Taking NY by Storm: A Vegan's Tale

Check out that view! I also have in hand the BEST smoothie I've ever had: Squaw Valley!!

Last summer I was lucky enough to have volunteered for and attended an amazing four-day Yoga & Music festival in the middle of beautiful Tahoe. Wanderlust was such an enlightening experience and I hope to return again soon; being among such spiritual power and creativity was inspiring, advocating everything environmental protection to compassionate eating.

Among the many big names to play the music scene among the looming majestic mountains was old school DJ Moby. His DJ set was epic, totally killed it (in a good way!) and his afternoon acoustic set was harmonizing. But it is his speaking event that was of utmost interest for purposes of this blog: on vegan living.

Moby was promoting a new book he has out and spoke briefly on it, taking questions and engaging people on the real issues of vegan living. Imagine my delight when, after a few internet clicks, I find out he owns a vegetarian restaurant in NYC.

Delicious cakes, almost 100 different types of free leaf teas to choose from, and owned by a techno god? Yes, please!

Teany Cafe can only be described as cozy. At 10pm the lighting was dim, all but blinding bar the gently flicking tea candles. Sleek, modern, and white, it reminds me of vegan cafes of Brighton (UK). And what could go better with this English feel than plenty of properly prepared teas and homely sweets (think whoopie pies and coconut cake).

T & I actually discovered Teany after looking for a gift for my Brother for Christmas; we just got back from London and thought the tea-for-two deal at Teany was appropriate for him & his girlfriend. Him having raved about the club--and me being the sandwich fiend I am--my choice was probably already made before arrival (as tempting as the lasagna sounded).

I opted for the blt, even though I *always* get the blt as T reminds me. On the side a cup of honey roobios with steamed almond milk (again, England had entranced me with their London Fog). T & Adam both got the half chili/half "turkey" club.

The drink was fantastic, as it ought to be, creamy and with just a hint of sweetness. The salad greens crisp and dressed with a lovely thick balsamic. But it was the sandwich that stole my heart. Not the biggest around for its price, nothing too fancy, but simple and classic, and perfectly toasted (a must!).

The chili, sadly, was just a bit lacking. I think T & I may be biased from our constant chili making contests but I had made a better lentil chili days earlier (thicker, more robust). But still, tasty.

Our biggest mistake, which I beg none of you to make!, is to have left without dessert. I guess I felt the impulse to explore, being in NY and all (I have a list of about 30 possible vegan havens to check out). But for the rest of that weekend, I could get those luscious looking cakes and pastries out of mind and I'm still sure that I had made the wrong choice and that those desserts (as Adam also told us they would be) was what I was searching for.

In conclusion, if you're in NYC, please visit Teany, sip some tea, and don't let the city rush you out... get that slice of cake you're eyeing!

Oh yeah, and go to Wanderlust if you get the chance... besides amazing music, great people, fun vendors, beautiful artwork, breathtaking views, and tons of yoga... we get free pool & spa access at the site of the Olympic Village :) Do it (and let's meet up there!)

When its chilly outside: White-Bean Chili inside

The snow storm to end all snow storms has been rolling through Boston here; so after a day of almost slipping on tons of black ice, climbing over mini-snow-mountains, and wadding through calf-high puddles (I kid you not) just to get to class, nothing beckons my taste buds more than a hot one-pot meal.

Recently it's been a plethora of different soups, but the other day I came home with an appetite for something spicy. T & I, of course, ended up disagreeing on what should compose this chili and somehow turned into chili-making contest (not our first time).

When all was said and done, and presented to a group of friends, mine took the winning ticket! (Though T's was a favorite for our summer chili cook-off).

Not to toot my own horn of course, but I was surprised with how deeeelicious it came out! Especially because I just wing'd it, knowing lentils, corn, & white beans would be the primary ingredients.

The corn provides a nice sweetness against the strong heat from the different peppers, as well as a good texture difference. It's not to heavy and has a very smooth texture--definitely going to be winter fav!

1st Place: White-Bean Chili

Ingredients

* 2-3 T, neutral-tasting oil (I used grapeseed)
* 1 small yellow onion, chopped
* Corn nibs from 2 cobs
* 1/2 jalapeno, diced
* 2 large garlic cloves, minced
* 1/2 t, marjoram
* 1 T, chili powder
* 1 1/2 t, cumin
* 1 t, coriander
* 1 t, oregano
* 2 t, red pepper flakes
* 2 t, marash pepper flakes (or more red pepper might work)
* 1/2 t, paprika
* 1/2 t salt
* 1 t, freshly ground pepper
* 2 T, balsamic vinegar
* 2 C, vegetable broth
* 1/2 C, brown lentils
* 1 8oz can, tomato sauce
* 1 8oz can, cannelloni beans


Directions

1. Add oil to a large pot and head over medium. Add in chopped onions and corn, saute until softened, about 2 minutes (add more oil if needed).
2. Add in jalapeno and garlic, saute until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant but now browned, about another minute or 2.
3. Add in all of the spices from marjoram to pepper; stir constantly for 30 seconds, then deglaze with the balsamic vinegar.
4. Quickly add in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add in lentils and slow to a simmer. Cover and simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked thoroughly.
5. Add in the tomato sauce and cannelloni beanes. Bring to a boil and then bring to a very low simmer. Simmer for approximately 30 minutes more to get the best flavor meld. Enjoy!

Peace&Love