Cows are my friends!

I have the sweetest little twin nieces the world will ever know. One of them, I am sure, will grow up to be a vegetarian. She has many of the same food habits I had as a child. Today while working with her grandfather (aka Poppie) on a thanksgiving project she learned from her sister that the beef she has been eating comes from cows... The poor girl was shocked. Her only response "But... cows are my friends!!!"

They are my friends too Maddie :P

Too much time has past!

Too much time has past since my last blog and so much has happened. I finally managed to get back to my normal American routine, which isn't all that normal, after spending six weeks volunteering in Salvador, Brasil. Almost immediately after my return from Brasil I began another road trip across the eastern region of the states with Semih. I picked him up in Texas and we began a trip to both see the states and introduce him to friends and family before he had to return to Turkey. Since his return I have been working in Texas with my father, working on a large scale painting and trying to learn some Turkish for my upcoming trip this winter.

I bought my plane ticket for Turkey about two weeks ago and each day ever since has felt like a year. The days are especially slower now that I returned home to NJ and don't the hectic work schedule as I did in Texas. I was hoping to work for a few more week, but the Windtower project is on hold until the beginning of 2009. Everything in the transportation business seemed to have slowed down a bit for many many reasons. I think alot of it has to do with the election. People are waiting to see how the economy will be addressed by the new administration before spending large sums of money on new projects. I think many companies are wanting to see how the government will spend money to save the economy before spending their own money. blah blah blah...

In addition to spending three wonderful months with Semih in Turkey I also have a solo art exhibit in the works as soon as I return. More to come later on that.. :P

Paz

Palace of Asia

If your in the mood for great Indian food and happen to be in the Mercer county area of NJ then I highly recommend stopping by at the Palace of Asia! They have an extensive vegetarian selection on their menu and are able to make several of the entrees vegan!! I have been eating here for over 5 years. The Daal Makhani is one of my favorite (and most ordered) dishes and I promise the the vegan version of this dish will not disappoint! Be sure to inform the waiter that your are vegan and ask him or her what breads and side dishes are or can be made vegan..

In addition to great food there is also a nice little bar area for patrons to enjoy a drink of their choice and a private dinning room that is perfect for special occasions.

Palace of Asia
540 Lawrence Sq Rd (corner of Quakerbridge Rd)
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

609-689-1500

www.palace-of-asia-.com

Sushi Masa

If you are in the Sioux Falls, SD area and happen to be craving good Japanese food then Sushi Masa is where you should go.. The menu is mostly catered to our omnivore neighbors, but they do have some very yummy veggie friendly options.. Sadly the Miso soup is not vegan, but they do have a simple salad with a yummy carrot and ginger dressing.. Some of the veggie apps are made with animal stock, but can be altered to fit your dietary preference. Just be sure to let the waiter or waitress know ahead of time.

The restaurant is located in the downtown area of Sioux Falls on S. Phillips Ave. Its a small family run place with plenty of charm and friendly wait staff. They do NOT accept reservations so you may want to call ahead and put you name on the waiting list.. Otherwise, depending on the day, you may end up waiting for a table.

Sushi Masa..
605-977-6968

Vegan guide to NYC!!

Any vegan or vegetarian visiting NYC for an extensive amount of time should consider purchasing the 2008 Vegan Guide to New York City.. This small book is filled with over a 100 restaurants that cater to vegetarians and vegans through out NYC, along with a veg friendly shopping guide to produce, shoes and misc products. I thought at first the book would be a list of standard restaurants with some vegan friendly options, but was very happy top learn that it was in fact a true guide to vegan eateries in NYC.

What I love most about the guide is that it is organized first by Manhattan neighborhoods and then by borough. Thus making it easier to locate a place to eat in conjunction to where you are living/staying/visiting. Every restaurant entry contains a helpful review by the authors along with a pricing guide and basic info such as credit cards accepted, delivery, alcohol on premises and contact information.

Its a ten dollar investment that will definitely be useful for those visiting or living in the City.. easily purchased or ordered through a local bookstore.

2008 Vegan Guide to New York Coty
By Rynn Berry and Chris Abreu-suzuki
ISBN # 0-9788132-1-9

Author Rynn Berry's Website: vegsource.com/berry