Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Animal Friends
My love for animals began at an early age. My parents and my brother were always great sports along for the ride with my desire to raise and nurture pets from goldfish to cats to dogs to horses and even a rabbit (Mr. Brown). With my last four years spent at college and my current schedule of hectic travel, it would be unfair of me to keep a pet. But that doesn't mean I'm not enjoying my friends' pets and the various animals I am meeting on the road.
This past August I spent a considerable amount of time with two awesome pooches: Eugene and Betsy. A yellow lab, Eugene prefers human interaction over playing with other dogs. Owned by my friend Sam, he accompanied us on a couple hikes through Oregon's mountains and countless swims in the state's beautiful lakes.
Betsy, owned by my friend Travis, is independent, well-mannered, and athletic. Although she has quite the mischievous side (as shown by rolling in manure before a long car ride from Portland to Mount Hood), she loves accompanying her human friends on adventures such as snowboarding or surfing.
Animals are rare in the Maldives (besides the ones that live in the ocean). But on one particular flat surf day, some of the boat crew and myself visited a small island and came across a goat farm. The goats looked well taken care of and ranged in age from mature to newborn. Holding the small kid in my arms, I could only hope the farm raised these goats for pleasure and not for harm.
Bali, on the other hand, is full of animals both domesticated and wild. At the Uluwatu Temple, monkeys ran the show. Visitors can buy small packets of food for them at the entrance and from there the little rascals (and some not little but rather large) pester the people nonstop for treats. I will admit that I was scared of these creatures and when they approached me for food I threw the entire packet at the advancing pack and retreated behind my 6'5" Brazilian friend. But I admired them from afar. It was nice to see they still ruled a certain part of the island.
This past August I spent a considerable amount of time with two awesome pooches: Eugene and Betsy. A yellow lab, Eugene prefers human interaction over playing with other dogs. Owned by my friend Sam, he accompanied us on a couple hikes through Oregon's mountains and countless swims in the state's beautiful lakes.
Betsy, owned by my friend Travis, is independent, well-mannered, and athletic. Although she has quite the mischievous side (as shown by rolling in manure before a long car ride from Portland to Mount Hood), she loves accompanying her human friends on adventures such as snowboarding or surfing.
Animals are rare in the Maldives (besides the ones that live in the ocean). But on one particular flat surf day, some of the boat crew and myself visited a small island and came across a goat farm. The goats looked well taken care of and ranged in age from mature to newborn. Holding the small kid in my arms, I could only hope the farm raised these goats for pleasure and not for harm.
Bali, on the other hand, is full of animals both domesticated and wild. At the Uluwatu Temple, monkeys ran the show. Visitors can buy small packets of food for them at the entrance and from there the little rascals (and some not little but rather large) pester the people nonstop for treats. I will admit that I was scared of these creatures and when they approached me for food I threw the entire packet at the advancing pack and retreated behind my 6'5" Brazilian friend. But I admired them from afar. It was nice to see they still ruled a certain part of the island.
Vegan in Bali
Asia is surprisingly vegan-friendly. By the time CJ and I arrived in Bali, my supply of Clif Bars had run out and I was a bit worried about my protein intake. But this fear was completely unfounded as I quickly realized that the Buddhist influence in Indonesia makes tofu and tempeh in rich supply.
Our surf photographer turned us on to the food carts that line the dusty streets of Bali. At first we were wary of the safety and quality of the food. But after a few tentative bites we were hooked. For around $2 USD, a heaping plate of vegetables, rice, tofu, and tempeh could be bought.
On another note, Bali, unlike the Maldives, is filled with homeless pets. Skinny and haggard, these cats and dogs are in need of medical attention and nourishment. We befriended a one-eyed dog that hung around our hotel and supplied him with water and some food. Leaving him was almost as hard as it was to leave the perfect surf.
Our surf photographer turned us on to the food carts that line the dusty streets of Bali. At first we were wary of the safety and quality of the food. But after a few tentative bites we were hooked. For around $2 USD, a heaping plate of vegetables, rice, tofu, and tempeh could be bought.
On another note, Bali, unlike the Maldives, is filled with homeless pets. Skinny and haggard, these cats and dogs are in need of medical attention and nourishment. We befriended a one-eyed dog that hung around our hotel and supplied him with water and some food. Leaving him was almost as hard as it was to leave the perfect surf.
Pal Time
A girl should have many best friends because let's face it, one friend can only take so much whining before he or she cuts you off. But with a friend like my Danc, I really can't ask for much more. He surfs with me, he gossips with me, and, best of all, he eats with me!
Recently, Danc and I took our longboards down to PV cove and barebacked it while everyone else struggled in their 4/3 wetsuits with booties. Working up quite an appetite, we rolled into Redondo Beach and stuffed ourselves with Mexican food and gelato (well, sorbet for me and froyo for him).
Not only is he a fantastic friend but he also shapes some killer surfboards. I borrowed one on my recent trip to southeast Asia (since I somehow don't have any boards for big surf in my current quiver). It was a dream to ride at Sultan's in the Maldives and at Padang Padang in Bali.
(Getting dropped in on at Sultan's)
Lifelong friends are so hard to come by but as long as I have Danc I really can't ask for much more.
(NYC, fall 2005)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
San Francisco
I recently visited my brother Timmy in San Francisco where I participated in the 9th Annual World Veg Festival, surfed Santa Cruz's Pleasure Point, and ate at many of the city's terrific vegan restaurants. I'm still forgetful when it comes to photographing my escapades but I will improve.
The night I arrived in SF, Timmy and I sampled the wonderful vegan fare at Golden Era Vegetarian Restaurant at 572 O'Farrell Street. The standouts from the dinner were the Thai iced tea, vegetable dumplings, and the steamed veggie bun. I will definitely return to dine here on my next visit.
Brunch at Herbivore is fast becoming Timmy and my regular spot for my visits. We started with the vegan donut (as we have in the past) and fresh juices. OJ for Timmy and a green juice for me.
Timmy ordered the "sausage" biscuit plate and I had the southwestern scrambled tofu. We both very much enjoyed our dishes and always have a lovely time at this restaurant.
(He's only frowning because I made him be in the photo)
I didn't take photos of the surf in Santa Cruz but there definitely was some swell in the water with 8' sets. The localism in Santa Cruz is gnarly and I was disappointed that nearly every wave I caught I had to deal with people dropping in on me. I can understand how locals can be protective of their surf spots but it was borderline ridiculous. To top it off I was cold in a 4/3 wetsuit! Of course, I'm still grateful for the opportunity to surf in Santa Cruz.
But I am missing the warm waters of the Maldives and surfing in a swimsuit!
The night I arrived in SF, Timmy and I sampled the wonderful vegan fare at Golden Era Vegetarian Restaurant at 572 O'Farrell Street. The standouts from the dinner were the Thai iced tea, vegetable dumplings, and the steamed veggie bun. I will definitely return to dine here on my next visit.
Brunch at Herbivore is fast becoming Timmy and my regular spot for my visits. We started with the vegan donut (as we have in the past) and fresh juices. OJ for Timmy and a green juice for me.
Timmy ordered the "sausage" biscuit plate and I had the southwestern scrambled tofu. We both very much enjoyed our dishes and always have a lovely time at this restaurant.
(He's only frowning because I made him be in the photo)
I didn't take photos of the surf in Santa Cruz but there definitely was some swell in the water with 8' sets. The localism in Santa Cruz is gnarly and I was disappointed that nearly every wave I caught I had to deal with people dropping in on me. I can understand how locals can be protective of their surf spots but it was borderline ridiculous. To top it off I was cold in a 4/3 wetsuit! Of course, I'm still grateful for the opportunity to surf in Santa Cruz.
But I am missing the warm waters of the Maldives and surfing in a swimsuit!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
A Proper Introduction
It's about time for this blog to become a more hands-on and personal project. And for that to actually happen I feel as though I should give a few more details about my life. I'm a 22-year-old, native Angeleno who grew up surfing and riding horses--both at competitive levels. Around the age of 14 I reached a point where I had to choose one sport to take seriously and had to drop the other completely. Although I loved both equally, riding was an expensive sport while surfing, on the other hand, offered sponsorships and modeling contracts. So I went with surfing. By the time I was 18 I had won a few amateur titles, modeled in numerous advertisements, and started competing on the world tour. But I always knew I wanted a college education and when the opportunity to attend Yale presented itself, I accepted.
I graduated from Yale this past May of 2008 with a BA in history. I wrote my thesis on the history of sushi in post-World War II America. Yale is where I discovered my passion for food (both the history and its affects on the human body) along with my decision to become a vegan. My freshman year, homesick and depressed, I found my health failing. Instead of reading textbooks, I holed away in the library researching the possible causes of my ailments. I began finding numerous papers on the ill-affects of consuming dairy and various other animal products. As I started shunning these foods, I found my health drastically improving. Even to this day I notice how energized my body feels on a vegan diet, especially in the water when surfing. I'm not one to pressure others into adopting veganism. But I am more than happy to talk to interested parties about my own personal experiences.
Presently I have returned home to Los Angeles where I plan to spend the year surfing, traveling, cooking, reading, and developing careers in writing and acting. Perhaps law school is in the future. But only time will tell.
(My favorite vanilla pound cake from the fabulous cookbook Veganomicon)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Summer Cookin'
I'm back in Los Angeles and trying to make as many of my own meals as possible. Hopefully I will be more consistent with recording my eats and treats. But often times a meal is shredded romaine lettuce, a veggie burger patty, and a pita. Sad, I know. That's why when I came across a recipe for a coconut cream of corn in a magazine I decided to exert a bit of effort and make the dish.
Overall the corn "salad" was simple yet refreshing and I will probably make it again. It was especially tasty with some fresh cilantro added into the mix. Next time I would probably use light coconut milk over the full-fat version just because I'm a fan of watching unnecessary calories.
In other news I have been surfing a lot and trying to get back into my pre-college shape. I've also been reconnecting with my Angeleno friends -- going out to nice dinners and bars and clubs. It's a whole new game at the age of 22.
Overall the corn "salad" was simple yet refreshing and I will probably make it again. It was especially tasty with some fresh cilantro added into the mix. Next time I would probably use light coconut milk over the full-fat version just because I'm a fan of watching unnecessary calories.
In other news I have been surfing a lot and trying to get back into my pre-college shape. I've also been reconnecting with my Angeleno friends -- going out to nice dinners and bars and clubs. It's a whole new game at the age of 22.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Catching Up
Now that I've finished my senior essay and basically finished my Yale career, I am returning to my blog! Before I start posting on a more regular basis I have decided to post a few pictures of some noteworthy creations/eats from this past semester.
Over spring break I returned home to Los Angeles and feasted on vegan eats and treats of all sorts. I didn't document all that I ate mainly due to my lack of effort but I did remember to photograph my soul food plate from the farmers market. I don't remember the food to have been extraordinary by any measure but it was filling and, to a certain extent, comforting in the traditional sense of soul food.
Scoops, on the other hand, did not disappoint. I don't remember the flavors but I'm sure I enjoyed every bit of this two scoop, sprinkled ice cream cup of joy. I'm so grateful that the best ice cream shop in LA offers four vegan flavors daily in addition to sorbets (that aren't completely vegan due to the refined sugar).
There's a new vegan joint in town called Jax Vegan Cafe and I really enjoyed their food and their free wireless. During spring break I camped out here to write my senior essay while munching on their fantastic chopped salads. Although I never photographed my meals, I did remember to take a photo of the Sweet&Sara smores that I snagged from their well stocked dessert case.
I still had a sweet tooth when I returned to Yale and was especially craving a good donut. After trying Vegan Treats Bakery's donuts I have yet to find a more accessible donut that came as close to the non-vegan donut. This packaged donut was fine but tasted baked rather than fried (which I'm sure it was).
I also ordered donuts from a baker on etsy.com. These were much better than the packaged donut but they also were more like cakes than traditional fried donuts. I plan to visit Ronald's Donuts in Vegas in a few weeks and am confident that I will be able to get my donut fix there. I would also love it if Mighty O's opened up a store in Los Angeles...
I tackled My Sweet Vegan once again with these brownies. The flavor was pretty good and the crumb topping was nice but the texture was a bit too chewy for my liking. I actually made the green tea tiramisu from this cookbook this past week and it was the most successful recipe I have tried from this book. I'm not sure why most of the treats I make from these recipes fail in one way or another. It may be because I have such high expectations from the beautiful pictures that accompany the text. But there are many more recipes I hope to tackle in the near future.
The pound cake from Veganomicon was very nice. The texture and the flavor were perfect. I would definitely make this again if it weren't for the fear that I would eat the whole loaf all on my own. This leads me to the point of how excited I am to be moving back to LA to friends and family who will actually eat my creations! At least Angelenos embrace the taste of "healthy foods" whereas I've found east coasters/Yalies to scoff the idea of baked goods sans butter.
I made pizza from scratch! This included making the dough (what a process!), the sauces (red and pesto), and the "ricotta" topping. This was delicious! I hope to make homemade pizzas more often.
Finally, I cannot leave the northeast without mentioning one of my favorite vegan dishes found in NYC. Candle 79's seitan piccata is beyond delish! The sauce is unbelievably smooth and flavorful and the texture of the seitan is wonderful inside the mouth. The price was a bit steep but I trust that the quality of ingredients in the dish was high. This will be one of the things I will miss once I leave.
Over spring break I returned home to Los Angeles and feasted on vegan eats and treats of all sorts. I didn't document all that I ate mainly due to my lack of effort but I did remember to photograph my soul food plate from the farmers market. I don't remember the food to have been extraordinary by any measure but it was filling and, to a certain extent, comforting in the traditional sense of soul food.
Scoops, on the other hand, did not disappoint. I don't remember the flavors but I'm sure I enjoyed every bit of this two scoop, sprinkled ice cream cup of joy. I'm so grateful that the best ice cream shop in LA offers four vegan flavors daily in addition to sorbets (that aren't completely vegan due to the refined sugar).
There's a new vegan joint in town called Jax Vegan Cafe and I really enjoyed their food and their free wireless. During spring break I camped out here to write my senior essay while munching on their fantastic chopped salads. Although I never photographed my meals, I did remember to take a photo of the Sweet&Sara smores that I snagged from their well stocked dessert case.
I still had a sweet tooth when I returned to Yale and was especially craving a good donut. After trying Vegan Treats Bakery's donuts I have yet to find a more accessible donut that came as close to the non-vegan donut. This packaged donut was fine but tasted baked rather than fried (which I'm sure it was).
I also ordered donuts from a baker on etsy.com. These were much better than the packaged donut but they also were more like cakes than traditional fried donuts. I plan to visit Ronald's Donuts in Vegas in a few weeks and am confident that I will be able to get my donut fix there. I would also love it if Mighty O's opened up a store in Los Angeles...
I tackled My Sweet Vegan once again with these brownies. The flavor was pretty good and the crumb topping was nice but the texture was a bit too chewy for my liking. I actually made the green tea tiramisu from this cookbook this past week and it was the most successful recipe I have tried from this book. I'm not sure why most of the treats I make from these recipes fail in one way or another. It may be because I have such high expectations from the beautiful pictures that accompany the text. But there are many more recipes I hope to tackle in the near future.
The pound cake from Veganomicon was very nice. The texture and the flavor were perfect. I would definitely make this again if it weren't for the fear that I would eat the whole loaf all on my own. This leads me to the point of how excited I am to be moving back to LA to friends and family who will actually eat my creations! At least Angelenos embrace the taste of "healthy foods" whereas I've found east coasters/Yalies to scoff the idea of baked goods sans butter.
I made pizza from scratch! This included making the dough (what a process!), the sauces (red and pesto), and the "ricotta" topping. This was delicious! I hope to make homemade pizzas more often.
Finally, I cannot leave the northeast without mentioning one of my favorite vegan dishes found in NYC. Candle 79's seitan piccata is beyond delish! The sauce is unbelievably smooth and flavorful and the texture of the seitan is wonderful inside the mouth. The price was a bit steep but I trust that the quality of ingredients in the dish was high. This will be one of the things I will miss once I leave.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Best Vegan Cupcake...
'sNice in the West Village has some of the best vegan cupcakes I've ever tried in NYC. The frosting has a great texture and isn't cloyingly sweet and the actual cake is moist and nicely flavored. I believe there are lots of flavors but I've only tried chocolate and vanilla so far. Sorry to have only this blurry picture...
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Cooking & Baking
Internet connection at our house has been shaky lately so I haven't really stayed on top of my food blogging. Here are some of my favorite dishes I've prepared these past couple of weeks.
Breakfast of roasted sweet potatoes, veggie sausage, and avocado
Spelt ribbons with pesto
Blueberry chocolate scones
Mudd pie vegan ice cream with soyatoo
Pumpkin cinnamon rolls (made from scratch!!)
Rolls with icing
Quinoa and black bean salad
Peanut butter & chocolate schmlove pie made for superbowl party
Guacamole made for superbowl party
Breakfast of roasted sweet potatoes, veggie sausage, and avocado
Spelt ribbons with pesto
Blueberry chocolate scones
Mudd pie vegan ice cream with soyatoo
Pumpkin cinnamon rolls (made from scratch!!)
Rolls with icing
Quinoa and black bean salad
Peanut butter & chocolate schmlove pie made for superbowl party
Guacamole made for superbowl party
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