Love List: NYC Vegan Eateries

Feisty Foodie,

The Big Apple holds a big place in my heart, especially because this sacred city holds a whole lotta veg-friendly hot spots for blissful eating and drinking. I’ve sung the praises of my regular haunts countless times. Pure Food & Wine, Candle 79 and Blossom never disappoint, but today I want to shine a spotlight on some new hot spots on my radar. A big thanks to my pals who sent some recommendations my way! Hold on to your forks, folks. This list is going to make your taste buds sing …

Quick Bites

Terri: This destination is easy on the pocketbook and serves up some killer salads and sandwiches. Plus, they serve vegan breakfast items like the Tofu Breakfast Scramble Wrap! 60 West 23^rd Street between 5^th and 6^th Avenues. *Juice bar

NY Dosas: Make sure you get in line early because locals love their all-vegan dosa cart. You’ll find Thiru Kumar’s food cart camped out on the south side of Washington Square Park. And in case you’re new to these delectable dosas, get ready for a vegetarian crêpe packed with curried potatoes, carrots and peppers, courtesy of South India. Corner of West 4^th and Sullivan.

zpizza: Looking for the perfect vegan pizza? Look no further. The Berkeley Vegan features marinara sauce, Daiya cheese, vegan burger crumbles and tons of veggies! 298 Bleecker Street.

Juice Press: Calling all raw foodies. Don’t miss this cornucopia of raw entrees, apps and desserts. You can’t go wrong with the Coconut Seviche, Acai Pudding and Avocado Toast, although I’m pretty sure everything else on the menu will blow your mind. *Juice bar

100% Vegan Restaurants

Sacred Chow: Hello, variety! This organic, vegan restaurant (Kosher and gluten-free options available) has everything from Korean Tofu Cutlets with Steamed Kale to Mama’s Soy Meatballs with Sicilian Sauce. (I hear the meatballs are especially tasty.). When sampling from their Tapas menu, you’ll have a choice of three tasty items from the “Plant Protein Plates” and “Complex Carbs Plates.” Save room for dessert too; their English Toffee Cake is to die for. 227 Sullivan Street between West 3^rd and Bleecker Streets. *Juice bar

Peacefood Café:.  Looking for a relaxing, casual evening at a quaint vegan café? You’ll find that and so much more at Peacefood. Entrees include a nutrient dense “Live Salad,” Vegan Chili with Cornbread and Green Thai Curry. Plus, you’ll find a plethora of soups, sammies, salads, pizza and fresh baked desserts. Everything is prepared with peace, health and of course tastiness in mind. 460 Amsterdam at 82^nd Street. *Juice bar

Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

Dirt Candy: In case you were wondering about the name, Chef/Owner Amanda Cohen explains it best: “When you eat a vegetable you’re eating little more than dirt that’s been transformed by plenty of sunshine and rain into something that’s full of flavor: Dirt Candy.” Each appetizer and entrée is named after its featured vegetable, so when you order the “Zucchini” your plate will feature mint and tarragon pasta, squash blossom relish, yogurt and saffron sauce. (Everything on the menu can be prepared vegan!). 430 East 9^th Street.

Dovetail: Monday nights at Dovetail offers a mouth-watering vegan tasting menu. It’s about $50 for three courses and dessert. Need convincing? How does Fennel Ravioli with basil, artichokes and preserved lemon sound? Perhaps Barbeque Parsnip Rib with coconut rice, daikon and cilantro is more your style? If you’re out for a night on the town with your vegan lover or want to expose a veg-curious pal to the delicious land of elegant vegan cuisine, this spot fits the bill! 103 West 77^th Street.

Per Se: If you have a very special occasion to celebrate and really feel like splurging, Per Se may fit the bill. They have a separate prix fixe vegan menu that runs about $300 per person. Don’t say I didn’t tell you it was pricey! Word on the street is that it’s worth the Benjamins. 10 Columbus Circle.

Sweet Tooth

Lula’s Sweet Apothecary: Step inside and all of your ice cream dreams will come true without the dairy. Milkshakes, banana splits, brownie sundaes and ice cream flavors galore. (Choose from soy, coconut and cashew bases). Don’t believe me? Check out the amazing Yelp! reviews. 516 East 6^th Street between Avenues A and B.

Cocoa V: Indulge in a love affair of wine and vegan chocolate at Cocoa V’s café. Bon Bons! Truffles! Baked delights! Enjoy them with a perfectly paired glass of vino or if you’re in the mood for a savory treat, order a platter of decadent nut cheeses. You won’t be disappointed. 174 9^th Avenue between 20^th and 21^st Streets.

Babycakes: This well-known 100% vegan bakery is a godsend for all allergy sufferers! Babycakes offers gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free and soy-free treats, so that anyone can have their cake and eat it too! 248 Broome Street between Orchard and Ludlow.

Dun Well Vegan Doughnuts: Have you heard of artisanal donuts? If not, run, don’t walk to Dun Well. You’ll delight in their Rosewater and Dark Lavender, Red Pepper and Mexican Chocolate and Green Tea & Ginger flavors (just to name a few!). You’ll find Dun Well goodies at Blossom Du Jour, Boneshakers, Champs Family Bakery, Cocoa V and Lula’s Sweet Apothecary.

I know that my crazy sexy readers have some NYC veg-friendly haunts to share, so please leave your lip smackin’ suggestions in the comments!

Peace & second helpings,

Kris

Photo credits: Brian G. Wilson, missmeng, alibee

Love List: Luscious Skin Care

Hi Radiant Queen,

From time to time I love to update my favorite organic beauty products. A few months ago I got the best gift ever! Annmarie Gianni sent me a slew of her healthy potions and lotions from her new skincare line. Ya know why I say it was “the best gift ever”?

One: Because her products blew my mind (not easy to do). Annmarie literally harnesses the power of Mother Nature in a bottle. Vazoom!

Two: Because her gift was unconditional. She didn’t ask me to do anything but “enjoy.” Annmarie and her husband, the fabulous Kevin Gianni, noticed how hard I was working promoting Crazy Sexy Diet. They were so proud of all I was doing to uplift the lives of others that they wanted me to enjoy a bit of pampering, no strings attached. Um, really? I was so touched!

Note: Lots of folks send me products for review. When I launched my periodic Love Lists, my mailbox exploded. As you all know, I only write about things I adore and use myself. Translation: You can’t buy move LOVE. When I tried Annmarie’s gems I immediately thought, holy shitake! I have to spread the word because this shit totally rocks! As a matter of fact, I love these products so much that I joined her affiliate program.

Sisters, if you’re looking for something new, give this chemical-free skincare line a whirl here. They’re an all-natural, organic blend between shaman magic, Medicine Woman wisdom and a potent herbalist cocktail, (Hey Bartender! I’ll definitely have another). As Annmarie says, “the line brings the ancient healing energies and awareness directly to you so that you may radiate your own natural beauty.”

Here are my favorites. I’ve been using them daily for about a month and my skin is less dry and more glowy. Also, my makeup doesn’t cake or get caught in my near-40 creases as much as it did when I was using other cleansers and moisturizers.

I love the Aloe-Herb Cleanser. It leaves my skin fresh, clean and hydrated. Plus it smells like heaven in the springtime.

I love the Neroli Toning Mist, which I apply after cleansing and before moisturizer. It smells like angels blowing air kisses.

I love the Herbal Facial Oil. After washing and misting my face, I apply 1-2 pumps of this oil. At first I thought it would make me breakout or look like a grease slick. Oh no, Mon Ami. My skin drinks it in like a nourishing oasis filled with antioxidant bliss. This oil may just be the fountain of youth!

I love the Anti-Aging Eye Cream. Who knows if it will keep the facial crows in check? I like to think it just might. It’s cooling, calming and totally rejuvenating. Filled with cucumbers, green tea, echinacea and something else I can’t pronounce.

I love the purifying mud mask. It tightens and tones my skin. It also makes me look like a warrior princess and it’s a terrific way to frighten the UPS guy.

I love love love the coconut body oil. My legs and the back of my arms love it too. So do my cracky elbows and heels.

I’ve also tried Ayurvedic facial scrub. It’s a like, not a love. I smelled like Indian food and got more up my nose than on my face. I probably need to give it another shot.

Annmarie has lots of other groovy products to play with. Browse away, love lady! (My gift to you: 10% off any product. Use coupon code: sexy.)

Crazy Sexy Personal Beauty Tips

1. Drink ½ your body weight in ounces of purified water daily. If you’re a daily green juice Goddess, you can drink less.
2. Eat a varied plant-based diet high in raw organic foods, green juices and green smoothies.
3. Dump animal products, fake foods, sodas, coffee and energy drinks.
4. Sweat your prayers and shake your ass-ets. Move your God Pod 3-5 times per week.
5. Rest. Sleep is something we never catch-up on. Try to get 8 hours of uninterrupted slumber between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
6. Dry brush. Your skin is your largest organ. Keep it bright and unobstructed with daily dry brushing.
7. Positive re-programming. A healthy and glowy body isn’t just about what you eat and what you put on your skin, it’s also about addressing what’s eating you. Face what’s holding you back in an honest and authentic way. Move through your darkness into your brilliant light (so bright we need expensive sunglasses). Practice EFT, journaling, check-ups from the neck ups, meditation, and visualization and smile therapy. Look in the mirror each day and say, “You are gorgeous inside and out, upside and down.”
8. Spend time in Mother Nature and align your inner rhythm to hers. There’s a time and a season for growth, renewal, refuge and silence. In our fast-paced world we often go against our inner grain. Stop, drop and remember.
9. Go to church. And by church, I mean nature. Spend time outside in the sunshine, breathe deep, hug a tree, do sun salutes in the rain, sit and meditate like the Buddha, get dirt under your nails by planting a garden and feed the birds. Enlightenment will come.

Peace and pretty,
KC

PS – For 10% off, remember to use your coupon code “sexy” here. Hurry, expires April 6!

Love List: Growth, Gratitude and Milestones

V-day Vavoom Vixen,

First and foremost, I hope you had an nourishing Valentine’s Day! A date with self, partner, potential partner, friend or inner BFF. My Valentine’s Day was absolutely perfect because I did nothing. No restaurants, no movies, no plans. We ordered from my favorite restaurant, Garden Cafe and ate out of the cartons in front of the TV – in pj’s, dog on sofa. Now I know that’s not the most actualized way of consuming a meal, but I LOVED it. I loved wearing no makeup, slippers and old cozy shit. After coming off of the most glorious and seriously revolutionary weekend at Kripalu (with about 150 vibrant wellness warriors – who I will LOVE forever) I needed to turn off the Crazy Sexy and chillax. I needed to be normal, boring even. It was a perfect way to end a perfect weekend.

Eight years ago when I was diagnosed with an incurable canSer on Valentine’s Day, I never would have imagined that this day would ever be typical. I thought it would always have bittersweet meaning and in some ways make me sad. Nope. The only time I actually thought about canSer was when I posted a comment on Facebook. That’s a huge milestone for me, and I need to sit with it, marinate in it, bear witness to my growth. In fact, there has been so much growth in a relatively short period of time. But guess what? I often fall into the trap of wanting something so badly, meditating on it, vision boarding the shit out of it, getting it, cheering about it for 30 secs, checking it off the list, and then moooving on to the next want. Do you do that? Gosh if that isn’t an example of needing to be present I don’t know what is. It will never be good enough if we don’t notice the victories. We’ll always be on the run. The promise land will always be out of reach and people will always fall short or let us down.

Notice what ya got soul sister. In fact, do this with me, notice one thing RIGHT NOW. Sit, close your eyes, take a deep breath and acknowledge the one positive thing in your life, something that has shifted towards the light.

Can you share that growth gem with us?

Here’s another one of mine (besides writing a New York Times Best Seller, woo-to-the-hoo!): I used to think that without my health I had nothing. Now I know that without my happiness I have nothing. And though I still have canSer, I have more joy than ever. I need to let that into my cells more, into my mind more, into my heart more. It’s all really good. And I am really grateful. But when I’m on the wheel I forget and tighten up. I bet you can relate, no matter what your thing is.

Open your eyes and notice the growth with me. That’s the best V-day present this crazy sexy gal could get.

Peace and a 30,000-foot view (breath-taking),
Kris

Photo credits: duncan, MissNatalie

Love List: Join the Crazy Sexy Diet Revolution!

I am blown away, humbled and stoked! Guess what? We find out whether we made the New York Times Bestseller list TONIGHT. Am I nervous? No. In fact, I’ll go out on a limb, against all my superstitious judgment, and say that I think we did it! I think YOU did it. But you know what’s bigger than the acknowledgments? The movement we’ve created. I see it firsthand. I see it in the bookstores, auditoriums, hallways, private gatherings (I even in see it in the ladies’ rooms!). It/we cannot be stopped. And you know what else? If we didn’t make the list, there would be only one reason:  There weren’t enough books to meet the outrageous demand that none of us (my team, the pubs) bargained for. Now THAT’S Crazy Sexy! The book is sold out everywhere! Our rankings have dropped because, um, the books sold out. WOWZA! But have no fear, we’re restocking as I type, and all back orders will be filled ASAP. You won’t have to wait long, I promise.

Mama Carr & Kris Carr

Every event is standing room only. Folks are hugging, dancing, crying, cheering (loudly!), raising the roof and stoking the fires of revolution. I am finding energy inside myself that I didn’t even know I possessed. And rest assured, if I’m coming to your town, I will unleash a kick-ass supply of love thunder! It gives me shivers to see how the Crazy Sexy movement has become so much bigger than me. WE are a force to be reckoned with, and we’re not going to wait for change from the top down. We’re unifying to create massive change from the bottom up!

Sooo … are you with me? Will you join the Crazy Sexy health revolution today? Will you change your life and stack the odds in your health, spiritual wealth and happiness favor? I sure hope so.

We’re a love battalion, and I want you on board hot stuff! I never use war terminology to describe my adventure with cancer, but I have long been using protest terminology to describe my mission and passion for prevention. Why? Because as I’ve said before: Prevention IS the cure. So while it ain’t a battle, it is a peaceful protest, a “juice-in” so to speak, and the more of us who get on board, the more lives we save. It’s that simple. Sheesh, I hope John Lennon is looking down on us sweetly singing “all we are saying, is give juice a chance.”

Glen Colello

Judging by your response to “Crazy Sexy Diet,” you really want CHANGE. So make it today, tomorrow and the day after that. Your hands aren’t tied my friend. I promise you, and “Crazy Sexy Diet” will give you a thousand and one ways to upgrade your diet and lifestyle. Once you learn, pay it forward. Recruit!

Kris Carr and Vanessa Barg

Hope you enjoy the tour pix I’ve sprinkled in this post! I want to give a big shout-out to Glen Colello and the Catch A Healthy Habit Cafe. I had a blast with my Connecticut posse at that event! Also, don’t miss Rawtographer Jeff Skeirik who captured the evening so beautifully and Vanessa Barg, raw chocolate sorceress at Gnosis! I hope to see you really soon. Don’t forget to talk to me over at my Facebook fan page (I try to respond to each and EVERY person), and join our cleanse group in the Crazy Sexy Diet Club. It’s totally ok to start “late” because there’s no such thing as late. As soon as you arrive, the party will get started!

Peace and juice-ins,
Kris

PS. Special thanks to all the folks who have given me love-filled cards and green drinks along the way! You really know how to keep this girl shiny.

Photo Credit: Jeff Skeirik (Rawtographer)

Love List: Top 15 Crazy Sexy Diet Tips

Crazy Sexy Diet Posse!

I’m bowled over by the massively supportive and enthusiastic response to Crazy Sexy Diet! It’s now the #1 best selling book on Amazon. Holy green juice! It filled me with joy to see hundreds of health crusaders ready to take 2011 by storm at my New York City book tour events this week. And did you happen to tune-in when I rocked the plants on Good Morning America? If you haven’t picked up Crazy Sexy Diet yet, what are you waiting for, sassy?

Check out some of my top tips for supercharged living below, plus my favorite green juice and smoothie recipes. This handy list is a great reminder when you fall off the wellness wagon. Speaking of which…Have you jumped on board for the 21-day Crazy Sexy Diet cleanse? There’s still time! It’s happening right now, so scoot over to my.crazysexylife.com and make some Crazy Sexy Diet pals.

Peace & sparkly unicorns,
Kris Carr

Top 15 Crazy Sexy Diet Tips

1. Get back to nature and back to the garden – preferably the organic garden – when affordable – when not, try to choose fruits and veggies that are less sprayed. You can find a Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides at foodnews.org. There are over 80,000 chemicals in our world today, eating them and putting them on our bodies is a dangerous proposition.

2. Create an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle. Learn about pH, the acid/alkaline balance, and say goodbye to the SAD, acidic diet in favor of alkaline raw organic veggies, sprouts, green drinks, green smoothies, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, love and oxygen.

3. Make juice not war. Green smoothies are great too. My favorite juicer is the Breville Ikon, and the best blender is the Vitamix. Instead of your morning cup of Joe, (or nightly cup of booze) try filling your day with fresh vegetable juice.

4. Drink lots of clean, purified water.

5. Decrease the amount of animal products you consume (especially dairy products) and move towards more of a plant-based diet.

6. Refined sugars and processed starches are the devil – dump them. If it’s made in a lab it takes a lab to digest. If it has a shelf life longer than you, don’t eat it. Choose low glycemic foods as much as possible.

7. Shake your booty. Your lymph system, which carries away waste, needs you! Unlike your heart, it doesn’t have a pump.  Aerobics is the pump. Brisk walking is the pump. Yoga is the pump.

8. Give your colon a regular spring-cleaning. That’s right, flood your body with alkalinity and flush it of toxins. As the good stuff goes in the bad stuff should come out – on a regular basis.

9. Use natural skincare products. Your skin is your largest organ and what you put on it you literally drink in. Everything you consume either gets assimilated or eliminated. Chemical creams and perfumes tax your body big time.

10. Stress also creates acidity, so turn down the volume on chaos and turn up the joy factor up. Find and regularly commit to activities that help you bring it down a notch. Some ideas: meditation, gratitude journaling, guided relaxation or visualization CD’s, nature.

11. Snooze. Snooze. Snooze. Optimal hours: 11-7am.

12. Chew. Your stomach does not have teeth.

13. And stop eating late so that when you snooze, your body can focus on repair instead of digestion.

14. Set boundaries so that you have the physical and emotional time to take care of yourself – it’s not selfish, it’s self-preserving.

15. Make time for fun, for love, for laughter!

Make Juice Not War Green Drink
It’s our motto and our morning beverage. Here’s what we serve in the Carr/Fassett home daily. This recipe makes almost 32 oz.

-2 large cucumbers (peeled if not organic)
-Big fist full of kale or romaine
-Big fist full of sweet pea sprouts (if easy to find)
-4-5 stalks celery
-1-2 big broccoli stems
-1-2 pears or green apples (optional)
*Other optional greens we love: spinach

Kris Carr’s Green Smoothie
Makes enough for 2 people. You can adjust the recipe accordingly. My taste buds are different than yours so don’t be afraid to play!

-1 Avocado
-1-2 pieces of low glycemic fruit: we love green apple, pear, berries & cantaloupe
-1 Cucumber
-A bit of kale or romaine or spinach
-Coconut water (or purified water)
-Stevia to taste
*You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon and some cacao.
*You can also use coconut meat or almond butter or nut milk in place of avocado.

PS- The prevention is hot revolution is on the rise! Catch me next at these hot spots (full schedule here):

-January 20 (7 p.m.): Fairfield Theater Company | 70 Sanford Street, Fairfield CT 06824 (Sold out!)

-January 22 (12-2 p.m.): Elizabeth’s Gone Raw | 1341 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20005

-January 23 (4-5:30 p.m.): Borders |8027 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182

-January 24 (7-8:30 p.m.): breathe books | 816 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211