Cool Kicking Creating!!!

     I'm finally doing the Master Cleanse! I've been reading all sorts of things about it, seen so many references to it, and heard about it from loads of friends. I've juggled with the idea of this cleanse because I assumed it would be horrid, more so the lemonade cayenne concoction would be inedible (drinkable?!) but I'm five days in (halfway) and so far LOVING it! I am filled with energy, I feel healthier, clearer, more focused, and calmer~ more collected. I figured this cleanse NEEDED to happen because I was getting a bit stuck, a bit lost, and short with my tolerance of those surrounding me. I wanted a hollistic healing, a way to connect with the present and not let it be clouded with hate. (Mononoke whaaaat!!!!) I was meaning to keep a diary of each day, but I will throw up a big post covering each day once I wrap this MC up!!
     That's a wee lemony-update!

     Before the MC mission, I got a home-cooked/made-with-love-and-sweat meal that has left me lingering for it's return! I've had difficulty consuming and digesting night shades (white potatoes, peppers, etc) and recently have been reintroducing them to my diet and plate. I always wandered produce sections, longingly setting sights on the cute, plump, and fun bell peppers; they're smiling bright orange colors and yellow sunny-ness and like a hungry wolf, salivated over them. I WANTED and WANT to snap on bell peppers. I began with thin slivers and gradually increased my intake of them and I've got myself now purchasing them every week. Scotty Soul made me something featuring these once "dangerous" nightshades and...this Vegan lady was in bliss...

Scotty Soul's Vegan Creation..ughhhh~ photo taken by VeganBeats

ughhhh.....look at that color!!!

      He made quinoa, tomato, and kidney bean stuffed bell peppers, roasted root veggies, and a broccoli herb salad! Seeing all this color, smelling all the savor goodness stirred up a rumble in my stomach and I couldn't stop savoring each bite. I've never had stuffed peppers (vegan style) before and I honestly was overwhelmed! It was all gluten free too! Well, the roasted roots had a wee bit of whole wheat flour...but that's because he's got a secret method to making potatoes extra crunchy and soft. I got seconds, and dreamed...still dream about this meal. :sigh:
     Another fun project was done...the FIRST Scott-hee creation was for a dear and wonderful friend for his birthday! I've been drawing more and Scotty Soul is amazing at graffiti and throw ups so we collaborated on this piece here! There will be more Scott-hee creations to come...just wait!

Scott-hee's first creation~ photo taken by VeganBeats

      And...just because there should be a bit more "vegan" trending on this here blog, this is a crispy baked curry I made last week (before the lemonade deal). I baked tofu, zucchini, onions, and broccoli and made them crunchy with sweet potato starch (a little inspired by crunchy jazz) and made a spicy and thick curry sauce with kale, cabbage, onions, and bean sprouts. Result...gluten free, crunchy, spicy, hot, steamy greatness!

curry jazz~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     Recipes to come...just want to perfect this more....Next post will be as soon as I wrap up the MC!!!

until then~

VeganBeats back Stateside: Rushing around and Bumbling through Brooklyn

     As most people and crew know, I wandered my way stateside for a best friend's wedding (CONGRATULATIONS LOVERS) but while doing so, I invested a lot of emotions and parts work into the trip. The trip was very tightly scheduled and within it, involved traveling all around...but I was ready, and am so glad I did it all.
     I took American Airlines most of the way, and despite rumors of no more veggie meals, they were somewhat accommodating. They came up with some pretty horrid ideas of veggie meals (cucumber, kiwi, butter soggy sandos?!~) I did start my first flight on Japanese airlines and their vegan meal was surprisingly good. I got a green salad with carrots, daikon, spring greens, and a few cherry tomatoes and a simple balsamic redux dressing  the main was a pumpkin, zucchini, carrot, and onion curry served with turmeric rice and peas, and a spicy tomato eggplant jalfrezi. This was served up with a side of two chapati/pita and the dessert was a raw coconut, apple, apricot bar! HELL yeah vegan jams!

Japanese air Vegan meal~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     As soon as I landed, I booked it home for a quick shower and buzzed to The Melting Pot for Nichole's bachelorette party. I honestly wasn't up for eating (and fondue just doesn't get me sassy) and felt vodka was a smarter choice. I asked for a cranberry vodka and got a giant glass of cranberry flavored vodka. Swirling about later I managed to make a couple dozen decorative bows for the wedding.
     The next day (Sunday) was family jams. I made three different types of hummus and one bean dip while my mom made roasted pumpkin, a Japanese soba noodle salad, and mandu soup. Vegan jams for the WIN! Even in pictorial absence, there was a feast prepped and I so wish the wedding was towards the end of the week...lady stress aside and implied insecurities fully owned~ how can I enjoy feasts when I've got a dress to snuggle into at the end of the week?

veggie platter...photo taken by VeganBeats

     Oh~ minor MAJOR detail, my boy Binger~ he remembered me! The little old man full of creaky knees, a foggy eye, digestive struggles, started chatting away the moment I opened the door. He's an old one but still a pup. I'd be lying if I didn't say he was someone I was BEYOND pumped to spend some mama baby time with! 

heya mama~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     Seriously, the second I put him on my chest he stretched out and caught me up on the past year of shenanigans and trouble he's been getting into. Too bad he tired himself out!

sweepy~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     The next couple days was all about finding my ground, getting some rooting in, getting my head back on, reconnecting with positivity, and understanding what it is that I love and need to maintain a pleasant, positive, and productive state of being. Monday began with a blinded sprint through South Station to settle a spot via FungWah to New York ($15.00 to NY from Boston!). I was going to kick it with some Bearquarium loves and I was all too eager to get to NY as fast as possible. BUT 20 minutes outside of South Station, just over the Mass border these horrendous sounds started rumbling in the bass of the bus. Smoke started to billow out and angry hisses erupted out of the bus's sides, it started to slow and the heaviness started to hint in my chest.
      On the side of the highway, half a bus full of people sat seeing hundred of cars wiz by, free of complications. I've only read about the failed FungWah missions, and after taking it for nearly a decade and well over a dozen times, this was a first. After an hour, another bus came and picked us up and this one, bus number two, broke down three separate times on the way to New York.
     I arrived and Towsky just began his class, I hailed a cab after walking a couple blocks (cabs are a plenty...but only in Seoul). I stumbled into a bar, interrupted a class and was presented a strong cranberry vodka (this time WITH juice). Filled with giddiness and genuine excitement about actually sitting NEXT to Towsky, I got far drunker than intended (thanks Professor). I blame my roadster rush into inebriation on BQ love! Once class wrapped up, we headed back to Towsky's and I explored my home for the next two nights. I've only seen Towsky's place via skype and if it was impressive then~ in person it's insane! My favorite part was his indoor greenhouse, goji berries, basil, avocado tree, greens...grahhhhhhhhh.

garden glory~ photo taken by VeganBeats

      After a bit we linked up with Spy and went for a wander around Brooklyn. We stumbled (literally) into a park and started climbing trees (pics later...maybe) and everything felt so balanced. The bliss and content that used to be a big part of my life was surrounding me. (whine: I love my friends here, but I really miss BQ) I was feeling...good, great, at peace. These things have been so clearly and loudly missing from my life here. 

by our park~ photo taken by VeganBeats

      After putting monkeys to shame and getting swirlier than intended, I skipped back home and Towsky, Spy, and I shared a few bottles of wine, laughs, stories, and still...peace. I passed out earlier than intended and woke up at 7!! Towsky conveniently woke up and there were two options; deal with our spinning hangovers sleeping OR throwing on waterproof clothing, sneakers, and hitting the dewy morning on bikes!
     We were both in this world of disbelief. I haven't seen Towsky in years, and though Skype has been brilliant, physical presence is a world of difference. Is this a dream?
     Towsky is now gluten-free and more than accommodating to vegan jams (you are kind of stuck with me ya) and he found Sun In Bloom, a gluten free, raw, and vegan restaurant. (facebook page)

You see these types of signs...all over NY~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     I'm not a breakfast lady but how often am in New York?! How often can I eat a raw meal with a BQ crew bud?
     Phbbbt~ and game~ Towsky got a chia seed almond milk that was nearly pudding. Kissed with cinnamon and coconut, thick and creamy, this drink was pure energy and bliss. It was rather pricey though, but recreation is a mission worth getting on~

chia seed almond milk~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     For a main, he got the Bloom Burger as a salad ($9.25). This is a live burger (nothing is cooked) made up of tomato, basil, caramelized onions and assorted seeds and such. It was served with cabbage, lettuce, with a Live sunflower dill dressing. The dressing was a bit too sweet for me, and I can't help myself, I want sriracha on EVERYTHING.

Towsky's dish~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     I got a Rueben Special as a salad ($9.25), which was marinated tempeh with house made raw sauerkraut and a live creamy Russian dressing. It was served on a bed of raw cabbage and lettuce and dusted in parsley and black pepper.  This was so good, but I've NEVER had a Reuben before so owning that I have nothing to compare it to. But if this is what they taste like...whoa~

My dish~ photo taken by VeganBeats

      After brunch, Towsky had class and I met up with Spy for more jolls around New York. I foolishly wore GIANT shoes and still trekked the town...eh who needs to feel anything below the ankles right?
     We wandered through all of High Rise Park and in all my times in New York, how could I have missed this? The past visits have involved nightly escapades and shows or swirly mornings...another gracious thanks for getting in some sun and having a New York day. The park is quite brilliant, it was a deserted subway line that runs over several main streets in the city. There are hidden art pieces along the path and cute spots to open up a sketch pad, read a book, binge on coffee, snuggle up with a loved one, or just be.

road view~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     When we got to the end of the park I squealed about wanting to see Lady Liberty and being a great sport, he was game to kick it to the Hudson river.
     The weather was pristine, and I was already glowing and full of all this love and grounding, my appreciation and presence with the world was electrifying me. I was feeling so connected to NY, I really loved it, and my energy was more than above baseline. So many people are out;  awake, running, biking, loving, snuggling, singing- int heir own world's and still interacting in this world, on the river, on the roads. The community is present!! I know Seoul has it's special things too, but there's something really nice about seeing and being with all that activity!
     We wandered to the Freedom Tower (hell yea NY) and we wandered back toward his neighborhood for coffees while waiting for Towsky to get out of class. Whilst binging, I was on mission numero two...VT~ I wanted and planned to kick it with as much of BQ as possible, and I wanted to squeeze it in before Wedding Rehearsal time. I came to discover that the only possible way I could do this was to catch an 8:30 am bus to Burlington and arrive at 4 then to catch the 2am bus BACK to Boston at 7:30am. I did complain and argue with the computer for a bit, but if I was Seoulside, I'm sure I'd be in such a bitter and angry position where hatred would fill my veins. I was frustrated, but...aigo.
     Spy and I got out missions done then met with Towsky for a late dinner...messing up subway lines and getting confused we took longer than planned (Seoul subways...thank you for making sense to me) and by the time we got to his place...like old times, I was interrupting slumbers. Spy juiced up our mission and we whirl-winded out to the chilly streets for another wine and dine mission.
     Oh Towsky's place is even better because there's a Trader Joe's so super close!!! ughghhghghghg I'm a space cadet in Joe's and though I was wine-focused, I started wandering and had to be barked at to get focused...Damn You Joe!!
     A quick wine purchase and we went to Mocha Hookah, a grungey and delicous Mediterranean spot. We got a cute corner booth and still...I can't string enough words together to express my peace. As soon as we sat, we got a generous plate of green olives; oily, briny  just enough sour to draw me in. These fatty morsels are a treat...god damned the dress haunting me in my home.

olives~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     Dishes and appetizers were all affordable and the fact that Mediterranean was suggested absolutely tickled me. Making consumption easier for me is not a huge things, but a few people have always gone out of there way to just...help me out. Also, I LOVE going out to eat with these boys, hungry people hell yeah! We got a tabouli salad, LOADED with parsley and light on the bulgur, hummus, babaganoush, a falafel platter (with extra falafel balls), a thick salad (greens for V), pita, and stuffed grape-leaves for Spy. I generally and regrettably kind of despise eating with friends, or in public, or amongst a community. I'm one of those solo-diners, but back in the day, BQ always did family style, and this was just another way to give me a gift of grounding and home. I've savored those meals with the BQ family although I did most of my consumption with Spy. This connection back "home" brought me closer to BQ, safety, acceptance, and clarity.
     How I've missed home...

tabouli~ photo taken by VeagnBeats

family style noms~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     Post belly bulging, we scampered back to Towsky's and opened up my new wine and enjoyed my final night in Brooklyn.
     The details of the evenings needn't be explored, I just left feeling a lot of peace, grounding, content, and a better understanding of where and what I want to be. A whole slew of parts were/are talking and this sounds potentially awful and ungrateful of me to say, but for the first time in a really long time, I felt like I was stepping on some ground. I could see a bit clearer and I felt warm, safe...I was happy, I was present, and I wasn't stressing. I was joking around, feeling light-hearted, ate a huge meal and was good with it. All this comfort and "home" I used to feel was visiting me. My parts have been waiting for it and embraced these very comforting emotions willingly, almost hungrily. It felt as if these parts have been missing, left behind, taken...and we were rejoined, just for a bit, but I think I can see the ground, or make out a hemisphere...
     I feel so much better now that I've interacted with these parts again, I do feel like I've carried some of them back with me...but I'll get into this later.

Until later~

Sun In Bloom:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Weekend Brunch
Hours: 8:30am-9pm {M,T,W,Th,F} Weekend~ 10am-5pm
Address: 460 Bergen Street Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone #: (718) 622-4304
E-mail: info@suninbloom.com
Facebook Page

Mocha Hookah:
Hours: 9am-midnight Everyday
Address: 183 Atlantic Ave Brooklyn, NY 11201
between Court and Clinton St
Phone #: (718) 624-6764
E-mail: info@mochahookah.com
Facebook Page

VeganBeatin' Curry Play

     I feel like parts of me are still in the "college"-zone of money stretching, penny pinching, and ingredient spreading~ When trying to keep the wallet filled and deal with all them veggies that might be approaching the end of their expiration I turn to one thing...curry! Some people go with stews, soups, casseroles but for me it's always been curry! It's a meal that keeps growing!!
     Sometime last week I decided to make a massive batch of curry, I had loads of stuff that needed to be used and myself and the kids couldn't get through everything...not in time anyways! Papadams, everything in a pot and well~

white peppered papadams~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I had zukes, lentils, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, onions, carrots, peas, and beans...all of it came together to make a super thick, rich, and loaded curry meal! Curry is great, but hella filling, super heavy, and a definite "stick-to-your-ribs" meal! Every time I make curry I think which tupperware I'll have to set aside. Leftovers are always bound to happen.

~ (I'm trying to make this post about money saving but...this was a dinner made for man ^^* meh meh meh) 

pot of curry~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I usually eat curry like it is a stew but I'm not the most normal of folks~ I go to Indian restos requesting lettuce and salads versus naan, rice, or breads!! I made a lentil barley side that was spiced rasam style with some saffron in there!!

rasam curried lentil barley~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Like most of what I make...measuring doesn't really happen, I throw everything together, cross my fingers, and hope for the best...

     Why is curry an easy way to feed yourself for a while...it gets thick...so when you want more, reheat and add water! It's the dish that keeps growing!! 

A smidgen of what's up~ ish

     My posts have been getting increasingly more sporadic as of late~ the natural "necessities" have been getting in the way, but that really isn't worth delving into! There really is only one direction to go, right?!~

photo taken by VeganBeats

     Anyways, figured I'll just post some food porn pictures of things I've eaten, or made, or played around with for the past week(s)!

slow roasted and cooked curry, chalk full of everything in my fridge that needed loving~
(photo taken by VeganBeats)

     On the way to work everyday, there's this teeny little lady selling trash bags loaded with veggies...I 've never bought anything, but it's impressive that everyday she provides this veggie service!

veggie granny~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I want to eat more raw, cleanse the body, feel healthier, brighter, etc~ I'm loving the upswing so why not continue and support it right? This is one of the many raw things I played around with~

raw taco~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Raw tacos, wrapped in big iceberg lettuce leaves is a avocado, tomato, onion, and spicy cucumber filling~ kicked with cayenne, chili, course sea salt, cambodian pepper, and sriracha~ I also threw in some raw tofu...verdict~ filling and delicious!!

I'll get some more vegan eats in...

Another weekend of adventure awaits!!

Vegan Za and Crock Pottin' Curry~

     This oven may become an eventual death sentence, there so many things I can now do...it's like I've been racing dolphins and I just got given gills~ the world is at my fingertips! There's the natural grilling, roasting, and dehydrating...but I've been starting on my omnivore goal list...or veganfying jam~
     Challenge in Korea numero uno~ vegan za~ Deep in my freezer I found some follow your heart cheddar cheese so I got this super packed, kissed with veggies, herby za on top of a homemade Italian herb whole wheat dough~ check it!!

das Vegan za~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     So what's on this crazy thing?! Spinach, cheddar "cheese", cherry tomatoes, onions, garlic, zukes, and smokey tofu~ the sauce was made from scratch with some vino, fat tomatoes, and lots of Italian spices...verdict...filling, stacked, and sleep inducing.
     I need to perfect the crust, it's a bit too thick, too heavy, and very pillowy. More like a fluffy French bread crust versus a crunchy, floppy one...will master some day~
     I also have some access to a crock pot, so I did some crock pottin' and whipped up a beany, high protein, rich curry! I threw in peas, chickpeas, broad beans, red beans, lentils, zukes, spinach, carrots, and pumpkin~ heavy on garlic, turmeric, cumin, and spice~

photo taken by VeganBeats~

     My apartment smells great...I can only live with these warm noms for a few more days (or weeks) until Summer rolls through~
     In terms of recipes...I never really measure (>_<#) but I'll make another attempt and post that jam up!)

팥빙수, ready for V?!~

Coco Curry House

     I was first introduced to curry when I was 12 years old. My family used to host Korean students attending schools in the states and one of my "brothers" loved this stuff. To make people feel at home (especially during holidays when students spent it with us versus their family) my mom would whip up anything they wanted. (Think "last meal" except you'll still be alive tomorrow morning). While cooking, this spicy, heavy, thick smell coated our house and with the first spoonful, there was instant "mmhhmmmm!" Chalk full of veggies, served over brown rice, Kyle may have been happy, but we were grateful for our blind date with curry. It's become a comfort food, the spice delivered from curry is different from Mexican and Korean spices, it's a deep, belly-rolling warmth that...feels just cozy.
     Since then, I've had curry all over parts of the world, obviously stateside, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and China. In China there was a curry house that had all sorts of vegan options. Any veggie you wanted, you could add it, and it wasn't wallet harming at all. This curry place is Coco Curry House...and there's one in Seoul! This past weekend, a few of us sauntered into the 강남 (Gangnam) curry house and it brought me back home, back to China, and back to food coma bliss.
     The great thing about this Curry House is there are options, not just veggie but rice serving size, spice level, and the salad and drink option. I went with a smaller portion of rice (500원 cheaper), spice level of 6 (or 9...second hottest on the list), americano, and a salad with peanut ground dressing.

salad (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The salad was the smallest thing ever, a couple crumbled leaves, some quartered cherry tomatoes, a slice or two of cucumber, and the peanut sesame dressing. It was good, though...I wish it was generous in serving...this lady loves her greens!
     In terms of the curry, I got the tomato and asparagus with spinach added!

more than filling! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The veggie curries are all around 7,200 원! And the add-ins range from vegetables, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus and tomato, spinach, natto, etc. If you add the salad and drink option, it is an additional 2,000원! This was filling, took me on a little trip, and a perfect meal for a groggy head~

How to get to Coco Curry House in Gangnam, 
강남역 line 2, go out exit 11 and walk straight. When you pass the Paris Baguette, take that right, then the first left on the lain street. You will get to a strange 3/4 way, veer to the right and Coco Curry House is right there!!

홍대 Hungover creations~

     홍대 is back, and in full force. Ugh~ devilish chocolate bar!!
There are always a few things that hit my mind faster than a shot of soju, 홍대 is: lots of dancing, lots of drinking, lots of laughing, and some sort of hangover. It's not always guaranteed that all of these things will happen, but being prepared for at least 80% is a smart thing to do.
     The past few weekends have granted me a "next morning" glory of groggy cooking, simple (or uncomfortably complex) head-healing noms. Here's nearly everything~ (I'm still stuck cooking with my eyes...ugh the repeated meals~)

green pea and chickpea white pepper hummus, whole grain mustard, smoked tempeh, sprouts, spinach, lettuce, and cucumber on balsamic toasted foccacia (from The Baker's Table)~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

red lentil, green pea, and torn tofu dahl~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

spicy cheezy (nutritional yeast) ramen, loaded with broccoli, carrots, and garlic along with chick'n style tofu~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

the best "pick-me-up" tea~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

premix 콩나물비빔밥 (soybean sprout bibim bap)~ photo taken by VeganBeats

post mix  콩나물비빔밥~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)  

     And the best cure for any 홍대 hangover (whether from too much fun, dancing legs shake, sleep deprivation, eye spoilings, etc.) kick it with your friends, spend the day laughing in bed, snuggle up~ 

~Happy Thanksgiving~

     This is the second Thanksgiving I've sent Seoul-side and I can remember the one I had last year. Chillin in my apartment, snuggling with the kids...repeat, yea!
     I WISH I WISH I had an oven, I miss playing chef~
Usually I prepare all the noms for Thanksgiving for the fam back home (last year they went with lasagna because 'it wasn't the same') and this year I've got a skype date set with them!!
     Anyways...I went with the whole binge-y Thanksgiving American theme and this is my vegan Thanks feast...

veggies and ssamjang! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     There is no traditional mashed taters, steamed onions, warm peas, cranberry sauce, or tofurkey...but this is spicey savory delish deals. I started with a carrot and cucumber dipped in 쌈장 (ssamjang) and then I whipped up a curry and served it with shitake red quinoa. The curry consisted of sweet potatoe, carrots, tofu, and seaweed. The curry was different in that I added lemongrass, red chilli strands, galangal, and cambodian black pepper. 

whoa curry! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Delicious and filling~

Ahhh and this is who I get to snuggle with...yea, I'm thankful^^*!~

yea I'm cute!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Hanoi: Namaste

     After Mui Ne, Ani and I received news that a typhoon was in the works and cancelled our plans for Ha Long Bay. (One of the hundreds of excuses to kick it back over to Vietnam!) Ani and I headed over to iProvecho to work things out, get funds returned, and in the process, a newly opened Indian restaurant was recommended to us. Daniel and Lai were really positive about their dining experience and how great everything was, from the food to the ambiance, to the owner. Ani and I made plans to check out Namaste Hanoi!
     Namaste is authentic Indian cuisine, offering Northern and Southern Indian fare. The menu is more than extensive (which is usually always a bit unnerving). Entering the space, I was impressed with its cleanliness and elegence. Everything was beautifully organized, dressed tab;es, golden walls, a very attentive and smiling staff. We both had a feeling that we were in for something special.


interior of the bar (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We were seated in the back room next to a fully stocked wine bar and within sight of the kitchen. Gopi, the owner greeted us himself and was so kind and caring. He was very helpful and accomodating and considerate of my dietary limitations.

interior of the back seating (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The menu was overwhelming...the most difficult decision was coming up with what we wanted to order. Everything sounded so damned good! And having Southern and Northern Indian options was in itself loads of excitement for me. I've had only North Indian food~

the sauces (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We were first served drinks and started with the pakeezah (55,000 dong= $2.75), which is a pancake stuffed with coconut, capsicum, and dry fruits. The pakeezah was served with an interesting "special" chutney. Gopi gave a great introduction to this dish. The pakeezah itself is a bit of a sweet starter so alone it could be a dessert, but paired with the chutney it works well as a started.

pakeezah (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We also got a Kabuli salad (45,000 dong= $2.25), this was delicious! It is composed of soaked chickpeas, onion, cucumber, garam masala, cumin seed, and mustard. Again, delicious. The chickpeas were nutty, tomatoes fresh and sweet, potatoes cut into tiny morsels that sopped up the flavors and spices, and the cucumbers were refreshing. There was a great combination of textures and I couldn't get enough of this. (Next time I'm in Hanoi, I'm getting a bunch of these!!)

Kabuli salad (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Gopi recommended getting a bread but everything was not vegan. Upon explaining my dietary restrictions, he offered to make the Tawa paratha (35,000 dong= $1.75) special for me!! (how kind)

Tawa paratha (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The tawa paratha was flaky and from what I understand it is made by taking the dough and slapping it hard against a flat surface. The 'slapping' creates air pockets and thus making the bread fluffy. It was also crunchy and stretchy!
     We were both anxious and overwhelmed by everything available, I swear we both were juggling between several plate options. Everything with potential sounded so good!

the spread (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     After snappy debating in my head, I went with the Vegetable jalfraize (70,000 dong=$3.50) which is a Northern Indian plate. This dish is described as 'mixed fresh vegetables cooked with onions and capsicum in a spicy gravy.'

vegetable jalfraize (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The jalfraize was very different from all the other Indian curry dishes I've had. Instead of being mostly 'soup' this was like a stew. It was full of chunky vegetables, fresh herbs, and the "gravy" was thick and coated everything generously. I'm glad that Gopi recommended getting that bread, it was like having a deluxe dipping meal! (I love dips...ask hummus!)
      Ani ordered a Kesar kulfi (60,000 dong= $3.00) which is an Indian saffron ice cream. There were no vegan desserts but Ani's eyes lit up when she had this and she said it tasted like caramel, and you could find chunks of saffron in it! Gopi said the ice-cream is made fresh, which explains the interesting cube-like shape!

Kesar Kulfi (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Gopi was wonderful and really added a lot to Namaste, he added a personal touch and educated us about his creations. The entire meal was filling and lovely. I'm glad he told us how far to go when it came to how much we ordered. 

     In comparison to other restaurants, Namaste is pricier that most but  Namaste is an experience. Everything is made to order, fresh, and made with love. 

Great food...great options...and worth going to over and over again!

Hours: Open 7 days. 11am-2:30pm (last order is at 2) and 6-10:30 pm (last order at 10)

Address: 47 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Directions: East of the Northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake

Phone #: 84-4-3935-2400

Website: www.namastehanoi.com

김치 dahl....a bit of an experiment!

     The weather is filling me with so much energy! But I think it's very much due to an excellent weekend I can't, and don't want to shake. I feel like I have such a buzz going through my system.
     This week is already flying by and the positive energy has been on the high...I've already had some good runs in, a massive errand filled walk, a great 태보 workout (we did the Pirates of the Caribbean workout series again ^^*), got a new language exchange buddy, and had a great tutoring session today!
     Asides from that, my buddy and I cooked dinner together, OVER skype and it was a nice change. Eating alone is well, kind of boring. I like eating alone but once in a while I wish for some company and this time, skype was to the rescue. My friend made a not so vegan but home-y meal and I whipped up some 고구마 and 김치 inspired dahl. The bakesale was in 이태원 and the foreign food market is right there...so opportunities hit and I got myself some red lentils, more balsamic vinegar and that delightful dijon mustard.

mmm pepper...photo taken by VeganBeats

 I seasoned the 고구마 with loads of freshly ground black pepper. I'll admit to have steaming them then quickly frying them, I want some crunch, so sue me!
These sweet potatoes are tiny, none of them are bigger than my pinky! So I made a whole bunch of them for a load of leftovers...ai ai ai

dahl curry concoction~(photo taken by VeganBeats)

This dahl was more of a random mix up. I had some leafy 김치 left but I wanted a different type of heat from red peppers...I wanted some cumin, white pepper, and ginger...and I happened to have some curry powder (thanks accidental Vermont packing!) This didn't take very long to make, I barely use my stove lately, cooking myself a meal was a nice change. My apartment became overwhelmed with that cumin and white pepper aroma and ugh...my tired just-out-of-태보 body was definitely pumped for a protein-fibery flavorful bowl of this jazz!!

What I used:
~water and dried red lentils (2:1 ratio)
~1 small onion sliced into half moons
~1TB curry spice mix
~about half a cup of 김치 greens
~half a cup of soaked chickpeas and black soybeans
~3 olives >.<#

What I did:
1. Got the water up to boiling then added the lentils and adjusted the heat to medium-medium high
2. After about 6 minutes of simmering, I added the onions
3. After about 5 minutes I added the already soaked beans
4. I kept mixing to prevent burning on the bottom of the pan and added the curry spice mix
5. Kept everything on the stove and heated for another 10 minutes or so, and let it simmer. I liek my curries a bit soupy, but if you want it thick, boil away!!!
6. I added the 김치 greens after serving my dahl into a bowl then I threw on some olives...
For some reason I was craving the salty brine...ugh sodium levels!

This turned out really good, not too overwhelming in flavor, but just enough heat to feel soothing and calming. Soemtimes curry feel too strong and get me overheated. The 김치 was a nice and different addition, different heats and spices...next time though, I will do without the olives.

Just didn't work.

How to get to Foreign Food market:
Itawon station, get out at exit 3, walk straight, at the dunkin donuts/Mr.Kabob take a right...walk straight for about 2-3 minutes and it's on your left, across the street from Roofers!

Quick Curry*!~

Endlessly working, Pulling sixty and eighty hour weeks, and it's been for so long now that anything less feels like too much time. I haven't slept in my home for over a week (always overnights) and I really don't mind, except that I live out of a bag.

Korea...you will happen soon.
I got a job offer, I'm on the fence as to whether or not I should take it. I wouldn't be located in Seoul, but about forty minutes away. The area is beautiful though, a lot like Burlington. Things to do but a lot of nature things to invest in. There's some great hiking trails, it's very bike friendly..I'm liking the idea, but I want something different, something I am not used to, and haven't yet experienced...which would be a city city.

Anyways...I've been calling to easy go-to's in terms of cooking, Curry!!

photo taken by VeganBeats

Really really simple, more than speedy, a multi-flavored complex dish in under ten minutes, seriously!

What you need:
*veggies (I used zucchini, cabbage, peas, kale, and dandelion greens)
*1.5-3 T Ottogi Curry (Korean market buy)
*crushed red pepper ~optional...I like heat~
 *pan, I LOVE woks!!
What to do:
1) boil some water OR heat some oil on med-med.high in a pan when hot, (~if you're adding the dried chili peppers, do so now) add veggies, the ones that take longer to cook (cabbage, onions, etc) add first
2) Keep watch of veggies, and add more if you want...zucchini, peas, greens, kale, etc
3) Let everything cook for about 5 minutes then add the curry powder and mix it
4) Let everything cook together for another 5-10 minutes (up to you, with time the curry thickens)
5) Serve it over whatever your heart desires. I did over shredded carrots and romaine.

I served this with some pickled cucumber kimchi! nom nom nom