grain salad. Their specials are always new and exciting and if you time it right, you may be able to get in on their vegetarian farm dinners!

In the same general area, you can stumble over for some more beer and delish at Toronado. Another beer based bar with vegan bar food available, North Park is the place to celebrate all weekend long without having to cab it all over town!

Not far from the University, there are a bunch of veggie and health friendly eateries. One of which is Spread. A chic and modern, casual dining locale that features organic produce all year long to make fresh vegetaian and vegan comfort foods (and drinks!) Menu items like thai veggie pizzas, chocolate melange and basil lime sangria will keep you coming back season after season, checking out what new and delicious goodies they are offering. They also have their own line of products to take home so be sure to stock up when dining in!

If you’re in a hurry, fast food is always an unwelcome option. But not at Evolution Fast Food as it’s a 100% vegan fast food/drive through restaurant! Yep, with a fun menu of burgers, wraps, shakes and other desserts, you can eat quickly AND guilt free! They use quality, natural ingredients, have an organic juice bar and are proud of their healthy & eco conscious food, unlike their gross competitors. Pull in on your way into town, grab food on the go while heading out on the town or stock up for a road trip, either way, Evolution is the answer to fast healthy food!

Check out some more of the healthy San Diego scene next week!

Technorati Tags: bars, breweries, California, dining, gluten free, healthy, restaurants, San Diego, travel, vegan, Vegetarian

For my third Seattle post, I saved some goodies for last! While I could have spent weeks dining in and around the Seattle area, I only had time enough for what I’ve covered but I know I’ll be back to uncover some more good eats! Let’s get rollin’ on the final five healthy, vegan and gluten free hot spots I found in this evergreen city!

Ok, I’m warning you now that this will probably be the “raviest” review I’ve ever given. Located next to a yoga studio by the same name, run by husband and wife and owners of both the studio and the fine dining establishment, Sutra is hands down, one of the most incredible places I have ever had the pleasure of dining at. This small, quaint restaurant is more then just a place to get fabulous, fresh vegan food, it’s an experience. With a concept like no other, Sutra is only open for dinner a few nights a week and additionally, only offers “seatings”. This meaning that you reserve spots for you and your dining partners and show up for the “show”. The pre-fixe, 5 course meal is one that you will be talking about for years to come. Not only is the menu only created for a 2 week stretch, never to be duplicated again, it is made fresh from the Sutra garden. Literally all plant based foods made from freshly plucked produce and herbs, with the occasional ingredient brought in from a  local organic farm, the meal starts off with a presentation by the chef. Explained dish by dish, as well as the logic behind the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage pairings, dinner begins with the strike of a gong (very spiritual!). Since the location is small, you see the magic come alive with the open kitchen layout and it truly is divine. Each dish is more and more creative, beautiful and full of flavor. Edible flowers, unique combinations and warm friendly ambiance, a meal at Sutra is one you don’t want to end. I even cried it was so awesome! I was floored by the beauty of the food and the overall experience and I can’t wait to go back next time I’m in Seattle!

If you’re looking to stock up on some goodies, look no further than the Sidecar for Pigs for Peace Store. Located in the U district, this vegan grocery store/market has everything from food, snacks, books, clothing and more, with all the proceeds going to Pigs Peace Sanctuary. A great little spot with a whole lot of love to give, it’s such a wonderful feeling to shop till you drop at Sidecar!

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat? At Full Tilt Ice Cream, there are plenty for vegans and non-vegans alike. With 3 locations, you can satisfy your sweet tooth  all over town and never get the same flavor twice. Home made ice creams and cool, off-the-wall flavors, they offer regular as well as vegan versions of all sorts of delicious concoctions. I love going out for ice cream and Full Tilt makes it a total blast!

One of the best places for casual and quick vegan food is Hillside Quickie. With a menu chock full of delicious sandwiches, wholesome soups and succulent sweets, it’s no wonder these guys have been in business for so long. If you like spice, i highly recommend their Crazy Jamaican Burger, OMG! A sandwich shop whose owners are the prod parents of Makini of Plum Bistro, this family makes awesome vegan food a business model that is second to none. Move over subway, it’s all about hillside Quickie!

Offering chic vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dining any time of the day is Cafe Flora. The eco-friendly and bright restaurant is one of Seattle’s most popular veggie spots and it’s no doubt why. It’s calm and serene inside and the food is fantastic. Popping in for brunch, I devoured my vegan version of their Colorado rancho scramble along with a cinnamon roll and a mimosa, mmmm! I also peeked at their dinner menu so that I could fantasize about what i would order upon my return visit!

So, that’s a wrap on Seattle but there is no shortage of delectable eats here so don’t be surprised when you see a new post someday soon!!

Technorati Tags: dining, gluten free, healthy, Seattle, travel, vegan, Vegetarian, washington

As promised, here are some more delicious Seattle secrets! Whether you are taking a leisurely city sightseeing tour or just passin’ through on a west coast tour, these tasty hot spots are a must visit, regardless of your time in town. Ok, at least make time for a few of these because you’ll be glad you did!

For breakfast, or any time of the day, pop on over to Tangletown and go nuts at Mighty O Donuts. An organic, vegan donut shop, no matter what your diet of choice, these sweet treats will knock your socks off and more! With freshly made deliciousness like french toast donuts, real raspberry chocolate raspberry donuts and real apple filled apple fritters, you can’t choose just one. Order a bunch and enjoy them throughout your stay in Seattle. Then ship a bunch home so you have plenty to enjoy later!

If the Capitol Hill district isn’t on your list of places to check out, make it one because if even just to dine at Plum Vegan Bistro, it’s worth the visit. It’s gourmet, it’s unique, it’s incredible vegan fare with tons of flavor, textures and tastiness! The Mac n’ Yeas is not to be missed and neither is their hand muddled specialty organic cocktails. Chef and owner Makini Howell comes from a long line of vegan restauranteurs and she has proven that she is a powerhouse all her own. Chic yet warm decor and a fantastic menu that puts a smile on both herbivores and carnivores faces, Plum Bistro is a gastronomical hit!

Stick around Capitol Hill for some late night drinks, tunes and vegan eats because Highline Bar has all 3. With drinks named after 80′s/90′s hair bands, a photo booth a a kickin’ vegan bar menu, it’s a great place to meet friends for a fun night out. Come in for shuffleboard , cake-aroke and a “winger”, then

Technorati Tags: dining, gluten free, healthy, Seattle, travel, vegan, washington

Seattle, the Pacific Northwest’s Emerald City. Home of the Space Needle and Public Market as well as the birthplace of grunge music and Starbucks.  This city by the sound is beautiful, lush and a hub for delicious eats. It’s a bustling town of hip and young folks and families, who have built a green and veg friendly metropolis. Seattle is jam packed with special diet friendly options so I’ll be splitting up this town into 3 posts so as to keep from writing a novel! Let’s get started!!

For the week I was in town, I was lucky enough to be able to stay at downtown’s greenest hotel, the Hyatt Olive 8. The first LEED certified hotel in the city, the Olive 8 is a model for eco chic accommodations. Boasting an award winning spa, a fabulous local fare eatery and bar, an indoor salt water pool, rooftop garden and even hypo-allergenic rooms, Hyatt has outdone itself, making sure that every possible detail is beneficial to its guests as well as the environment. I loved the green details of my room such as the room key controlled lights and in-room recycle bins as well as the full scale gym and fantastic service. Dinner and drinks at Urbane was an extra special treat as everything on the menu is locally sourced and features Washington state wines and brews. Oh, and the eatery is totally eco as well as floors made from reclaimed wood from an old bridge and other neat eco accoutrement. The staff is more then willing to accommodate special diet diners and there is even plenty to choose from on their regular menu. Fresh, green and stylish, the Hyatt Olive 8 is the epitome of eco-luxury. I’m definitely staying here every time I’m in Seattle!

If you’re looking for a casual, yet healthy and tasty meal, any time of the day, Chaco Canyon Organic Cafe is the place for you. With 2 locations, Chaco is a haven for special diet diners who want to grub. A giant menu complete with fresh juices, desserts, salads, sandwiches and brunch items, there’s plenty to choose from, no matter what your tastes are. They have tons of raw food goodies and gluten free so I tried items from each of those categories. Their raw enchiladas are to die for and their gluten free french toast is scrumptious. In their U district location, they have a stone wall that showcases all of the people in the community that came together to make that particular location possible. So friendly, so fun and so fresh, Chaco Canyon is a great decision for any meal!

Gastropubs are all the rage and I think I found one of my faves. Located in the original brewery and bar location, Georgetown Liquor Company boasts the same name as it has for over 100 years. In a building full of history in a hip, artsy neighborhood south of downtown called Georgetown, you’ll find this insanely awesome gem of a bar. A bar that makes hand muddled specialty drinks along with old classics and serves up some of the best bar food I’ve ever had. And with that, I declare that I think I died and went to heaven when I sunk my teeth into their vegan french dip sandwich, known as The Picard. The entire menu names it’s delicacies after Sci-fi movies and its characters as the owners mixed all of their passions into their food and booze endeavor. I recommend that when visiting Seattle, get off the pane and head directly to Georgetown liquor Company for a drink and a Picard!

I love breakfast, big or small and Bouteloua Bakery is the place for just the place for a sweet and/or savory treat be it am or pm. Located in Ballard, this adorable bake shop is the pride and joy of a botanist turned vegan baker. Offering fresh, vegan and organic baked goods along with local coffee and tea, you’ll have a tough time choosing just one goody. So I chose a few! I had to have their signature pain au chocolat (chocolate filled croissant) along with her savory Field Roast Sausage croissant. I enjoyed my morning pastry with some fresh squeezed OJ as well as a french pressed cup of local island coffee and wished that Megan, the owner and baker, would just move in to my house and bake for me every day ; ) Pop in for a personal treat or to buy her out to blow your co-workers’s minds at the office, grab a sandwich on freshly baked bread or buy a loaf to last you the week. Either way just go on an empty stomach and maybe walk there and back to burn off the calories!

For a fancy pants dinner with an organic and eco twist, dine at Tilth. New American cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients from local, certified organic farmers, it’s no wonder that this certified organic, sustainable restaurant was named one of the best new restaurants in the country by The new York Times in 2008. With James Beard award winning chef, Maria Hines, at the helm, you’re sure to get a top notch meal. While it’s not a vegan restaurant, they offer a dedicated vegan menu as well as incredible vegetarian tasting menus. The vegan menu sounds as beautiful as it looks and changes seasonally so if you’re itching to try their awesome menu, reservations are suggested for dinner a well as brunch. Cute, cozy, delectable and eco; who could ask for more when it comes to a memorable meal?

And with that, I’ve barely scratched the surface on the jaw dropping tastes of Seattle. More to come next week so come hungry!

Technorati Tags: dining, gluten free, healthy, Seattle, travel, vegan, vivid life, washington

There is something about being in the oldest city in the United States that evokes a feeling of pride, patriotism and hunger! Taking a guided tour through the fort, going to the oldest school house and visiting the fountain of youth can whip up a mean appetite. St. Augustine offers up a variety of sightseeing tours but where can a health nut chow in an old timey town? I’ll tell ya!

Rolling into town, I needed sustenance. I had read up on The Manatee Cafe and had to hunt it down. And was I glad I did! I had a killer breakfast burrito with hummus, beans, avocado and all kinds of other healthy fillings. I wanted to eat everything on the menu but I knew there was more to try throughout the day so I behaved. For any meal of the day, definitly make one of them at The Manatee Cafe!

Stepping out for the day in downtown, I needed a pick me up. I strolled over to Crucial Coffee Shop because the sweet smell yanked me over! Crucial is in the thick of the historic district, in a cute old wooden cottage, plopped on the corner of an old brick road. Sounds magical, eh? Well so was their soy chocolate madness latte! It hit the spot for my holiday time sweet tooth as well as gave me the jolt I needed to walk the oldest streets in the nation ; ) Crucial is way cute and way yum, walk on up and have a cup o’ joe at 26 Charlotte St, St Augustine, FL 32084,(904) 810-2080.

Since we were with the familia, we decided to have lunch on the water where the nieces could feed the birds and the fish. Santa Maria is not positioned on a sea wall, it really is on the water, on stilts, and quite the place for hungry seagulls, and human families, to dine. It’s seafoody, rustic ambiance scared me into thinking I’d be consuming nothing but bread and tea but I was wrong! They had a yummalicious black bean burger and a big old salad for me and I ate every last crumb ; ) The kids, the birds, the fish and the vegan had a fine lunch at Santa Maria!

On our way out of town, we rested our weary feet at Pizzalley’s. A cute Italian joint in downtown, it was all hustle and bustle. And for good reason! The food was very good and the prices were just right. I ordered up the “create your own pasta” dish, sans pasta (might have had egg in it). They sauteed up a slew of yummy veggies in a super delish marinara and I was in a food coma all the ride back. It’s a cute place with a fun vibe and great food right in downtown St. Augustine at 117 St. George St, (904) 347-2479.

I hadn’t been to St. Augustine in many, many years. I was glad to see that it was still as quaint and pretty as I had remembered and I was even happier at the fun places that have sprouted up for nutty people like me to fill their hungry bellies ; ) I’m excited to pop back in very soon!

Technorati Tags: Florida, gluten free, healthy, St. Augustine, travel, vegan