Veggin’ Out and About Dedicates A Page To Organic Eateries!

by Danielle Bussone

 

Organic Garden Café

Organic Garden Café

VEGGIN’ OUT AND ABOUT  DEDICATES A PAGE TO ORGANIC EATERIES!

In 2014, Veggin’ Out and About! has decided to dedicate a page called “Organic Standouts” for restaurants that go the extra mile in offering organic, non-GMO, pesticide free foods for the health of our population and planet. Too often, even restaurants that offer 100% vegan meals continue to prepare their foods with genetically modified corn or canola oil. They sweeten with high-fructose sugars derived from genetically modified corn, genetically modified sugar beets or cane sugar processed with cow bone char. Ninety percent of the soy produced in the US is genetically modified. Many restaurants which serve vegan meals, particularly Asian, are still using genetically modified corn starch and soy products.

Lately, the speak I’m getting from many restauranteurs is “Our produce isn’t organic, but it is sourced from local farmers.” So, are they are saying  it is it’s OK to eat produce which has been modified to include genes from a foreign species (such as salmon genes in tomatoes), drenched in pesticides and treated with toxic herbicides as long as it comes from local farmers? I hardly think soiling one’s own back yard fixes the problem.

(more…)

Read more

Gotta Run!

HIDDEN AND FORBIDDEN:

ANIMAL INGREDIENTS IN THE UNSUSPECTING FOODS WE LOVE!

by Andrea Medalie

 

Andrea Medalie

Andrea Medalie

 

In a perfect world, everyone would follow a strict plant-based diet.  Struggling to find a vegan-friendly establishment would no longer be an issue.  Stressing out about animal ingredients in our veggie foods would be a thing of the past!  All the guesswork would be taken out!!!  Vegan restaurants would abound!  The most difficult choice we would face would be WHICH one among so many!  Ahhh…. a girl can dream, can’t she?

Fortunately, the word “vegan” is not so esoteric anymore.  In fact, veganism is becoming more socially acceptable these days. Heck, the word is even being recognized and pronounced correctly for the most part by our non-vegan counterparts. Thanks to healthier trends, celebrities and famous athletes around the world, veganism is growing steadily in popularity and is here to stay!

It’s true that there are more and more dedicated vegetarian, vegan and raw restaurants popping up but overall, they are relatively few and far between. Thus, when dining out, we must rely on mainstream restaurants, especially when our most of our friends and family remain omnivorous (they have yet to evolve). It is important for all parties to be flexible and keep an open mind in order to arrive at a destination that will accommodate everyone satisfactorily while avoiding the cliché garden salad/baked potato combo that vegans often get stuck with. It’s impressive to see items marked as “V” on many menus but that could mean vegetarian and NOT vegan.  DON’T assume that veggie dishes are “safe” using descriptions and common sense alone. DO assume that all potential dishes contain animal ingredients unless proven otherwise. Food prep peeps LOVE, LOVE, LOVE throwing animal ingredients into the mix to “elevate” the flavors. They just can’t help themselves. I say nonsense!   For these so called flavor enhancers only mask the subtle, earthy flavors found in foods from mother nature from herbs to vegetables, soups to grains.  Be proactive: Calling ahead or checking menus online is always a plus! (more…)

Read more

Rich Niche, Great Eats In Puerto Morelos, Mexico!

by Amanda Trevelino

 

The “festive season” is meant to be a time of good cheer, but  in late December chilly gray weather (and maybe exposure to Ebenezer Scrooge), left me craving a warm New Year lavish with sun, surf, golden sand, maybe even palm trees laden with coconut loot. And so, that’s how I found myself on a Mexican highway driving south from Cancun Airport to celebrate 2014 near the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum.

 

El Nicho Exterior

el Nicho Exterior

 

Along the way, my family and I visited the lesser-known town of Puerto Morelos where a man on the street told us not to miss El Nicho. Good advice, because this tiny gem is tucked away like buried treasure; only the line of hungry patrons and a small placard mark the spot.

 

El Nicho Sandwich Board

el Nicho Sandwich Board

 

Owner/Manager Maureen was efficiently running the show during  our two visits, and we assume Owner/Chef Pablo was at the helm in the kitchen. The duo have created a vibrant, welcoming niche that obviously appeals to both locals and visitors with a small menu of healthy fare, not to mention a community board announcing drop-in yoga and other organic pursuits.

(more…)

Read more

Roti Video from Taste of India, Charleston

 
 
 
by Danielle Bussone
 
In this video Taste of India Restaurant in Charleston, SC demonstrates how to make Roti in a Tandoori style oven.
 


 
 

Read more

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive weekly news and updates from VegginOutAndAbout.

You have Successfully Subscribed!