Sunday, June 22, 2014

Restaurant dreams do come true

I LOVE MY NEW JOB!  Sorry it has been such a long time since the last post, I have been consumed by my new passion... working at a wonderful vegetarian restaurant as manager.  The past month at the restaurant has been such a learning and growing experience.  I have reignited my love for the restaurant industry and can’t wait to continue learning and growing. 



Starting work at a new restaurant is always exciting and a little bit nerve-wracking.  I had to get used to the way things are done and get the flow of the restaurant down.  It feels so great being back in the industry.  I love that I am constantly around new interesting people excited to be at a wonderful restaurant.   

Each day is a new adventure.  Working at a vegetarian restaurant is very different from when I was working at a chain restaurant during my college years.  The people coming into my new restaurant have an idea of what they are going to get food wise, and are excited to chat with others that have similar views.  It is also refreshing seeing people come in that are not vegetarians that are eager to try something new.  When I make my rounds through the dining room making sure everyone’s meals are good, it never fails, someone stops me and wants to share their story.  It is rewarding know that this restaurant does not only have good food, but also good company.

Since I started, my family and a few friends have been able to stop for dinner and, from what they tell me, had an unexpected wonderful vegetarian experience.  Like I´ve wrote before, people often underestimate how much variety vegetarians have to eat.  I love seeing the amazement on the face on non-vegetarians when they see how many options there are and how delicious and fulfilling the food is.  I try to make sure everybody leaves the restaurant happy, pleased with the service, and with a full belly of course.



One of the wonderful sandwiches at the restaurant

I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to work with.  I love asking questions and learning about the herbs and spices the chef uses to add a different zest to each dish.  I have taken quite a few notes… I want to pretend I’m Chef Julie at home. :)


If you would have asked me 3 years ago where I saw myself today, I would have never imagined I would be living out a lifelong dream working at a great vegetarian restaurant.

Go Green and Stay Keen,

Julie

Friday, May 02, 2014

A new Veggie Journey

Looking back a couple months ago, I would have never thought I would be in the position I am today.

Yesterday I was offered a managerial position at a fabulous vegetarian restaurant near my neighborhood.

This morning, after discussing it with my family, I have decided to take on this new chapter of my vegetarian life. Unexpected moments like this make each day of my life something to look forward to.

Okay, now let’s rewind a little bit to where the seed of this fabulous opportunity was planted.  Last year I was at the World Veg Fest, one of the best events put on by the San Francisco Vegetarian Society, I met a brilliant woman very similar to myself.  She too, decided at a more mature age to become a vegetarian primarily because of her love for animals.  It also just so happened she owned a vegetarian restaurant near my neighborhood.  I had worked at a restaurant and always dreamed of managing or opening my own.  We got to chatting and it turned out we had a lot more in common than I expect.



We chatted all weekend at the fest.  She gave me some good cooking advice, ingredient suggestions, and we also exchanged different recipe ideas.  We had an instant connection from our vegetarian background to working in the restaurant industry, I knew she was a new vegetarian friend I wanted to align myself with.

Throughout the year I visited her restaurant quite a few times…maybe a little more times than I should have, but it is so delicious I couldn’t resist.  We also met up for coffee regularly and exchanged ideas on the latest veggie gossip…ha :)

Now we speed up to yesterday afternoon, I was having coffee with my dear friend just like any other day.  We were chatting about the days when I worked at a restaurant while in college.  She was oddly interested and asking a lot of questions about how quickly I rose in the ranks to become head waitress and assisted in small managerial tasks.  I assumed she was just comparing me to someone else who worked in her restaurant.  She began asking if I had spare time and if I was still interested in pursuing a manager position at a restaurant.  She explained she was looking for help in her restaurant because it was expanding so quickly and becoming very popular.  She continued to propose that I join her restaurant’s team and assist in managing her vegetarian restaurant!!

I was speechless!  It had always been a dream of mine managing or owning my own restaurant and now it could be a reality for me!  Dreams really do come true!  I was so excited I wanted to accept the position right away, but I knew I had to talk with my family about it this next venture.

Later in the day I discussed the proposal with my husband and he was all for this incredible opportunity.  It didn’t take much more discussing or contemplating until I decided to call my friend and accept the offer!  I found out I get to begin the next chapter of my veggie journey NEXT WEEK!  Words cannot describe how thrilled I am to start.

I am still in shock! I am so excited!! I can’t wait to pursue one of my lifelong goals, and be of help to such an incredible friend.  I can’t wait to share my continuing journey with all of you.  It’s going to be an exciting year, I can feel it already!

Happy thoughts and green vibes,

Julie

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Eat like a vegetarian

When I comes to food, vegetarians know how to eat!  It is definitely not all about salads.  I have so many favorite dishes but I have three favorites.  Here are some of my favorite recipes that are tried and true in my household.  They prove that we really do eat like kings.

DISCLAMER:  I don’t like to spend that much time in the kitchen preparing my favorite recipes so, these are delicious, easy, and don’t take that long.  I tried so many new ingredients when I first became a vegetarian, I like to think I have cooking time down to a science. :)

I hope you are as excited as I am to share my favorite recipes with you!

One of my all-time favorite foods are burritos.  I have tried over and over again to find the perfect balance between sweet and savory.  My Black Bean and Guacamole Burritos are, in my opinion, perfect for any occasion.


Black Bean and Guacamole Burritos

Prep time: 15 mins          Cook time: 10 mins          Serves 2

Easy Guacamole Ingredients

  • 2 avocados
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of red onion, minced
  • 1 small totato, diced
  • 1/2 lime
  • 1/2 lemon
  • salt, to taste.
  • pepper, to taste



Burrito Ingredients

  • 1 large flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1/2 can of black beans
  • 1 bag of chopped lettuce
  • 1 onion
  • 1 tomato
  • 1/4 cup of pepper jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup of monterey jack cheese


Instructions

  1. Remove the avocado from the skin and place into a bowl.
  2. Add garlic, red onion and tomato.  Mash the avocado with the garlic, red onion, and tomato until desired consistency. 
  3. Add lime and lemon and stir. Add salt and pepper until desired taste.
  4. Spread guacamole in the center of the flour tortilla. 
  5. Put the rice, beans, cheese, onion, tomato, and lettuce in the center of each tortilla and roll into a burrito pocket.
  6. Use an indoor grill, panini press, or stove top to heat the burrito until the tortilla is browned on each side.
  7. Serve with remaining guacamole or salsa.



*Photo and primary recipe courtesy of NaturallyElla

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I love sandwiches, and I’m not talking about a lettuce and tomato sandwich you probably assume I eat.   Some days you just crave a good, juicy, delicious sandwich.  I’m talking about something so savory your mouth waters profusely all day just at the thought of it.  My eggplant parmesan hero is my sandwich fix.  It is perfect on those days you just need to indulge a little bit.  I love using eggplant as a main ingredient; it is filling, delicious, and healthy for you!


Eggplant Parmesan Hero

Prep time: 15 mins          Cook time: 15 mins          Serves 4

Eggplant Parmesan Hero Ingredients

  • 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lbs)
  • 1 cup of marinara sauce
  • 1 cup seasoned croutons, crushed
  • 1/3 cup of shredded parmesan cheese
  • 4 hero or hoagie buns


Optional Ingredients

  • Oregano
  • Basil


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F).  Lightly coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Cut eggplant into ¼ inch thick slices.  (If preferred, peal eggplant)
  2. Put marinara sauce into a small bowl.  Place crushed croutons and half the cheese into another dish.
  3. Dip eggplant into marinara sauce, then into the crouton and cheese mixture.  Place coated eggplant on the prepared cooking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15 mins or until the breading is browned and the eggplant is tender.
  5. Heat the remaining marinara sauce.
  6. OPTIONAL- On another baking sheet toast buns for 2 mins until lightly toasted.
  7. Place eggplant on bun, top with warm marinara,  and remaining cheese


Optional- Sprinkle with oregano and/or basil.


***************************************************************************

Since becoming a vegetarian, quinoa has become my best friend.  It works well in so many recipes and is high in protein, which is a major plus!  I love making Greek style quinoa and avocados for dinner when I don’t have that much time.  It is easy to make, quick, and yummy.

Greek Quinoa and Avocados

Prep time: 15 mins          Cook time: 15 mins          Serves 4

Greek Quinoa and Avocado Ingredients

1/2 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 cup water
2 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded fresh spinach
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
A few spinach leaves
2 ripe avocados, pitted, peeled, and sliced.
1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese.

Photo and primary recipe courtesy of bhg.com


Recipes like these go to show that vegetarians know how to cook and eat well.  These three are just a few of my favorites I make at home.  I love trying new recipes and exploring different ingredients.  I hope you will try some and suggest more yummy dishes to make!

Vegetarians unite!!  :)

Go Green and Stay Keen,

Julie

Sunday, March 30, 2014

It’s an Animal Love


I have always been an animal lover and ate meat very moderately throughout my younger life.  After watching a documentary about the hormones and the terrible conditions animals that are destined to kitchen tables live in, it wasn’t a hard to commit to a vegetarian lifestyle. 

Here is a brief preview of Food Inc., the documentary that made me make the transition.




The first couple months after committing were a little challenging because I loved grilling chicken, vegetables, and having BBQ’s.  I had to train my brain to be cognizant of saying no to meats.  It was very difficult at social events in the beginning, I felt the the pressures of my past favorite foods around me and everyone eating them.  Now my friends and family understand my lifestyle and always try to have vegetarian options available. 

I also had to learn a new way to cook.  Meals where I began to switch meat to alternatives, I often cooked two meals because I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. 

I ended up watching a few YouTube videos about vegetarian cooking and ended up learning a lot.  I continue to enjoy the Hilah Cooking Channel on YouTube….check it out!


Becoming a vegetarian was a huge milestone in my life.  I began by slowly eliminating red meats, then chicken, then finally seafood until I didn’t even think about putting meat on my plate.  It was then, when I realized becoming a vegetarian isn’t something that changes over night, it is a full body transformation. 

My commitment to my health and my love for animals helped me reach my goal.  I felt physically great and emotionally well.  After a couple of months I could officially call myself a full blown vegetarian, I couldn’t have felt better.  I wouldn’t change it for the world, I love being a vegetarian!



It wasn’t hard for me to feel compassion for animals and decide to become a vegetarian.  Once I devoted myself to the change and began learning how to suppress my cravings and find alternatives for some of my past favorite foods, it was a breeze.

I knew I wanted to become a vegetarian, not only for myself but for the love of animals. 

I want to leave you with a statistic; according to peta.org, “by switching to a vegetarian diet, you can save more than 100 animals a year from this misery.” 



Go Green and Stay Keen,

Julie

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Veggies: A Way of Life



Greetings cyberspace! I am very excited to share my crazy vegetarian life with you. I hope that through my experiences you can learn from my lifestyle change and incorporate some of my changes into your life.

Being a fairly new convert to vegetarianism, I am continuing to learn and grow into my new lifestyle.

It was difficult at first passing on some of my favorite comfort food, but the rewards I am feeling from the change are incredible.

I believe that I have found a new path and continue to love embracing a vegetarian lifestyle.

I believe that you are what you eat, so why wouldn’t you want to be something that comes from the earth.

Many people have the misconception that vegetarians eat like rabbits; only lettuce and carrots. That is not the case at all, we eat like kings.

 Vegetables like squash, eggplant, pumpkin, and mushrooms are some of my favorite meal starters and are so filling. I have been experimenting with new recipes for a while continuing to find delicious recipes my non-vegetarian family will enjoy.

I truly believe that everyone should try to incorporate a little bit of vegetarianism into their lives. My children are not vegetarians, but they prefer my eggplant lasagna over a burger any day.

If you have never tried a vegetarian meal or restaurant, I highly encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself into a whole new realm of food, you will be happy you did! I believe it is important to learn how food effects the body and take charge of the body we were given.

I hope to continue my journey with you through my blog and keep learning along the way.


Go Green and Stay Keen,

Julie

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