A "Super" St. Patrick's Day!

I'm wearing green, don't pinch me! I thought I'd don a "Super St. Patrick's Day" outfit for the occasion ; ) Haha, but for real - this is a day for green beer and funky food so why not start wearing costumes, no? Anyhoo, here are some tips and recipes to make this the "Superist" St. Paddy's day yet!

Keep from turning green the day after all the festivities by:

• Drinking plenty of water before going out to drink as well as drinking an occasional glass of plain water during the time that you are consuming alcohol. Be sure drink a full glass of water just before going to sleep that night.
• Have a dinner of starchy foods such as pasta or potatoes. Starchy foods slow down the alcohol absorption.
• Drink slowly (nurse your drinks). Less alcohol consumption equals less chance for a hangover.

Things that can help you if you do overdo it are:

• Taking vitamin c as it will help to breakdown the alcohol faster in your body.
  
• As soon as you wake in the morning drink another full glass of water.
  
• Also, taking vitamin B complex capsules you will lessen the time that your hangover will last.
• You can make a hangover tea by crushing 5 to 6 thyme leaves and place them in a cup. Fill the cup with water and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove the leaves and drink the remaining liquid.
• Placing a cold pack to the forehead will give immediate relief from a headache.
• Consuming alcohol puts toxins into your body. You can help to drain these toxins from your body by taking a hot bath in the morning. When you drain the toxins you will experience less symptoms.
• Eat a banana for breakfast the morning after you have been drinking.

And try these "Super" St. Paddy's drinks:

Shamrock Smoothie

• 2 oz Melon Vodka
  
• 1/2 oz triple sec
• Splash of orange curaçao
• juice of 2 limes

Blend ingredients with 3/4 cup ice in a blender and serve in frosty mug!

Vegan Irish Cream (add it to coffee or any creamy cocktail!!)

• 1 can of coconut milk
• 2 tbls brown sugar
• 2 tbls choc syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla essence
• 3/4 cup of whiskey
  

Mix thoroughly do not froth. Keep refrigerated in a dark bottle.

Have a "Super" fun and "Super" safe St. Paddy's day!!
xoxo

Adieu Atlanta

You know you're a foodie when you are in the middle of one meal and chatting about your next! Because of such conversations I was able to find the last few places on my trek through Atlanta before I headed back home to the sunny west coast; )

I was told I needed to check out East Atlanta as that's where the "real" locals hang. So I did and I found Cenci. Cenci is a vegan/veggie bar and club as well as awesome restaurant. How freakin' cool!!! They are only open for dinner and most nights they have a dj. I would suggest the philly, chicken fingers, egg rolls, and collard green rolls with your jams ; ) Cenci is located at East Atlanta Village
1259 Glenwood Ave, Atlanta, GA 30316, (404) 627-0533.

Dan and I wanted to catch a flick and unwind so we found a theatre at the new Atlantic Station. Packed with restaurants, bars and entertainment, this little commune of fun had some cool places like Doc Green's and The Lobby among many more super trendy and happenin' places to eat, drink and hang. At Doc Green's, I grabbed a nice portobello wrap to sneak into my 3 hour movie. They had fresh salads, soups, sandwiches, flatbreads and more. After the movie we sauntered over to The Lobby for a nightcap and I thought my margarita would go well with some fresh guacamole and chips. It was very nice inside and seemed the quite to nightclub. You can see what else is bumpin' at Atlantic Station online.

Lastly, but not leastly, where do you go for 24 hour vegan and not vegan where the owner has tons of birds hangin' around the joint? R. Thomas Deluxe Grill is where! It's funky, to say the least, with a menu that everyone can find something they would like. For instance, I had the veggie sloppy joe wrap while my dinding partners had burgers. We all were full and none of us had to sacrifice our tastebuds in the process ; )

So, for now I bid adieu to Atlanta but it, and its dishes, will not be soon forgotten!

A+ For Atlanta!!

I couldn't stop with just 1 post seeing as how Atlanta had a restaurant crammed in every nook and cranny of the city so here with go with number deuce! A hipster brunch spot, a ridiculously awesome vegan gourmet eatery, a seasonal feast and a vintage diner with a modern twist, you are sure to find something you will devour ; )

Who doesn't like brunch? Ok, that was rhetorical but I'm sure I'd be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn't enjoy sleeping in and still being able to order breakfast ; ) At Ria's Bluebird you can get breakfast or lunch or both! You can also get vegan or not which was great for my sugar and me as a good vegan breakfasty brunch is hard to come by sometimes. Not only was the food yummers but the feel of the place was great. Think country diner meets hispsterville and that's bluebird. The cool Atlanta crowd with the Georgia presence and bluebird theme is a nice combo and I dug it. I also dug my tofu scramble with cilantro pesto! Not far fomr downtown, find at more about Ria's Bluebird!

Now, my barometer for convincing vegan food is my omnivorous counterpart. I've only seen him chow down, with pleasure, on a super vegany meal at 2 restaurants. Now there are 3. Cafe Sunflower made the list with their soy steak, tofu and veggie fajitas and vegan spinach and artichoke dip. I went over the edge with the moist and ridonkulously awesome strawberry shortcake!! It was stupid good, even for the non-vegan and with 2 locations, Cafe Sunflower has got to be your number 1 visit next time you're in town.

Seasons 52 is a pretty sweet concept and I had no idea it was becoming a chain. Gladly I popped into their location in Buckhead and enjoyed their winter market vegetable plate and shared a cheeseless flatbread with my boy. The menu changes weekly as the seasonal ingredients do which makes for an innovative and ever exciting dining experience. They promote healthy, organic and fresh meals and that rocks! See if a Seasons 52 location is coming to your town.

For a late night treat after some partying in the Highlands, the locals like to head over to the Majestic Diner. For 8o years this hot spot serves up southern faves and comfort foods and doesn't leave out the tree huggers ; ) I had a veggie burger and took in the interesting crowd.
The Majestic can be found at 1031 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306-4215, (404) 875-0276.

Don't change the channel, we've got 1 more Atlanta post coming next week!!

All Hail Atlanta!

"Welcome to Atlanta where the players play!"- Jermaine Dupri

And play I did! Oh yes, and gorge my greedy little face I did too ; ) The hustle and bustle of the Atlanta metropolitan area is intoxicating. Already a big city, it's getting even bigger. Cool sky rises, modern shopping areas, the world of coca cola museum and aquarium as well as the nooks and areas tucked away for the hipster crowd, I had no problems getting into a groove here. So as one would imagine, there would be no problems finding some good eats in the capital of the south!

Fighting the city traffic, i made my way into the World Peace Cafe just in time for a quick dessert. We knew we had limited time in the city along with lots of obligations so I wanted to make sure I made it in. Run by the Rameshori Kadampa Buddhist Center in Sandy Springs, the cafe is mainly volunteer operated. But you'd never know it as the place runs like a dream and the food is even better. I was able to grab a minty chocolate cupcake before they all headed home but the menu looked great! Brekfast to dinner, fresh juice to dessert, they've got a veritable cornucopia of awesome veggie food. Feed your karma and your soul at World Peace Cafe!

We stayed in the heart of downtown at the Marriot Marquis. In it I had my lovely Starbucks waiting for me every morning as well as 2 restaurants and a bar. Having rolled in late, we were pretty hungry and weary so we popped into High Velocity. Located in the main lobby of the hotel, it's a chic sports bar with a fun menu. I was stoked to find a bunch of vegan and health friendly options at a sports bar so I had a taste of a few things ; ) I shared the lemon hummus with veggie sticks (almost no calories!!) and a black bean soy burger piled high with mushrooms and onions with my babe. It hit the spot just before we hit the sack.

The next day I had a hankering for soul food. What better place for such a meal than Atlanta and what better place in Atlanta than Soul Vegetarian. They've got locations all over the world and have a neat concept. A fully African-American run business that originated in Israel, this cafeteria style diner also boasts a fresh juice and home made ice cream bar as well as a holistic center that offers all kinds of services including colon hydrotherapy! I happen to like the 1 sto shop idea ; ) I chowed on a ginormous portion of soy mac and cheese, collard greens,salad, corn bread and I had to split the vegan gyro with Dan as my stomach wouldn't fit it all. Don't leave Atlanta without going to 1 of the 2 locations of Soul Vegetarian.

Another place with a few locations is The Vortex Bar and Grill. It's a hoot!! I was laughing my ass off just reading the menu and so will you (the website is just as kooky). It was cold out so I went with a steaming bowl of veggie chili and a side of sweet potato fries. There isn't a soul who couldn't find something on this menu as well as find this place quite the place for a fun night out!

Ok, so, I'm sure you can guess there is alot more to cover here in Atlanta so stay tuned next week for more!!

Valentine's Vittles

Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is here ; ) Whether you've got a sweetheart or are spending the day with other happily single folk, make it fun and enjoy yourself! I've got some eco friendly, fun and healthy ideas to make this Valentine's Day the best one yet!

• If you're single, hit a bar with friends or rent a funny or scary movie and order in. Either place will assuredly not have many couples gazing into each others eyes ruining your good time!
• If you have a honey, make a romantic, organically candle lit dinner at home. It's cheaper, less stress of finding a reservation at the right place, and perfectly private - ooh lala! I've got some couple-tastic recipes to try below. Be sure to check them out!
  
• Make your own cards or support a local artist who hand makes cards from recycled materials. Also shop online at spots like Tiny Prints.
  
• Buy and give a locally, organic grown plant. Your loved one will be able to enjoy it a lot longer then expensive flowers that will wilt as soon as the clock strikes midnight on the 15th ; )
  
• Give organic, vegan or fair trade chocolates like the ones you can find at Rose City Chocolates or Chocolate Decadence.
  
• Fair trade, recycled or vintage jewelry and handmade gifts are a hit for any occasion!
  
• Wear sexy and cute organic, or hemp lingerie. You can find nice but naughty nothings s well as boudoir buddies at places like the Sensual Vegan.

And try some of these finger lickin' dishes:

Roasted Artichoke with Garlic Aioli

• 1 large artichoke
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
• Half head of garlic (roasted in tin foil with olive oil, salt and pepper for 30-40 minutes)
  

In a medium sized pot, place artichoke in water and bring water to a boil. Cover, reduce heat slightle and allow to steam for 15 minutes. Remove artichoke from pot, place in baking pan and drizzle with olive oil, garlic and salt. Bake artichoke in 400 degree oven for 30-40 minutes, until soft. Meanwhile, blend together mayonnaise and the roasted garlic until well mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste. When artichoke is done cooking, allow to cool slightly. To eat, pull leaves from the artichoke, dip in chipotle sauce and enjoy!

Vegan Chocolate Fondue

• 1/4 cup vegan margarine
• 8 ounces chocolate chips or dark chocolate
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tbsp soy milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup Kahlua or other flavored liqueur
  

Melt vegan margerine, chocolate and soy milk together in saucepan. Once melted, remove from heat, add the rest of the ingredients, combine well and transfer to fondue pot to keep warm. Serve with fresh fruit, pound cake, or sweet bread.

Have a super sweet Valentine's Day!!
xoxo

Savann-ahhhhh ; )

Yay!! More Savannah!! Being as small as it is, there are some great things to see, do and eat in this cute town. Hollywood thinks so as Savannah is very proud of the many films that have shot here like Forrest Gump and Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil. They've got movie tours, Paula Deen tours, Foody tours, Historic walks, ghost tours and tons of other stuff to keep you busy. And still, there is time to eat!

I'm always down with a good pizza and it sounded great before we headed out on a cold evening ghost tour. I was stoked at how awesome the Mellow Mushroom was! I could have rolled through town on my belly after my vegan tortilla soup and my bbq tofu and veggie pizza. They didn't have soy cheese but the pizza was great without it and it seemed like a happening family place as well as a fun joint for the art school crowd. I dug it and so did my regular pizza eating honey. For menu and locations, check out the Mellow Mushroom online.

Down at City Market there is a great little walking street filled with outdoor cafes and cute shopping. We spent a lot of time between the river front and the historic areas so finding a place to eat in the middle of all of that was no problem.

The Cafe at City Market had a neat retro vibe and a very American menu. With some modifications, it would be fit for a vegan, definitly acceptable for a vegetarian, but I went the easy route and had a house salad with a steamy bowl of black bean soup.

Belford's is a good old fashioned place serving up some southern favorites. I couldn't leave Savannah without trying some fried green tomatoes and to counteract the fried goodness, I had the Belford salad with no cheese. A nice selection and great service.

For a glass of wine and flavorful plates, Tapa's on Julian St. in City Market, is a fine choice. It's southern style tapas but I was still able to find a meal to suit my liking. A hearty veggie pasta primavera (I had them sautee in olive oil as it came with butter) was perfect before some more walking about town.

I can't rave enough about Savannah and I'm so looking forward to some more ghost hunting and eating in this charming city in the south!