julie’s kind kitchen

Tonight I felt like making a light summery meal–that was also a cinch to prepare.

Since I made my first trip to the Guadalupe Farmer’s Market today, I decided to incorporate some of the fresh veggies I bought. For my appetizer I made a version of salsa using what I had on hand. It was made of tomatos, avacados, a little bit of onion, salt, and olive oil. With it, I made some tortilla chips from some spinach tortillas they had at the market.

For my entree, I made Dreena’s Lemon Herb Tofu and some simple pasta with fresh spinach.

Hope everyone is having a good summer! Now excuse me while I eat some leftovers.

So, I have a NEW JOB! Well, actually…I am still keeping my job at the law firm (for now), so my new job is only on weekends.

I am working at the Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development. I LOVE IT! The Tumbleweed YAP serves homeless, runaway, and at risk youth in Phoenix, Arizona. They provide shelter, counseling, outreach, job development, and more to youths ages 16 and 17 years old.

Anyway, one of my job duties is to make dinner. Which at 1st glance seems awesome, right?! Well, kind of. I can’t just make anything. Tumbleweed gets $$ from the goverment and so must serve a specific menu…including lots of meat.

I informed my boss that I am a vegetarian and they seem to be cool with me not cooking the meat–the kids have to help out anyway. I would have the other YAP worker make the meat part of the meal…but, she’s vegan!! She actually doesn’t really like to cook either, I don’t think…

The silver lining is that SAT night is cook’s choice–so, we can make whatever we want! Oh, did I mention that I get free meals there–if I choose.

So, my question is…what are some meals that have a meat option, but can also be vegetarian/vegan? or…what are some naturally vegetarian/vegan dishes that omnis like?

THANKS!

So, I know it has been forever–again. I have just been so busy with family stuff, a new (2nd) job, and a new apartment. Whew. I am exhausted just thinking about everything!

Since we have been so busy–I really haven’t cooked anything “blog-worthy.” We have been eating out a lot though…so, I thought I could blog about some of my favorite places to eat in the Tempe/Phoenix area. I know only a few of you live in AZ, but I figured this post could be useful to someone visiting AZ anytime soon.

In no particular order, here are my TOP FIVE!!

(1) Green

Ok, I lied. This is #1 in my book. They have sandwiches, pizza, salads & everything is VEGAN. You gotta love that! Two favorites: the argentine po boy & the “green” burger–both with thyme fries & vegan ranch! *Bonus* The same people that own green run a wonderful lunch spot called That’s a Wrap. It is surely one of my favs also–but, hey–I couldn’t give them TWO spots on the TOP FIVE!

(2) Thai Basil

I actually just ate here for the 1st time today…but, it makes it into the TOP 5! The outside of this restaurant is deceiving…it is actually a very classy place with a nice decor on the inside. Vegetarian selections include: Pad Thai Tofu, Curry Tofu, Eggplant Tofu, Sweet and Sour Tofu, and Garlic Vegetables, plus others. I am not sure if any of these are vegan, so please ASK.

(3) Flavors of India

This is my fav Indian food place. They have a great and affordable buffet for lunch that always has tons of vegetarian items (again, I am not sure about vegan items, ASK). They also are super nice there and if something is not labeled as vegetarian (most always are), they are happy to help.

(4) Moe’s Southwestern Grill

This place wins the award for “the best place to take omnis & keep everyone happy”. Vegetarians can sub tofu for any meat, they make everything when you order it & they have yummy frozen margaritas! If you are vegan, omit the cheese and the sour cream.

(5) The Mediterranean House

This place has a special portion of their menu labeled “vegetarian selections” (again, I am not sure about vegan items, ASK) so there is no guessing. The lady that runs the place is a doll and if you go there once, she’ll remember you forever!

Well, I hope these reviews will be helpful to you. I tried to pick a variety of cuisines and areas around the valley.

Hopefully, there will be some food related posts coming up soon!?