Spring has sprung, right?  So, why another grey, misty day?  What is a So. Cal. native to do??  Honestly, there are many answers to that loaded question – what I was doing was far less interesting than I would have wished – I was working on the myriad reports I have due this week.  Kevin once described it perfectly: “It’s like you have finals — every week!”  Ahhhh.  Such is the life of a public school servant employee.

Reports schmorts.  Time to eat!  And this kind of dreary weather is begging for comfort food!  BUT – the pile of work still exists sooooo that means it’s time for a CHEATER MEAL (crowd goes wild)!!  What is a Cheater Meal, you ask?  It is a hybrid of something deliciously vegan – yet easily prepared – and (this is KEY!) something fresh and unprocessed, thus allowing your conscience a break!  As long as there is something green, whole and non-processed, you’re guilt-free, yes?

Tonight’s combo – Rising Moon Organics Butternut Squash Ravioli and fresh mizuna greens, compliments of JR Organics.  And it couldn’t be simpler – see here:

1)  Set a large pot of water to boil.

2) Meanwhile, prepare your favorite, seasonally-fresh greens – mizuna was in our CSA box, so it was today’s leafy green of choice …

By “prepare”, I mean clean well in a white vinegar/water bath, followed by a thorough rinse.  No cooking involved – simply let the heat from the soon-to-be cooked ravioli gently wilt the greens as you toss them with the pasta, olive oil and seasoning.

3)  Pull your favorite VEGAN, ORGANIC ravioli from the freezer and gently submerge them in the boiling water (after turning the heat down a bit so your yummy pasta squares aren’t ravaged by a vigorous boil!)

4)  You now have about 8 minutes (true story … that’s about all it takes for those pillows of delight to do their thing and float to the top of the water) to decorate your pasta bowls with olive oil of choice; my most recent combo of scrumptiousness includes Temecula Olive Oil Company’s Habenero and Hickory Smoked (seasonal) varieties.  Those flavors just play off the subtle sweetness of the butternut squash so well … just wait until you add freshly cracked pepper to the whole mess … MMM!

5)  Gently toss perfectly al dente ravioli with fresh, healthful greens and transfer to your prepared pasta bowls; add freshly ground salt and pepper to taste.  I use the two-handed “massage” technique to gently coat ravioli and greens with the oil mixture once they are in their individual serving bowls (yes, mom, I washed my hands).

Delicious, comfort-food din-din ready in 5 easy steps.  I delivered on my promise of vegan, quick and easy, did I not?  Now you just have to figure out what you are going to do with all that extra time (NO – !! – doing the dishes is not an option – bubble bath, glass of wine, chapter in your novel, foot rub via significant other, things like that … !).

The post “Cheater” (read: QUICK!) Vegan Meals: The Comfort Food Series – Part I appeared first on Herby the Love Blog.

I have lost count how many times I have started, stopped, restarted, stopped, revised and walked away from this post.  For how, really, do you paint a picture of what’s in the heart?

Our four-legged “rescue boy”, Max , left us on March 8, 2013.  He had a mass inside him that hemorrhaged.  We had no idea anything so tragic was growing inside him – an absolute testament to how incredibly brave he was – - – he never let on, until those final few moments when his body betrayed his will, his big giant heart, and his soul.

It was his face that led us to him.  Shortly after we moved into our home with yard, we began looking for an adopted brother for our Vizsla, Flower.  We had the best time scouring page after page after seemingly endless page of adoptable dogs.  While it was hard to see so many sweet faces in need of homes, we felt better knowing we were going to take care of at least one of those pups – one less four-legged awaiting his forever home.  Nothing seemed quite right, however, until the one day I was going it alone, and happened upon Max’s ad, and that face – that FACE!.  He was described as a “fine gentleman” but that he needed to re-homed quickly, as they were very concerned over what was happening to his spirit as he remained behind bars day after day.  Of course they did their best at the shelter – an outstanding no-kill refuge for the lost and abandoned in San Clemente.  But a cage is a cage, no matter how large, no matter how many walks one might get – it is devoid of warm, soft laps, green lawns or lizards to chase.

His big, blocky head and liquid amber eyes had me immediately.  He did look like a gentleman, and that old-soul wisdom I thought I saw, even through pictures, was on point – he was indeed kinder and wiser than most.  Once we got to see him up close and personal – when we trundled Flower out there for an official, supervised meet-and-greet – his beautiful face was beat up.  He had some sort of something or another all around one eye, and most of his fur was missing – like the famed Velveteen Rabbit, it appeared as if someone had simply loved the fur right off him.  If only that were the case.  He also had an ugly, raised scar marring his soft coat – a poorly executed excision of some “lump” they wanted to assess.  Good news – it was benign – but he forever wore that badge of botchery.  No matter – this symbol represented hardship that was soon to be in his past.

In retrospect, it is a good thing we didn’t know what we were in for, as he was our first rescue pup.  He was a CRAZY man during that first union with Flower – he spent the vast majority of the time licking her face as if he would consume her – he was beside himself with what we cheerfully thought was instant love for her; it pretty much cracked us up.  She is quite the looker, but we had to explain to him that she would be his sister, not girlfriend.  She was pretty bewildered, but we all decided they would do well together, so off we went.

Ha!  That first car ride home is a memory that will stay with us until our last breaths.  Flower was one thing, a CAR RIDE was simply too much.  I am surprised his heart didn’t burst from sheer ecstasy.  His open-mouthed, grinning joy led to  drooly slobber on just about every square inch of the Prius as he bobbed around in the back seat, from window to window, headrest to headrest, below the seat protector “sling” and back up again.  Never slow to figure things out, he discovered he could simply duck below the canvas seat protector and pop his head up from underneath, right at hand level so his broad head could be readily pet.  This allowed Princess Flower to hog the upper deck all to herself, while the wild new interloper could fend for himself in the lower bunks.  Suited him just fine, m’am, as he wasted no time in peering up at us from him new digs, with that ravaged, sore eye and sloppy grin.  We had a truly priceless picture of him doing just that, one of the first pictures of the literally hundreds we took over the years, but it is forever lost due to a previous computer meltdown.

In those first months with us, he gained weight and his soft tan fur grew back in around his eye.  He finally ceased his Houdini episodes and stayed faithfully in the yard until we came back home to him.  Kevin believes his initial escapes were simply attempts to come and find us, because he couldn’t understand where we had gone, why we had left.  Our fencing now resembles a penitentiary, as we added angle arms and crosswires to the top of the fence to thwart his amazing escapes.

We don’t really know when it happened, we just know that one day we recognized that he came to realize he was ours for the duration, the long haul – we weren’t going anywhere, and neither was he.  It surprised us, looking back, that it took awhile – but, as with humans, when trust has been betrayed, it may take a long time before the heart can rest once again in security, in faith.

What he showed us in those early days was the blueprint for exactly all we would discover in the intervening almost 3 years he was with us.  His wisdom and kindness seemingly knew no bounds.  If Flower would randomly yank a toy from his soft mouth, he would slowly amble over to another one with nary a sigh, a groan or a humpfh.  When later she would decide that the replacement toy should also now be hers, he would lumber back over to the original one, or just lay his head on his handsome paws and look about.  He would stand at attention, ears perked forward, no rest in sight until she was returned to us when we 4 would visit the vet and Flower was the patient.  Of course all of us had to go to the vet – Flower nor Max could ever rest if one was away from the other.  If ever a warning voice was raised to Flower when she would misbehave, he would rush to her side, anxiously looking from her to us until voices returned to laughter.  He gently returned her wild play advances, as his 20 extra pounds could have hurt her in an unguarded moment.  He was a gentle boy.  He even learned to tolerate Kevin’s frequent full-body hugs.  Before long, he was sneaking up on the bed or couch, when Flower wasn’t looking, to be the one closest to us, in key snuggle position.  And when Flower did catch on, and would climb atop him to be closest to us, no problem … he’d briefly open his eyes, readjust and fall immediately back into slumber.

He stole deeply into our hearts – despite our immediate love for him, he burrowed in so thoroughly, so stealthily even we could not have imagined how much of our hearts he held.  To try and put it into words will simply never do – I don’t believe it can be done.  But I know as I write this how many others know of what I speak.  And as ridiculous as it may sound, I will work and work to not only remember the lessons he taught, but to live differently because of those teachings.

From the world according to Max, I learned:

To say nothing.

To endure hardship, mistrust and fear with courage.

To never, ever miss a moment to show love, to be love.

To let others full-body hug you – every time, all the time.

If someone takes something from you, let them.  They must need it more than you.  Go find a new toy.

Literally jump for joy every single time you get to go outside for a walk.

When you find someone trustworthy, don’t run away.

Suffer with dignity.

Say goodbye with grace.

_____________________________________________________

Thank you, Max. You are forever a part of this family.

And, because all good stories need a happy ending, in Max’s honor – and to help Flower’s heart heal – we have a newly adopted rescue pup, Bowie.  By the looks of it, he and Flower are going to be good friends.

In love, gratitude and honor –

Andi, Kevin, Flower and Bowie

The post Love is also spelled M-A-X appeared first on Herby the Love Blog.

Every plant-based foodie needs an omnivore friend like my friend Andrea.  She is constantly bringing new and wonderful foods to my attention.  Like last night.  I received a texted photo of an Eat Pastry cookie dough container.  And color me dense, but my brain made some inexplicable jump to “Whoa!  Vegan Cookie Dough ice cream!”.  I have gone back and studied that picture.  I still am not sure why I was convinced it was ice cream.  So sure was I that I was pretty puzzled when she hand delivered me – this morning - my very own tub of chocolate chip cookie dough “ice cream”.  I was concerned about keeping it cold.  She was not concerned.  I even dragged out my trusty lunch box – replete with twin, reusable ice “blocks” – to see if she thought they “will do until I get it home”.  She remained unconcerned – and by then was most likely wondering why I was so focused on whether or not those ice packs were “gonna do the job”.  I vaguely wondered why the container didn’t seem fresh-from-the-freezer cold, but I chalked that up to it being manhandled by the two of us while I babbled about my lunch box and its insulative properties.

I was proud that I had the strength of character to leave it alone until lunchtime.  Even happier that I had such a treat awating my post-lunch routine. Finally, out it came, followed by spoon, from the depths of my makeshift freezer.  Ripped off the lid, and marveled at the unique texture.  Huh!  That even looks like cookie dough – check that out!  Amazing.  I pop the first spoonful in my mouth.  And – at long last – my dull mind sputters to life and the pieces come together.  It IS cookie dough!  Honest-to-goodness cookie dough – no ice cream – just glorious, ready-to-be-baked COOKIE DOUGH! DOH!!!!

All righty then – well! – won’t that be fun to throw balls of vegan cookie dough delight in the oven – make the house smell great – AND have Kevin think I am all that AND a bag of chips because I am finally making him some COOKIES!  And I am beyond happy because this treat IS Non-GMO Project certified and proudly vegan!  There is a BUNCH of other cool stuff about this product, their company – not to mention their utterly charming packaging – but, you have to check out their website.  From their home page, if you choose the option on the right – “Time to Spare?” – you are channeled to a psychadelic, oh-my-did-someone-accidently-drop-acid-in-my-cookie-dough? type of animated cartoon that you simply have to see to believe.  No mind-altering substances required for an immediate trip to Cookie Dough Funky Town.

Luckily for Kevin, my furtive, guilt-inducing, cookie dough spoonful sneaks throughout the day – although they were frequent – were not so abundant as to leave me with an empty container.  Besides, I had already blown it by telling him about our gift, so I had to bring some home.  I hastily threw some pasta and salad together so that we could get on with the main event – freshly-baked cookie dessert!  I am Queen of the World!

It couldn’t be easier.  Heat oven.  Grease cookie sheet.  Rumage around in impossibly crowded utensil drawer to find bitchin’ but rarely used cookie dough scoop (in 2 sizes, no less!).  Plop balls of dough unceremoniously on prepared cookie sheet.  Provide a gentle smoosh atop each divine cookie ball’s pleasingly plump roundness via spoon.  Into the oven they go.  You must continue to practice patience (it’s a virtue you know!) another 12 to 15 minutes.

Finally.  You have gooey, melty creations that you can consume immediately (our preferred manner of intake) OR, you may let them hang out on a rack until classic, crispy cookies prevail.  Next, you will encounter a practice in restraint, unless you just don’t care anymore about fitting into those pants. 

The post DOH! It’s cookie dough! appeared first on Herby the Love Blog.

We found these folks on Facebook.  They are committed to “decadent, all-natural dairy products, made from plants” and taunt us with photos of tantalizing foods featuring “melty bleu cheese crumbles” and other such goodness.  They share that their products are:

* Cholesterol-free
* Lactose-free
* Casein-free
* Gluten-free
* Palm-oil free
* Vegan

We cannot wait.  We cannot wait.  We. CANNOT. Wait!  Products are “coming soon” – simply put, it cannot be soon enough!

Go check them out and “like” their FB page so that you too will be “in the know” once these products are ready to LAUNCH!  This is gonna be fun … !!

The post Hear me now, believe me later: Non-Dairy. Bleu. Cheese. Crumbles. appeared first on Herby the Love Blog.

“Smashed” as in “crushed” (vs. “had too much to drink”).  Silly!  Potatoes don’t drink!  Or do they?  How are we to know what goes on in the subterranean world of the humble tuber??  I mean, there is potato vodka, right?  How do you know those potato vodka guys don’t just process a bunch of drunken potatoes and call it a day?  Seems logical – and much easier – than that whole fermentation process – faster too!  I think I might be on to something here …

My sister-in-law and I were talking about getting our families together for a monthly weekend brunch.  Talk turned to breakfast potatoes – inevitably – for they are, without fail, my favorite morning treat.  Hence, the inspiration for this post.  Oh – and the fact that Kevin demanded they be made this morning.  Yep – “demanded” is the word I intended.  He rarely does this, but when a man needs taters, he needs taters (apparently).

Plus, I have been seriously lacking in posting any sort of recipe for some time, so, here we go (wish me luck!).

What you need:

~ 6, medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold is our pick-of-the-litter, but go with your favorite; the little red guys are notably adorable, and add some nice color)

Fresh rosemary (to taste)

~ 1/4 C. Delectably Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil (today’s combo: Temecula Olive Oil Company‘s Habanero Reserve Late Harvest + Roasted Garlic Reserve Late Harvest)

Salt (Current favorite: Himalayan Pink, in a handy-dandy grinder)

Pepper (freshly ground)

What you do:

Preheat oven to 400°.

After a good scrub and blemish removal (if a dermatologist is nearby, great!, otherwise, go it alone – you’ve got this!), place the ‘tates in a pot of water (note: if there is significant size variation amongst the chosen ones, cut the biggies down to size, so all are grossly equivalent).  Bring to a boil.  Every so often (you may conveniently coordinate this with your mimosa refills), check for tenderness via forking (you know what I mean).  Once all pupils have sufficiently passed the fork test (easy insertion), they have a brief time-out in the local colander while they cool their hot little heads.  Once cool enough to manhandle, place them atop a parchment-paper-lined, rimmed cookie sheet. Let the smashing commence!  See here:

Next, brush the smashed potatoes with olive oil.  If combining flavored oils, put your creation in a little bowl so you achieve sufficient melding of flavors prior to application.  Then, spice it up!  I typically use my kitchen shears to nip the slender rosemary leaves into bits, or, if feeling lazy-ish, I just crush them a bit between my finger tips so that they release some of the flavor and fragrance they have been hoarding.  Salt and pepper to taste.  They look something like this before roasting:

And here is a photo of some of the more photogenic supporting cast members:

Pop your not-yet-ready-for-prime-time players in the preheated oven, and let them do their thing for ~ 20 minutes.  Then, do your best to flip as many of them over as possible, so all surfaces get a shot at equal roasting – this is key as it provides an opportunity for maximal crunchy potato skin creation.  Back they go for another ~ 20 minutes.  Once you are happy with the amount of crispy, browned goodness available, pull them out and load up the plates.  Add whatever other brunch favorites you adore, refill the drinks and ENJOY your happy weekend!

Please note:  No products or reimbursement were received for any products reviewed or mentioned in this post; sentiments expressed are the author’s own. Herby the LOVE Blog is not professionally or financially affiliated with the Temecula Olive Oil Company.

The post Herby’s Smashed & Roasted Rosemary Brunch Potatoes appeared first on Herby the Love Blog.

It is one of those questions that – eventually, ultimately – eeks into the brains of those that choose the plant-based path … to feed or not to feed our pets the very things we eschew?  Quite the dilemma, me thinks.  And I indeed DID ponder that conundrum for many a moon.

Thus began our research.  Kev proposed, following our initial foray into “vegan dog food” cyberspace inquiry, I simply make their food, from scratch.  ”I have time for that!” – - – enthusiastically said no one!  Research, phase II, commenced, and met with great success.  Enter V-Dog Food – “for pooch and planet”.  NOW we’re talking!

I liked pretty much everything I learned about this product; highlights include: hypoallergenic and gluten free, NO ”animal products, wheat, corn , soy, gluten, GMOs, factory farming, by products, fake stuff, fillers”, “meets or exceeds” AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials – a voluntary, non-profit entity dedicated to setting standards of quality and safety for animal feed) standards, contains super foods and the vital vitamins and minerals our four-legged family members need.  Honestly, knowing what foods I should include in any homemade chow – in order to provide all the necessary, key nutrition – is what was most daunting when I was considering that route.  To know there is a product out there that meets ALL our requirements (especially our desire for NO GM ingredients!) AND makes our dogs RUN to devour it allows our vegan psyches to rest just a bit easier.  It almost feels too good to be true.  So much so, in fact, we waited to complete this post until we had at least a few months of trial under our belts.  Yep – they still jump about in anticipation as we prepare their twice daily repast and they have excellent energy and beautiful coats.  To boot, just today, my friend asked me how could it be possible that our dogs smell good??  Okay – so our Vizsla, admittedly, has terrific genes, as far as fragrance goes, but no such claims can be made for our rescue boy, Max – - – so, let’s just give V-Dog credit for his sweet smelling coat too!

As always, we are interested in any experiences our readers have had so pass along the goods if you too have explored plant-based pup nutrition.  Viva V-Dog!

Please note:  No products or reimbursement were received for this product review; sentiments expressed are the author’s own.  Herby the LOVE Blog is not professionally or financially affiliated with V-Dog Food.

The post Yes, Virginia, There IS Vegan Dog Food! appeared first on Herby the Love Blog.

Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.
- Mark Twain

The post HAPPY, HEALTHY, HUMOROUS 2013 appeared first on Herby the Love Blog.

Ahhh … the joys of the holidays!  Fellowship, good will toward men, festive dining, pretty packages, gaily lit trees, heated family conversation at the dinner table about government mandated food labeling … errrrrrrrr – record scratch – ruh row – ! –  how did we get here?  One minute glasses are clinking and toasts are flowing, and the next we’re in the middle of a passionate debate regarding the pros and – according to my sibling, cons – of the recent CA prop 37 (labeling GM foods mandate).  Good points were made by both sides – I must say – and while it’s a good exercise to hear and respond to the opposition’s viewpoint, I am most happy about one valid point agreed upon by all – that, regardless of GM food labeling mandates passing or not, WE the people get to continue “voting” by purchasing those foods that are FREE of GM products.  Now, add to the mix another family member – my college freshman niece (Go ‘SC!) – who looks to her food blogger auntie for help with her newly acquired gluten-free diet.  It was with these varied thoughts, needs and requests bouncing around in my brain that I stumbled upon The Green PolkaDot Box.

This family-owned company is on a mission to: 1) say buh-bye to “organic deserts” – those parts of the US of A where folks don’t have easy – or any! – access to “clean”, organic foods, 2) make clean, organic food available to all and 3) educate the public about our food supply via a “grass roots approach” to share about the “links between diet and disease, motivating them to seek out healthier, clean, organic alternatives”.  And just when I don’t think it can get much better, I read on to learn that they have done the homework for us, and only carry the “highest quality, safe, clean, non-GMO and, whenever possible, organic” foods.  There is LOADS of information on their site – they have an extensive FAQs section – and if that doesn’t cover all your inquiries, you may set up a live chat, e-mail or call – clearly, they want to hear from you!  I also like that there is a “Request a Product” tab – beautiful!

Now, here’s what I simply love the most about this company’s website  - and Natalie, this one’s for you – !! – when you go to the “Dietary Needs” tab, you find options you may highlight (such as: BPA Free, No Soy, Recycled Packaging, Certified Free Trade, Sprouted, Raw/Living Food, + 23 others!) thus customizing and refining your search of items they carry.  Soooooooo, if I am a conscientious college newbie (hypothetically speaking, of course), hoping to battle migraines naturally, I might highlight “gluten free” and “verified non-GMO” (because your aunt nudged you in that direction) and then hit “search”.  Voilà – you now have 150 items to peruse and, perhaps, purchase (isn’t alliteration fun??).

Now, there is some membership dealio that is part and parcel of this company – there is a video that explains it – but, admittedly, Kev and I began tuning that out as the rewards/membership structure started to make our post-holiday brains droop.  We now understand why one of the FAQs is “Are you a MLM Company?” (and, FYI, the answer is “no” – they are NOT a Multi-Level Marketing company). Phew!

We Herbies do not have first-hand experience (yet!) with this company, but at first blush, it is very compelling.  And we certainly resonate – strongly – with their goals.  It does seem to be a reasonable approach to obtaining healthful and non-GM foods; and the proverbial icing on the cake is the purported savings as compared to shopping at traditional brick-and-mortar stores.  What’s not to like about that?  Are you or someone you know a Green PolkaDot Box member?  We are interested in hearing about your experiences … do tell!  Until then – happy and healthful eating – no better way to ring in the new year!  Cheers!

Please note:  No products or reimbursement were received for this product review; sentiments expressed are the author’s own.  Herby the LOVE Blog is not professionally or financially affiliated with the Green Polka Dot Box.

The post Thinking INSIDE the box … The Green PolkaDot Box, that is! appeared first on Herby the Love Blog.

Food Democracy Now! has a handy-dandy form you fill out - if needed – to determine your Congressman’s/Congresswoman’s contact information so that you may call and share your thoughts regarding Monsanto and other biotech baddies efforts to “slide provisions in any end of the year omnibus spending bill to make sure their new GMO crops can evade any serious scientific or regulatory review.”

Food Democracy Now! explains that if “allowed to pass, this new provision would undermine agency oversight and not allow federal judges to stop the planting of GMO crops even if they’ve proven harmful while a lawsuit is taking place. This dangerous new provision, which we’re calling the Monsanto Protection Act, section 733 in the Fiscal Year 2013 Agricultural Appropriations bill has now been included in the end of the year omnibus spending bill in an effort to strip judges of their constitutional mandate to protect consumer rights and the environment, while opening up the floodgates for the planting of new untested GMO crops”.

It is KEY to contact your Congressperson within the next 24 hours to make sure “they protect your basic democratic rights and the safety of the food that you’re eating and feeding your family.”

I jumped right on this – in part, to see just how simple it was to immediately verify who I should call – AND I learned they made it even EASIER by providing a FORM LETTER, which I simply read verbatim (with the addition of our Congressperson’s name, of course!).  Then, there is a simple feedback option that allows you to share who you contacted and a little blurb about your thoughts, experiences, whatever, following your contact.  Beautiful!  Afterward, you are kindly escorted to a page where you may choose to contribute to the cause.  All in all, a streamlined, thoughtful and extremely efficient approach should you choose to continue making your voice heard.

Let’s keep this gorgeous, grass-roots effort ROLLING! It’s an exciting time!

The post Stop the “Monsanto Protection Act” – we have 24 hours! appeared first on Herby the Love Blog.

I have to ‘fess up that we did have to travel a bit to reach 118° – it’s not in Disney, California Adventure or even Downtown Disney – but well worth the short trip if you are looking for true health food while visiting the Happiest Place on Earth (which is how we spent our Thanksgiving!).

Our Happy Cow app lead us to 118° Degrees.  Kev has had a thing for raw food for some time now and their menu options had me at “fried avocado rolled tacos”.   Done and done.  And, it didn’t hurt that our hotel’s valet service lost our car key and we had some time to kill while they continued their frantic search.  The head valet guy ordered us up a taxi and we were off.  Ten minutes later, we had arrived.  The place was TINY – we were immediately glad we had not been successful in talking the other 14 of us to come along as we would have stood about shoulder to shoulder.

Two Peruvian Coffees were first up.  Raw cacao, lime and cayenne are generously added to locally roasted – organic – coffee.  Lime delights me – in general – and Kev likes anything with some heat, so we figured this would be a definite winner. The first couple of sips sent us both reeling – it was simply unexpected.  The citrus is VERY prominent, as is the heat.  I ended up enjoying it A LOT, once I reminded myself that – SILLY! – of course it tastes different – it’s coffee with lime and cayenne pepper (duh!).  Kev never did buy into it … I kept checking back in, to see if his opinion had changed following subsequent sips, but no – he firmly maintained that he could not taste the coffee.  Period.  The end.

Well, okay – maybe he will really enjoy the smoothies.  This – again – is something he typically loves, so I am sure we will have a hit here.  We ordered a Super Green (mango, banana, kale, supergreens & fresh coconut water) and a Daily 5 Smoothie (“a balanced smoothie featuring seasonal fruit, almond milk, kale, supergreens and coconut”).  The Super Green arrived soon after the coffee, but the Daily 5 was MIA.  After a gentle reminder, it too showed up.  Both were sincerely delicious – excellent consistency and a balance of flavors that kept your mouth happy, while allowing your brain to recognize that you were indeed imbibing healthful stuff.

Up next, the main attractions – Fried Avocado Rolled Tacos and Mole Enchiladas.

The “fried” effect is achieved by rolling the ‘cado pieces in something that has a fine bread crumb texture; it’s effective – at first blush, it does appear as if you have deep-fried fare sitting aloft a delicious “house made wrap”, which holds tahini cheese, cucumber, greens and tomatillo salsa.  The whole effect was light, fresh, clean and guilt-free.

The mole enchiladas were an excellent partner as they brought more to the table, flavor-wise.  Mole is one of those treats I have sorely missed once I said “¡Adiós!” to carne; I just haven’t seen many plant-based options smothered in mole.  Needless to say, this dish had to be ordered.  And it did not disappoint.  I kept pondering how I could distract Kevin so that he might not notice my buried face amongst the enchiladas.  It was gone before I knew it, and while I was contemplating ordering some more, our final course arrived.

I know.  You are wondering what that highly un-photogenic pile is … its official name is Apple Coffee Cake.  And just to prove looks aren’t everything, here ya go.  It tastes DEVINE.  The “fresh and warm out of the dehydrator” apple concoction – topped with cinnamon pecan crumble – is simply delicious.  I dug the apples’ textures – toothsome, but just the right amount so – and the cinnamon was liberally appropriate.  It was a fitting ending to our raw, plant-based feast.

Oh – and our missing car key?  We returned from our adventure to learn they found it in the dust bin that was propped behind the key kiosk.  But don’t fear – our key was not lonely – they had flung another poor patron’s keys in there as well.  I don’t even want to know how they finally determined that’s where they were.  All’s well that ends well, as they say.

Anyway, in addition to their community cafe in Anaheim, they have a 118° Degrees Restaurant in Costa Mesa, and they have a Raw Bar Deli Case inside the Whole Foods Market in Tustin.  Go and get your raw on!

Please note:  No products or reimbursement were received for this product review; sentiments expressed are the author’s own.  Herby the LOVE Blog is not professionally or financially affiliated with 118°.

The post Raw, plant-based, organic goodness … and Disneyland?? Meet 118° Degrees. appeared first on Herby the Love Blog.