basic abundance

"Life feels so abundant right now." I can't even tell you how many times I've said that in the past few weeks, nor how happy my certainty of the fact makes me. The craziest part? Not much has changed since I felt so out of place this summer. I still spend most of my time interning, and the rest of it trying to enjoy life in Paris on a tighter-than-ever-before budget. Now, I just happen to have a thesis topic instead of a boyfriend. And much to my (relieved) surprise, that slight shift seems to have been the right one. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the serendipitous trip to Sweden that provided the mental and physical space to realize it.

I've been focusing on people who inspire and animate me, and directing my modest finances towards local treasures and quality meals. The one above, for instance: brunch with Gillian. It lasted five hours and Sol Semilla was only our first stop. Like I said, abundant; and on an individual level, too. I've been reading, walking, and cooking to my heart's content. I've also done some preliminary thesis research, and thus am over the moon with excitement. If I share something super fun (like a recent Macklemore concert), will you be patient as I geek out and tell you all about it? Maybe take the weekend to consider it? :) have a good one!

how to vegan in paris

I imagine it'd be difficult to be a vegan in Paris. It would for me, at least. There are simply too many non-vegan temptations--cheese, chocolate, yogurt, pastries. That said, there are days when I crave cleaner eats than the standard French diet provides. Take yesterday, when, following a long morning, I sought bobo refuge in the northern Marais to try the recently popularized Café Pinson.

The late Fashion Week crowd was wrapping up their organic meals by the time I arrived. It was 2pm. I was starving. The smiling server at the counter helped me make my formule choices; one appetizer (soup/salad) and dessert, in addition to the pre-determined plat chaud. Fresh juices and coffee were also available. Upon seating, I appreciated the carafe de l'eau already on the table.

Though the menu itself isn't explicitely defined as vegan, most of the plates are. I began with two salads of the day served alongside a box (a cardboard one) of bread. Then I moved on to a main course of "fried rice", onions, sweet potato, spinach, and cumin. And for dessert, a compote of orange and grapefruit--which, to be honest, was far too tart for my liking, but I suppose that should've been expected. Overall, the meal was filling yet light and energizing; exactly what I'd hoped it be. Definitely worth the 17€.

It was such an enjoyable solo lunch, too. The relaxed environment in the midst of "modern-vintage Parisian" décor was perfect for a change of productive scenery. I'll be sure to make a reservation for their noteworthy brunch sometime soon. And while we're on the veggie-centric topic, a raw dinner at Pousse Pousse and vegan brunch at Soya are also on my list... as is Bob's Cold Press. 

I tried to snag a few juices to-go this afternoon actually... yet failed to note they don't open until March 19th. Oh well. At least now I know another place to go for my greens fix. Although I tend to prepare vegetarian meals in ma cuisine and shop at the Marché Bio des Batignolles whenever possible, a few extra nutrients are always appreciated; especially during midterms.

fridays are for brunches

Didn't you know? In reality, it's not actually that easy finding a weekday brunch in the brunch-loving city that is New York. Thankfully, there's Caravan of Dreams.

Tucked into the gorgeous grit that is the East Village, this organic and vegan restaurant has been on my "Must Try" list for quite some time. And when I heard Miss Mackenzie was rolling into town (quite literally, she rode a bus), I knew it'd be the perfect occasion. The lovely girl is vegan, and even though I trust her road trip experience will be as thrilling as my own, she will be in dire need of a good breakfast by its end. I thought I'd help the cause.

We began with coffee--hot with almond milk for me, iced decaf with almond milk for her. Can one borrow a caffeine infatuation? It was delicious; I was strung out for the rest of the day. With our $16 prix-fixe brunch meal, we also enjoyed a glass of sangria each, made more enjoyable by the fact that it was 11:30am on a Friday.

Then, we were served an impressive house salad complete with sprouts and dressed in a glorious tamari-lemon-ginger dressing. Mmm mm, good.

It's worth noting that we had the entire restaurant to ourselves as well, at least for the first hour. Time flew as we updated each other on our lives, in addition to some hopes and dreams. We swapped travel stories and dating anecdotes. We even partook in a little blogging gossip. I tell ya, great times are had with this gal.

For my entrée, I'd ordered the Mediterranean Brunch and was delighted to find it was even more amazing than it sounded: Spanish rice, seitan, sautéed greens, tomato, ali oli. She seemed thoroughly satisfied with her Breakfast Burrito, too.

Strong coffee, non-virgin sangria, tasty vegan fare, fantastic conversation, and a cozy atmosphere... on a Friday morn? I'd like to think it was one helluva second date. One of my best. I also love knowing I still have a brunch to look forward to this weekend. Hasta mañana, Patrick Swayze, ice cream, and mimosas.

a date with sausalito

Last year, a stranger invited me to be his date to a wedding in Paris. I was caught off guard, I didn't know how to respond, I became overwhelmed with all the reasons why I shouldn't take him up on the offer. I missed the opportunity. 

This year, a stranger invited me to spend a late afternoon with him in Sausalito. I just happened to be at the Ferry Building picking up a vegan Pumpkin Pie Scary Spice donut from Pepples Donuts. The ferry to Sausalito was leaving in only 20 minutes, from a dock about 20 yards away. Most of my friends had already left San Francisco and I had 6+ hours before my own plane took off.

This time around, I accepted the spontaneity. It went a little something like this...

 

 

 

 

...a drink beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, a drive into the mountains to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, a Vietnamese pho dinner, and a ride back to San Francisco. I'm convinced: It's almost always worth taking an unexpected chance.

foodbuzzing at the metreon

If you're checking in for the first time in a while, I'm recapping my weekend at the Foodbuzz Festival in San Francisco. It was fantastic. Case in point:

The alternative title for this post: beyond food porn. The Taste Pavilion was definitely some kind of foodie heaven with food and beverage options from more than 60 providers (mostly based in the SF-area.) I... well, let me just show you:

I enjoyed drinking chocolate and melt-in-your-mouth, artisan Tcho chocolate. Literally the best classic milk chocolate I have ever had.

I tried to maintain a healthy balance with a few slices of Frog Hollow Farm's pears. Then I dipped them in the remaining drinking chocolate.

 

I washed it all down with my first soda in forever long. Cascal: bubbly, natural.

I discovered a BBQ sauce I actually love, and was even lucky enough to take home a big bottle of it. Thanks again for the generosity, J. Lee Roy's!

I tasted fantastically delicate yet flavorful artisan teas blended and chosen by the inspiring woman behind Red Circle Tea.

I found out that some things really are better pickled. Boat Street's pickled figs, for example, are just amazing.

I met the lovely woman behind 18 Rabbits, and ate a yummy, simple granola bar.

I discovered one of the many reasons why Girl & the Fig is so ridiculously popular: three words: red onion confit.

I ate wild, natural, and sustainable seafood from Alaska in fantastic recipes created by Teri and Kelly. Go out and buy Alaska Seafood. Now. Seriously though.

I had a moment with a Mission Mini banana cupcake. It was incredible.

I tried kefir for the first time courtesy of Green Valley Organics, then followed it with goat cheese by Redwood Hill Farm.

I adored the adorable and delicious Ticings on bite-size brownies.

I learned that some mushrooms literally taste fantastic in olive oil shortbread cookies: those picked by Wine Forest Wild Foods.

I nearly cheated on the cupcakes with not one, but two pieces of Napa Valley Fudge. I've never eaten fudge that was so out. of. this. world.

I savored the perfect leaves of the U.S.'s only homegrown endive grown by California Endive. Speaking of no longer having to miss France as much...

I tasted the best Créme Fraîche outside of France by Bellwether Farms.

I had bites of Bovine Bakery's famous morning buns. And, oh my gosh, what I would do for another sugary, cinnamon-y bite right now...

I stumbled upon another use of California varietal wine grapes: non-alcoholic Vignette Wine Country Soda. Honestly though, I prefer the actual wine produced by Bonny Doon Vineyard.

I ate a little cup of Mrs. A's (great) Salsa Buena. Loved the story behind it too: Mrs. A, an elementary school teacher, was urged by her students to market her creation.

I nearly burst because it was impossible not to devour Three Twins Ice Cream.

I crunched on one of Judy's (deliciously vegan) Breadsticks to cleanse my palate.

And finally, I savored a few phenomenal sips of a cocktail made with Bloom's innovative premium London Dry Gin. I'm a gin girl; this is my new favorite brand.

It should be no surprise then that I also rolled myself out of there on a complete sugar high, in a complete food coma, and with a ridiculous smile on my face. Foozbuzz Festival recap, once again, to be continued...