VG NYC Part Four: A Day Filled with Major Occurrences

**Thursday, June 25th: Never to be forgotten**



On this date, two "major world events" occurred during this recent trip to NYC - one serious event (which had a larger impact on the world) and one fun event (which was more on a personal level).

First, the serious event = the sudden death of musical legend and iconic performer, Michael Jackson, as well as the death of actress Farrah Fawcett.

When we heard the news of both of these deaths, we were quite shocked and saddened - however, Fawcett's death was "expected," since she had been battling cancer for so long. Jackson's death, on the other hand, came at an unexpected (and far too early) date.

No matter what your view or opinion may be of either of these individuals, there is no doubt that both made an impact not just in the entertainment industry, but in the world and culture as a whole. Rest in peace, Farrah and Michael - you will be sorely missed by many, and never forgotten.



And now onto the second event, which was the fun and more personal one. It took place during the afternoon **and** at none other than Pure Food and Wine with more dear friends and family there to witness.



Read on to find out more about this "fun event"...


On Thursday afternoon while walking around the city (and through Rockefeller Center), we stopped in a boutique on 5th Avenue called Teuscher Chocolatier.


And this is where the "fun event" began.



After my dad and I read through all of the chocolate bar labels (yes, yes we did, haha), we purchased the one and only soy-free bar in the entire store to share:




Their 99% Cocoa Extra Dark Bar (which you can read more about and even purchase here).



That is right, ladies and gentlemen - I have become a true, unapologetic, hardcore chocoholic (I prefer to eat 80%-99% dark chocolate - I love the strong stuff and consume it daily now).

You know what I say now?? Carob, schmarob!! Chocolate is where it's at (please forgive the poor grammar, haha).




But this event was just getting started...




That evening, my parents and I met up with Gena and Melissa (two dear friends of the family at this point) at Pure Food and Wine for dinner.

While looking over the menu (which I have become quite familiar with, haha), I realized that I was in the mood for something sweet right away - nothing savory. So, I ordered what I was craving:



Yes, for dinner I enjoyed the Trio Of Dark Chocolate Coated Indian Spiced Ice Cream Treats.

The dessert plate components, from left to right: a Chai Tea Creamsicle, Pistachio Gelato Ice Cream Sandwich, and a Chocolate-Cardamom-Coconut Ice Cream Cone.



I ate the Chocolate-Cardamom-Coconut Ice Cream Cone first, which brought back memories of the Nestlé Drumstick sundae cones (ahh, nostalgia) - so rich, creamy, and delicious.



Next up was the Pistachio Gelato Ice Cream Sandwich, which featured pistachio gelato sandwiched between two thick chocolate cookies, enrobed in a thick chocolate fudge coating, and garnished with pistachios. Wow was this treat ever a ride for the taste buds - incredible.


By the time I got around to the Chai Tea Creamsicle, I had to gobble it up quickly before it completely melted, haha - so no photo (sorry!!). It tasted like vanilla ice cream to me - no "chai essence" whatsoever. Still delectable though!!




I think it is safe to say that I enjoyed my dinner ;-)



After dinner, I headed next door to One Lucky Duck for dessert (yes, more dessert, haha):




I savored a Raw Oreo, which was stuffed with a creamy filling...



...and for the cab ride back to the hotel (sorry for the odd photo - the dessert bag is on a park bench outside of One Lucky Duck, haha), I experienced the Raw Mallomar - heavenly. Period.

Both of these treats tasted eerily authentic - more nostalgia, just like the ice cream cone!!

Everyone should know what an Oreo is; but if you are not familiar with a Mallomar, I suggest reading more about them here.



Needless to say, I was awake until about 3:00am after consuming all this chocolate/caffeine in one day, haha - but it was well worth the lack of sleep.





VeggieGirl the chocoholic...who would have thought that this day would ever come??

I would say that that makes this a noteworthy and fun event to remember and to continue embracing :-)







**Stay tuned for Part Five of the VG NYC post series, which will recap what everyone else ate at Pure Food and Wine that night**

VG NYC Part Three: Out and About

**Wednesday, June 24th: Spending morning, noon, and night out in the city**



I may or not have finished the pint of Raw Almond Butter Cup ice cream from the previous night, for breakfast on Wednesday...


Or maybe I did ;-)



After I finished my dessert (err, I mean, breakfast), I headed across the street to Whole Foods (located in The Shops at Columbus Circle) to meet up with a new friend and fellow blogger:


Lauryn from the "Making Moves" blog!! She just happened to be in NYC that day for a job interview, and made time in her busy schedule to meet up at Whole Foods.

Despite time constraints in both our schedules, we still managed to have a great time. We rocked out to old-school tunes that were blasting in the store (Spice Girls, anyone?? Major childhood flashbacks there, haha), chatted, and continued to be amazed at how far back we were in the check-out line (we couldn't even see the cashiers or the beginning of the line from where we were, haha).

I am so pleased to have had the chance to meet Lauryn, since we have become good friends - shout out to you, girl! :-)



After saying goodbye to Lauryn, I met up with my parents for some strolling & sightseeing:





Following (err, avoid getting run over by) the horse-drawn carriages...



...and saying hello ;-)




Walking through Central Park...










In memoriam...





My mom is such a New Yorker, haha.




Shopping at Saks...




VeggieDad admiring the Lemon & Coconut Sorbet Cone Trio.



Close up...



Statue at sunset...




The folks, going for a horse & carriage ride.





After a long, tiring (and fun!!) day, my parents and I did not hesitate to retire to our respective hotel rooms a little early (which means before midnight or 1:00am). After all, we wanted to be energized for the remaining two and a half days of our trip!!





**Stay tuned for Part Four of the VG NYC post series!!**

VG NYC Part Two: Our First Night Out in the City

**Tuesday, June 23rd: Out for the evening**



After traveling all morning and spending the afternoon around town and at the hotel with my parents and Caroline, it was already time to start getting ready for dinner and a night out.

I wanted my parents to have at least two nights on the trip to themselves for dinner together; and so tonight was one of those "date nights" for them (awww).




They chose a restaurant located near the one that I dined at that evening (more on that later), so that we could easily meet up after our meals: BLT Prime.



VeggieDad took photographs of the meal components that he and VeggieMom considered "exceptional eats":




Freshly-Baked Oversized Popovers, which are a signature item at the restaurant. Although they could not even finish half of these rolls, my folks loved the "light texture, hollow insides, and sprinkling of celtic sea salt."



Skipping right to dessert, VeggieMom enjoyed a slice of the Cherry Pie with Cherry-Vanilla Ice Cream. The pie had a luscious filling and flaky crust, while the scoop of ice cream was smooth and cooling - a "nice contrast to the warm pie."



My dad ordered the Mango Sorbet Trio, which satisfied his craving for something refreshing and tropical-tasting.


Overall, my folks enjoyed and highly recommend BLT Prime.




Simultaneously, I enjoyed my meal (and company!!) at an old favorite restaurant of mine, Pure Food and Wine.


So who did I dine with??



Well, it was none other than Kristen from "Kristen's Raw" (as well as her wonderful husband, who was behind the camera, haha).

I have a special friendship with and appreciation for Kristen, since she has helped me for the past two years with my high-raw lifestyle (from the beginning, through transitioning, and now). She is truly one of the most compassionate, genuine, knowledgeable, and fun people that I know; and it was a blessing to finally be able to meet in person!!



And now for our meals...





Kristen ordered the Taco Salad, which is made up of romaine lettuce, spicy taco crumble, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cashew "sour cream."



Kristen's husband opted for perhaps the most "famous" item on Pure's menu, the Zucchini & Local Hothouse Tomato Lasagna . This dish features zucchini "noodles" layered with mounds of basil-pistachio pesto, sun-dried tomato sauce, and pignoli "ricotta." It is certainly a very rich meal, but does not leave you feeling overstuffed like "traditional" lasagna often can.



I ordered the Falafel with Lemon Tahini & Spicy Red Pepper Sauces, which was served in romaine lettuce "boats." Let me tell you - as a true "falafel fanatic," I was quite pleased with this raw version - very hearty and flavorful!!



For dessert, Kristen and I both ordered the Warm Peach Cobbler, which was comprised of maple soaked peaches, buckwheat streusel, vanilla-cardamom ice cream, bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup, and garnished with a white chocolate tuile (yes, all of that was in those tiny portions).

Although quite delectable with a wonderful melding of ingredients and flavors, this dessert was just not satisfying - I finished mine in exactly three bites!! But no worries, I already had a plan to take care of my continued hunger...


After saying goodbye to dear Kristen and her husband for the evening, I headed next door to One Lucky Duck (Pure Food and Wine's takeaway location) in order to satisfy my hunger for something more.

So how did I do that, exactly??



By purchasing a pint of raw Almond Butter Cup ice cream - the person behind the counter at One Lucky Duck recommended this flavor the most (and damn, was it ever creamy and holy yum!!) and even scooped some of the pint into a takeaway cup (I took the rest of the pint back to my hotel room, to store in the freezer) for me, so that I could go meet up with my parents afterwards.




After walking around the city for a while, we eventually took a cab back to the other side of town (to our hotel's location). My mom headed upstairs to her hotel room to rest while my dad and I ventured out a little longer.



Since our hotel is conveniently located across the street from the Time Warner Center (filled with Whole Foods, several shops, and restaurants), my dad and I spent some time (until the stores closed, haha) browsing through Borders Books & Music and other shops.



Needless to say, after such a full day (which began roughly before 7:00am) and night, we were all more than ready to retire to our respective hotel rooms and quickly fall asleep - however, we were all looking forward to Wednesday (the next day) to officially begin!!


Day & night #1 in the city = absolutely fabulous.




**Stay tuned for Part Three of the VG NYC post series!!**

VG NYC Part One: En Route & Early Afternoon (**including Episode 20 of VeggieGirl TV!!**)

We're back!!


My parents and I have officially "recuperated" from our quick trip to New York City, which was nothing less than spectacular.

Aside from the horrid weather conditions (it rained everyday and was quite humid as well), we got to spend time with great friends, savor exceptional meals, and experience all over again what we experience every year in the city - the magic and true allure of "The Big Apple."


So how exactly did the trip begin?? Well that is what you are about to read about (and see!!) in Part One of the VG NYC post series.





**Tuesday, June 23rd: Early morning and afternoon**



Since we wanted to have all day on Tuesday to spend in the city, we made sure to leave the house (and to fly out) early in the morning. So...


Here I am with my "on-the-go" breakfast: Green Smoothie (made with unsweetened hempmilk, frozen cherries & strawberries, vanilla Sun Warrior protein powder, and fresh spinach).



As soon as we arrived at the airport, we boarded the plane and took off within minutes. No delays = the best way to fly.



VeggieDad and VeggieMom (see me in the mirror, taking the photo??), all situated on the plane...



Even though the flight was less than an hour, we still managed to enjoy the aerial views from the plane:












Welcome to New York City!! You can see the famous Empire State Building in the center of the above photo.



Even though our flight was less than an hour, the ride from the airport to our hotel was over an hour (talk about irony!!). But once we made it, our excitement quickly overrode the frustrations with the bumper-to-bumper traffic.


It seems that my parents and I enjoyed a lot of green-based foods that morning and afternoon:




There were lots of salads (no photos, sorry!!), Split Pea Soup (my mom's favorite)...



And some Thai Green Juice (made with greens, cilantro, lime, and pineapple - although I swear there was no lime or pineapple in it). Wow this tasted very green. Whew!! Intense.


After refueling and checking into our hotel, we had some time to relax a bit before heading out for the afternoon and evening.

So what did I do during this time??


I recruited VeggieDad and my dear friend Caroline (who greeted us at our hotel when we arrived) to film Episode 20 of VeggieGirl TV!!




Please enjoy the first of the two episodes that were filmed while in NYC (**this episode is 3 minutes and 9 seconds in length**):








By the way, June 23rd marked my 2nd-year blogiversary!! This made the beginning of my NYC trip that much more celebratory and enjoyable :-)





**Stay tuned for Part Two of the VG NYC post series!!**

Episode 19 (on the 19th!!) of VeggieGirl TV: "In Remembrance" and a Dedication

Before I get into the topics of today's post and video...


I wanted to address the "anger" that I expressed in last week's episode while answering one of the questions from the Q&A session.

I wanted to clear up and assure everyone that I was not directing my "anger"/annoyance towards Ashley (the person who asked the question) - I was directing the tone of my answer towards the negative commenters who insist on continuing to stalk my blog (despite the fact that they despise me and my blog so much).

Please know that I answer these questions honestly and thoroughly, and I encourage you to listen to the content rather than just focusing on the tone. If you have read my blog for a while now (and/or if you know me personally), then you will understand why I sound a "certain way" while answering a certain question.

Thank you again for your support and understanding.




And now onto tonight's special tribute & dedication episode, featuring two major figures and angels in my life:



Kiwi and VeggieDad. The above photo was taken at the veterinary hospital just a few days before Kiwi's birthday (which is June 19th) and death (June 20th).




After watching this week's episode (**which is 5 minutes and 9 seconds in length**), I hope that you will revisit the post that I wrote about 1 year ago about Kiwi's death and her memory.









And Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful dads out there!!





**I will be in New York City from June 23rd until June 27th - please stay tuned for my NYC trip recap when I return.**

Episode 18 of VeggieGirl TV: Inquiries and Indulgences

As I opened up one of my cabinets to retrieve a new tub of Sun Warrior protein powder, I discovered something hidden behind it...

Don't worry, it was not alive (or previously alive, for that matter) - it was simply the Q&A cookie jar (courtesy of Heather from the "Heather Eats Almond Butter" blog)!!

It then dawned on me that I have neglected to answer questions from readers and fellow bloggers for quite some time - so I decided to address this issue in tonight's episode of VeggieGirl TV (**which is 6 minutes and 1 second in length**).




I answered four of the questions. Will your question finally be answered tonight??

Oh and what's the deal with VeggieDad?? Will he emerge from behind the camera??


Please tune in to find out:








**And now for some more Pure Raw Café food porn...**






Blueberry Pancakes, served with a side of blueberry cream sauce and agave nectar.





Peaches & Cream Breakfast Pie, which is composed of "soft ripe peaches and cinnamon layered with sweet cream on a coconut almond nut crust."





An individual portion of the Peaches & Cream Breakfast Pie.





Blueberry Crispy Cereal, which is delightful when served with hempmilk or your own "milk of choice."





Mexico City Tacos, which features corn & vegetable tortillas served with unfried "beans" (made of walnuts, chili peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices), queso "cheese," guacamole, and tomato salsa.





Tomato Basil Focaccia, which tastes just like a brick-oven pizza (minus the oven, of course).





Strawberry Passion Shake, which is made with strawberries, coconut, and cashew cream. So thick, creamy, and rich.





Key Lime Pie. A taste of the tropics! Sorry, I couldn't resist, haha ;-)





Chocolate Brownie with Chocolate Frosting. The frosting had a mousse texture, and could simply just be eaten on its own with a spoon - so delectable!





**Please stay tuned for Episode 19 of VeggieGirl TV (next Friday), which will feature a special dedication/tribute.**





Wishing all of you a glorious weekend and upcoming week!!

Episode 17 of VeggieGirl TV: Lots To Say About a "Pure Raw" Delight

It feels great to be back to my "regularly scheduled programming"!! Let us pick up where we left off with VeggieGirl TV, shall we??




In this week's episode, (**which is 7 minutes and 37 seconds in length**), I have a lot to say about a wonderful nationwide meal delivery service called Pure Raw Café.

I found out about this place from Kristen (my dear friend and raw guru), and I would like to share my official review of the service and food with you.


Check out the episode below, and then enjoy viewing the photos of some of the Pure Raw Café delights (since I just received my delivery this past Thursday/yesterday, haha).








**And now, feast your eyes on some pure, raw goodness...




This week's menu. The menu dramatically changes every week - so many tantalizing choices!!





Special delivery!! They ship overnight for guaranteed freshness; and the elaborate packaging prevents any spillage.




I only just received my shipment yesterday (Thursday); but so far I have tried...





The Sun Burger, complete with fresh sides and condiments - and each component is wrapped for freshness during transit...




I transferred the burger to a separate plate, haha.




The Chinese Dragon Stir-Fry, composed of crunchy cashews, mixed fresh vegetables, sesame seeds and a side of creamy almond sauce.





The Chocolate Passion Shake. This is a scrumptiously rich and creamy concoction of raw cacao, almond milk, agave, and vanilla. Heavenly. Period.



Like what you see?? Well this is nothing compared to what I have yet to enjoy for this week and more. Obviously there are more details in the above episode, so I do hope that you had time to tune in.




Please check out more information on their website!! You too deserve to enjoy pure raw delights!! :-)




**And please let me know what you would like to see in next week's episode!!**