an interesting article published in Time magazine....
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1839995,00.html?xid=site-cnn-partner
I have been saying this for 15 years, but it is nice to see that the Mainstream media is taking notice....
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Restaurants- Fairfax, VA
I have to give much Love to Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant in Vienna (just outside Fairfax). This has NO link to Sunflower Organic Dining in Boulder. Growing up in a place with a lack of veggie options, Sunflower was always a breath of fresh air. They have been steady and there for many years, with some of the most wonderful vegetarian options ever. They are a Buddhist Vegetarian community and have plenty of reading if you are waiting for take out. When I was there they had one location, but now it appears they have a second location in Falls Church; yay!
Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant is located right on Route 123, just north of I-66; at 2531 Chain Bridge Road in Vienna. Their other location is on Route 7; 6304 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church. One of the main things they have done better than most is labeling their food. I am impressed when a restaurant does not have to say "Veggie Chicken" or something like that. The "Fried Chicken" appetizer does this, but mostly they name their dishes around the main portion of the dish; ie; Wheat Gluten in Fermented Black Bean Sauce instead of Veggie Beef in Black Bean Sauce. The "Chicken" appetizer is wonderful and I would almost say that two orders of this makes a perfect meal. It is homemade soy protein nuggets and tastes nothing like Boca or any of the other major brands. Their soups are wonderful; a vegan Wonton Soup is one example. They have burgers and sandwiches that are better than anywhere else. Their entrees are where they shine the most. All cooked fresh, they bear names like Popeye's Favorite, Sweet and Sour Sensation, and Adventures in Tempeh Land. The two key ones are Songbird (Sauteed chunks of wheat gluten, soy protein, konnyaku & celery in a hot kong-pao flavored sauce. Tossed w. steamed watercress & peanuts.) and the General Tso's Surprise (chunks of soy protein in hot kong-pao sauce, garnished with steamed broccoli and carrots.). Anytime you can go here, do it; there Lunch Specials are amazing for 7 bucks as well. http://www.crystalsunflower.com/
Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant is located right on Route 123, just north of I-66; at 2531 Chain Bridge Road in Vienna. Their other location is on Route 7; 6304 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church. One of the main things they have done better than most is labeling their food. I am impressed when a restaurant does not have to say "Veggie Chicken" or something like that. The "Fried Chicken" appetizer does this, but mostly they name their dishes around the main portion of the dish; ie; Wheat Gluten in Fermented Black Bean Sauce instead of Veggie Beef in Black Bean Sauce. The "Chicken" appetizer is wonderful and I would almost say that two orders of this makes a perfect meal. It is homemade soy protein nuggets and tastes nothing like Boca or any of the other major brands. Their soups are wonderful; a vegan Wonton Soup is one example. They have burgers and sandwiches that are better than anywhere else. Their entrees are where they shine the most. All cooked fresh, they bear names like Popeye's Favorite, Sweet and Sour Sensation, and Adventures in Tempeh Land. The two key ones are Songbird (Sauteed chunks of wheat gluten, soy protein, konnyaku & celery in a hot kong-pao flavored sauce. Tossed w. steamed watercress & peanuts.) and the General Tso's Surprise (chunks of soy protein in hot kong-pao sauce, garnished with steamed broccoli and carrots.). Anytime you can go here, do it; there Lunch Specials are amazing for 7 bucks as well. http://www.crystalsunflower.com/
Monday, September 8, 2008
Compassion at Work....
well not at the Workplace...but at work in daily living...
Compassion for all starts with what you eat. By lowering one's footprint on the Earth by consuming less resources, one can begin to become empowered in all other facets of life. Vegetarianism is a clear choice for anyone worried about Climate Change (or whatever term They are using these days) or the suffering of sentient beings. It affects Climate Change because of the severely reduced emissions caused by producing vegetables and fruits versus the MASSIVE waste of producing animal products. It affects animals' and humans' suffering because more grain and vegetables can be diverted to help starving people and, obviously, less animals will be harmed. Life on this planet is intertwined and what you do for animals needs to equate to being compassionate towards humans. This is where traditional Veganism falls short for me. To do something only because it helps animals but not to understand its effect on humans is NOT to be compassionate. Compassion in this sense is more a Utilitarian philosophy (the greatest good for the greatest amount of Life).
Compassion for all starts with what you eat. By lowering one's footprint on the Earth by consuming less resources, one can begin to become empowered in all other facets of life. Vegetarianism is a clear choice for anyone worried about Climate Change (or whatever term They are using these days) or the suffering of sentient beings. It affects Climate Change because of the severely reduced emissions caused by producing vegetables and fruits versus the MASSIVE waste of producing animal products. It affects animals' and humans' suffering because more grain and vegetables can be diverted to help starving people and, obviously, less animals will be harmed. Life on this planet is intertwined and what you do for animals needs to equate to being compassionate towards humans. This is where traditional Veganism falls short for me. To do something only because it helps animals but not to understand its effect on humans is NOT to be compassionate. Compassion in this sense is more a Utilitarian philosophy (the greatest good for the greatest amount of Life).
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Recipes- Tofu
Alas...I have to say SOMETHING about tofu....
I like my tofu a little fried.....so, for me, it is best to pan fry the tofu first....
Take a block of tofu...if at all possible, drain it and put it on a plate with paper towels underneath...put a paper towel over it and another plate to press down on it....this will drain the liquid out....refrigerate for 1-2 hours prior to cooking....
then cut into half inch thick slices.....using a griddle, or other pan, fry each side until golden brown.....once the larger chunks are all brown, then you can cut them into smaller cubes or pieces and use in the Stir Fry Recipe (see other posts) or use the tofu chunks as a BBQ sandwich.....
I like my tofu a little fried.....so, for me, it is best to pan fry the tofu first....
Take a block of tofu...if at all possible, drain it and put it on a plate with paper towels underneath...put a paper towel over it and another plate to press down on it....this will drain the liquid out....refrigerate for 1-2 hours prior to cooking....
then cut into half inch thick slices.....using a griddle, or other pan, fry each side until golden brown.....once the larger chunks are all brown, then you can cut them into smaller cubes or pieces and use in the Stir Fry Recipe (see other posts) or use the tofu chunks as a BBQ sandwich.....
Friday, September 5, 2008
Restaurants- Northern Virginia
Big ups to Woodbridge, Fairfax, Washington DC, Rockville, and everyone inside or just outside the Beltway!...
Woodbridge: This is the town of my birth and, up to a few years back, you had to go to Fairfax or DC to get good veggie stuff. Once I left, they got two great places;
Shanghai Cafe: Located at 12760 Darby Brook Ct, it is just off Old Bridge Rd and in a shopping center. Nothing specifically unique about this place except it has several vegetarian options. They use faux meats for a couple items and the Lemon Vegetarian Chicken is the best. I would try all of them if I still lived there.
Siam Bistro: Located on the west side of Lake Ridge at 4129 Merchant Plaza, this is the first truly great Asian restaurant in Woodbridge. They know if you say 'vegan' and will accomodate most tastes. They have two great appetizers, either the Fried Tofu or the Summer Roll. They have some great entrees; Pad Kra Pow with tofu is excellent and they have a Vegetarian Duck that is actually VERY tasty. In NOVA and want good Thai food? Then you should go here. http://www.siambistrothai.com/
Woodbridge: This is the town of my birth and, up to a few years back, you had to go to Fairfax or DC to get good veggie stuff. Once I left, they got two great places;
Shanghai Cafe: Located at 12760 Darby Brook Ct, it is just off Old Bridge Rd and in a shopping center. Nothing specifically unique about this place except it has several vegetarian options. They use faux meats for a couple items and the Lemon Vegetarian Chicken is the best. I would try all of them if I still lived there.
Siam Bistro: Located on the west side of Lake Ridge at 4129 Merchant Plaza, this is the first truly great Asian restaurant in Woodbridge. They know if you say 'vegan' and will accomodate most tastes. They have two great appetizers, either the Fried Tofu or the Summer Roll. They have some great entrees; Pad Kra Pow with tofu is excellent and they have a Vegetarian Duck that is actually VERY tasty. In NOVA and want good Thai food? Then you should go here. http://www.siambistrothai.com/
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Restaurants- Central Virginia continued
I cannot mention Central Virginia without giving another shout out to Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Williamsburg..
Richmond:
China Panda is a class in and of itself. They have three locations in the metro Richmond area (even though when I was there, it was only 2; so they must be doing well). The main location at 616 N Sheppard St in downtown is an enigma. On first glance it looks like a dive restaurant, dirty, etc.. but the food is unbelievably fresh and tasty. It is vegan Chinese and rivals that of Ming Dynasty in C'Ville. The sauces are great, they have veggie chicken and beef and seafood, and the people are friendly. I really enjoyed their Sesame Vegetarian Chicken. As far as I remember, the other site in southern Richmond (10020 Robious Rd) has the same menu and vegan options. A definite must for any vegan in Richmond, or anyone traveling through the area.
Fredericksburg:
Bangkok Cafe is a great Thai place in Downtown, located at 825 Caroline St. This is the first place my brother Josh actually got some food that was TOO spicy for him (he LOVES things 'as spicy as possible'. They have good fried tofu as an appetizer and several good entrees. They will substitute tofu for meat in any dish and leave out fish sauce. The Eggplant with Tofu and Basil was phenomenal. http://www.bangkokcafeva.com/
Sammy T's is a staple in F'Burg and is located in the Historic Caroline St area, at 801 Caroline St. It is a great outing for all involved and they have a TON of vegetarian options. They have a Black Bean Cake appetizer and several soups that are vegan. They have two veggie burgers, one is actually a Tempeh Burger. A couple veggie sandwiches and a great Bean Burrito add to the great menu. They also have a falafel sandiwch. Anytime you are in Fredericksburg, check this place out! www.sammyts.com
Williamsburg: This place is terrible for vegetarians. You have to go to Hampton to find some good Asian food or to Richmond for their great options.
Richmond:
China Panda is a class in and of itself. They have three locations in the metro Richmond area (even though when I was there, it was only 2; so they must be doing well). The main location at 616 N Sheppard St in downtown is an enigma. On first glance it looks like a dive restaurant, dirty, etc.. but the food is unbelievably fresh and tasty. It is vegan Chinese and rivals that of Ming Dynasty in C'Ville. The sauces are great, they have veggie chicken and beef and seafood, and the people are friendly. I really enjoyed their Sesame Vegetarian Chicken. As far as I remember, the other site in southern Richmond (10020 Robious Rd) has the same menu and vegan options. A definite must for any vegan in Richmond, or anyone traveling through the area.
Fredericksburg:
Bangkok Cafe is a great Thai place in Downtown, located at 825 Caroline St. This is the first place my brother Josh actually got some food that was TOO spicy for him (he LOVES things 'as spicy as possible'. They have good fried tofu as an appetizer and several good entrees. They will substitute tofu for meat in any dish and leave out fish sauce. The Eggplant with Tofu and Basil was phenomenal. http://www.bangkokcafeva.com/
Sammy T's is a staple in F'Burg and is located in the Historic Caroline St area, at 801 Caroline St. It is a great outing for all involved and they have a TON of vegetarian options. They have a Black Bean Cake appetizer and several soups that are vegan. They have two veggie burgers, one is actually a Tempeh Burger. A couple veggie sandwiches and a great Bean Burrito add to the great menu. They also have a falafel sandiwch. Anytime you are in Fredericksburg, check this place out! www.sammyts.com
Williamsburg: This place is terrible for vegetarians. You have to go to Hampton to find some good Asian food or to Richmond for their great options.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Restaurants- Telluride, CO.
Kelly, the dogs, and I spent our last anniversary in Telluride. Apart from being one of the most beautiful places in the world, its vegetarian options abound. There is plenty of great hiking around town and a good meal makes a full day of hiking worth it.
Smuggler's Brewpub located at 225 S Pine St is a great place for Happy Hour and food. The beer is really good and fresh. The Smuggler's Beer Nuggets appetizer was wonderful (fried dough with marinara). Their Onion Rings appetizer was also vegan (so they said), but we did not try them. They have tons of salads and a vegetarian soup as well. We both tried their veggie burger and it was really good. They also have a bean and rice burrito that looked phenomenal. Their menu closes out with Linguine over marinara that is also supposedly vegan. The place has some cool seating outside; the seats are old ski lift cars that they have made into booths. This is a cool restaurant and anyone who is veggie and likes beer should frequent this place. http://www.smugglersbrew.com/
Siam is a great Thai place. Located at 200 S Davis St (corner of Davis and Pacific) they are very well versed in what 'vegan' means, so they have a good amount of choices already labeled, but will make any dish with tofu and leave out fish sauce. Specifics are coming shortly....
Smuggler's Brewpub located at 225 S Pine St is a great place for Happy Hour and food. The beer is really good and fresh. The Smuggler's Beer Nuggets appetizer was wonderful (fried dough with marinara). Their Onion Rings appetizer was also vegan (so they said), but we did not try them. They have tons of salads and a vegetarian soup as well. We both tried their veggie burger and it was really good. They also have a bean and rice burrito that looked phenomenal. Their menu closes out with Linguine over marinara that is also supposedly vegan. The place has some cool seating outside; the seats are old ski lift cars that they have made into booths. This is a cool restaurant and anyone who is veggie and likes beer should frequent this place. http://www.smugglersbrew.com/
Siam is a great Thai place. Located at 200 S Davis St (corner of Davis and Pacific) they are very well versed in what 'vegan' means, so they have a good amount of choices already labeled, but will make any dish with tofu and leave out fish sauce. Specifics are coming shortly....
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