Native Foods Blog

Phineas is found!

By, Kelly Behr 

Native Foods Cafe

Over the past few months I have been following this bizarre chain of events that was occurring in a small town right outside St. Louis, MO., where a dog on death row went missing from the vet’s office where he was being held for his trial.

Phineas, a yellow lab, was on trial for allegedly biting a child. After being accused of biting the dog was soon removed from the family where he lived and placed in custody. The judge, after initially seeing the bite marks, ruled that the dog be put down. The owner’s immediately appealed this decision and the dog was set to stand trial. The story was taking some interesting turns as it was soon revealed that the girl’s bite mark could not even be identified as having come from a canine mouth and the veterinarian went on to say the bite she had on her abdomen looked human. Soon the coverage of this story started gaining Phineas quite a fan following, even billboards such as the one below started to line interstate 44, a major freeway in MO.

 

Native Foods Café uses this image courtesy of Fox 2 News.

 

It all sounds a bit dramatic and a little more Law and Order than it should, given the circumstances but the drama continued as the dog was mysteriously stolen from the vet’s office where he had been held for almost a year awaiting trial. This wasn’t the first time Phineas was taken either. He was first taken from the shelter where he was sent after the alleged bite incident, someone had cut a hole in the fence and took the dog, only to be return anonymously a few days later. After he was returned, Phineas was taken to a vet’s office to remain until trial, but then he was, again, mysteriously stolen. Sources say there were no signs of forced entry or break in and that one day the dog was just gone. Dog-gone it where is he?

 

The dog snatcher, it seems, could be linked to several people. People all over the town were heavily invested in this dog’s fate. But whoever took him had this message for the town that was written in a letter and sent to the dog’s owners and later handed over to authorities:

 

"You’re outraged and frustrated you can’t help aren’t you? Well you can help! Your heart aches for Phineas because you care about him. And the best thing he can do is inspire you to care for our fellow earthlings as you care about him. Use that passion for good! Help the dogs on death row at the pound and kittens thrown into the river by adopting, oppose breeders, and spay/neuter. Help our cow, pig, and chicken friends hindered to slaughter by not eating them. Help the beaver drowning in a trap and coon treed by hounds by not wearing fur and leather. Help the rabbits tortured in a lab by fighting against all animal testing, and shopping cruelty free. Help one friend like Phineas every chance you get. Thanks for all you do for our fellow earthlings. And shame to the selfish. If I were on death row I wouldn’t want my fate in the hands of a judge. So Phineas is now safe and happy playing with friends."

 

Native Foods Café uses this excerpt courtesy of Stltoday.com.

 

I think I like this story so much because of this letter. This letter speaks volumes of what vegan communities everywhere try to help people to understand, that in making  small efforts a lot of good can be accomplished, not just for dogs like Phineas, but for animals everywhere.

 

Phineas was soon returned to his owners safe and sound by the person who made an anonymous drop off . The dog was then saved by the judge who overturned his original ruling to euthanize Phineas after a year-long trial. 

Native Foods Cafe uses this image as courtesy of fox2news.com.

Hopefully the attention Phineas attracted over the last year will shine light on animal rights everywhere. 

 

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of zazzle.com. 

 

 

 

 

Vega, vegan restaurant, vegan food, animal rights

 

This Week We’re Obsessed With… Zumba!

By, Sammy Caiola

Native Foods Cafe

I’ve found the key to happiness: it’s Zumba. Now I know you’ve probably all heard that it’s a crazy fad designed to embarrass women who lack Latin dance hips, but I promise you, as a fellow health-positive veggie-lover, Zumba is the best way to get in touch with your purest, fittest, most confident self. Just hear me out.

Zumba, created in 2001, is a blend of Latin dance, hip hop and aerobics taught by a certified instructor to a large group of people (typically women). The instructor stands at the front of the room or on a platform and you, the zumba-er, follow his or her moves step by step for 15 or 16 songs (classes last one hour including warm-up and cool-down). The music pounds, the booties shake, and the energy buzzes as dozens of women get into their Zumba groove. It is a truly magical experience that you really can’t understand until you try it. You’ll get so excited about learning the choreography that you won’t even realize you’re burning 600-800 calories.

It has blown up over the past two years, but that’s because the more people discover it, the more it grows. Zumba claiims that there are 140,000 Zumba-ers globally. The world record for largest Zumba class is currently 1,294 at Clemson University in South Carolina. Here they are:

Native Foods Café uses this image courtesy of worldrecordacademy.com

I was never someone who worked out. Really, it had zero appeal to me. I wouldn’t run, wouldn’t lift. I felt self-conscious at the gym, positive that I was doing it wrong. And when I could get myself onto a treadmill, I just couldn’t stay engaged. I just wanted to be doing something else. Anything else.  But when I first tried a Zumba class with my mom, it opened up a door. I fell in love with the upbeat Latin music, the intricate choreography, the supportive environment. There’s no judgment in Zumba. Everyone’s there to have a good time and get a good workout, and nobody cares how you look. But the truth is, you’re going to look good. And even if you don’t you’re not going to care. You’re going to feel good, because everyone’s going to be whooping and shouting and clapping like it’s one big Zumba party- and who cares how you look when you’re having that much fun?

Zumba is for all shapes and sizes. If these ladies can do it, you can too:

Native Foods Café uses this image courtesy of healthyfootnotes.com.

Since Zumba-ing for the first time, I now do it twice a week and have plans to get certified as an instructor. I’ve Zumba-ed in three countries (it’s taught in 185). I’ve Zumba-ed at community fundraisers and in my own living room. I’ve Zumba-ed with strangers and with my closest friends. Anytime I’m feeling down or insecure, I just head to a class or pop in the Wii Zumba disc. So don’t worry about putting on weight this winter. Just eat your veggies and get yourself to a Zumba class. And when you’re done, feel free to whip up chef Kendall’s Raspberry Beret Smoothie to refuel on energy!

 

Flavor Where You’d ‘Yeast’ Expect It

By, Sammy Caiola

Native Foods Cafe 

It seems genetic engineers are spicing up the market for plant-based items like saffron and vanilla, which can now be produced in a lab by genetically modifying yeast. Just a few magic tricks in a giant industrial vat and we’ve got a replenishable supply of some of the most sought-after fragrances, which means we no longer have to take down large sections of endangered crops in order to acquire them. It’s a green solution to the lavender problem!

Engineers nationwide announced this week that they’re using an inventive process called synthetic biology to genetically modify yeast into products that mimic plant fragrances. There are a few environmental pros to this, but the biggest one is the potential to reduce deforestation and overharvesting of in-demand crops. Sandalwood, for example, is typically grown in India and Australia but has seen a significant decline in its wild populations due to illegal logging. It takes more than 1000 trees to produce 1 ton of wood, which is used to make one of the most valuable oils in the world. Producing a sandalwood substitute in the lab could mean a longer survival period for actual sandalwood. It would also reduce the negative environmental affects of actual sandalwood harvesting and the associated energy expenditure. Not to mention cutting out delivery costs and fuel usage for the importation of crops from all over the world. If the strategy works, Americans will be able to meet their own fragrance demand in a local, sustainable manner. 

Native Foods Café uses this photo courtesy of ourpatch.com.au

The same can be said for many plant derivatives that humans have adapted for recreational use. This new development would probably drive down the market price of aromatic products like candles and lotions. With a dry winter coming, that can only be a good thing.

The process of producing the fragrances is not unlike brewing beer, scientists say, except yeast makes alcohol naturally and won’t make spices without a little help. The engineers are actually doing quite the number on yeast with synthetic biology, which involves assembling artificial genes to create a new material. The versatility and compatibility of yeast was discovered this summer, when scientists around the world started experimenting with this eukaryotic organism with plans to make vaccines and biofuels out of synthetic yeast. It could end up being the next big thing.

Native Foods Café uses this photo courtesy of BBC.uk.com

So, whatever your exotic fragrance of choice is (I’m partial to sage), keep your eyes peeled for a greener, yeastier version of it making its way to your grocery store. In the meantime, come on down to Native for some of our own plant-inspired drinks like the Lavender Lemonade!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Native Foods Cafe a vegan restaurant, vegan, vegan food

5 Reasons to Vegan this Week

By, Kelly Behr

Native Foods Cafe

1.) Trader Joe’s coconut milk ice cream

This particular ice cream is my go to when I want a little evening treat. The coconut gives it a nice creamy consistency and it doesn’t take on the nuttier flavors like some of the brands that use almond milk. And to really top if off, throw in some vegan chocolate chips!

Native Foods Café uses this image courtesy of www.vegnews.com

 

2.)   Live Clean Baby lotion 

This baby lotion is 100% plant based and fragrance free. My whole life I have gravitated to baby lotions to use myself, there is something about them that makes my skin feel softer and the formula is usually more gentle. I found this brand on a recent trip to Walgreens as I needed some more lotion to pack for a trip I was heading on…. and I might have just found a new favorite.

 

Native Foods Café uses this image courtesy of www.live-clean.com

 

 

3.)   Candy Corn Dots

 

Since it is officially Halloween this week I was thinking about all the vegan candy options. Unfortunately candy corn is not of the vegan variety but DOTS makes a candy corn flavor. DOTS to the candy corn rescue! We listed a lot of different vegan candies on our table tents this month but in case you missed them you can find a full list of vegan friendly candy at www.peta.org.  We also had a blog last week about lots of candy alternatives to keeping Halloween fun but keeping the sugar consumption in check!

 

 

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of www.amazon.com. 

4.)   Lace-up boots by Mossimo

These little boots have stood the test of time and have logged a lot of miles and pass both my style and comfort tests. In Chicago we do a lot of walking and these boots are, well, made for walking and that's just what they’ll do. Aside from fitting into the lyrics of a Nancy Sinatra song they are also made of all man made materials, aka vegan.  They are available both online and in Target stores.

Native Foods Café uses this image courtesy of www.target.com.

 

1.)   JR Watkins Dish Soap

I LOVE lavender so anything I can get with the lavender scent makes me happy. This includes home care products because having an apartment that smells like a field of lavender is the kind of apartment I want to come home to every night. Lucky for me JR Watkins, a company that uses all plant-based formulas, offers most of their products with lavender edition. But, do not worry if you are not gaga for lavender there are plenty of other natural scents to keep your dishes happy.

 

Native Foods uses this image courtesy of www.jrwatkins.com 

 

 

 

 

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Don't just sit there, get Poppin!

By, Alex Placencia

Native Foods Cafe

 

Did you know that October is officially national popcorn month? No? Well you do now.. and what better way to celebrate than to create your very own homemade batch. The more creative you get, the more likely your popcorn is going to be amazing 

 

Here is my personal favorite recipe:

Native Foods Cafe, a vegan restaurant uses this image courtesy of www.todayifoundout.com 

 

1 cup  Popcorn Kernels

3 tbs   Canola Oil 

Put the oil and the popcorn in a large pot on medium and stir for about 1 minute. The kernels will begin popping, so cover with a lid. After about 2-3 minutes the kernels should be finished popping. Remove from heat and place the popcorn in a large bowl. 

Now for the fun part, the seasoning! 

Pour 2 tbs of melted vegan butter over the popcorn 

Sprinkle 1/2 tsp of salt, or to your taste 

We LOVE using Parma! It is a vegan parmesan cheese sold at Whole Foods. I like to sprinkle equal parts of the original and the Chipotle Parma. 

Native Foods Cafe, a vegan restaurant uses this image courtesy of www.eatparma.com 

 

Add a few sprinkles of nutritional yeast, toss around in the bowl and voila! You have an amazing, cheesy vegan popcorn. The perfect companion this October to your favorite scary movie. 

 

Cheers to Vegan Beer

By, Sammy Caiola

Native Foods Cafe 

 

So I’m not a huge beer drinker myself, but I figured with the fall season coming in our readers might want a quick guide to the myriad lagers and stouts that many folks use to stay warm in the cold of winter.

At their core, beers are vegan. That is, if they’re just brewed with yeast, hops, grains and water. But many companies use an animal by-product like isinglass or glycerin to give the beer a clearer and more appetizing look. Not doing it for me. Other companies will flavor specialty beers with vegan no-no’s like honey, refined sugar, or even fish sauce. Gross!

So, keep it simple and try some of these PETA-recommended craft brews. I tried to pick a diverse batch: some dark, some light, some west coast, some east. And if none of these float your boat, you can find tons more frothy animal-free beverages on PETA’s list here.

 

1. Anderson Valley Brewing Company: Hop Ottin IPA

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of avbc.com

Hop-heads will jump for joy at Anderson’s extra-hoppy India Pale Ale. It showcases bright, citrusy aromas like grapefruit and pine with a strong but appropriate bitterness and a dry, herbal finish. It is 7 percent ABV (alcohol by volume) and is available year-round.

 

2. O’Doul’s Premium Non-alcoholic Brew

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of odouls.com.

Whether you’re the designated driver or just taking the night easy, there’s still a vegan beer for you. O’Doul’s beer involves the classic ingredients like barley malt, yeast and hops. The only difference is that the alcohol is gently removed once the brewing is complete. Get all the great taste, without the headaches!

 

3. California Cider Company: Ace Apple Cider

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of acecider.com

Get ready for fall with a seasonal hard apple cider brewed in sunny Sonoma County. Winner of the 2013 San Diego International Cider and Beer festival, it’s one of few ciders around that uses actual apples in its brew (this one’s got six varieties, in fact) It’s five percent alcohol by volume and is said to taste a lot like sauvignon blanc. And the berry and pear flavors are vegan too!

 

4. Golden Road Brewing: Hudson Porter

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of untappd.com

If dark and rich sounds like your style, you’re in for a treat with this imperial rye porter. It’s named after the brewer’s toddler son, but this beer is no child’s play. It’s 8 percent alcohol by volume and spiked with chocolate, caramel and plenty of hops. Thanks to some smart thinking by these savvy Los Angelenos, Golden Road is brewed exclusively in 100 percent aluminum cans. More aluminum cans than glass bottles can fit on shipping trucks, so that means less delivery trips and therefore less fuel. You can find a few more all-vegan Golden Road brews on PETA’s list.

 

5. Goose Island Brewery: Honker’s Ale

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of gooseisland.com

Chicagoans fear not- the locally loved Goose Island Brewery has a beer (or ten) for you. I went with Honkers here for its fruity aroma and general respectability in the English-style category. With an alcohol content of 4.3 percent, it’s a reliable but adventurous choice for serving guests or just knocking one back after a long day. You’ll find quite a few other vegan brews from Goose Island on PETA’s list.

 

6. Lost Coast Brewery: Alley Cat Ale

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of lostcoastbeers.com

This Californian medium-brew has been around the block with awards and is characterized by its “sprightly cascade of hops”. It’s got an alcohol content of 5.5 percent and some of the best label art I’ve seen in awhile. If you like this, there are more on PETA’s list made in the cool maritime climate of Eureka, California.

 

7. North Coast Brewery: Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of northcoastbrewing.com.

My boyfriend is crazy about this down-to-business totally black stout. It’s 9 percent alcohol by volume and way high on the bitterness scale- perhaps because it was named after such a cold, hard guy. Last year it won gold at Stockholm’s Stout and Whiskey Festival, and it seems to develop a cult following wherever it goes. But this one’s not for the faint of heart, so if you’re looking for something a little milder, there are lots more vegan-friendly choices from North Coast.

 

8. Rock Art Brewery: Sunny and 75

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of brewsreporter.com

If Rasputin was the drink of the dark, then Sunny and 75 is the liquid of the light. Born and raised in Vermont, this craft ale is brewed with cracked coriander seeds and orange peel, which gives it a delightful springy flavor. It’s very aromatic and perfect for picnics. There’s a lot of vegan options on this site and I suggest you look into them- this is one of those breweries that really puts some love into their brews- and people have taken notice.

 

9. Sprecher Brewery: Oktoberfest

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of sprecherbrewery.com

I can’t, in good faith, make an autumn beer list without throwing in an Oktoberfest. Brewed in the German style, this reddish-brown lager has a malty caramel complexion and mild hops. With a 5.75 percent alcohol content, it’s guaranteed to keep you warm through the coming winter. Available July through December.

 

10. Willimantic Brewing Co.: Certified Gold Ale

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of willimanticbrewingcompany.com

Next time you’re in the Northeast, check out national-landmark-turned-pub in Windham County, Connecticut. In 2010 it was voted the sixth best brewpub in the world, so I’d go into this with high expectations. They’re best known for their Certified Gold Ale, which is a bright, simple brew with a little bit of hop. They change their specialty brews each month and I’m not sure if the newest ones are vegan- so you’ll have to ask around if you want something other than the standard.

 

 

 

vegan beer, vegan restaurants, vegan food, vegan products 

 

Top 5 Vegan Workout Items

By Sammy Caiola

Native Foods Cafe

It’s fall, which means everyone is getting back into a routine. Over the summer, with all the beach days, barbecues and afternoon popsicles, it can be easy to get off track from your normal healthy habits. But never fear- Native Foods is here to get you back into shape!

You already know lots about vegan eating (check out our fall menu- it’s chock full of healthy and delicious items that you can pick up and eat in for a weeknight meal), but what’s discussed less frequently is vegan fitness. Vegans should be able to stay just as fit (if not more so) than anybody else so long as they’re intaking the adequate amount of protein and energy to get them through a good workout. For some, this could mean taking a supplement, making power smoothies, or just eating whole foods. You can get some great information on how to build and maintain muscle on a vegan diet here.

So, provided you’re adequately fed, do whatever workouts you want. Personally, I’m a Zumba girl. Zumba is a mix of Latin dance forms, hip-hop and aerobics and it is the most fun thing in the whole world. I would do it every single day if I could. It’s taught in group classes surrounded by dozens of women circling their hips and shouting to the music. It’s so high energy and motivational. I also enjoy cardio combat classes (kickboxing) and HIIT (high intensity interval training).

Regardless of what you’re doing to stay fit, you’ll need some cute, cruelty-free gear to do it in. Here are my top picks for vegan fitness wear:

 

1. Women’s Bamboo Performance Tank from Noel Vegan Fitness Star

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of veganlight.spreadshirt.com

 

Noel makes an entire line of vegan-friendly workout attire, some that scream “I’m a vegan!” and some, like this one, that are a bit more subtle. This tank top is 67 percent bamboo, 29 percent cotton and 4 percent spandex, so it probably feels great! It’s just $30 and can be purchased here

 

2. Singlet and Shorts from OrganicAthlete

 

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of store.organicathlete.org

 

Organic Athlete is a 100% vegan, 100% fit-happy company that has everything you could possibly need, from cycling gear to fitness DVD’s. Here’s their classic short and tops combo, which is made of recycled fabric and can be purchased for $95 here

 

3. Axiom sneaker from Jambu footwear

 

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of mooshoes.com.

 

 

These vegan-suede women’s running shoes are light and adorable- perfect to throw in your bag for a walk to lunch or a post-office workout. The inside is memory foam (soooo comfy) and the outside is rice husk and natural rubber. Get them here for $80.

 

4. Capilene Mesh Sports Bra from Patagonia

 

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of rei.com

 

5. Vegan Workout Headband from VeganProteins

 

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of veganproteins.com

 

And last but not least, the ultimate vegan workout headband. This is that “loud and proud” item for those of you who want to show everyone at the gym that vegans are NOT feeble and energy-deficient. I actually love this kind of headband because it’s elastic-y enough to keep my hair out of my face and thick enough to absorb sweat. Even if it does look a little dorky, it’s a fun buy for just $10 right here.

 

 

vegan restaurants, vegan food, vegan fitness, vegan products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Has Halloween gotten too sweet?

By, Sammy Caiola

Native Foods Cafe

 

Halloween has always been my all-time favorite holiday. I’ve got so many fond memories of sewing handmade costumes with my mom, carving jack-o-lanterns with my dad and running around the neighborhood with my friends in a desperate search for candy.

The only downside is that it isn’t exactly the healthiest holiday. The average American consumes 1.9 POUNDS of chocolate on Halloween, which is a huge chunk of the 10-12 pounds of chocolate that the average American eats in a given year. Now that’s scary. And if you thought the fast pace of trick-or-treating might balance out the extravagant eating, you’re living in a fantasy. about 5 miles of walking over the course of two hours would burn a little over 400 calories- that’s the equivalent of about 5 ½ fun size bars. Your child will need a lot more physical activity than a brisk evening stroll to attempt to undo Halloween’s damage.

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of livestrong.com

 

The other option is to do less damage in the first place. While you don’t want to prevent your child from enjoying Halloween like everyone else (I know if I was the only kid not allowed to have candy I’d be furious), you can talk to him or her about healthy moderation. Explain to your child the sugar and fat content of processed candy and what those things can do to his or her body. Feed your child a full, nutritious, Halloween-themed meal before the trick-or-treating adventure so they aren’t itching to guzzle down the sweets before they even hit the collection bag.

 

Also urge to your child that just because he or she collected the candy, it does not all have to be eaten. Leftover Halloween candy can be donated to the troops or to local nursing home or food bank. You can put out a bowl in the office or encourage your child to save it for the pinata at his or her next birthday party. You can incorporate it into gifts for friends or teachers, or use it as decoration in a pretty bowl. Also, there are tons of adorable crafts you can make with leftover candy, like gumdrop wreaths or lollipop bouquets. 

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of Jenni Swenson.

 

If you’re heading a family of vegans, you’ll inevitably need to have some cruelty-free candy around the house for your child and their friends. You could even buy the vegan candy in bulk and hand it out to trick-or-treaters! Vegnews has a very comprehensive list of vegan candy, but my favorite vegan candy companies are Sweet & Sara and Allison’s Gourmet. Also there are some commercial, non-organic candies that are actually vegan too!

 

-Airheads (select flavors)

-Jolly Ranchers hard candy

-Mary Janes

-Newman’s Own Licorice Twists

-Pez Candy

-Skittles (select flavors)

-Smarties

-Sour Patch

-Swedish Fish

Native Foods uses this image courtesy of staples.com.

 

Or, if you want to avoid the candy situation entirely (probably a smart move), there are some healthy alternatives to give to trick-or-treaters. You and your child can shop for and prepare these together while learning how dessert can actually be healthy and still taste great. You may want to stay away from fresh fruit and produce or homemade treats, as many parents will throw them out. But here’s a short list of pre-packaged healthy snacks that kids will enjoy:

 

-single serving pretzels,popcorn or crackers

-dried fruit (mango, banana chips, candied strawberries)

-granola bars

-sugar free gum

-pumpkin or sunflower seeds

-dark chocolate bites

-juice boxes (look for low sugar, high Vitamin C)

 

On another note, I also found lots of ideas for non-candy Halloween giveaways:

-temporary tattoos

-pencils and other school supplies

-stickers

-fake fangs or bug rings

-glow sticks

-small toys

-marbles or bouncy balls

-bubbles

Happy Haunting!

 

5 Reasons to Vegan this week

By, Kelly Behr

Native Foods Cafe

 

This week is 5 Reasons to Vegan...the snack edition. 

 

1.) Earth Balance Aged White Cheddar puffs

Native Foods Cafe, a vegan restaurant, vegan snacks 

Last week I had featured the popcorn variety and as promised here are the puffs. They are delicious as well, just like chessy pirate booty. They are light and crunchy and are the perfect mid afternoon treat. 

 

2.) Kale Krunch 

Native Foods Cafe, a vegan restaurant, vegan snacks, vegan food

This little kale with a kick is a fun flavorful snack for work or on the go! I picked these up at Whole Foods because anything this healthy with the word "ranch" gets my attention. These little guys are packed with flavor. They are not only vegan but raw and gluten free, a true trifecta! 

3.) Zevia 

Native Foods Cafe, a vegan restaurant, vegan snacks, vegan food 

 

With all the bad press soda gets, cause let's face it, soda is not high on anyone's nutrition list. It is nice to see some companies making strides create some varieties that are a little less harmful to our health and not full of high fructose corn syrup. I am partial to carbonation and probably spend more money on sparkling water than a person should. That being said I also like a good soda every once in a while. I am a regular soda drinker and was never able to get into the diet soda craze, so this particular brand doesn't have that artificial taste, which it shouldn't cause it contains no artifical sweetners. That's pretty sweet in itself! Black Cherry is my favorite flavor but they come in a varietynof flavors and are located in several different supermarkets, you can find it here.  

 

4.) The Good Bean 

Native Foods Cafe, a vegan restaurant, uses this image courtesy of http://www.thegoodbean.com

 
Good indeed. These are one of my favorite snacks. I like making roasted chickpeas at home in the oven but when you are on the go, these are a delicious alternative. They come in sea-salt, cracked pepper, smoky chili & lime and sweet cinnamon. 

 

 

5.) Parma 

Native Foods, a vegan restaurant uses this image courtesy of http://www.eatparma.com

Parma is an excellent vegan Parmesan cheese. As you can see it comes in a variety of flavors and is the perfect compliment to a bowl of freshly popped popcorn. Check back Friday for Chef Alex's favorite popcorn recipe using Parma! 

A Wicked Native Foods Cooking Demo

By, Kelly Behr

Native Foods Cafe

 

We were cooking up some bone chilling recipes last Saturday at our Chicago loop that are store perfect for any Halloween party or gathering for all your closest ghouls and gals. 

Native Foods Cafe, a vegan restaurant, vegan food, vegan recipes

 

Chef Kendall Huff dished out some spooky Putrid Pumpkin Pate, a Spaghetti Squashed Brain Salad, Candy Corn Punch and a Dirt Cake for dessert, all while being in full costume.  Recipes below. 

Native Foods Cafe, a vegan restaurant, vegan food, vegan recipes

 

 

Be sure to check your emails for the latest cooking demos coming to a city near you and join us for fun, prizes and food….lots of vegan food! 

 

Native Foods Cafe, a vegan restaurant, vegan food, vegan recipes