Monthly Archive: August 2011

Excuse me ma’am, there’s cake on your passport

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me in Sevilla, we only had time for breakfast before we were off to the train station. The cafes weren’t open as early as we were hoping…but that’s what you get when you’re vacationing in a country that values siestas over commerce (sounds harsh, but 1 in 5 Spaniards are unemployed, so don’t bother arguing the stats). Carmela’s refused to seat us, even though they were a mere 5 minutes from opening and their outside seating was already set.  Whatever.  We walked four steps… Read more >

A vegan cheesecake that will wow non-vegans

I don’t make claims like that without knowing for certain they are the truth.    I searched high and low for the perfect cheesecake recipe.  But in the end, I went with my gut (and my taste buds).  You see the cheesecake had to be better than good, it had to be “the best.”  Why?  Because it was specially requested by my coworkers who were dying to try some of my vegan baking.  Opportunities like these don’t come often.  In fact, I can’t remember anyone at my old job making a special request for vegan… Read more >

Ensalada triste

Last I left off, we were finishing lunch at Mama Terra…and heading to one of Sevilla’s most impressive sites, Plaza de Espana. When I studied abroad in 2002, the entire plaza was fenced off and covered in green mesh due to construction.  So I had never seen the famous square with it’s tiled alcoves representing each province of Spain.  I took a photo in the alcove of my favorite province (BCN). Now imagine 49 more of these surrounding a fountain, with bridges and water throughout…   GORGEOUS. The photos don’t even come close to showing… Read more >

The Average Woman

Quoting Kathie Lee and Hoda isn’t usually my thing, but I was enjoying my coffee in front of the tv this morning and here’s what I heard. The average woman gains 8 pounds between Thanksgiving and mid-January. The average woman is 5’4” and weighs 164.  The average woman of that height should weigh 145.  [according to what source, I don’t know] I find these stats to be irrelevant.  I don’t care about being compared to every other woman.  It doesn’t motivate me and it certainly doesn’t inspire me.  If I were a person who thrived… Read more >

Counting at The Counter

  Monday night was my last night to squeeze in dinner with my girlfriend (in town from NYC).  So many visitors this past weekend!  Regular readers may recall our monthly girlfriend dinner dates in NYC.  Yeah, we enjoy trying new places together.    The Counter has several locations (tons in both Nor Cal and So Cal, as well as Chicago, NYC, Seattle, etc.).  There are even two locations in Ireland! Likes: Build-Your-Own form with boxes to check (a list person’s dream) House-made veggie burger option (no thawed Boca patties) Topping extravaganza (the burgers additions offered… Read more >