Vegan Mofo Day #16: Conscious 108

For Vegan Mofo post number 16, is a first of several restaurant reviews-- each one peppered in adventure and mayhem. According to Google Maps, taking a walk from Protea to all vegan, HappyCow recommended Conscious 108 was supposed to be an hour and a half. I left hotel around noon. When I sat at the restaurant, rounded wall clock read 3:15PM. Yes. It took over three hours to get there. In between walking up and down hills, taking sun reflecting photographs, smelling fresh scattered lavender perfuming pavements, I believe it was well worth the journey.

The black and white menu, chic and adorable, reminded me a little bit of Chloe.

The dessert menu is always the most difficult. From cakes to ice cream to tiramisu, I admit wanting to try them all out.

Raspberry cordial (very, very sweet) paired with Schweppe's lemonade to temper down sugary syrup flavor.

The Conscious "Cheese Beef" Burger is a massive soy wheat patty topped with their house made cheese sauce, juicy tomatoes, grated carrot, caramelized onions, and pickled cucumbers on a plump whole wheat roll. This was definitely the bee's knees. Tasty and hearty, cooked to perfection, I thought it was one of the most amazing vegan burgers ever eaten. The cheese sauce is unique and takes some getting used to after being accustomed to Daiya and Field Roast Chao.

Thick cut, naked sweet potato fries-- delicious component that doubled as cheese sauce scoopers.

Oryx Sea Salt and Oryx Black Pepper, when ground out, let big crystallized flecks and sparks escape, coarsely pouring over food-- a tiny bit went a long, flavorful way and glorified eating experience.

Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On" played, a song I had once badly sang in karaoke, soft guitar strumming to romantic lyrics chirping on about loving afro hairdos and summer tasting like cinnamon, I dug into this beautiful slice of sugar free, gluten free carrot cake.

To this day, I'm not sure how I felt about the cake. Without sugar, it certainly lacked for something. I couldn't even describe how enticingly dripped icing tasted. Maybe Rae's ginger tune was seducing me, but I did honestly enjoy cinnamon notes inside moist, fork tender cake and sprinkled sparsely on white plate. That's for sure. On the other hand, I definitely ate more walnuts than needed and can vaguely remember carrots. I recall the carrots in my burger more so than in this cake. Also, soy milk was a heavy flavor here. Still, I ate the whole slice and wondered if over sugared American lifestyle had tarnished my eagerness to try sugar free dessert.

Doodles of crumb coated plates, sweet guilty pleasures, and adult contemporary music track lists.

A selfie inside space where natural light came shining through. Simplistic aesthetic of the restaurant's interior design provided comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Plus my funny, inquisitive waitress thought I was spying-- taking a gazillion pictures of food and layout in every single instance. Afterwards, I picked up groceries and traveled three hours back to the hotel, skipping along and taking more photographs.

Vegan Mofo Day #15: In My Leisure Suite

For my 15th Vegan Mofo post, I focus on my two memorable stays in Johannesburg. When I originally booked my reservations over summer, I hadn't included my Tuesday arrival. Instead of booking another room (which hiked to $96 a night aka 1352 ZAR), I found a wonderful hostel called Once in Joburg for 179 ZAR ($12.55) a night. Conveniently, near Protea Marriott® Johannesburg Parktonian All-Suite-- my main staying location-- I fell in love with Once in Joburg's charming place devoted to nice fellow travelers and the like. I enjoyed the company as well as my lodgings-- the bathroom especially.

Prior to the four minute journey to Protea, I had a delicious complimentary breakfast of guacamole on a plain bagel, a green apple, and apple juice.

After a delicious small breakfast and hugs goodbye to some of the Once in Joburg staff, I walked down to Protea, checked into my suite on the 14th floor, and relaxed in what singer Feist would call a "Leisure Suite."

The mysterious 13th Floor is at the top of twenty four floors. In one elevator the number is visible. The other elevators showcase a superstitious "x." Hmmmmm.......

A peep inside my closet. Funnily enough, they are arranged from Philly Aids Thrift finds (lacy Free People Dress and multi-patterned dress both for $6) to an eBay cat print dress ($39.99) and an AdinkraExpo's Etsy Shop custom floor length gown ($115).

Bathroom luxuries: Yes to Carrots Facial Cloths, Nubian Heritage Body Butter in Mango, raw Trader Joe's Coconut Oil, and homemade Shea Butter Balm Lotion and homemade Sugar & Coconut Oil Scrub (three items hidden under clothes of my suitcase in case you're wondering how did two 8oz. jars get on through the airport).

Bear resting comfortably in Parkatonian Suite's comfortable king sized bed. Sadly, he was un-tucked every single day.

One of my awesome friends sent me a care package prior to journey-- a care package of beautiful jewelry. I was absolutely flabbergasted to uncover these treasures wrapped in tissue paper. From wooden beaded necklaces to hand painted pierced earrings, everyday was a difficult choice.

More of the elegant baubles.

Bracelets and headwraps.

Donning floor length gown for the first day of the conference. Thank you Ama! Originally this dress was intended for the 115th Annual Student Exhibition. It wasn't finished in time. In the closet for months, I decided maybe Johannesburg would be the best place to wear this stunning form-fitting beauty!

Pre-walking excursion: I wore this amazing, soft fabric, authentic Basquiat t-shirt, a shocking $4 Philly Aids Thrift find.

Presentation Day outfit.

Although nervous, this colorful, stylishly designed look exuded confidence.

State of the art gym equipment that I didn't utilize. Almost a little apologetic about not packing workout clothes.....

Nighttime view from the gym.

Good sunshine-y morning from my balcony. Warm weather a divine pleasantry almost every day of my short visit.

Skyscrapers.

Beautiful gold stitched bedroom curtains.

Perks of South Africa on the top coffee table.

Modest blue carpeted living room with flat screen television (to watch my soapies) and blue multi-patterned couch matching chair.

Lovely private balcony.

Small kitchenette area with a full tea bar and fridge.

Inside my fridge: poppy seeded vegetable samoosas (samosas to us), locally made Pressed 100% Pink Lady Apple Juice,  and an orange peel and vanilla chocolate bar. These were from Woolworth's, a ritzy grocery store containing fine quality foods and beverages.

A closer inspection at the certified grown in Africa chocolate bar. I loved the package pattern-- those curves and lines reminiscent of many clothes worn by locals. It was all so outrageously fashionable. I found solidarity in a place that I so desire to return-- magical yet profoundly human.

Vegan Mofo Day #14: Charles De Gaulle Airport Vegan in Paris Edition

In continuing my Vegan Mofo catchup, highlighting overseas travels. I arrived in Paris, exuberantly eager about my quixotic plans for the Louvre (bought an advanced ticket), lunch at Brasserie Lola (a popular vegan hotspot), and a stroll through Eiffel Tower and Seine River (happy ending).  Of course, romantic fluffiness never transpired. It wasn't fated to be. I lost my earbuds between airplane and airport, took wrong transfer off RER B train, and with only two stops left got trapped in an abandoned subway car-- all while dreary rain poured from a downcast sky. When I escaped empty car, I jumped off and ran up rock filled railroad tracks along alarming sounds of howling dogs. Thankfully French speaking female driver said the wait was ten minutes. Unfortunately, the train sped backwards. So that two stops away became "this is definitely not the right train." A stranger told me to wait for another local. It led me somewhere that was not the Louvre. I then took a bus back to the airport, had Paypal trouble, and was sadly, stuck at the airport for six hours. Fate decided that I should have no more adventures in Paris-- especially considering I have no true sense of direction.

At Relay, a huge book/magazine store selling sandwiches, pop, and chips almost at every gate, a few foods were available to salvage vegan hunger like an olive tabouli salad, Tyrrell's chips (a favorite from my last trip to Paris), and Evian water.

I wished to have found fancy, upscale, gourmet carrying Mark & Spencer prior to Relay. M&S, a store located after going through customs and walking towards flight gate, had everything needed-- fruits, veggies, juices, sandwiches, cookies-- a bunch of vegan treasures in this charming supermarket with fabulous to cheap priced food.

M&S had vast amount of Halloween clearance goodies. At €1.00 each, their Zombie Jelly Brains were gummy candies derived from fruit pectin and contained fruit juices and spirulina. 

Falafel is one item that can't be beat! These tasty broad bean bite sized delights were flavored with coriander, cumin, parsley, and five other fresh herbs. Nothing wrong with eating them cold whilst walking on through the airport.  My only regret was wishing to have eaten them along with earlier tabouli salad. Exceptional Middle Eastern spices mirrored each other. Also broad beans are called fava, faba, filed, etc. So yes, they still retained authenticity.

Another clearance item, Fizzy Fangtastic Popcorn priced at €0.75, was an orange flavored treat that I gluttonously devoured at the airport. Citrus sweetness against crunchy bulbous popcorn bunches brightened my glum disposition.

M&S Gingersnaps became a crazy addiction. Crisp, thin cookies (biscuits) contained a sweet spice of life that had my heart on fire. It was best to have vegan milk or juice with these kicking desserts. I feel a little guilty for eating on white sheet beds, spilling brownish orange crumbs of evidence. I tried to be neat. Tried. At €1.32 each, I should have purchased three packs. I immensely loved them, especially during wicked South African soap opera time, disheartened when reaching end of rounded package.

Vegan Mofo Day #13: Notes From the Plane

Parisian morning skies reflecting on Air France's outstretched wings.

For Vegan Mofo #13, reliving memories of flying through various countries.
Last Sunday, I cut it close, choosing to leave Philadelphia on a late evening bus, having no idea that it was best to get to the airport an hour before plane takeoff. I took risky chances from moment foot stepped into NYC territory. With it being a little past nine-- the gambling decision was to pick paying $60 for an Uber (in rather chaotic traffic) or taking subway J and transfer to an air train. I chose the cheaper latter, which slowly chipped away at my sanity at each slow and tedious stop. After jumping off air train, I raced down to Air France section, happy that no long line awaited. My sole luggage, a hefty purple suitcase, weighed and tagged, would be waiting for me in Johannesburg.
At last, I made it through security and expensive gift shops, to reach en route to Paris gate.
The flight was a seven hour leisure. I didn't take drugs. I watched movies and slept peacefully.
Once I exited, I didn't feel fatigued or jet lagged. In fact, nothing of the sort happened for me on any of the planes I boarded off of. Excitement of trekking through various cities is such an adrenaline rush. Who needs rest when exploring is higher on the traveler's hierarchy?

Not the best fare, but better than the flight back home.

Now out of four individual plane routes only two had vegan meals. The first was a green pea and corn mix with little red tomato garnish, chewy, touch miniature bread loaf, tart Granny Smith applesauce, and water. It wasn't most savory dish to eat during "Dumbo" (a very, sad disturbing Disney classic by the way). Modest, simplistic food kept hunger at bay.

In Amsterdam, a sweet friend (she moved from Ohio to Amsterdam) baked fresh vegan muffins in honor of my short visit! Pictured are mixed berry and lemon poppyseed. Unseen: decadent chocolate raspberry.

Two latter flights back to the states were on KLM, an Air France subsidiary. They were dairy ladled meals-- loaded with butter and cheeses galore. Fortunately, one of the mystery boxes contained vegan certified butter. I also brought snacks on the plane, including yummy homemade muffins.

Flying straight into grey.

On the Paris flight towards Johannesburg, in middle of night, we were served dinner. Despite its unattractive appearance, the hot couscous and mixed vegetables was a delicious, satisfactory dish-- second out of four airline meals.

Flying into Johannesburg, excitement partying high in veins.

Beautiful clouds welcome travelers to destination. Anticipation killing me at this point.

Vegan Mofo Day #12: Thanksgiving Alone WIth Classic Mac & Cheese

The lone holiday dinner pack.

Greyhound sold out. Megabus had no trips. Plane costs crept up to a thousand.
I should have expected that. Still, surprise came anyway-- unleashing stark sadness over a still questionable holiday. Fresh from a week overseas, not the least bit tired or jetlagged, I didn't mind another adventure-- a thirteen hour ride to good ole Dayton to make the customary vegan dishes for Mom and siblings plus spend quality time with dearest friends. New tradition of walnut and mushroom couscous stuffing stays on my mind, but it's various versions of family approved mouthwatering macaroni & cheese making heart pound.

From Newsweek.

Then again, when it comes to celebrating fourth Thursday of every November, Americans need to face honest reality, go beyond thankfulness and focus on North Dakota. At this very moment, descendants of horrifically glossed over genocide are fighting to keep their land and water from a pipeline threatening their livelihood. Now it's not just the pipeline itself. Militant police forces are using extremely violent measures to stop peaceful protests. So yes, history is being repeated in modern contemporary age. We need this to end. Immediately.
This afternoon, over an isolated dinner, alone and unsupervised, I prayed for family, friends, North Dakota, the world. Times are toughening up. We need to be strong and protect each other during this challenging strife. I am thankful for what I have and need no Black Friday to say otherwise.

Classic Macaroni & Cheese Ingredients and Preparation

1 cup macaroni (or fusilli, grocery store sold out on macaroni)
3 slices Daiya Provolone
1/3 cup almond milk (or any dairy free milk)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon love, peace, and thankfulness (more if necessary)

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Melt Daiya into warmed almond milk. Stir in onion and garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour sauce over pasta and mix until evenly combined.

Holy angels gave blessing and light.

Simple no fuss recipe that can be made an hour or two before holiday supper.

Creamy close up.

Whole Foods Holiday Vegan Box consisted of roasted Brussels Sprouts, butternut squash with cranberries, cornbread stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Of course it was missing the best carb-- macaroni and cheese.

Eat, be merry, and think of those in need. There will always be people who need more than what they have been offered in this life. It's our duty to see that they receive our loving helping hands.