I am ecstatic to let you know that our new blog site is live!
Check us out at: The Gay Vegans
It has been a long time coming. I would love your feedback.
The first post is titled "Suga lived", in memory of our sweet Suga who passed away on May 2nd.
Thank you for your support!
Gay and vegan in the burbs (of Los Angeles). I blog about veganism, equality, compassion, activism, politics, spirituality and the awesome life experiences of The Gay Vegans. The "s" includes my husband, Mike! I believe that we all have more in common than not and that we all have the power to be the voice of the voiceless. I want this blog to be a tool for me to build bridges amongst communities and those with differing opinions.
Showing posts with label bloggers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bloggers. Show all posts
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Sunday, April 10, 2016
1 in 5 children in LA County live in poverty
This is a series of several blog posts I am writing regarding poverty.
There is no where better to start than right here where we live.
When we moved to Los Angeles in July of 2015 I took my time looking for a job and in August landed the perfect one. My past job in Denver was fundraising for an agency that serves youth experiencing homelessness and this new one is fundraising for an agency that serves neglected and abused children in the LA County foster care system.
I immediately jumped into learning about the children my new agency serves and the numbers are stark. One word that came up right away was the word poverty.
1 in 5 children in LA County live in poverty. This number blows my mind. No matter what type of activism you are involved with, this crazy poverty rate affects you. From hunger to homelessness to violence to liberation and economic inequality, it's even more difficult to find even a small success when poverty, and in many cases extreme poverty, is part of the problem.
Welcome to this journey into exploring poverty. I'd be thrilled if you joined me. What is the child/poverty rate where you live? What does poverty look like within your activism? How does poverty affect how we engage around veganism, liberation, animal rights and politics?
Thank you for reading. And thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for all living beings.
There is no where better to start than right here where we live.
When we moved to Los Angeles in July of 2015 I took my time looking for a job and in August landed the perfect one. My past job in Denver was fundraising for an agency that serves youth experiencing homelessness and this new one is fundraising for an agency that serves neglected and abused children in the LA County foster care system.
I immediately jumped into learning about the children my new agency serves and the numbers are stark. One word that came up right away was the word poverty.
1 in 5 children in LA County live in poverty. This number blows my mind. No matter what type of activism you are involved with, this crazy poverty rate affects you. From hunger to homelessness to violence to liberation and economic inequality, it's even more difficult to find even a small success when poverty, and in many cases extreme poverty, is part of the problem.
Welcome to this journey into exploring poverty. I'd be thrilled if you joined me. What is the child/poverty rate where you live? What does poverty look like within your activism? How does poverty affect how we engage around veganism, liberation, animal rights and politics?
Thank you for reading. And thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for all living beings.
Labels:
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homelessness,
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poverty,
veganism
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Bigotry is alive and well
Indiana.
Georgia.
North Carolina.
The bigots in power are coming for us. By the way, I'm sure I'm missing some states.
A huge breathe of relief swept the country when the US Supreme Court legalized same sex marriage. We celebrated. I cried.
The bigots also took a breathe and got to work creating plans on how they could continue battling us, mainly in the name of religious liberty and safety.
If you offend by religious beliefs, I don't need to do business with you.
Because I am worried about my five year old daughter, a trans woman should not be able to use a restroom labeled for women.
These are the arguments, and bigotry is the reason. Plain, simple bigotry.
In South Dakota the governor actually vetoed the anti-trans bathroom bill. The governor in Georgia has not signed their anti-gay bill yet, and I am happy that dozens of business have criticized the bill and even my beloved The Waling Dead cast will leave Georgia if the bill is signed.
I love the support. But can we get in front of this? Are there enough of us who believe that these bills are ludicrous to ensure they are voted down? If we as communities voted in droves would less bigots come to power, even in states that are filled with bigots like Georgia and North Carolina?
Dan is going back to voting, you're thinking. Yes I am.
We have the power. We have the power to crush bigotry. We have to act.
Please speak out. Please register to vote and vote. Please email your state representative if they are considering voting for a bigoted bill.
Thank you for reading.
Georgia.
North Carolina.
The bigots in power are coming for us. By the way, I'm sure I'm missing some states.
A huge breathe of relief swept the country when the US Supreme Court legalized same sex marriage. We celebrated. I cried.
The bigots also took a breathe and got to work creating plans on how they could continue battling us, mainly in the name of religious liberty and safety.
If you offend by religious beliefs, I don't need to do business with you.
Because I am worried about my five year old daughter, a trans woman should not be able to use a restroom labeled for women.
These are the arguments, and bigotry is the reason. Plain, simple bigotry.
In South Dakota the governor actually vetoed the anti-trans bathroom bill. The governor in Georgia has not signed their anti-gay bill yet, and I am happy that dozens of business have criticized the bill and even my beloved The Waling Dead cast will leave Georgia if the bill is signed.
I love the support. But can we get in front of this? Are there enough of us who believe that these bills are ludicrous to ensure they are voted down? If we as communities voted in droves would less bigots come to power, even in states that are filled with bigots like Georgia and North Carolina?
Dan is going back to voting, you're thinking. Yes I am.
We have the power. We have the power to crush bigotry. We have to act.
Please speak out. Please register to vote and vote. Please email your state representative if they are considering voting for a bigoted bill.
Thank you for reading.
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Saturday, March 19, 2016
Restaurant review: One Veg World in Pasadena
I am ecstatic to write this review!
One Veg World in Pasadena is pretty close to where we live and has become a constant in our lives. The food is perfect for us and the staff bring a level of hospitality and kindness that is rare in the restaurant world these days.
One Veg World in Pasadena is the sister restaurant to One Veg World in West Covina. It opened in July of 2015 and recently began serving breakfast. My review is based mainly on breakfast as it is my favorite meal and there are not a lot of vegan breakfast options around. Or I should say vegan breakfast options on the level of One Veg World.
First, they have donuts! They are delicious. All yeast-raised with either plain glazed, chocolate, cinnamon-sugar or chocolate vanilla. I know from experience that if you love donuts you will love these. I have indulged in many of them!
My next favorite would be the sausage breakfast muffin. They have several types of breakfast muffins and this one is my favorite. You can get it alone or as a combo, which means you can get Vietnamese coffee and garlic kale alongside if you wish. The garlic kale is dreamy. I can't think of another word. If you decide to get the breakfast muffin, it comes with ketchup on it so if you don't like ketchup for breakfast (like me) ask for it without the ketchup.
One Veg World has other options for breakfast, including a delicious tofu scramble.
We have also been for dinner and the cauliflower hot wings are delicious as are the tacos and the zesty serendipity dishes. They also have a lunch buffet Monday through Friday.
As you know, I rate restaurants based on food and service. The staff at One Veg World set the standard for kindness and hospitality. They welcome each customer and bring a refreshing amount of hospitality to the restaurant world. I simply cannot say enough about every single staff member I have encountered.
Go. Dine. Relax. Have a donut. Enjoy a meal. If you live in the area even better. If not, they are located just south of the 210 at the Lake exit. Go south, make a left on Colorado and they will be on the right.
Here is their website for more information: One Veg World
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Some of our (LA) favorite things!
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Zuma Beach. |
Since I created The Gay Vegans blog I have written a post at the end of the year to promote people, places and things that have really turned me on during the past year. It's always been a blast, and this year feels even more fun as it is our first December in southern California.
Remember that as a blogger I promote items that we love and do not accept items to try or to blog about.
Here we go!
VeganEgg
This product surprised both of us. We typically try new vegan products but seldom think that we have tried something that we absolutely love. VeganEgg by Follow Your Heart blew our socks off.
Sun Cafe
Our new adventure living in Los Angeles has introduced us to many incredible places that serve tasty vegan food. Sun Cafe was an old favorite from when we would visit LA. Now we have been to their new spot in Studio City and experienced true hospitality with a serving of delish vegan food. We love Sun Cafe.
Zuma Beach
Our favorite beach, hands down. Worth the further drive to Malibu and a staple for our weekends and days off.
Veggie Grill
Vegan fast food. All over southern California including Pasadena, the one we frequent. Will do a restaurant review soon.
Avocado toast
Thanks to the Vegan Mos, this has become a staple in our home. I use vegan butter, avocado, nooch, pepper and paprika. Delish.
Griffith Park
Incredible park just north of downtown LA. Tons of hiking with incredible views, and you can even hike to the Hollywood sign!
Los Angeles
What a city. And an area. Seven months here and we love it. If you are ever going to come for a visit and need recommendations, let us know!
More to come! Thanks for reading!
Friday, February 12, 2016
Turning 50
If you don't die, you'll get to age 50.
I'm a few hours away and feel like I have a good chance of making it.
I feel awesome. And grateful. I hoped that I could say that I feel healthier than ever, but I have fallen off the ladder with exercise and I definitely notice it.
Don't get me wrong, I feel really good. I'm eating well and I think that all in all I'm doing great.
They say 50 is the new 30. Not sure about that. What I am sure about is that I will continue to take each day as a gift, continue to spend as much time as possible being a voice for the voiceless and work to make the world a little safer for all living beings. I will get serious about exercise again.
For my 50th birthday I decided to raise money for Urban Peak, a rock-star non-profit in Denver that serves youth experience homelessness, over 2,000 of them a year. Their staff is filled with compassionate and passionate people who give their all in service of others. I was hoping to raise $1,000 and as of today am at $2,465! So awesome.
I'd like to say thank you to all of you who have supported this blog, which has become a highlight of my activism and work towards liberation. Those who read my blog have become an awesome part of my life, and I am grateful.
Together we can do so much for so many.
If you would like to know more about Urban Peak, click here.
Thanks for reading, and thanks for being part of this blog community.
I'm a few hours away and feel like I have a good chance of making it.
I feel awesome. And grateful. I hoped that I could say that I feel healthier than ever, but I have fallen off the ladder with exercise and I definitely notice it.
Don't get me wrong, I feel really good. I'm eating well and I think that all in all I'm doing great.
They say 50 is the new 30. Not sure about that. What I am sure about is that I will continue to take each day as a gift, continue to spend as much time as possible being a voice for the voiceless and work to make the world a little safer for all living beings. I will get serious about exercise again.
For my 50th birthday I decided to raise money for Urban Peak, a rock-star non-profit in Denver that serves youth experience homelessness, over 2,000 of them a year. Their staff is filled with compassionate and passionate people who give their all in service of others. I was hoping to raise $1,000 and as of today am at $2,465! So awesome.
I'd like to say thank you to all of you who have supported this blog, which has become a highlight of my activism and work towards liberation. Those who read my blog have become an awesome part of my life, and I am grateful.
Together we can do so much for so many.
If you would like to know more about Urban Peak, click here.
Thanks for reading, and thanks for being part of this blog community.
Labels:
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Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Becoming a better activist
There is a lot of yelling.
There is a lot of anger.
I see it all of the time.
I don't know how to be the most effective activist. I have learned a couple of things that have helped, and I'll share those. The bottom line for me is constantly looking within to make sure I am being a strong voice for the voiceless.
First, it helps if I know what I am talking about and not just jump on a bandwagon. I have gotten better at this especially since I started blogging. It is so important to blog about facts and when engaging in activism, to be factual. It can be easy to get caught up in some piece of "news" on Twitter or Facebook, and I've learned to investigate before sharing.
Next, I have to focus. Yes, I want to make the world a better and safer place for all living beings. I can't be all things to all movements. I try to focus on what I am most passionate about and go from there. This doesn't mean I can't participate in an action alert or a protest. It simply means to stay focused, to keep my eye on the prize.
Honor my primary relationships. So important for me. I am fortunate to have an amazing husband, a man who loves me and who I am in love with completely. I have to remember this when involved in activism. Home life is super important to me and creating and keeping peace and love at home has to always come first.
Donate smartly. In the past several years we have chosen a couple organizations that we make larger donations to. We still donate randomly when we see something that seems urgent but we still try to keep focused on making a couple bigger donations rather than a bunch of smaller ones. Note to those asking for money: remember to thank those who give you their hard-earned money.
Kindness. I write about this a lot. Activism gets crazy. With so much bigotry, white supremacy, racism, animal cruelty and violence in the our communities it's easy to get pissed off. It can be easy to blow off anyone who doesn't agree with me. I have found that this doesn't help, nor am I as strong of a voice for the voiceless that I can be . It doesn't hurt to be kind. An example is a fundraiser I went to in LA. I went to support an activist group. I left feeling like most of those present didn't really want anyone outside of their circle present. Very little interaction or welcoming. At a fundraiser.
Remember that all of these are very personal to me and how I have experienced activism over the past 30 years. I hope one of these helps you to also become a better activist.
Thanks for reading!
There is a lot of anger.
I see it all of the time.
I don't know how to be the most effective activist. I have learned a couple of things that have helped, and I'll share those. The bottom line for me is constantly looking within to make sure I am being a strong voice for the voiceless.
First, it helps if I know what I am talking about and not just jump on a bandwagon. I have gotten better at this especially since I started blogging. It is so important to blog about facts and when engaging in activism, to be factual. It can be easy to get caught up in some piece of "news" on Twitter or Facebook, and I've learned to investigate before sharing.
Next, I have to focus. Yes, I want to make the world a better and safer place for all living beings. I can't be all things to all movements. I try to focus on what I am most passionate about and go from there. This doesn't mean I can't participate in an action alert or a protest. It simply means to stay focused, to keep my eye on the prize.
Honor my primary relationships. So important for me. I am fortunate to have an amazing husband, a man who loves me and who I am in love with completely. I have to remember this when involved in activism. Home life is super important to me and creating and keeping peace and love at home has to always come first.
Donate smartly. In the past several years we have chosen a couple organizations that we make larger donations to. We still donate randomly when we see something that seems urgent but we still try to keep focused on making a couple bigger donations rather than a bunch of smaller ones. Note to those asking for money: remember to thank those who give you their hard-earned money.
Kindness. I write about this a lot. Activism gets crazy. With so much bigotry, white supremacy, racism, animal cruelty and violence in the our communities it's easy to get pissed off. It can be easy to blow off anyone who doesn't agree with me. I have found that this doesn't help, nor am I as strong of a voice for the voiceless that I can be . It doesn't hurt to be kind. An example is a fundraiser I went to in LA. I went to support an activist group. I left feeling like most of those present didn't really want anyone outside of their circle present. Very little interaction or welcoming. At a fundraiser.
Remember that all of these are very personal to me and how I have experienced activism over the past 30 years. I hope one of these helps you to also become a better activist.
Thanks for reading!
Labels:
activism,
animal rights,
bloggers,
blogs,
environment,
gay,
human rights,
LGBTQ,
politics,
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Saturday, December 26, 2015
With love, from Dan
The past several weeks have gone by incredibly fast. After five months of living in Los Angeles both of us agree that we are feeling pretty settled in. Great jobs, great home, getting to know our way around and eating so much amazing vegan food.
While all of this has been going on I have neglected to write about so much. You can fill in the blank for what "so much" I mean, as there sure is a lot going on in the world, in our country, and in our communities.
As 2015 comes to an end I just had to write to all of you who have been so supportive of me and us and this blog and send a simple message of love.
Big love. With a huge dash of gratitude.
To each and every one of you.
There is an intense amount of hate and injustice going on in this world.
And if any of that ever gets you down, please remember that The Gay Vegans have your back. We are all in this together.
And just to be clear, that is BIG LOVE I am sending you.
Thank you, from deep in my soul, for all of your love and support. It means so much. And together we can do so much more.
Thank you for reading!
While all of this has been going on I have neglected to write about so much. You can fill in the blank for what "so much" I mean, as there sure is a lot going on in the world, in our country, and in our communities.
As 2015 comes to an end I just had to write to all of you who have been so supportive of me and us and this blog and send a simple message of love.
Big love. With a huge dash of gratitude.
To each and every one of you.
There is an intense amount of hate and injustice going on in this world.
And if any of that ever gets you down, please remember that The Gay Vegans have your back. We are all in this together.
And just to be clear, that is BIG LOVE I am sending you.
Thank you, from deep in my soul, for all of your love and support. It means so much. And together we can do so much more.
Thank you for reading!
Labels:
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California,
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Sunday, December 6, 2015
Amazing app - Animal Help Now
I have meant to write about this app for over a year now, and finally, after once again using it to try to help an injured bird, it is time to promote an app that will change your life.
Get this app. Download it now.
Animal Help Now.
Created several years ago by some incredible people in Colorado, this app is now pretty much nationwide. We just used it in southern California.
It's simple. You download the app, put in your location, and all of a sudden you have access to folks who help injured wildlife.
We've used it three times: two birds and a baby squirrel. All three ended up with wildlife folks within an hour of two of finding them.
This is an app that will change the life of any animal you might find that needs help. We love Animal Help Now. It's simple to use, even for an old guy like me.
Here is their website, and of course their app is in the app store: Animal Help Now
You won't regret having this app. And those who run and maintain the app could use a donation if you're in the position to do so! Their work is definitely worth your financial support. We are proud to be financial supporters of theirs.
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Our favorite Thanksgiving recipe!
This is a repeat of a past post! We are Periscoping this recipe today!
As you all know, I am not a food blogger. This is only my second blog post with a recipe. There are a ton of vegan food bloggers out there, so don't fret. I even have some of them linked here on my blog for your eating pleasure.
This recipe is from my husband, who grew up with this dish. I love it. In fact I am salivating for it as Thanksgiving Day dinner approaches.
I hope you love it!
Broccoli and Vegan Cheese Casserole
Mike: I got this recipe from Idea from my sister Tammy
Ingredients
Directions
As you all know, I am not a food blogger. This is only my second blog post with a recipe. There are a ton of vegan food bloggers out there, so don't fret. I even have some of them linked here on my blog for your eating pleasure.
This recipe is from my husband, who grew up with this dish. I love it. In fact I am salivating for it as Thanksgiving Day dinner approaches.
I hope you love it!
Mike: I got this recipe from Idea from my sister Tammy
Ingredients
- 5 Boxes Frozen Broccoli Thawed (I usually use enough fresh Broccoli to fill a 9"x13" baking pan)
- 2 Sleeves Ritz Crackers (or another vegan version)
- 1 Cup Earth Balance margarine (the best tasting margarine in the world and no trans - fat)
- 6 Tbsp Earth Balance margarine (the best tasting margarine in the world and no trans - fat)
- 6 Tbsp Flour
- 3 Cups Unsweetened Vegan Milk of Choice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Cups Shredded Daiya Cheese Cheddar Style (or vegan cheddar cheese of choice. Follow Your Hart works well too)
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
Directions
- For the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan on medium heat, melt the 6 Tbsp of Earth Balance. Once the Earth Balance is liquefied, remove from the heat (don't turn off the burner) and add the flour, salt, and pepper; whisk until smooth. Place the saucepan back onto the burner and slowly add 1 cup of vegan milk, whisking constantly until thickening occurs, then add remaining vegan milk 1/2 cup at a time. Cook sauce over medium heat, Whisking constantly until thickened and smooth. Add the vegan cheese and Dijon mustard and cook for an additional 5 minutes, whisking until smooth and well blended (this may take longer than 5 min be patient it will come together).
- For the topping: Process Ritz Crackers in a food processor until a fine meal. Melt the remaining Earth Balance (1Cup) in a sauce pan. Combine the Ritz Crackers and Melted Earth Balance and stir till combined.
- Putting it Together: Place the Broccoli in a greased 9"x13" Casserole Dish. Pour the Vegan Cheese Sauce over the top distributing evenly (no need to stir). Cover the top of the Broccoli and Cheese mixture evenly with the Cracker mixture and pat down.
- Baking: Place in the oven at 350 Degrees for approximately 30-40min until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Politics at the local level
As you know, we moved to Los Angeles in July. Back home in Colorado there is a local school board election happening that we are missing.
While working from LA to get as many of our friends and colleagues in Jefferson County to vote, I wanted to take the opportunity to remind everyone how important local elections are.
With 40% of registered voters voting, a school board majority that I oppose was brought into power in Jefferson County. Voters simply didn't vote. Now those same who were elected are facing a recall and after two years in office it seems voters are paying a little more attention.
None of this is news. Too many people don't vote.
I urge you to take some time and see what might be on your local ballot this coming week. Many people simply don't follow local politics like the school board, county board and city council. Yet these folks have so much power, and a lot of money to spend.
If you are an activist of any sort, if you want to make the world a safer place for all living beings, or even if you just want to make your community a better place, vote.
Nothing changes if nothing changes.
Thanks for reading.
While working from LA to get as many of our friends and colleagues in Jefferson County to vote, I wanted to take the opportunity to remind everyone how important local elections are.
With 40% of registered voters voting, a school board majority that I oppose was brought into power in Jefferson County. Voters simply didn't vote. Now those same who were elected are facing a recall and after two years in office it seems voters are paying a little more attention.
None of this is news. Too many people don't vote.
I urge you to take some time and see what might be on your local ballot this coming week. Many people simply don't follow local politics like the school board, county board and city council. Yet these folks have so much power, and a lot of money to spend.
If you are an activist of any sort, if you want to make the world a safer place for all living beings, or even if you just want to make your community a better place, vote.
Nothing changes if nothing changes.
Thanks for reading.
Friday, July 31, 2015
Crappy vegan food is bad for veganism
I have always loved this line. I heard it when in a session at Vida Vegan Con II in Portland, Oregon two years ago. I was in a session to learn about writing restaurant reviews given by Grant Butler, a columnist with The Oregonian.
It has stayed with me ever since and I consider it every time I write a restaurant review.
I have thought of it a lot since moving to the Los Angeles area while we experience so many new vegan opportunities. Having been to LA many times, we've known that this is a vegan food mecca. Living here is different, as new experiences pop up almost every day.
There have been some eating experiences that have blown us away, where we find us like at each other going "oh my goodness!".
And then there have been experiences that were not so mind blowing.
On the top of my list was a dessert Mike and I saw. We both instantly drooled. Anticipation was very high as the server brought it to our table. Then utter disappointment. It was dry and not very tasty.
We have had several moments like this. We read reviews, we get excited, we drive way out of our way to try a restaurant and then we are presented with food that is average, and in some cases not good on any level.
How can this change? I'm starting with this post. At the restaurant where the dessert was a huge disappointment, I took the server aside and gave very honest feedback. I wouldn't do a restaurant review based on just one experience.
I think it is vastly important that we let restaurants know when their food is sub-par. Of course food is very personal, but if you get something that is totally off base, let the folks know.
I think about someone who wants to try a vegan meal and gets crappy food, and how that affects not only veganism but the animals as well.
Thanks for reading!
It has stayed with me ever since and I consider it every time I write a restaurant review.
I have thought of it a lot since moving to the Los Angeles area while we experience so many new vegan opportunities. Having been to LA many times, we've known that this is a vegan food mecca. Living here is different, as new experiences pop up almost every day.
There have been some eating experiences that have blown us away, where we find us like at each other going "oh my goodness!".
And then there have been experiences that were not so mind blowing.
On the top of my list was a dessert Mike and I saw. We both instantly drooled. Anticipation was very high as the server brought it to our table. Then utter disappointment. It was dry and not very tasty.
We have had several moments like this. We read reviews, we get excited, we drive way out of our way to try a restaurant and then we are presented with food that is average, and in some cases not good on any level.
How can this change? I'm starting with this post. At the restaurant where the dessert was a huge disappointment, I took the server aside and gave very honest feedback. I wouldn't do a restaurant review based on just one experience.
I think it is vastly important that we let restaurants know when their food is sub-par. Of course food is very personal, but if you get something that is totally off base, let the folks know.
I think about someone who wants to try a vegan meal and gets crappy food, and how that affects not only veganism but the animals as well.
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, July 25, 2015
First restaurant review in LA! - Noor's Indian Bistro
When in Los Angeles, one is in vegan paradise when it comes to food options. After several days of going to our favorite places for delish vegan food, Mike and I walked right by Noor's Indian Bistro, just blocks from our home in Monrovia.
Yes, Noor's is in Monrovia. Not central LA but not far. We are about 22 miles from downtown LA. Noor's is located in a small strip of four shops at the southeast corner of Foothills and Myrtle.
After just a few times dining there we already know Noor's is our favorite local spot. Raya, Nick and their team know about hospitality and although they are not exclusively vegan they know how to create incredible vegan dishes. As they have told us, because each dish is made from scratch, anything can be done vegan.
This includes Mike's favorite dish, Chana Saag, which they prepare with coconut milk instead of cream.
And one of my favorite things about Inian cuisine, the mango lassi, made with soy milk instead. Their version is so tasty.
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Veggie Pakora |
We have tried several dishes and one thing that is clear is that from their open kitchen anything that is created for you will drive your taste buds crazy. We have loved their veggie pakora (see above) and their samosas. Their roti bread is great. Being a big okra fan I love the Bhindi Masala and their Aloo Gobi is from Nick's grandmother's recipe! So delicious.
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Chana Saag |
If you are new to reading my restaurant reviews, please know that half of the review is about food and half about service. I firmly believe that hospitality is a huge part of the experience and Noor's does not disappoint. Our water glasses have never been empty and staff definitely check in to make sure everything is being enjoyed.
I hugely recommend Noor's Indian Bistro and hope you have an opportunity to dine there one day. They are open every day and will be one of those dining experiences you want to repeat. They are just north about a mile from the Myrtle exit off of the 210.
Here is their website: http://www.noorsindian.com/
Thank you for reading and please let me know if you have a meal at Noor's Indian Bistro!
Monday, July 13, 2015
Living in Los Angeles
Well, not exactly.
One week ago we made the move from Colorado to the Los Angeles area. Home is now the small town of Monrovia, about 20 miles northeast from downtown LA.
We have wanted to make the move to southern California for years. We are pretty ecstatic.
A few experiences so far:
I paid $4.59 a gallon for gas yesterday.
We have been blown away by the kindness of strangers.
Our new next door neighbors had us over for dinner last night for a vegan feast. It was amazing.
We love Donut Friend.
We have been to beaches at Newport Beach and Malibu and loved them both.
We had dinner at Gracias Madre which we fell in love with last summer. It is still amazing in so many ways.
We had deer in our neighborhood. Apparently there are also plenty of skunks, bears and raccoons too.
Our grocery bill is definitely higher.
I have taken the train into downtown LA three times now. Love it. As I interview I am trying to figure out the best way to get to potential jobs.
Downtown LA is incredible. And I haven't even begun to explore it.
More to come.
Thanks for reading!
One week ago we made the move from Colorado to the Los Angeles area. Home is now the small town of Monrovia, about 20 miles northeast from downtown LA.
We have wanted to make the move to southern California for years. We are pretty ecstatic.
A few experiences so far:
I paid $4.59 a gallon for gas yesterday.
We have been blown away by the kindness of strangers.
Our new next door neighbors had us over for dinner last night for a vegan feast. It was amazing.
We love Donut Friend.
We have been to beaches at Newport Beach and Malibu and loved them both.
We had dinner at Gracias Madre which we fell in love with last summer. It is still amazing in so many ways.
We had deer in our neighborhood. Apparently there are also plenty of skunks, bears and raccoons too.
Our grocery bill is definitely higher.
I have taken the train into downtown LA three times now. Love it. As I interview I am trying to figure out the best way to get to potential jobs.
Downtown LA is incredible. And I haven't even begun to explore it.
More to come.
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Marriage equality happens. Now what?
Ecstatic is an understatement.
Add emotional and a few other feelings and you have what I feel now and really felt last Friday upon getting the news about the US Supreme Court ruling in regards to marriage equality.
Mike and I were married ten years ago in a ceremony we called " a loving act of civil disobedience" as we married in our home state of Colorado where marriage was not legal. Last year we went to our favorite beach (Torrey Pines in San Diego) and were legally wed.
Watching couples in Michigan, Ohio, North Dakota and Georgia brought on a flood of tears.
Of course not everyone is happy with the decision. The unhappiness began on the Court itself with those who dissented.
From Republican Presidential candidates to pastors to folks who just don't like gay people (including the previously mentioned), I have heard it all.
Here's what I have to say to those who are demonizing gay people and continuing the spiritual genocide against us:
No gay couple would want to be married by an anti-gay religious person in an anti-gay place of worship. So please stop with the fearmongoring about being forced to wed gay couples. No thank you.
We will continue to fight against hate and bigotry. Some of us are seasoned after living through the HIV/AIDS epidemic and dealing with so much bigotry against those with HIV/AIDS and then the ridiculous fight to be equal under the law in regards to marriage. And now we have some free time.
Traditional marriage. From the Old Testament? Multiple wives? Marrying teenagers? What exactly is traditional marriage? Marriage these days determines benefits and rights amongst couples. It shows the highest form of a couple's commitment. That's why I chose to marry my husband. And although we had a religious ceremony, I would be fine with a civil marriage.
Some Christians have said some terrible things about marriage and about gay people. There are more divorced heterosexuals in the U.S. than there are gay people but the hate does not extend to them.
There is something powerful in kindness. There is something powerful in love. I will continue to fight for equality and against bigotry, prejudice and hate. I won't demonize those against me, but I will not remain silent either.
More to come on this topic.
I'd like to close by saying thank you to all of those who have expressed kindness to us. I am truly grateful. The U.S. Supreme Court decision was intense for us for many reasons. We are still smiling.
Thanks for reading.
Add emotional and a few other feelings and you have what I feel now and really felt last Friday upon getting the news about the US Supreme Court ruling in regards to marriage equality.
Mike and I were married ten years ago in a ceremony we called " a loving act of civil disobedience" as we married in our home state of Colorado where marriage was not legal. Last year we went to our favorite beach (Torrey Pines in San Diego) and were legally wed.
Watching couples in Michigan, Ohio, North Dakota and Georgia brought on a flood of tears.
Of course not everyone is happy with the decision. The unhappiness began on the Court itself with those who dissented.
From Republican Presidential candidates to pastors to folks who just don't like gay people (including the previously mentioned), I have heard it all.
Here's what I have to say to those who are demonizing gay people and continuing the spiritual genocide against us:
No gay couple would want to be married by an anti-gay religious person in an anti-gay place of worship. So please stop with the fearmongoring about being forced to wed gay couples. No thank you.
We will continue to fight against hate and bigotry. Some of us are seasoned after living through the HIV/AIDS epidemic and dealing with so much bigotry against those with HIV/AIDS and then the ridiculous fight to be equal under the law in regards to marriage. And now we have some free time.
Traditional marriage. From the Old Testament? Multiple wives? Marrying teenagers? What exactly is traditional marriage? Marriage these days determines benefits and rights amongst couples. It shows the highest form of a couple's commitment. That's why I chose to marry my husband. And although we had a religious ceremony, I would be fine with a civil marriage.
Some Christians have said some terrible things about marriage and about gay people. There are more divorced heterosexuals in the U.S. than there are gay people but the hate does not extend to them.
There is something powerful in kindness. There is something powerful in love. I will continue to fight for equality and against bigotry, prejudice and hate. I won't demonize those against me, but I will not remain silent either.
More to come on this topic.
I'd like to close by saying thank you to all of those who have expressed kindness to us. I am truly grateful. The U.S. Supreme Court decision was intense for us for many reasons. We are still smiling.
Thanks for reading.
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Friday, June 19, 2015
In mourning
NOTE: I am just expressing feelings here. This is not a though-out blog post.
I have been watching the news coverage from Charleston, South Carolina and my heart is heavy.
Then the news goes to the Aurora shooting trial here in Colorado.
Nine people murdered while in a bible study.
Twelve people murdered while going to see a Batman movie.
It's heartbreaking.
From here in Colorado all I can do is mourn, and write.
My head is full of thoughts about racism and violence. They are not clear enough for me to write about them yet. I'm sure I will.
Sending big love to all of you. I know that is not enough. Believe me, I am angry. I want to fight back against racism and violence.
I have been on Periscope a lot lately. I end each live video with "please be kind to one another".
And I think of many family members of those murdered in Charleston, who spoke words of forgiveness to the racist terrorist who murdered their loved ones.
What a world.
Thanks for reading.
I have been watching the news coverage from Charleston, South Carolina and my heart is heavy.
Then the news goes to the Aurora shooting trial here in Colorado.
Nine people murdered while in a bible study.
Twelve people murdered while going to see a Batman movie.
It's heartbreaking.
From here in Colorado all I can do is mourn, and write.
My head is full of thoughts about racism and violence. They are not clear enough for me to write about them yet. I'm sure I will.
Sending big love to all of you. I know that is not enough. Believe me, I am angry. I want to fight back against racism and violence.
I have been on Periscope a lot lately. I end each live video with "please be kind to one another".
And I think of many family members of those murdered in Charleston, who spoke words of forgiveness to the racist terrorist who murdered their loved ones.
What a world.
Thanks for reading.
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Saturday, June 13, 2015
Time to ditch dairy
Watching another video come out showing clear violence and abuse towards cows on a dairy farm in Fort Morgan, Colorado, is sickening.
The video shows dairy employees, who to me are cowards and monsters, doing what has become common in animal production: simple animal cruelty. If you care about any animal, this video will sicken you.
I am very grateful to Mercy For Animals for their undercover work.
The owners of the cows are horrified. The folks from the dairy cooperative that the dairy farm belongs to put the blame on Mercy For Animals. Both groups are pathetic.
Cruelty is inherent in these places.
It's time to ditch dairy.
There are so many other products out there that don't include inherent cruelty. And that don't financially support individuals who look at the animals suffering in the video simply as product, not as living, breathing beings.
In Colorado, all of the cowards shown in the video can be charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
I hope the Fort Morgan Sheriff does this.
And I hope dairy milk sales continue to go down.
If you would like to watch the Mercy For Animals click here.
If you would like to read the Denver Post article click here.
Thanks for reading!
The video shows dairy employees, who to me are cowards and monsters, doing what has become common in animal production: simple animal cruelty. If you care about any animal, this video will sicken you.
I am very grateful to Mercy For Animals for their undercover work.
The owners of the cows are horrified. The folks from the dairy cooperative that the dairy farm belongs to put the blame on Mercy For Animals. Both groups are pathetic.
Cruelty is inherent in these places.
It's time to ditch dairy.
There are so many other products out there that don't include inherent cruelty. And that don't financially support individuals who look at the animals suffering in the video simply as product, not as living, breathing beings.
In Colorado, all of the cowards shown in the video can be charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
I hope the Fort Morgan Sheriff does this.
And I hope dairy milk sales continue to go down.
If you would like to watch the Mercy For Animals click here.
If you would like to read the Denver Post article click here.
Thanks for reading!
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Saturday, June 6, 2015
Matt Ruscigno's session at Vida Vegan Con
I was thrilled to be able to attend my second Vida Vegan Con, one of the best planned conferences I have ever been to and one filled with vegan bloggers from all over the world. This was the third (and the final) Vida Vegan Con and was held in Austin, Texas.
I will undoubtedly write more about Vida Vegan Con and wanted to start with one of the sessions I attended. Matt Ruscigno has a Master's in Public Health and is a Registered Dietitian. He is a rock star in my book. We need to know how to get and stay healthy while loving veganism, and people like Matt make that possible.
His session was about looking at the science of being vegan. It was fascinating and I could have listened for hours. I took notes, and would like to share a few nuggets of wisdom that I learned. What I am sharing here is what I got out of his talk. I want to make that clear as just because this is what I got from the talk doesn't mean I got it right!
Matt let us know that there is very little research that compares vegan and omnivore athletes. I have learned while trying to get healthier that research in vegan nutrition is key.
One of the several things he mentioned that really struck me, and mentioned a couple of times, is the phrase "what we do most often matters most". Love this. For me it means it I eat healthy most of the time, forages into vegan junk food and desserts aren't that bad. Yes, at times my life has been the opposite when eating healthy was not common! I have thought about this a lot and really want to focus on doing more around fitness and nutrition so that when I decide not to work out or decide to grab two cartons of ice cream, it's not such a bad thing.
Remember that I am not a dietitian. I do try to pay attention to what people like Matt have to say.
Matt also talked about that there is no one right way to discuss nutrition and science. That sure was a relief!
He also mentioned that adding one food to your diet is not going to drastically change your health. I sure needed to hear that. What I am trying to do is to make eating lots of fruits and vegetables part of my norm.
One of the most important things he said was to not exaggerate in regards to veganism and nutrition. Be realistic and be careful with using nutrition as the gateway to veganism.
What Matt gets when at the market? Leafy greens. Whole grains. Berries. Red cabbage. Quinoa. Lentils. Kale.
Check out more about Matt here.
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Sunday, May 31, 2015
Butterfinger milkshake
Courtesy of Carmella from The Food Duo. |
You read the title correct. This is a quick note to you about the Butterfinger milkshake I had last night at Sweet Ritual in Austin.
I'm in Austin for Vida Vegan Con and will definitely write about my adventures here at a later time. But I just had to let you know that last night I had one of the most delicious desserts ever, Sweet Ritual's Butterfinger milkshake.
Oh my.
If you ever have the chance, go to Sweet Ritual and order this shake.
They have a lot of other options and their staff is incredibly friendly.
For more information about Sweet Ritual, click here.
Did I say their entire line of ice cream is vegan?!?!
Thanks for reading!
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Thursday, May 28, 2015
Random acts of kindness
I know that I don't need to tell anyone who reads this blog about suffering. Whether human suffering or animal suffering, most folks who connect with us actively work to end suffering in the world.
As you know, I am in Austin, Texas for the third Vida Vegan Con and I am super stoked.
Yet if one watches any news here, there is a huge reminder that due to floods and storms, hundreds are suffering. Over a dozen have been killed in Texas and the flood devastation is mind blowing.
As I get ready to go for a run I am thinking of what kind act or acts I can do today.
And I wanted to see if we could make this a group effort.
Together we are so much stronger.
How about it? Will you join me and practice a random act (or acts!) of kindness today?
I will let you know what I decide to do. Please let me know what you decide.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for doing what you do to make the world a better place for all living beings.
As you know, I am in Austin, Texas for the third Vida Vegan Con and I am super stoked.
Yet if one watches any news here, there is a huge reminder that due to floods and storms, hundreds are suffering. Over a dozen have been killed in Texas and the flood devastation is mind blowing.
As I get ready to go for a run I am thinking of what kind act or acts I can do today.
And I wanted to see if we could make this a group effort.
Together we are so much stronger.
How about it? Will you join me and practice a random act (or acts!) of kindness today?
I will let you know what I decide to do. Please let me know what you decide.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for doing what you do to make the world a better place for all living beings.
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