Vegan
4/25/13: I Am Grateful For….
0April 25, 2013
You know, I could actually plan out my blog posts, like I used to…something like every Friday write my “grateful” posts. But that never felt right and let’s be honest, that sort of planning actually works against my whole “Be Here Now” plan. I’m over it. I’m going to write what I want to write, when I want to write. For those that are regular readers I’m sure you’ve already picked up on this transition since I used to post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, which is no longer happening.
Although I’ve always had control over my blog, (hello, I write it.) taking this thought and actually living it has felt empowering. I also have to say that my blogging voice is coming through much easier . My posts may not flow all that well (not that they ever did), but lately I’ve found that when I sit down to type there’s a much easier flow from my brains thoughts to keyboard.
So, with all that being said, it’s been several weeks since I’ve posted about things that I am grateful for I figured it’s time to share.
Mobile banking. Since we have direct deposit that last time we stopped at our bank was months ago. Direct deposit is awesome given that we bank with a credit union and there aren’t locations on every street corner. I recently received a check in the mail to be deposited but kept putting off depositing it because it wasn’t convenient to make my way over to our bank. However, I just happened to check if they offered mobile deposits, like Bank of America shows in their commercials, and sure enough they do! I simply downloaded the app, took a few photos, submitted, and within 24 hours the deposit was accepted. Now, I gotta admit, the whole thought is a bit scary but given that it’s not something I’d be doing regularly it’s a rad option to have.
Swanson Vitamins. After mobile banking and now reading this next one you may think I’m lazy. I swear, I’m not. It’s all about convenience! Coming from a small town I often had to order vegan products to avoid making hour-long trips to Whole Foods and such. Living in Phoenix has made things a lot easier, but heading to the store or mall drives me bonkers (can you believe D loves shopping way more than me?). So from clothes, food, and other odds and ends, I’m all about online shopping. The friendly folks at Swanson Vitamins contacted me and asked to see if I’d like to check out their products and services. Free goodies for trying them out? Why not? I must admit I was pretty blown away not only by the prices (the vitamins I normally order on Amazon are actually cheaper from Swanson) but they have so much more than just vitamins. I was thrilled I could purchase so many of the things I regularly use all from one source.
I also decided to order some Justin’s Nut Butter, which I had never tried. That may or may not have been a good idea. I’ll let you decide.
Running mojo. After several months off of running it may be back. I attribute this to listening to my body, taking a break from my daily runs, and adding in yoga. As you know over the past several weeks I’ve added in Zumba and Total Body classes to the mix. I have slowly pieced together all of this cross-training and am back to working out on a daily basis. I am no longer running everyday (like I used to), but I still workout everyday, with the exception of rest days, and still manage to practice yoga. It feels good and more importantly I’m having fun.
Amande Yogurt. I was never a big fan of yogurt prior to going vegan so it wasn’t something I missed. Several months ago I just so happened to see yogurt at Sprouts Farm Market that was made of almond milk. I was intrigued and grabbed the the coconut flavor. Delicious! I have since tried their other flavors, which are tasty as well, but coconut wins hands down. Unfortunately the closest Sprouts doesn’t carry the coconut flavor nor do they carry the large containers (hence, why David went on the hunt). I have since found the flavor and size at Whole Foods, but it takes a bit of a drive, so I stock up whenever I’m in the area.
Grateful Jar. Speaking of gratefuls. Just like many people we chose to start a Grateful Jar at the beginning of the year. Although I’m not great at putting something in each day I usually make up for it the rest of the days and the jar is slowly filling up. I look forward to reading them at the end of the year. Should be fun!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
My Journey Through Blogging And Life
8February 21, 2013
I have a bit of a confession to make. I’ve been debating a hiatus from blogging. With everything that’s been going on in my life, with all of the changes, I almost feel like it’s time to step back. I talk about “be here now“. I really believe in it and yet I’m not living it because I get so caught up in everything…including my blog.
Over the past year my blog has taken many twists and turns. I’ve dabbled in video, attempted to find my “niche”, and even done work with brands on sponsored campaigns. For every experience, I am grateful. But ultimately, I’ve found that road isn’t really for me.
It’s no secret that I have a history of over analyzing almost every aspect of my life. I’ve gotten much better at accepting things as they come and going with the flow. However, I think it’s also very important to ask questions and assess myself, my journey, and my surroundings. In other words, greet everything with curiosity Looking at my blogging situation is no different. As I questioned whether I wanted to continue blogging these are the thoughts and questions I found swirling around in my head….
I love documenting what I’m doing but compared to many people my life isn’t all that exciting. I get up at 4:30a, do yoga, work, come home, make a simple meal, blog, and then go to bed. Some days I may mix up my workouts/activity, but that’s about it.
Weekends tend to be more adventurous, but I feel that I cannot appropriately put into words all that I’ve experienced because the words don’t seem to come to me or the emotions I experience are too hard for me to express. I feel like I’m not serving my experiences justice.
Lately I’ve had the same thoughts/experiences going round and round me but who wants to hear about the same blogs time and time again….even if they seem important to me.
I’m spending too much time thinking/mulling over my posts that it’s been causing me stress and anxiety. Whatever happened to simple blogging? Now I link back posts, make sure there’s some sort of photo, or even add video.
Video is easier for me but I have an even smaller following to my vlogs and most people who read my blogs have no interest in watching vlogs. I myself am not a vlog watcher. Not to mention, I have a hard time doing only video as I feel I still have to supplement with writing.
As an athlete I’m mediocre at best and have no speedy or high mileage achievements. I’m not one to post workouts or give advice, with the exception of some basics. How can I be a “fitness blogger”?
As a vegan I’ve also covered some of the basics, but I’m not one to preach from the rooftops. When it comes to cooking and eating, I’m real basic. Sure, I’ll eat out, but I rarely post recipes because I hate to cook and 95%+ time I eat whole, raw foods, or keep it VERY simple.
What about my connections with brands by taking a break, walking away, or changing things up? No doubt, I’ve had some amazing experiences and connections all because of my blog, and it’s great to get “free” items, but really, what are those things worth?
Where does this leave me? What do I have to offer? Myself. I’m not a world-class athlete or chef, but I am a student of life. I’m a lover of adventure and trying new things. Someone that’s willing to try something new, even if it means stumbling, falling, or taking a few steps back.
As for finding my “niche”. I’ve never been one to fit a stereotype or label so why force myself into something now?
Will I lose opportunities with brands? Time will tell. Something I pride myself on is the genuine sharing of brands I believe in. Sure Columbia Sportswear, Mizuno, and Road Runner Sports have been great to me but I was a supporter of them prior to my connections. More importantly, I really do love and use their products. My promise to you and myself is that I only align myself with brands that I actually use and/or that fit my life.
One thing about life is that we are constantly evolving. Oftentimes I feel like my life is evolving faster than I can keep up. If you’ve followed along, even for a short time, you probably have witnessed this. I wouldn’t change it for the world. That idea alone is one of the main reasons I began blogging…to share my journey.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Not So Double Decker Vegan Knox Blox Dessert Recipe
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There aren’t too many dishes that I miss since going vegan. If I really want something I can usually figure out an alternative. For instance, my mom’s party potato recipe. Over the past few years I’ve had the craving for Double Decker Knox Blox.
Although this isn’t something I’d eat on a normal basis, this dessert was one of my favorites at our family holiday gatherings. With the ingredients being Jell-O, Knox gelatin (both containing animal products), and heavy whipping cream (dairy) it’s no longer an option for me as a vegan. Due to my craving I recently set out to see if I could “veganize” my recipe.
I replaced the Jell-O and Knox Gelatin with Natural Desserts Jel Dessert. And with the help of Ari, I chose to try full fat coconut milk to replace the heavy whipping cream. 
The result?
As you can see, my jel/cream didn’t separate like typical double decker’s do when they set up. Alas, they were still just as tasty and a terrific vegan-friendly alternative.
Want to make your own? Here’s the recipe!
Not So Double Decker Vegan Knox Blox
3 Envelopes Unflavored Natural Desserts Jel
3 Packages (3 oz each) Flavored Natural Desserts Jel (any flavor)
2.5 Cups Boiling Water
1 Cup Full Fat Canned Coconut Milk
In a large bowl combine all envelopes and packages of Jel Dessert. Add boiling water. Stir in Coconut Milk (don’t whip it). Pour into shallow 9 X 9 pan. Chill until firm.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Business Casual Attire On A Budget – I’m Gonna Pop Some Tags
10January 15, 2013
As I finish my last week at my current job I’ve been preparing for the transition to my new position. It should seem pretty basic and in all actuality it will be, with one exception….my clothing. You see, for the past 10 years I’ve worn scrubs or t-shirts/jeans to work. That along with my mindset of functionality > fashion (or lack of fashion sense) means I have very few business clothing options. I kid you not when I say my attire consists of scrubs, workout clothes, t-shirts, and jeans. Seriously. I don’t say that as a bad thing. I have the basics. I have what I need. However, my needs are changing. Thankfully my new position calls for business casual so it’s not like I have to bust out in suits, but my wardrobe needs a bit of an overhaul. Since D is now back in the corporate world as well his closet is requiring the same attention.
We accepted our jobs knowing this was the case and are more than willing (and actually excited) to make these adjustments. But what are we to do when we seriously lack the funds available to dish out for entirely new wardrobes? Hit up all of the area thrift shops, of course. Cue Macklemore….
I am not some crazy couponing person that will only buy things when on sale or if I have a coupon, but living on our small salaries we have to save where we can.
My aunts are masters when it comes to thrift store finds so it’s safe to say that I’ve learned from the best. I have never been above shopping at thrift stores, why change now? Once we received news about our career moves D and I began our thrift shop hop throughout the Phoenix area.
D had held on to his dress shoes and ties from the past so his needs were shirts and pants. He had lots of luck at our closest Goodwill. Not only did he find what he needed but everything was on sale for 50% off. 5 pair of name-brand pants and 4 shirts all for around $40. He also hit up Kohls and purchased 2 shirts that were already on clearance and then marked down an addition 50%, spending approximately $15. Not too shabby.
I was able to find a pair of pants at Goodwill as well, but I hit the Jackpot at Savers, another brand of thrift store here in Phoenix. I walked out with 5 pair of pants ranging from Banana Republic, New York & Co, and Apt 9, for just over $37. Even better? They were already hemmed to the perfect length for me.
I have some shirts/sweaters that are pretty versatile when it comes to casual and business casual, but I’m still on the hunt. After a stop at Plato’s Closet I was able to add one Ann Taylor shirt to the mix for $8.
Next up: shoes. Although I’m not against purchasing used shoes I found it best to hit up Payless Shoes. I know most people see Payless Shoes as being cheap, but I see them as being leather-free and vegan. Of course, they’re affordable too. I’ll readily admit that when it comes to workout/running shoes I’m willing to shell out the dough for my beloved Mizunos, but when it comes to casual shoes some of my faves throughout the years have come from Payless. In typical fashion, I picked up two identical pair of shoes…one black, one brown. (Remember, function > fashion). I’m sure it won’t surprise you that I also used a coupon that saved me $10, making my purchase for both pair of shoes only $44.
I did have one splurge. Several weeks ago I saw these cute shoes at Kohls. Knowing that they were more cute than functional for my lifestyle I walked away from them. After I was hired I decided this would be a gift to myself. They are vegan-friendly, so comfortable, and allow my personality to shine through.
I can’t wait to once again wear my engagement ring on a normal basis, bust out some of my right-hand rings, and even my favorite necklaces. I haven’t been able to wear them in years due to safety reasons at work and so often I tend to forget about them even on the weekends.
Although I’m basic when it comes to fashion I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited for this change in my wardrobe. I have no doubt that this small change will leave me feeling happy and give me a slight boost in confidence. As I always say, it’s not as though I despise fashion. On the contrary, I love it. Believe it or not, my inner fashionista is constantly battling with my inner minimalist when it comes to my lifestyle and fashion. What girl doesn’t like a little change or to dress up just a bit more? All within reason and budget, of course.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Pizza That’s Good For You? – Naked Pizza
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Ya’ll already know I LOVE pizza, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that I’m reviewing yet another pizza restaurant here in Arizona. What’s even funnier? I already have another to review after this one!
While driving around our new location here in Arizona I came upon a place called Naked Pizza. Unfortunately it was not yet open but I was intrigued enough to do some research.
The concept behind their pizza is that it’s all natural. For instance, their Ancestral Blend dough contains prebiotic agave fiber and probiotics. There is no added sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or hydrogenated oil. With that being said, they are forthcoming and say it is not a “diet pizza”.
Sadly the location near us had already opened and since closed. The good news: there’s another location within 45 minutes our home. Even better: they offered Daiya cheese. I definitely wanted to give it a try.
We decided to head to Naked Pizza on a Friday night and found the location to be in a strip mall. We soon found that the restaurant wasn’t really a restaurant but more of a storefront where you placed and picked up your order, with the exception of several small tables just outside the door.
Upon entering the location was open and bright with their menu posted largely on the wall.
Basically you choose the size of the pizza, crust thickness, choice of sauce, choice of cheese. and additional toppings. As with most pizza places there are “specialty” pizzas to choose from too.
Within 15 minutes of ordering our pizzas were ready and we chowed down.I definitely noticed a difference versus regular ol’ pizza in the crust alone. The ancestral blend was definitely grainy in texture and different than what I was used to. With that being said, it was pretty darn delicious. As always, when vegan cheese is an option I’m pretty happy about it.
I think Naked Pizza could grow in many ways if a few ideas were considered. Have a more spacious area for dine-in eating and provided plates and utensils for those interested in dining in. We literally had to eat out of our boxes since no plates were provided. Lastly, nothing to do with their food….I’m not sure what the deal is with their website being a “.biz” instead of “.com” I’m sure there’s a valid reason for this but I would say this cannot help with their exposure.
Considering their location is so far away from our home I highly doubt we’ll make any special trips to visit Naked Pizza, but it is nice to know that I have one more vegan friendly pizza option in the Phoenix area.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
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Looking for more vegan food in Phoenix? Check out the rest of my adventures.
Tasty Tryst Cafe
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After repeat recommendations on twitter to check out Tryst Cafe, I finally had the chance to do so a couple weeks ago.
Tryst Cafe is easily accessible as it’s right off of 101, but I’ll admit that it’s slightly hidden as it’s in a strip mall across from the Desert Ridge Shopping Center. Their goal is to serve tasty locally and organically sourced foods. In addition they have several vegan friendly options on their menu.
When I arrived I was pleasantly surprised by the upscale, yet relaxed atmosphere. With the ability to sit at the bar, sit inside at a table, or even outside, you have multiple options to choose from.
Per their website wine and beer tasting is available along with a daily happy hour. In addition, live in-house entertainment is provided on Monday nights. I could definitely see myself chilling out on a Monday night, eating some food and listening to relaxing music in an atmosphere found at Tryst.
Having conversed with Tryst Cafe on Twitter I knew exactly what my vegan options were and decided on the Hummus Trio, Desert Ridge Spring Rolls, and GTs Kombucha tea.
Traditonal, Cilantro, and Red Pepper Hummus with Fresh Pita
Daikon sprouts, shredded carrots, celery, cabbage, red onion and mango wrapped in rice paper accompanied by a sweet and spicy chili mango dipping sauce
Each portion was beyond tasty. If you like hummus, you’ll love the trio option. As for the rolls, I’ve never had anything like it but REALLY like them. With the mango they had a slight sweetness but the dipping sauce provided a tiny kick that was complimenting to the rolls.
With prices ranging between $6.25-$10 for lunch I found it was affordable and worth the price for the portions we received.
The downside for me is that it’s a half hour drive to get to Tryst. A bit of a bummer but I think it was well worth the trip and will plan to return.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
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Looking for more vegan food in Phoenix? Check out the rest of my adventures.
More Raw Vegan Questions Answered
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I thought I’d continue on this week about my eating lifestyle and answer a few questions that you asked. For those that missed last week’s post, make sure you check it out or none of this will make sense 
How often do you go to the grocery store to make sure you have the foods you need on hand?
Inventory management is a challenge when it comes to this lifestyle. I try to buy my fruits at varying ripeness when possible. I also venture to the grocery store about 2-3 times a week to keep a decent rotation going. Thankfully I only live 1/2 mile or so from the grocery store so it’s no biggie.
Any idea how much you spend on food a week?
This varies depending on if I’m 100% raw. When I am 100% I go through about 1.5 forty pound boxes of bananas a week. Each box costs approximately $20-25. Since the bulk of my intake comes from bananas, that’s the bulk of my costs. Add to that the cost of various other fruits and vegetables and my spending ranges somewhere between $70-100 a week. Keep in mind this is breakfast, lunch, and dinner with no eating out.
I do know some people living this lifestyle purchase food through wholesalers. I have yet to go that route but I do buy in bulk, hence the boxes of bananas. Oftentimes buying bananas by the box I’ve found I get a price break. In addition, I keep my eye out for the clearance section, often in the back of the produce section, where they’re trying to move out the overripe fruit. It’s perfect ripeness for me and an absolute steal.
Do you eat consistently throughout the day or standard “meal times”?
The best thing I’ve found is to try to stick with three 20-30 minute meals a day. When I initially started this lifestyle I found myself eating continuously throughout the day to maintain my caloric intake. This has gotten much better over time.
My meals are usually considered “mono meals” meaning I stick to only one fruit or veggie. This makes digestion easier on your body. When combining foods it’s best to stick with foods that compliment each other and do not cause GI upset. I must admit food combining is still a challenge for me so I tend to stick with mono meals.
Do you have to take any extra supplements?
From the results of my blood work I came up with a game plan on how I now supplement with Iron and Vitamin B12. While living in Ohio I also supplemented with Vitamin D due to my lack of time in the sunshine. I also take Potassium Citrate to inhibit kidney stone formation and vegan Glucosamine Chondroitin when training wears on my body.
Supplementing from the beginning or waiting to supplement after finding where you’re deficient is a hotly debated topic and should be discussed with your doctor. I personally waited until I had blood work performed to see where I was deficient. If I could do it over again I would have had some baseline blood work performed prior to going vegetarian is 2008 to monitor the changes.
Does your husband follow the same eating habits as you?
Although D’s eating habits have never been heavily meat-based he does not follow a plant-based diet. A couple years ago he decided to venture into vegetarianism in hopes of receiving some relief from his health issues. Unfortunately after 2 months living an all vegetarian (mostly vegan) lifestyle he did not see the results he had hoped for and chose to reintroduce meat. As he respects my lifestyle decision, I respect his.
I hope this answers some of your questions. Anything I missed?
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Why Do I Eat So Many Bananas?
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With my recent posts to twitter, instagram, and facebook I’ve had lots o’ questions about the lifestyle I lead. I figured a blog post was the best way to address the questions everyone has asked.
First things first: This is how I live my life. I will not ever say that everyone should eat and live the way I do. This post is not about stating a case for the lifestyle. I often feel like a broken record when I say, “What works for me, won’t necessarily work for you.” Not to mention, I’m still trying to figure out my way through life.
My lifestyle can be best summed up as a low fat raw vegan (LFRV), high carb raw vegan (HCRV,) or 80/10/10 (80% carbs, 10% fat, 10% protein)…all the same.
-LFRV is not the same as a traditional “high raw” lifestyle, which averages 60% fat.
-I eat as much raw fruit as I want. I eat veggies too but most of my intake comes from fruits. The perfect breakdown would look something like this:
- 90-97% sweet and nonsweet fruits
- 2-6% tender, leafy greens and celery,
- 0-8% from other vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, plus fatty fruits, nuts, and seed
-I follow the ratio of 80% carbohydrates, 10% protein, and 10% fats. A traditional “healthy” diet is composed of 40% carbohydrates, 40% protein, and 20% fats (40/40/20)
Why raw?
Heat changes the chemical makeup of foods. Period. Eating foods in their fresh whole forms is the way to go. So often we cook foods to make them edible when in reality these foods aren’t the best fuel for our bodies. Our bodies have to work twice as hard to digest these foods that 1) we shouldn’t have eaten in the first place and 2) are now even hard to digest given their chemical makeup is now compromised with cooking. If the food item is not edible without heat/cooking then chances are it’s best not to put it in your body. Fresh, whole foods allow for our body’s energy to be focused on processes other than digesting food.
Why such the high quantity of fruit?
This lifestyle is different than any other lifestyle I’ve seen as it calls for eating as much fruit as you’d like, standing against calorie restriction. Raw fruits and vegetables yield far fewer calories per bite than cooked or fatty foods. In order to consume sufficient calories we need to eat more bites of fruits/vegetables. In addition, due to the active lifestyle I lead, it calls for that much more fruit for me to consume, hence why I eat such large quantities of fruits/vegetables.
Why bananas?
With such a high quantity of fruit to consume in order to meet my needs, I need fruits that are calorie dense. Bananas and dates pack a punch in calories versus other water dense fruits. Could you imagine the quantity of watermelon I would have to consume in order to meet my caloric needs?! I do not survive solely on bananas but will admit they make up the majority of my intake. Not everyone who lives this lifestyle consumes this many bananas but dates and/or bananas are often recommended for those just starting the lifestyle. I’ve been doing this for well over 2 years and still love bananas which is why so much of my diet consists of them.
Why banana bread ripe bananas?
Unripe bananas, or any other fruit for that matter, consist of complex sugars that are difficult for the body to break down. As fruits ripen these transform into simple sugars which are easier for the body to digest. Once again, by doing so less energy has to go into digestion and can be used by the body in other ways.
You may be asking, aren’t you blocked up from all of those bananas?
You know that I’ll answer any question and this one is no different. Can you believe that I’ve already blogged about this topic? If you really want to know about my poo feel free to read on about my scoop on poop.
Why have I chosen this lifestyle?
Within the past few years I was diagnosed and treated for both endometriosis and kidney stones. It was a reminder that I only have one body in this lifetime so I need to take care of it to the best of my ability. I also attempted this lifestyle in hopes of alleviating symptoms and must say have been quite successful. That alone makes it worth it for me.
Am I 100% raw? If you couldn’t already tell from my vegan adventures, no. Would I like to be? Yes. I’ve dabbled in doing 1-2 months 100% raw at a time. I honestly feel like I thrive on the lifestyle and would ultimately love to be 100%. With that being said I understand that this is a journey and considering I’m well over 95% raw I’m taking steps in the right direction.
I’m sure this blog post will lead to more questions, which I would love to answer. I’m also sure it will lead to criticism. To each their own. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
For the first 2 months of venturing into LFRV I weighed all of my food and logged my intake on the Cron-O-Meter software program. The program graphs my ratios and shows me where I stand in regards to my vitamins and nutrients. I also kept a journal on how I was feeling, what I ate, and my workouts Trust me when I say I am healthier now than I have ever been in my life. I’m listening to my body and how it reacts to food and the environment. For the first time in my life I am fueling my body appropriately instead of counting calories and starving myself.
I’m also diligent in keeping up with my health. I visit the dentist at least twice a year to have my teeth cleaned (no cavities or gum issues noted since starting this lifestyle). In addition, at least once a year I have full blood work and urine panels performed to make sure that I am receiving appropriate nutrients needed for my body to thrive. (Which reminds me, I need to post my most recent results!) Lastly, my doctors who are non-vegan not only respect but applaud my lifestyle. I’ve even been asked on numerous occasions, “Will you go stand in my waiting area and tell/show people how being healthy is done?”
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to discussing my lifestyle. I hope to share more with you in the future!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Vegan Pizza At Picazzo’s
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After reading several of my reviews from Italy and here in Phoenix, something you may pick up on quickly is that I love pizza. Funny thing is I HATED it as a kid. I remember my parents being flabbergasted by my choice to avoid pizza. Obviously I’ve overcome that aversion and have since fallen in love with the pie. With that being said, you shouldn’t be that surprised that this week I’m sharing another vegan pizza experience with you.
As with almost all of my restaurant finds I happened upon Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen via Yelp and VegGuide. They drew me in with their focus on organic and gluten-free options. There were also several reviews of people being able to choose vegan cheese for their pizzas. However, with multiple locations I was unsure if all locations offered the cheese. I finally came across the review of someone who was able to choose a “Create Your Own” option so I thought we’d give it a try. If worst comes to worst I’d just go cheese-less as usual.
The Picazzo’s we checked out is located on Bell Road in Surprise, AZ. It was very easy to find in a new, modern looking strip mall. When we arrived we found ourselves entering a bar area that then made it’s way into a full dining area. With top to bottom wall windows it was plenty bright. The restaurant ambiance wasn’t the your typical pizza pub as it was a bit more clean and upscale with art and all.
From first glance at the menu I was concerned. There was no “Create Your Own” option, let alone vegan cheese listed. Speedy thinking lead me to ask our waiter who non-chalantly said, “Yeah. Soy cheese is available and you can build your own.” Whew! He gave me the order sheet to fill out on my own.
Our small pizzas soon arrived and were gobbled up. No complaints from either D or myself.
Unfortunately I have some negatives, which normally isn’t the case with my reviews. But you know I keep things real, so here they are:
The waiter was for lack of better word, different. I can’t put my finger on what the deal was but the whole situation felt awkward.
Why isn’t the soy cheese listed on the menu? If you have it, offer it. Not to mention, I’d like to know what vegan cheese they use, just for my information. Unlike regular cheese there is a vast different between vegan cheese options….trust me on this. I still have no idea what brand they use.
Same thing with the “Create Your Own” option. If you have it, make sure you offer it or make it known that it’s available.
Lastly, the price for the pizza was crazy expensive. I am willing to pay a higher price for vegan options and a quality meal, but $30+ for two 10 inch pizzas and one soda. A bit much, right?
Although the pizzas were mighty tasty and we’ll probably revisit Picazzo’s, I don’t think it will be my pizza place of choice due to these reasons.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
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Looking for more vegan food in Phoenix? Check out the rest of my adventures.
Green Means Good – Phoenix
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Thank you SO very much for your love and support on Wednesday’s post. It means more than you know! xo
As you know, I’m making my way through vegan eats in Phoenix. I’m hoping you’re enjoying the journey so far.
Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to check out Green. As you know from a previous post, Green is the restaurant counterpart to the neighboring Nami.
We made our late night stop at Green following the 3rd Thursday Adventure Run at Road Runner Sports in Tempe. Initially we had thought about just stopping for dessert at Nami, but since we had yet to eat dinner we hit up Green first (Why yes, we did get ice cream at Nami following our dinner. Wouldn’t you?) We arrived shortly after 8:30pm to realized they closed at 9:00. No worries as they were quick to say, “Come on in!” (Everyone has always been so friendly to us).
Prior to our arrival we didn’t know if Green was a sit-down or counter service. Upon entering we found that it would be a counter service experience. Nice and laid back.
I immediately loved the flow of the restaurant with the painted wooden tables along with tree stumps for some of the seats. Patio dining is available but the far end also has a see-through garage door that can be opened up for open air dining too.
I think everyone will agree that this is the coolest ice machine ever….
Quick examination of the menu had me wanting everything on the menu. It’s so nice not to have to decipher which items are vegan and which ones aren’t. I settled on the Mexicali Burger. However, when I went to order I noticed the special….”The Big Wac”. What?! This is what everyone has been talking about in the Green Facebook Group. You see, The Big Wac is basically the vegan version of the Big Mac. It’s not always available and absolutely everyone was raving about it. I made the quick switch, ordered the Big Wac with fries and D order the Kung Pao bowl.
Before we knew it our food had arrived. I’ll apologize now for my poor photos. It was late, we were hungry, and the lighting wasn’t great.
Did the Big Wac live up to the rave reviews? Yes, and more! Although I admit I was never a huge burger person even prior to going veg this may be one of the best burgers I’ve had in my life. Seriously. David’s meal was also tasty but after a nibble of my burger he immediately wished he had gone for the Big Wac too. Partnered with the yummy thin fries I had the perfect meal.
I can’t wait to return to have another fantastic meal!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
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Looking for more vegan food in Phoenix? Check out the rest of my adventures.
