Native Foods Blog

Greening up Games: Let’s crush the candy, plant some produce

By Sammy Caiola

Native Foods Cafe

 

Candy Crush Saga is ruining our kids.

 

If you’re one of the half billion people who have installed the ultra-addictive game app since its 2012 release- don’t feel bad.

It’s not your fault that the most downloaded app of 2013 happens to revolve around lemon drops, chiclets and jelly beans and features a guide character named Mr. Toffee. It’s also not your fault that its addicting methodology has people playing for so many hours a day that they’re developing “candy crush shoulder.”

The blame here lies with the developer, a British company called King, which makes about $1 million a day on this ultra-colorful, sticky-sweet phone game. Would it have been so hard to create Veggie Crush instead?

Truth is, people don’t really care what bits and pieces they’re shifting around on the screen, so long as they go “poof!” once they’re properly aligned. And so long as they can rack up more “poof” points than they’re friends on Facebook, they’ll be satisfied.

 

Native Foods Café uses this image courtesy of itunes.apple.com

 

So why not switch things around in the name of our health? Instead of the red jelly beans, throw in a bright red tomatoes. Sub the lemon drops with golden beets and the green chiclets with heads of lettuce. And those chocolate disco-ball looking things? Let’s try an extra fancy veggie, like an artichoke heart. Instead of Mr. Toffee, let’s bring in Farmer Joe, who I’m sure has bushels of insight on how to rack up the points and climb the Veggie Crush rankings. 

If we could nix the entire Candyland theme in favor of greener pastures, would kids still go crazy for the concept? History says yes. The most popular Facebook game in 2009 was Farmville 2- a competitive app in which players acquired points by growing and selling crops.

 

Native Foods Café uses this image courtesy of facebook.com

 

Kids will get hooked on whatever you put in front of them. Mom bloggers everywhere are complaining about how their kids are continually asking for candy, more so now that the bonbon bonanza has gone viral. Perhaps if the interface were just altered a little, America wouldn’t have such a nagging sweet tooth.

 

On the upside, King seems to have gotten the memo and has already come out with “Papa Pear Saga”, a brand new game for iPhone, Android and Facebook that features a bouncy tropical protagonist named Papa Pear. Apparently hazelnuts and “crazy chillies” also show up in the 100-level journey that brings players through the Fruity Forest and the Great Pyramids.

 

Native Foods Café uses this image courtesy of play.google.com

 

We’re back on the right track. Parents: see if you can’t get your kids hooked on Papa Pear Saga instead of Candy Crush. Or take it to the next level, and see if you can’t get them outside for a while. 

My Milkshake Brings all the Vegans to the Kitchen

By Kelly Behr

Native Foods Cafe

It might officially be spring....but trying telling that to Chicago. Despite the frigid temps still lingering outside I was craving a milkshake and maybe hoping to jump start summer, at least in my kitchen anyway. 

I looked in my freezer and pantry and decided to make a cookies and cream shake. 

 

The best part about creating things like milkshakes is that you can just blend in all your favorite shake ingredients. There are lots of different ice cream varieties out there too including those made with almond and soy milk, but I prefer the coconut milk versions. So Delicious makes a great line of coconut milk based varieties, I used the vanilla bean version. And it truly is so delicious!

I used almond milk as my base and added in some Oreos. Yes, Oreos are indeed vegan. Now, like I always say, just because they are vegan does not mean they are healthy, but they sure are a tasty little treat. 

I added three scoops of the ice cream, 1/2 cup of the almond milk, 4 Oreos and blended away! You can adjust quantities based on how thick you like your shakes, it's all up to you! 

 

Pardon the fact that I couldn't wait to drink some before I took a picture. But, voila! A vegan cookies and cream shake!

I Want to Live Forever!

By Kelly Behr

Native Foods Cafe 

Samuel L. Jackson is the newest memeber of a long list of public figures now adhering to a vegan diet. He has been out and about promoting his newest film, "Captain America: The Winter Solider." 

Samuel L Jackson must feel invincible because when reporters inquired about his vegan diet he response was simply, "Just trying to live forever. Trying to finish out my Marvel deal." 

So what I concluded from this is that being a superhero must mean giving up meat and dairy...plant-power!

His plant-based diet physique can be seen in theaters on April 4th. 

Are you a good neighbor, or a bad neighbor?

By Lauren Neuschel

Native Foods Cafe

Some say that, “A good neighbor increases the value of your own property.” And a bad neighbor, well, just the opposite.

That sentiment is proving all too true for Midwest veggie farmers, whose land sits just downwind from mega agricultural giants, Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto. In the past few years, these smaller farming businesses haven’t exactly been reaping what they’re sowing. Instead, their crops have been infected with herbicides from neighboring fields that evaporate and drift in a gaseous state, miles from where they were first sprayed- sometimes even a whopping 100 miles.     

 

Native Foods uses this photo on behalf of: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/13/monsanto-dow-agrosciences-herbicides-save-our-crops/6015519/

 

Dow and Monstanto apply these herbicides to corn and soybean varieties that have been genetically modified to withstand the spray, so that only the weeds are killed. Other crops, and unfortunately, the crops grown by neighboring farms happen to be sensitive to these herbicides (including tomatoes, potatoes, squash, beans, peas).

Local farmers have gathered together to approach these two giants with only one of them willing to compromise. And yep, you guessed it, Monsanto is the one not doing the budging. As the world’s largest producer of genetically modified seeds they aren’t willing to reformulate the herbicide despite the serious effects to neighboring crops. In fact, this new herbicide would likely not even exist had it not been for overuse (and misuse) of an older variety of the herbicide. With over-spraying, the weeds became resistant and this new herbicide had to be formulated. Bigger will always be better for Monsanto, no matter the cost. And their herbicide would boast much higher yields for the company and increased efficiency.

If you look back on Monsanto’s history, it’s clear that bigger and fast have always been a top priority. As has finding the “next big thing.” For example, in the 1950s they predicted microwave-cooking technology, climate control systems (aka the air conditioner), and pushed plastics as “the newest and most challenging category of building materials.” One year at Disneyland they sponsored the “Monsanto House of the Future”- a house made entirely from plastic. Plastics? Microwaves? Chemicals? Energy-suckers? Let’s just say they don’t use the words “protect” and “environment” in one sentence too often. 

 

Native Foods uses this photo on behalf of: http://www.dailyicon.net/2009/04/icon-disneys-monsanto-house-of-the-future/

The question is certainly not whether Monsanto will be on the cutting edge of the latest technology and scientific innovation. For good and for bad, they have been leaders in both fields. But when given the power to lead and to innovate, the question becomes whether they’ll ever realize that the latest technology isn’t always the greatest technology.

 

Only time will tell with this great debacle. But, we’re certainly sticking around to find out...

Designer Dogs: Not Your Average Mutt

By Sammy Caiola

 

Expensive taste isn’t just about clothing, fine dining or luxurious cars. Nowadays, it also applies to pets.

Americans spent an astonishing 55.7 billion dollars on their pets in 2013; up 4.5 percent from the year before, according to research that The American Pet Products Association released last week. A lot of that is for fancy toys and canned chow, but people are also throwing out more cash for the perfect dog. The recent emergence of highly coveted purebred hybrids, also known as “designer dogs”, has added a whole new dimension of sticker shock to American pet culture.

A designer dog, as the media has labeled the phenomenon, is a product of artificial insemination between two purebred dogs of different breeds, the theory being that hybrid dogs will have the ‘best of both worlds’, and be less prone to genetic problems because the gene pool is mixed.

The most popular of these experiments thus far has been the “Golden Doodle”, a medium-sized dog with the temperament of a golden retriever and the curly, non-shedding texture of a poodle. Its big puppy dog eyes and golden locks put it at the top of Vet Street’s “hottest dog breeds” list last May. Good choice, huh?

Native Foods uses this image courtesy of goldendoodlehq.com

But as more breeders enter the designer dog game, more exotic (and humorously named) options come available by the day, including the Affenhuahua (Affenpinscher x Chihuahua), the Bullypit (American Bulldog x American Pit Bull Terrier) and the Swheat-n-Poo (Poodle x Soft Coated Wheaton). The American Canine Hybrid Club has more than 500 known breeds in its directory.

The appeal makes sense. You love the coloring of the Bermese Mountain dog but you want something with short hair? Breed a Bermese with a labradore for a Labernese (below). The possibilities are endless.

 

Native Foods uses this image courtesy of greenfieldpuppies.com

Proponents warn, however, that customers should love ALL aspects of BOTH breeds before committing to a hybrid dog, because there’s no guarantee of which characteristics from which breed will come through in the litter. If there is anything in either purebred that is not compatible with your lifestyle, you may want to consider a standard purebred dog.

Though the term “designer dog” is relatively new, people have been cross breeding purebreds to create better sporting and hunting dogs for decades (take the Australian Shepard, for example). Now, smaller dogs are being bred as status symbols for consumers. Despite their exorbitant pricetags (usually upwards of $1,500), designer dogs are not recognized by breed clubs. People who acquire designer dogs from the few breeders in this specialty field do so most often for recreational purposes.

 

Personally, I’m a bit disappointed in the materialism of the whole thing. A dog is a man’s best friend, not his accessory. There are plenty of existing, well-behaved dogs in shelters and at rescue organizations that can provide the love and companionship that dog owners seek. What gives us the right to custom-create a new breed of dog when we’ve already got so many in need? In an era when people are choosing the eye color of their offspring in vitro, do we need to apply social standards to our pets as well?

Designer dogs could be a fad, or they could change the face of dog breeding forever. Either way, my only hope is that consumers buying a designer dog treat it with love and respect, even if it doesn’t turn out exactly the way it was formulated to.

And who could really be upset with this trend when it’s putting these guys into the world?

A pomsky  pomeranian x husky) puppy. Native Foods uses this image courtesy of pomskypuppies.us.

 

 

Elephants Escape from Circus Like A Real Life Jumanji

by Kelly Behr

Remember this movie with Robin Williams about a board game gone array? 

 

 

 

Well something a little less dramatic happened right outside my hometown of St. Louis, MO. The event occurred when the Moolah circus was in town last week. Below is the story from ABC news. 

 

 

 

This brings up the obvious issue of the circus itself. I remember attending the circus as a kid. You marvel at seeing large majestic creatures doing tricks you never thought were possible. Here you see clowns riding small bikes, elephants balancing on balls and tigers jumping through hoops. As a child you munch on your popcorn and peanuts and never give thought to how this might not be the best life for these animals. Touring from town to town in small cramped spaces in a total unnatural environment, forced to do tricks for our entertainment or risk punishment is not the picture the circus industry wants to paint. But sadly, the circus is not a joyous place for the animals involved. 

I am sure everyone who has visited a Native Foods has noticed we love elephants and we have them all over our restaurant. Our elephant has become one of our mascots. He is seen surfing in Encinitas, riding a bike to the farmer's market in Costa Mesa, canoeing in Denver and is even at the World's Fair in Hyde Park. We use the elephant as an example that you can be big and strong by eating a plant based diet, after all they are the world's largest vegan. 

Native Foods Cafe: Glendale, CO

We take our love for elephants and animals in general one step further. We are committed to supporting groups who advocate for animal welfare. One of the groups we have worked with over the years is PAWS.

PAWS or The Performing Animal Welfare Society captive wildlife sanctuary is a place where abandoned, abused, or retired performing animals and victims of the exotic animal trade can live in peace and dignity. For more than twenty years PAWS has been at the forefront of efforts to rescue and provide appropriate, humane sanctuary for animals who have been the victims of the exotic and performing animal trades. PAWS investigates reports of abused performing and exotic animals, documents cruelty and assists in investigations and prosecutions by regulatory agencies to alleviate the suffering of captive wildlife.

 

Native Foods uses this image courtesy of www.pawsweb.org

We like to see elephants enjoying life like in the above photograph, with PAWS founder Pat Derby who was a former Hollywood animal trainer.

 

Circuses have gotten a bad rap over the years, but they rightfully should. Animals are wonderful creatures that we can learn from and about. However, there are many different ways to expose our children to these wonderful creatures, not just showing them doing silly tricks that do nothing to represent their species. 

March Vegan Movie Madness

By Lauren Neuschel 

Native Foods Cafe

 

 

It’s bracket time! And no, not a March Madness basketball bracket, a Vegan Movie Madness bracket!

 

 

 

 

How cool is this round up we found of all the best animal-loving, earth-friendly, rave-worthy films? Everything from “Supersize Me” to “Blackfish,” this list has all the top contenders competing for vegan movie of the, not season, but decade. And if you haven’t watched them all, now’s the perfect time! So with March Madness in our mists, rally up some friends and some spirit to watch the best of the best square off. Just leave the referees, time-outs, and foul plays to the NCAA.

 

 

 

Muscling Up: A Vegan Guide to Protein Supplement

By Sammy Caiola

 

If you’re a vegetarian, you’ve probably been accused, at some point in your life, of being protein-deficient. Your family and friends have probably given you dozens of lectures about how without meat, you’re bound to pass out from anemia or hypothermia or some such thing. As you probably know, that is not true.

 

But there is some merit to meat eaters’ concerns. The average person needs .037 grams of protein per pound of body weight, according to health.com. For example, if you weigh 125 pounds you need about 46 grams of protein a day. That is a whole lot of spinach.

 

While diligent vegetarians can probably make the cut with hearty doses of lentils, quinoa and edamame, it requires more preparation and mathematics than I personally have time for in my frantic life as a journalist/Zumba instructor/college student. And that’s just for the bare minimum. If, like me, you’re trying to build up a little muscle (I’m currently training for a Tough Mudder), it may be time to start thinking about a supplement,

 

Powders and bars might seem scary, but they really do make a great meal replacement or post-workout refueler. Vegans and vegetarians need to be particularly attentive to ingredients though, as many protein supplements use whey, which is a dairy product. To save you the trouble, I talked to a few vegan athletes and made up a short list of snacks that are safe and tasty (well, as tasty as protein supplements get anyway).

 

1. Vega One Nutritional Shake

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of myvega.com

 

A friend of my runs a women’s roller derby team, so she needs her protein supplement in order to stay strong and recover quickly from the many bruises acquired in that particular sport. She swears by the plant-based Vega shake, which is dairy, gluten and soy free and apparently tastes like magic. I haven’t gotten to try it yet, but she recommends the Vanilla Chai flavor. All five flavors contain about 15g of fiber and 6g of protein.

 

2. Warrior Blend

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

 

Aside from the fact that I really enjoy the name of this product, I also really enjoy the flavor (at least the chocolate one). I mix it with skim milk and it tastes just like Ovaltine to me. I’ve also put it in yogurt and oatmeal and gotten great results. It’s relatively short ingredient list includes pea protein, cranberry protein and hemp protein, adding up to a whopping total of 17g of protein (that’s 34 percent of recommended daily intake!)

 

3. CLIF mixed nut Mojo bar

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

 

This one’s less of a meal replacement and more of a great post-workout or hiking snack, but I’m putting it on here anyway because it is super tasty. Made with macadamia nut butter and pretzels, among other things, it is vegan and organic. Surprisingly, so is most of the CLIF line and it’s female-specific line Luna Bar. Note: these guys are pricey so it’s better to buy in bulk.

 

4. Squarebar

Native Foods Cafe uses this image courtesy of Squarebar.com

 

Lots of vegan body builders laud this adorable pocket-sized bar, which is vegan and non-GMO. I might be a little biased because it comes out of my hood (Northern California), but I’ve got high hopes for this new brand, which already has three flavors (cocoa almond, cocoa crunch, and cocoa coconut). With 12g of protein, it can make a nice, square-sized dent in your daily quota.

Note: If you’re just starting on supplements, take it easy at first. Your body is probably not accustomed to handling concentrated vitamins and it may react in an unexpected way. Fiber can be rough on the digestive system and protein causes headaches for some, so consult your physician if you’re concerned about side effects. Otherwise, enjoy the satisfaction of a filling, healthy snack to supplement your squats and bicep curls!

A POP of Protein

By Kelly Behr 

 

Ever since Chef Steve started at Native Foods he has been filling me with a wealth of food information. One day we were talking about grains. He was one of the first chefs who really started to utilize quinoa. But, it doesn't stop there. There are so many grains out there that I had never even heard of and I thought it would be fun to look up these grains and see what they could be used for. 

My favorite so far has been this tiny little grain called Amaranth. 

 

I read this grain is full of protein, (13-14%! and it is a complete protein being that it has lysine, which most other grains lack) which is great news for us vegans! But not only that, you can pop it like popcorn. I read that this is a popular way to make it in South America. I was pretty skeptical about this tiny little grain being able to pop I decided to give it a whirl. 

I heated up my skillet. I tested the temperature with a little drop of water (if the water evaporates after bubbling around for a few seconds, you are ready). 

I put one teaspoon of the grain into the pan because I was unsure of how this was going to go and I covered it immediately. (Good thing or those little grains would be all over my kitchen). 

 

 

But the weird part is, it actually tastes just like popcorn. It is like the dipping dots version of popcorn! I used some salt and ate it with a spoon since it was so tiny, but I have to say, it was delicious! 

 

Jicama Pineapple Escabeche

By Steve Petusevsky

Director of Culinary Innovation 

Native Foods Cafe

From the tiny beachfront fishing village of Sayulitas, along the  warm Mexican Riviera in the Nayarit  region of Mexico, comes this  unusual recipe for marinated jicama and pineapple. It was so refreshing and juicy yet spicy. Escabeche can be served as an appetizer or salad, but any way you serve it, a fiesta for your taste buds is inevitable.

 

Jicama Pineapple Escabeche

Serves 4 as an appetizer

1 small jicama, peeled and cut into ½ inch sticks

½ small pineapple, peeled and cut into ½ inch sticks

Chili powder, to taste

2 tablespoons Cilantro, minced

3 tablespoons scallions, minced

¼  teaspoon salt

1 lime, cut into 4 wedges

In a medium bowl, toss the jicama with the chili powder, scallions and salt. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Makes 4 servings.