Friday, July 31, 2009

Le Palais Gourmet's Matcha Tasting Event

Le Palais Gourmet in Beverly Hills, California, hosted an organic matcha tasting event to the delight of all the attendees. It was an epicurean event with matcha cuisine created by world renowned chef, Christy Choo (owner of Jin Patisserie).


The tea bar at Le Palais Gourmet was a spectacular with so many wonderfully prepared desserts all made with organic matcha, the Japanese green tea ground by stone into fine powder. Matcha is receiving world-wide acclaim for its super concentrated amount of antioxidants (more than 10 times that of pomegranate). Rather than simply, steeping the green tea, it's actually ingested which allows the concentrated antioxidants to stay in the body longer to deliver its powerful nutritional benefits. Let's take a look at all the tempting offerings!

These are creme brulee's made with organic matcha!


These are matcha pound cake slices over a bed of raspberry sauce with a touch of creme fraiche and a raspberry garnish.


Would you like a matcha soy smoothie? Perfect for the summer or anytime!



Take a look at all the canisters of tea along the walls . . . many of which are organic!


Beauty is everywhere at Le Palais Gourmet tea emporium !



The crowd gathers to watch Le Palais Gourmet's tea master, David Barenholtz demonstrate how to prepare hot matcha. This is a daily ritual of health, peace and tranquility.

















Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Santa Julia Organic Wines

The selection of organic wines are growing everyday . . . thanks to more oenophiles demanding wines without pesticides. Santa Julia is an Argentinian Winery which has produced an organic Chardonnay that is wonderful and can be found at Whole Foods.



Another single varietal organic wine by Santa Julia is this Tempranillo which has an aroma of honey and dried fruits like pears, apricots and peaches. Its flavor is sweet with balanced acidity; complex and long finish. Cheers!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Flore Vegan Cuisine

For those of you Los Angelenos who venture to the East side of town, there's an organic-vegan sidewalk cafe style restaurant in Silver Lake called Flore that's worth a visit. While not chic in design or presentation like M Cafe, it's definitely more bohemian and a fun "people-watching" dining experience!


The late summer sun was setting at 8PM was we arrived for dinner.


A table outside is an absolute must especially on a summer evening (warning - too hot inside so wait for a table to open up outside). A delicious basmati brown rice bowl with kale, baked tofu, avocado, shredded carrot, daikon sprouts, raw sunflower seeds with a tahini dressing was yummy. Save room for vegan-organic desserts . . .


Lot's of cup cakes !!!



Even chocolate with agave or maple syrup sweeteners.



Or settle on this organic chocolate-strawberry gluten-free cake ! Flore Vegan Cuisine is definitely an organic-vegan restuarant to add to your list !




Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Turmeric - The Spice For Longevity

One of my favorite spices is turmeric which is a component of curry. Did you know it is also used as an herbal beverage in Okinawa, Japan? Could turmeric be a diet secret for the Okinawans whose population is known for its longevity? Turmeric has been used for generations in Asian countries to control infection and reduce scar formation. The spice's active chemical, curcumin, has been shown to act as an antioxidant and an antimicrobial. Studies have also shown that extracts of turmeric root can reduce the secretion of acid by the stomach to protect against inflammation and reduce ulcers. Turmeric has been shown to have a protective effect on the liver by clearing harmful toxins as well as preventing damage. Turmeric may also relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Current research by Cornell University shows promise for curcumin's positive effect on breast cancer.

How to add turmeric to you daily diet? Sprinkle it on your salmon or tofu, add it to soups and as the Okinawans - make an herbal beverage. Turmeric is available at Whole Foods (organic) found in the spice section, or you can purchase it elsewhere in capsules, fluid extracts and tinctures.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Cinnamon Power

Did you know that cinnamon was listed as an herb with medicinal properties dating back to Chinese literature as early as 2700 BC ? It is now known that cinnamon raises vitality, warms the system, stimulates all the vital functions of the body, counteracts congestion, improves digestion and can even aid as a treatment for nausea. There is also evidence that cinnamon can lower levels of cholesterol and blood sugars. The natural cinnamon plant (you can see the bark above in the photo) has essential oils which have been found to stimulate movement in the gastrointestinal tract and act as a natural gas-reliever.

So add cinnamon to your daily diet ritual by sprinkling it on your oatmeal, yogurt or evening adding it to your favorite herbal tea. When purchasing your cinnamon, buy "non-irradiated" as noted on the spice jar in the photo above.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Brain Food - Walnuts

Something as simple as walnuts should be called the "superfood nut." Why? Walnuts contain brain loving omega -3 oils which also benefit the heart. Did you know consuming walnuts can also calm and moisten dry skin? Yes, nature's internal moisturizer! Another bonus, research on walnuts has found a unique vitamin E thought to suppress prostate and lung cancer cell division.
So, enjoy some walnuts everyday for these wonderful benefits.