Native Foods Blog

5 Reasons to Vegan this Week!

by Chef Tanya Petrovna

Native Foods Cafe

 1. Ach de Liebe! It’s Octoberfest Time! Munich is one of my fave cities (Chicago you are in there too!) and they know how to party (must have learned from you Chicago)! Did you know all the beer in Germany is vegan!  Hop on a plane today!   Munchener freund Reiner Goetz just took this great photo! 

Native Foods Cafe Munich?  You never know!

2. Ever wonder what happens to all the little boy chicks that hatch in the egg industry? It suffices to say they don’t make it past the first few days. Do the organic free range egg sources do this too? Hmmmmm… 

Native Foods Cafe borrowed this adorable pic from shepherdsflute.blogspot.com

3. Seed Bistro-Eric Lechasseur of Seed restaurant has now opened up Seed Bistro in Brentwood. Vegan a little upscale for your dining pleasure. Meet me there! 

It's great to see Eric whenever he stops in Native Foods Cafe too!

4.Vegetarian Butcher- It’s gotten easier to get meaty alternatives in the Netherlands. The Vegetarian Butcher opened last year and now there are 30 stores.  Apparently 75% of people in Netherlands have stopped eating meat on a daily basis.  Take a side trip after the Octoberfest! 

This is one butcher we can get behind at Native Foods Cafe!  Vegan food rules.

 

5. Chimichurri!- Makes it easy to veganize anything. Just pour it on! Salads and raw veggies, sautéed veggies, tofu, grilled veggie meats. Find my super easy recipe in the Native Foods Blog archives. Hurry!

There is a new Chimichurri dish on the Fall Menu at Native Foods Cafe.... Woo hoo!

 

Totally Tomatina

by Christopher Arnett

Native Foods Cafe

It’s late summer, which means it’s tomato time in Spain (and here too, we are kind of obsessed with them here at Native Foods Cafe, can you tell?). The annual festival of La Tomatina is underway in the town of Buñol, in the province of Valencia (also known for its sweet orange trees, though actual Valencia oranges were developed by a Californian farmer in the 19th century whose cultivation led to Orange County receiving it’s namesake). The festival is held on the last Wednesday of every August, and basically is a bunch of rowdy people throwing over ripe tomatoes at each other (literally tons of over ripe tomatoes, in fact). Fun, huh? 

Typical day in the kitchen at Native Foods Cafe.  Chef Tanya is kinda wild. She's a Gemini.

So when did this fun and fruity (not a vegetable, right?) tradition begin? In 1944 there was a parade underway and some young guys who wanted to participate started a fight. Since there was a vegetable stand nearby, they used tomatoes as weapons (don’t underestimate the power of this nightshade—ever seen the The Killer Tomatoes?). The Spanish, who are always up for a party ( I speak from experience), decided to repeat the raucous ruckus the following year with tomatoes from their own homes. Eventually, everyone had such a good time that the tradition was unofficially left to continue. It’s only grown ever since, and now the small town of Buñol is visited by 30,000 tourists each year eager to participate in the frolic. 

Hi Mom!  I took a detour on the way back to school... La Tomatina in Spain then Portobello & Sausage Burger at Native Foods Cafe.

The fun officially gets underway at around 10a.m., when participants climb a greasy pole in an attempt to knock off a ham that is set on top (yuck!). This is done to the singing and dancing of onlookers who are being showered with hoses. Once a ham is knocked off, the signal to begin the tomato fight begins!

Chef Tanya (Native Foods Cafe) would like to officially offer up a Native Seitan Roast to replace the ham atop that greasy flagpole.

In the town plaza, trucks provide tomatoes that are specifically grown for the event (that’s dedication). The tomatoes are required to be crushed, and the use of goggles is recommended. After exactly one hour, the fight is signaled to stop. As it turns out, the tomatoes actually help clean the cobblestone streets of the town with their acidic juice, leaving them dazzling and just like new. So everyone wins! 

Now stop fightting bulls... and concentrate on the tomatoes our Spanish friends!

 

5 Reasons to Vegan this Week!

by Holladay Allen

Native Foods Cafe

 

1. Cleos!  The new chocolate peanut butter cups from Go Max Go Foods... They already make some outstanding vegan candy bars that are sure to please any sweet, gooey, chocolately, candy craving... and now peanut butter cups!  Thanks guys, we really appreciate it.

2.  VegNews Vacations!  With destinations like Thailand, India, Mexico and beyond... there is somewhere for everyone.  Explore a new country and its delectable vegan cuisine with Joe and Colleen from VegNews.  I am totally saving for that trip to India so I can finally see the Rat Temple that Chef Tanya always talks about.  And check out the VegNews magazine as well for the latest and greatest in the world of vegan.

3.  Earth Balance Coconut Spread.  This has officially replaced all butter and oil in my kitchen.  I LOVE it.  It is pretty much like coconut oil with salt and a lil' easier to spread.

 

4. This amazing tote from Food Fight.  Enough said.  Leave the lambs alone.  Oh, and Food Fight is an amazing all-vegan grocery store in Portland.  Can't wait for Native Foods Cafe in Portland! 

5.  Cool Kids... that are Vegan!  We've met so many this week and they all rule.  They rule hardcore.

 

 

 

The Power Of Pickles

By Chef Tanya Petrovna

Native Foods Cafe 

They used to cost a nickel and they still are a great price considering that pickles can save your life. 

There a few different ways to power your pickle... including a salty brine (Native Foods Cafe)

There are a simple old school ways to prepare pickles that have stood the test of time. I am not referring to the pickles you may see at the market loaded with sugar, preservatives and artificial colors. Beware the “Takuan” or daikon root pickles you get in some sushi restaurants or at the market that are bright yellow, they should be brown. 

Should be more of a lighter brown like this, rather than a bright yellow (Naive Foods Cafe)

 

What happens in traditional pickle making is a fermentation that then provides valuable digestive enzymes. Chewing your food well also provides a plethora of enzymes naturally, so slow down the gulping. Native people throughout the world have always included a small amount of pickles in their diet.  This is a great balance when eating cooked foods. 

Batches of fresh sauerkraut at The Cultured Pickle Shop. (Native Foods Cafe)

There are quick pickles and stronger longer pickles. Quick pickles get put in a salty brine for a short time and the latter a longer time. Both kinds are meant to be eaten in small amounts, but eaten regularly is when they work best. 

Tickle the pickle!  We serve three kinds of pickles at Native Foods Cafe: traditional dill, fried, and daikon and carrot!

When your body has the flora it needs in your inner workings it stimulates the immune system. Diet sodas and heavy sugars actually deplete the natural enzymes and therefore don’t help strengthen the immune system. So you can make your own pickles, or if live somewhere like, Berkeley, California you can stop in to see Alex  Hozven at the Cultured Pickle Shop.

Can't wait till Native Foods Cafe San Francisco opens so I can hang out at the pickle shop more often!

She has an amazing array of authentic Japanese and multicultural pickles. Ayurvedic Sauerkraut, Kim chee, burdock  root pickles with flavors and herbs beyond belief. No artificial anything here. 

I'm in pickle heaven!  (Native Foods Cafe)

Definitely put The Cultured Pickle shop on your map when you are in the San Francisco area. The beet and fennel pickles turn a B sandwich into an A+ and you get the extra “enzymatic action” perks…hey that would be a good name for a band!  

TIP: You can make a pickle with miso too. Cut some firm veggies like carrot, pumpkin, burdock root and bury in a some miso for one or two days. You can rinse before eating, chop into salad or warm rice. 

Miso Pickles photo courtesy of spindlesandspices.blogspot.com

native foods cafe, native foods cafe chicago, native foods cafe san  diego, vegan food, vegan restaurant

Yurts?...Yes!!

by Christopher Arnett

Native Foods Cafe

 

“Glamping” seems to be becoming all the rage, with its mix of modern creature comforts (private bathrooms, flat-screen TV’s, Wi-Fi, etc.) and traditional camping. And the humble yurt is riding the crest of this popular trend. 

So does this mean while dining in the Native Foods Cafe in Costa Mesa, you are technically "glamping"?

But what exactly is a yurt? Where did it come from? Well, quite simply a yurt is a kind of tent (like a teepee). But it has a cylindrical bottom and conical top, with thicker walls.  Overall, it’s more homelike than the average tent. Traditionally, it’s felt-covered with a wood lattice frame, and of course, it’s portable! Yurts originated with nomadic peoples from Central Asia, such as the Mongolians and Turks. Today, yurts are still the principle form of dwelling for many people in the region, especially among Mongolians. 

The Mongolian nomads have evolved to transport by motorcycle... but their lodging remains the same.

But you don’t have to trek to Central Asia to experience a yurt (of course doing so would be awesome!). The Wilds, an organization in southeastern Ohio dedicated to conservation, offers luxury camping experiences through an on-site area called Nomad Ridge.  The yurts here boast private bathrooms, electricity, decks, and ceiling fans. Admittedly, when I first read that visitors to Nomad Ridge had a view of wild African animals from their yurts, my internal animal rights alarm started to go off. But, after reading that the goal of The Wilds is conservation and checking out their website, I’m pretty impressed! Their self-stated core ideology includes “commitment to and respect for nature” and “social and scientific relevance.” The facility provides nearly 10,000 acres of diverse habitat, and is continuously developing programs in the areas of conservation medicine; animal management, husbandry, and health; restoration ecology; conservation science training; and conservation education. All this and yurts, too? Sign me up! 

Native Foods Cafe Ohio will definitely be in Nomad Ridge.  We love yurts.. hint, hint Native Foods Cafe Costa Mesa!

And if you happen to be in SoCal and are looking for a nature-filled yurt experience closer to home, check out the Treebones Resort at Big Sur. The views are breathtaking, and you can even spend the night in a “human nest!” 

Made only more perfect with in-nest vegan dining!  Native Foods Cafe delivery?

And of course, we at Native Foods Café could not have a blog on yurts without paying homage to a yurt that holds a special place in our hearts: Native Foods CafeCosta Mesa!  Come by and check us out at our location that has made us an OC landmark. The yurt, like the food and the people, is fantastic! 

This image of the yurt that houses Native Foods Cafe in Costa Mesa is courtsey of www.fourletterlife.com.

 

 

Hello Mr. Campbell, We've Been Waiting for You

by Holladay Allen

Native Foods Cafe

Holy mother of shoes!  Jeffrey Campbell has finally announced a vegan line.  It is about time my friends.  I, along with oodles of other vegan gals, have been dreaming about this day for way too long.  Mr. Campbell makes insanely attractive pieces of art for your grubby little feet at amazingly affordable prices (those of you who refuse to pay more than $50 on shoes based on principle need not pay any attention to these materialistic ramblings).  I have already drafted a proposal to incorporate these as a mandatory part of the Native Foods Cafe uniform.  As of right now, Campbell's new designs will only be available in-store at the eco-chic boutique Convert in Berkeley, CA.  So get on it!  And send me a pair while you are at it.  I wear a size 8 and I reallllllly like the Virgos (in the tribal style).  A million kisses to you Mr. Campbell... it's about time.

Da Virgo.... what a shoe, what a shoe.
Prospect.  What a great prospect indeed.
Rockin. Nuff said.

The Winners of our "Win a Trip" to Chicago are....

by Native Foods Cafe

 

We were amazed, flattered, grateful, overwhelmed, and on & on at the more than 2000 responses we received to our Win a Trip to Chicago Contest on Facebook.  Thanks to everyone who participated... we read and watched every entry.... and it was an incredibly difficult decision... but without further ado...... The winners are:

Summer Joyner is the Grand Prize Winner of a trip to Chicago, spending cash, tix to Lollapalooza, 3 nights hotel and 2 invites to the Native Foods VIP pre-opening parties…. And a whole lotta fun!  Guess who she is bringing?  Her sister and bandmate, Torrey… We can’t wait gals!

 

Daniel Schonhaut is the winner of Native Foods for a year straight!  One meal a week that is!  Here is his winning video:

 

Jennifer Silveira is the winner of an Ipod Touch... who knew that you could photoshop a wedding picture into Ranch dressing.  A-MAY-ZING.

Maddy Coghlan is the winner of a pair of Tom’s Shoes… Woo-hoo!  She made a supah-sweet video about how much she loves Native Foods and all the cool things she wins with her Rewards Card!

 

The winners of a subscription to VegNews are:

Lauren Henley

Travis Chen

Jackie Bressack

Amy Franco

Silvia Nagy

Sara Godbold

Lisa Rosas

Tara Pierce O'Keefe

Denise Vallejo

Melissa Klotz

Melanee E. Nelson

Clara Polito

 

The winners of a $25 gift card to Native Foods are:

Christopher Vincent Lewis-Garcia

Susan Groveman

Alex Estrada

Angelika Steinberg

Victoria Maley

Jovani Olivares

Joanne McCallin

Liz Nicholson

Judy Grossman

 

 

The winners of a $10 gift card to Native Foods are:

Bethany McKinley

Robban Andersson

Paul Silver

Jenny (Landsman) Silverman

Clarissa Barton

Scott D. Howard

Ka Go

Anthony Ramirez

Heather Thorpe

Andrew Alan

Korie Nelson

Dawn Coraci

Briana Eliana Miller

Christopher Moore

Lev Anderson,

Laura Nicole Harrison

Charlotte Lieb

 

 

Win a Trip to Chicago and Tickets to Lollapalooza!

by Native Foods Cafe

Go to our Facebook, Like us, then leave a comment on our Wall about why you like us.... and you could win a trip to Chicago for two including airfare, spending cash, tickets to Lollapalooza and the VIP pre-opening parties at Native Foods Cafe in Wicker Park!  25 runners-up could win a-meal-a-week for an entire year at Native Foods, an iPod Touch, a pair of Tom's Shoes, a year subscription to VegNews magazine and more... Woo-hoo!  But don't delay... The contest ENDS THIS SATURDAY July 30th, 2011 at 5pm (PST).  Get in on the action HERE... and be creative... jazz it up with video, pictures, whatever!

My Summer in India...

By Chef Tanya Petrovna

Native Foods Cafe

I missed a trip to India two years ago due to saving some sacred cows here in the U.S….rats! I was really happy to help save the cows don’t get me wrong, but I also wanted to see the rats at the Karni Mata temple at Deshnoke. It is here that people honor and feed the rats, and believe it or not, the rats spread no disease and never populate the city where the temple is situated, just the temple. Such a thing has never been heard of in human history.

In a perfect world, cows will be hanging out side of Native Foods Cafe, on a lush greenscape that is!

I somehow have a connection with these rats, maybe because I am a rat in Chinese astrology. I somehow always cheer for the underdog and the underrat and the underpigeon. Pigeons also get a bad rap for being dirty, as do rats, but they are forced to live where the humans are (who the real cause of the unclean areas, such as big cities with concrete and no natural drainage and inefficient sewer systems).

 

You may ask how I can go from thinking of rats and sewer systems to create a menu item that is predicted to be the best selling salad of summer. Well thereby hangs a very long tail.

Rats at the Karni Mata temple... I think that is almond milk they are drinking!

As I was thinking of India and all its history, the Ganges and Himalayas, the oldest texts and texts on medicine, yoga, astronomy, I then do what I always do and start thinking about food.  In this case Indian food, my favorite part of Indian history and culture !  On my driving routes from the desert to OC and LA I have a little Indian street food place I like to stop at and get a nice cooling snacky salad item called Papri Chaat. Over the course of many quick stopovers and intimate oral dissections I would have mental conversations on how to rebuild this chaat with some more greens and veggies to give it “full meal” status.

The beginning of the food evolution to the Indian Summer Samosa Salad at Native Foods Cafe... Papri Chaat.

So one day after doing yoga and standing on my head gazing downwardly at the stars, the Indian Summer Samosa Salad idea rushed in along with the O2 to the brain.

A whispered voice in my head got louder as it said in almost a mantra-like crescendo fashion “Crunchy samosa croutons, boiled potato, soft garbanzo beans, fresh cucumber and mango with a creamy coconut jalapeno chutney style dressing on a bed of crisp romaine. “ I thought maybe I’d call it the Samadi salad but didn’t get that far.

The moral of the story is do more yoga and eat Indian Summer Samosa Salads at Native Foods Cafe (in Chicago or Southern California) while planning your trip to the temple of Karni Mata. 

The Indian Summer Samosa Salad at Native Foods Cafe... Namaste.

 

Jimmy Carter the Worm Killer!

By Chef Tanya Petrovna

Native Foods Cafe

I know you haven’t heard about this in the media... and I only read it from reading “Think!” by Lisa Bloom, the Attorney and National TV Legal Analyst Vegan. I added the word “vegan” to her title because now you know she's REALLY cool... the word “attorney” can scare people.  Plus she likes the Peanut Butter Parfait, so COOL x 2!

So I’ll tell you what I learned from the book about Jimmy Carter the worm killer... but to preface, Lisa was really writing about how our media makes some of the small things BIG and the big things SMALL... and to always think about what you are really reading. The book is fun, smart & informative and an absolute must-read, and “absolutely” is in bold on purpose.

So don’t get pissed at President Jimmy for killing the worms, he’s actually preventing them from being born and why would he do that?

Get this bike-riding worm killer a Peanut Butter Parfait from Native Foods Cafe stat!

Well the worm is the Guinea Worm also known as Dracunuculus medinensis and it is a human parasite mostly found in Africa... that measures a meter long! It starts from drinking water where their larvae lie and fleas then ingest. The fleas then get in the water the people drink, stomach acid dissolves the flea and releases the worm, which loves the human reservoir, and then goes through intestinal wall into blood stream and grows and grows until it wants to get out.

It will go out anywhere including the eye. You know it’s coming because a blister forms that is itching, swelling and burning. The pain is awful and that’s when the human runs to water to quell the itch burn pain. The water makes it emerge and then it releases its larvae. What a life cycle!

The Guinea Worm under a scope... You can google the graphic pics if you so desire!

It happens sometimes yearly to the same people and there is no cure except for slowly pulling it out by rolling on a stick until you finish. The pain is so severe mothers can not attend to their children and workers can not go to work, which is really hard for the people in addition to the pain. Humans are their only reservoirs.

The Carter Presidential Center has been working on this for 20 years by helping filter the drinking water in Third World countries and he’s been making huge progress. In 1986 3.5 million people got infected and in 1995 130,000 were infected world wide.

So let’s give the man Jimmy Carter a big hand…oh and of course a Peanut Butter Parfait too!