My Vegan London

My hubby and I enjoyed a quick getaway to London for four days during the holiday break.  This is the second year in a row that we have done a European vacation together over the holidays.  The timing with the holiday break works out perfectly because we get to spend time with our family until Christmas and then we head out the day after until New Year's Eve so we can be home to ring in the new year with our kiddos.

Given that it was only my second time in London, (the last time was 15 years ago), I soaked up all the sights and wonders that the enchanting city had to offer.  Visiting as a vegan this time also gave me the chance to eat my way through London, and that is exactly what I did!  Thank goodness that we walked everywhere!!  As I do any time I travel, I did a lot of research about where and what to eat.  Click here for my Pinterest London board to see what I gathered.  

With only four nights to spend, my husband chose two restaurants for dinner and I made selections for the other two nights.  Manna and Mildred's were my top two choices (my first choice, Vanilla Black, was closed during the time were were there).  I made reservations for Manna two weeks in advance (Mildred's doesn't take reservations).  Both restaurants were lovely, fine dining choices.  My husband, who teases me that every vegan restaurant I take him to has people wearing Birkenstocks and playing save the eels videos, approved.  I highly recommend both restaurants.  Here's what we ate:

Mildred's
We ate here our first night in London.  Their website said to expect a wait if you arrive after 6:30 p.m.  We got there around 8:00 p.m. and the place was hopping.  The restaurant is located in Soho - a fun part of the city.  The place is intimate, with a trendy vibe.  I loved it.  We stood around the bar and had some drinks while we waited only about a half hour for our table.

We started with a delicious artichoke appetizer.  For dinner, I ordered the special - a beetroot, fennel and apple burger with sweet potato fries.  Amazing!  My husband ordered a vegetarian ravioli that I didn't try because of the cream sauce, but he equally enjoyed his meal.  We shared a yummy dessert.  The restaurant also has a nice selection of organic, vegan wines.  I was a happy gal.  It was a great place to kick off our London dining experience.

Manna
This restaurant was elegant and laid back at the same time.  I loved the setting (in Primrose Hill/Regent Park area).  I ordered dishes from the special holiday menu, and my husband ordered two appetizers to make a meal, which is often done there (canellini bean slider and jalapeño cashew cheese croquettes).  We ordered two desserts - the bread pudding and a tiramisu cheesecake, because I couldn't decide between the two.  Both were outstanding.

My husband's choices were Patara, a great Thai restaurant in The West End (theater district), and Mint Leaf, a popular Indian restaurant.  We went to Patara before seeing Once, (one of the highlights of the trip), and they were great at getting us in and out on time.  I ordered some amazing appetizers and a vegetable curry.

At Mint Leaf, we ordered a variety of dishes.  They were very gracious about adapting some vegetarian dishes I wanted so that they would be vegan, but they also had several that didn't need modification.  The food was delicious and the atmosphere was chic.  

And then there was tea!  Afternoon tea is one of my favorite things to do.  I started going with one of my best friends about eight years ago and it is an indulgence I still enjoy and do a few times a year.  My husband, however, has never been, so I wanted him to experience a fancy tea in all of its English splendor.  I narrowed my choices to The Ritz and Fortnum and Mason.  Since we can do the Ritz here, I opted for Fortnum and Mason.  After a few clicks online, I discovered they have a Diamond Jubilee Room built for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.  I was sold!  I made a few more clicks to check out the menu and was ecstatic to learn that they have a special vegan menu (as well vegetarian and gluten free versions.) 

And let's not forget the cupcakes!  During my research about where and what to eat in London, I came across a blog post on Chloe Coscarelli's website (famed first vegan winner of The Food Network's Cupcake Wars.)  She raved about a cupcake shop called Ms, Cupcake, so I knew I had to make that a stop.  We visited the day before we left so we could bring some home.  It was a bit of trek (located in Brixton) and the neighborhood wasn't fantastic, but the cupcakes were worth it.  The Ferrer Rocher and  Tiramisu were the best cupcakes I have ever had - vegan or not.  I am still dreaming about them...

I also made some other great finds...

Jamie Oliver's Recipease in Notting Hill: A cute cafe sits atop a bustling cookware shop and demonstration kitchen.  We didn't get a chance to sample the food, but the menu featured several vegan friendly breakfast and lunch items that looked delicious.

Ottolenghi: A friend of mine who lives in London gifted me with one of this chef's cookbooks last time she came to stay with us.  They have several restaurants, but we were lucky that one of them was around the corner from our hotel.

- Granger and Co.: A very good friend from graduate school lives in Notting Hill.  She took us here for lunch during our visit.  Their food was delicious - several vegetarian/vegan options.  

 - The Coach and Horses Pub: This was a random discovery as we were wandering Soho after the theater.  It is a vegetarian pub!  Sadly, we didn't have time to test it out, but it's on my list for next time!

- Borough Market - An open-air market that puts every farmer's market I have ever been to shame.  Walking this market overwhelmed me with glee.  I wish I could shop there every week.  Upon entering, we were greeted by a raw vegan stand with salads and quinoa burgers.  It was one of the best lunches I had during the trip. 

- The Falafel Burger at St. Stephen's Tavern Pub: We popped into this pub after a morning of museum hopping.  It is right across the street from Big Ben.  My burger was delish, as was the cider.

As you can see, I really did eat my way through the city.  What a wonderful trip!

My Vegan Vegas

I was in Las Vegas last week for The Latin GRAMMY's.  Since going vegan four years ago, Vegas has become a lot more vegan friendly.  We stayed at The Four Seasons because that was where the show took place, but we spent a lot of time at the Encore and Wynn, eating at the hotel's many restaurants.  Steve Wynn, owner both hotels, is vegan, and has ensured that his restaurants feature not only vegan dining options, but also gourmet, delicious options that would please any carnivore!

I literally ate my way through the trip!  Here's a play by play for each of my meals!

Wednesday night dinner:
We were invited as guests at The Latin GRAMMY Person of the Year Tribute dinner, honoring Miguel Bose.  The event was held at Mandalay Bay.  From my experience, vegan banquet dinners are usually a plate of vegetables or pasta with marinara sauce.  Upon my arrival, I immediately informed the wait staff that I was vegan, and was pleasantly surprised by their "no problem" response.  This is what they brought me:

Breaded tofu on a sweet potato puree, served with roasted vegetables and quinoa mashed potato croquettes.  Wow, this was sooooo good.  For dessert, I was served a gorgeous fruit plate.


Thursday brunch/lunch:
After staying out until 3:30 in the morning, we didn't make it to "breakfast" until 1 the next afternoon, but I still wanted brunch!  The Society Cafe had a "Vegan Benedict" on the menu that I was dying to try.  But before I had that, I had t sample the vegan tomato bisque.  I had a small cup as an appetizer.  Here's what it looked like:

They make the Hollandaise sauce with sriacha, which gave the dish a delicious kick.  I loved this meal.

Thursday night dinner:
After the show, my husband entertained clients at a restaurant called Fleur at The Mandalay Bay.  It was a dinner for 14 with a tasting menu, but he let them know ahead of time that there was one vegan (me!).  When we arrived, they already had my own menu ready to go!  It was amazing.  

First course: Mixed green salad with green apples and tangy vinaigrette

Second course: Golden and red beet salad (This was one of my favorite dishes of the trip.)

Third course: Roasted Brussels sprouts

Fourth course: Vegetable fried rice

Fifth course: Grilled Gardein chicken served with vegetables

Sixth course: Citrus sorbet with a sweet basil drizzle served alongside shaved pineapple.  It was garnished with edible flowers.  This dessert was delicious and so beautiful to look at it.  I have never had pineapple served this way.  

Friday breakfast:
We journeyed back to The Society Cafe because I had to have the vegan French toast (prepared with bananas and vanilla creme).  They did not disappoint.

Friday lunch:
We ate a light late lunch at Wazuzu.  I ordered the vegan crunchy roll (amazing!) and sage dumplings (so so so good).  I couldn't resist the vegan brownie sundae on the dessert menu, so my husband I shared that for dessert.

Friday dinner:
We ate at Lakeside Seafood.  Their vegan menu was overwhelming - so many delicious looking choices.  I settled on the Risotto Balls as my starter, Crab Cakes for main course with the Oyster Mushrooms as a side.  I wanted to keep eating, but could only make it through half the crab cakes and mushrooms.  This was one of the best gourmet vegan meals I have had.  

This was a dream trip for vegan eating.  I highly recommend the Wynn for vegan dining if you are staying in Vegas.  My husband and I will be staying there for our next visit because of all the great dining options!

6 Ideas You Must Try If Traveling With Kids

I have been traveling with my kiddos since my first child was six months old (my oldest is now 9, my second is 7 and my baby is 4).  We have travelled at least twice a year since I became a mom.  My husband and I love to travel and believed the best way to foster that love in our children was to indoctrinate them early!  We also passionately told ourselves we would continue our lives as we had before our kids came along: they would adapt to our lifestyle, not the other way around (...yeah, that kind of worked!).  With these attitudes and my type A personality, it is no surprise to me that all of three of my children are fantastic travelers.  Truly, it is a pleasure traveling with them.  I am proud of their ability to entertain themselves on planes, adapt to different time zones, and settle into a hotel room as their "new home" for a few days or weeks.

Still, I cannot give these great kiddos all of the credit...I must give myself a little pat on the back for the strategies and routines I have in place that definitely contribute to the travel bliss we experience.  Here are some ideas that have worked for our family, that I hope will contribute to the same bliss among your families.

1. Write a pack list: I have channeled the SVP in my past life to create a packing "spreadsheet" of sorts that categorizes and itemizes the things I need to pack - from the number of underwear for each of my children to my magazines.  I have sections for clothing (segmented by person), carry-on items, sundries, and entertainment.  It is a comprehensive list that I have adapted for different trips and saved on my computer to update and re-use again and again.  When I go to pack, I simply print it out and go down the checklist.  Packing has never been easier!

2. Create activity carry-on bags: I love these bags.  I take pure joy in planning the treats, activities and toys I will fill in these personalized bags for each of my munchkins.  There are three keys to success with these bags:

• Use a personalized or easily distinguishable bag for each child.  You don't want bags getting mixed up or things getting tossed (or misplaced) in someone else's bag (recipe for sibling fighting).  I use personalized Land's End bags that were gifted to my kids.  They are sturdy, stylish and functional.

• Customize the bags for each child.  I fill these bags with activities and games that are specific to each child's interest.  Klutz, the $1 section at Target, and The Dollar Store are great places to shop for goodies.  Madlibs, Bendaroos or Wikki Stix, and Play-doh always make the bag.  I also include a few treats that my kids don't normally get to eat (a bag of M&M's, fruit leathers, or gummy treats) as a nice surprise and a good way to pass a grumpy stage during a flight (or car ride).

• Surprise them.  The kids eagerly anticipate what they will get inside of each of these bags, but do not get to peek until they are on the plane, in the car, or train.  It keeps their enthusiasm high and also guarantees that no one will be bored with any of the contents.

3) Make a snack carry-on: I find everyone is happier with food (including me!).  I pack a cooler bag full of treats and favorite food items for the plane, car, or train ride.  I am more relaxed knowing that I have something nutritious and guaranteed to please at the ready whenever one of my little ones says, "I'm hungry."  

4. Throw a collapsible laundry hamper into your suitcase: I found these great storage containers from The Container Store that I use as travel laundry hampers.  They double as hamper and basket when I am lucky enough to have easy access to a washer and dryer where we are staying.  These storage containers are sanity saviors with all of the dirty clothes that can get thrown around a hotel room or timeshare.  I have one for the kids and one for me and my hubby.  It keeps things clean and organized.  I just love these containers!

5. Stock an activity and snack duffle bag: I am pretty efficient when it comes to packing (if I do say so, myself!).  I pack the kids in one suitcase and me and my husband in another.  Aside from those two suitcases, I have found that it is best to pack two additional duffle bags - one for snacks and one for games and activities.  With three small children, my husband and I choose to stay at timeshares or condos (versus a hotel room).  A kitchen is critical with small children if we don't want to spend a small fortune on meals at a hotel for breakfast and lunch.  Also, it helps with the early risers kids can be and the habitual "I am hungry" call that never seems to wane.  In order to be efficient and economical, I fill a duffle bag with favorite snacks and healthy items that are regulars in our household so that I can stock the pantry at our vacation spot as soon as we get there.  It saves time and money.

I also pack an additional bag full of board games, cards, books, DVDs, water toys, etc. that will keep us all entertained during our trip.  It keeps all of these items organized in one place.

6. Pack a collapsible tote bag: I purchased a few of these bags from Thirty-One.  I LOVE them.  Once I get to our vacation spot, I fill it with water toys and other items for sitting poolside.  Then, I tote it out every day, never having to think twice where the kids left this or that.  So great!

These are some of my organizational tools for success.  Please share if you have something that works great for your family.  I hope you are getting in some good travel this summer.

On The Road Again!

Summer is a great time to embark on a road trip!  Be it car or RV, click here for some great tips for surviving a cross-country vegan road trip and here for five tips for packing your trip.

Need to Get Away?

Is summer vacation calling your name?  It is for me!  I have some fun trips lined up this summer and am looking forward to the change in scenery, as well as the opportunity to test out new vegan restaurants.  I so love food!

In case you need some inspiration, or want to catch a bit of the wanderlust, check out the links below for eating vegan in some fun domestic and international destinations.

The Caribbean

Paris

Austin

Buenos Aires

Vancouver

Or if you prefer to be a tourist at home, click here to read why Los Angeles is the center of the vegan universe!

Happy travels!

Staying Vegan On The Road

Eating vegan while I am traveling definitely has its challenges.  I have learned to research restaurants and grocery stores ahead of time, but there are still things I haven't mastered.  Like, how to get my daily green juice (since my Breville won't fit in my suitcase).  My wellness goddess, Kris Carr, posted a great vlog the other day with some quick and easy travel tips.  I took note of everything - including her trail mix recipe and green juice alternatives.  Check out this video for the next time you plan to travel.  She's got some great advice to share.  Click here to view it.

My Vegan Paris

VeegMama in Paris!

My husband surprised me with a trip to Paris last month in honor of our 20th anniversary together  (still can't believe it has been 20 years).  It was a quick trip by European vacation standards (4 days in Paris with a day on each end for travel), but it didn't diminish the quality or splendor of the trip in any way.

I admit I panicked at first learning we were going to Paris.  What was I going to eat in the home of cheese and rich cream sauces?  But my hubby had that figured out too.  He gave me a copy of Vegan Paris that I devoured and marked up with places for vegan croissants, green juices and veeg friendly meals.  In the end though, I decided I didn't want to spend my four fabulous days at little holes in the wall, especially when I wanted my husband to enjoy the carnivorous French experience.  I relaxed my need to control (somewhat) and ended up going with the flow.

Morrocan appetizer

I was pleasantly surprised to find that I really had no trouble eating my way through Paris.  Everywhere we went offered vegetarian options and almost all places had vegan offerings.  My favorite salad there was the haricort verts and champignones (string beans and mushrooms).  I ate that three times during our four days there!  Couscous and vegetables was also popular there (I had that for lunch once and dinner our our first night).  We found this really great Moroccan restaurant our first day there and ate a wonderful lunch.  This is a picture of the appetizer plate that everyone received at their table.  Delish!

Since we were celebrating a special occasion, we dined at nice restaurants every night, including Pershing Place in the George V district (where I ordered Thai style noodles and wok grilled vegetables), Le Georges in the Pompidou Center (where I ate penne pasta with a marinara sauce and an herb salad), and Le Florimond (a wonderful restaurant where I ate a puff pastry with beets and coucous with veggies).  Cafe Marley right outside the Louvre is the only restaurant I "cheated."  My truffle ravioli came with a cream sauce that I decided to overlook.  I also admit that I ate my fair share of croissants and indulged in a macaroon, but otherwise I was able to keep to my diet and ethics the whole trip.

I had to get creative at some of the restaurants, creating my own meal (like at at Pershing Place) or calling in advance to let them know of my diet (like at Le Florimond, where they happily obliged) or looking up the menu ahead of time.  But that really is no different than what I do here at home.

I did insist we stop at one of the mentions in Vegan Paris - L'As du Falafel, which claims to have the best falafel ever.  After waiting in line for 45 minutes (see below), I would have to agree.  It was my favorite lunch there, walking and eating falafel while shopping the streets of the Marais neighborhood.

L'As du Falafel

As you may imagine, it was a wonderful trip.  Je taime Paris!