-State/City | Veggin' Out And About

Falafel Bistro & Wine Bar – A Mediterranean Experience In South Florida

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Jun 10, 2014 in Coral Springs, FL, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly | 0 comments

Falafel Bistro & Wine Bar

Don’t let either the name or the location fool you; this South Florida suburban strip mall dining establishment is far from your average neighborhood fare. When I say far, I mean Falafel Bistro & Wine Bar (FB) takes your palate on a journey to remote destinations along the Mediterranean, brimming with exotic herbs, spices, flavors and textures. FB is conveniently located in Coral Springs, FLorida, just off the Sawgrass Expressway (869), at 5677 Coral Ridge Dr., in the Heron Lakes Plaza. Hungry patrons come from near and far to immerse themselves in this sophisticated, multi-sensory atmosphere created by chef/owner and culinary genius, Ilan Cohen. But be forewarned, once you sample his fare, you will undoubtedly become addicted!

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118 Degrees – Costa Mesa’s Raw Dining Option at The Camp!

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Jun 9, 2014 in American, Costa Mesa, I-405, I-5, Vegan | 0 comments

Roberta Walker

Mole Enchiladas

It’s no secret that Southern California is a mecca for healthy living including a wide variety of healthy eating options. With sun year round, the locals can enjoy outdoor activities and fitness, and fuel that lifestyle with access to fresh local food. Got special dietary requirements or allergies?

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The 3rd Annual Charlotte VegFest Has Arrived! Come on Down!

Posted by Danielle Bussone on May 12, 2014 in Charlotte, NC, Charlotte, NC, Veg Fests | 0 comments

by Danielle Bussone

Go Vegan And No Body Gets Hurt!

The 3rd Annual Charlotte VegFest is an event not to be missed! Just on the horizon, it takes place next Saturday, May 17, from 2-7pm at Plaza Midwood. The festival celebrates vegans and vegetarians of all categories — people who just want to eat healthier, those who wish to create a sustainable environment for their children, those who love and protect the rights of animals, and everywhere in between. Those non-vegetarians who just want to see what all the fuss is about are welcome as well. There is something for everyone at the Charlotte VegFest.

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Au Lac: Vegan – Gorgeous And Delicious Living Foods In Fountain Valley, California

Posted by Danielle Bussone on May 11, 2014 in Fountain Valley, I-405, Vegan, Vietnamese | 0 comments

by Roberta Walker

Located in a dated nondescript strip mall, flanked by Asian restaurants, a nail salon, massage parlor, and insurance agency, Au Lac is a health conscious culinary oasis. As you stand outside of the plain white mall, the darkened door in-front of you, with it’s simple Au Lac sign above, it’s easy to assume this asian inspired restaurant will be much like the other’s in the mall but once you step in the change begins. Serving plant based food with a commitment to offering healthy and delectable bites, the food will wow and delight your senses.

Au Lac Exterior

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We are sorry to report that Ecolicious is no longer in business. Ecolicious – Charlotte, NC’s Most Environmentally Friendly Market Is Locally Sourced!

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Apr 30, 2014 in Charlotte, NC, Grocers, I-77 | 0 comments

by Danielle Bussone

In one of the cutest little houses located in the heart of Charlotte is a general store like no other. From its humble beginning as a few shelves containing only a few items, housed within another business, Ecolicious has come into its own. “We came about just over three years ago,” says Ecolicous founder, Marley Claridge. “My former partner and I saw a need in Charlotte for a place to buy vegan things. We started out with just a few items on a few shelves. Then people kind of took to it. I wanted to make it larger, and nicer, with more of a boutique feel to it. More than just a convenient store look.”

Ecolicious Exterior

Marley has done just that. After her early partnership dissolved, she joined up with long time friend, Fiona Humphrey, who had previously worked in finance. Fiona had planned to sell her house and move to Oregon. As luck, or fate, would have it, the market crashed and selling her home was no longer an option. The opportunity to partner with Marley presented itself and the rest is Ecolicous history. The two share a vision for the company which has continued to foster a relationship with the community and an awareness of how our purchasing decisions impact our lives, the lives of innocent animals and the health of our planet. Buying locally affects our carbon footprint as well, which is a credo for the fledgeling business.

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Gaia Fresh Food Café in Carlisle, PA, Serves Up Veggies Galore!

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Apr 19, 2014 in American, Carlisle, PA, I-81, Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly | 0 comments

by Danielle Bussone

A year ago, Rich and I passed through Carlisle en-route to Central New York for an annual Easter visit with relatives. Carlisle has a dearth of restaurants offering healthy, plant-based options. There is a Tappas bar which claims to offer vegan options but when questioned closely you’ll find the fingerling potatoes are fried in beef tallow, the croutons contain eggs and the olives are just taken from a jar and dunked in a pool of flavored olive oil. The pita bread is obviously store bought. They will remove the cheese and other offending products but offer nothing to compensate the diner for the loss. No thanks, we’ll pass.

There is an excellent Japanese/Vietnamese noodle shop (we reviewed last year) called Essei Noodles and there is a wonderful market (also reviewed last year), Appalachian Whole Foods. So, last year, following our lunch at Essei, we stopped to check out a lovely little vegetarian café on West Pomfret Street called Gaia Fresh Food Café. We spoke with Gaia’s owner, George Catselis. We didn’t try the food at the time since we had already eaten. However, we did get a look at the place and an earful from George on his plans to make this a community meeting place where people who care what goes into their bodies and care about what is happening to our planet can congregate. A year later, and George’s plans are coming to fruition.