ORGANIC THEME PARK

Book Picks - Michael Pollan

2009-10-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

Organic Theme Park highly recommends Michael Pollan's books, Omnivore's Dilemma and The Botany of Desire. These are must read books for all who embrace the organic food lifestyle. In Omnivore's Dilemma, Michael writes about "Big Organic" and the conventional imagery of "supermarket pastoral" dispelling the notion of "farm animals living as they did in the books we read as children." Organic companies such as Earthbound Farm, Cascadian Farm, Cal-Organics and even Rosie Organic Chicken are discussed. It will give you an insight on both conventional and organic business. In The Botany of Desire, the author takes us on a journey deep into four familiar plants - the apple, the tulip, cannabis, and the potato (with the "human desire that link their destinies to our own"). Definitely worthy of adding to your library or virtual bookshelf !

Leaf Organics, Sherman Oaks, CA

2009-08-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Join me as Organic Theme Park takes you to Leaf Organics restaurant in Sherman Oaks, CA. Leaf Organics' philosophy is to "create healthful, tasty, and affordable foods, in their natural state, using only organic ingredients, imagination and conscious care." Let's check it out !

Just walking in to Leaf Organics, we are surrounded by bright life affirming colors in a modern casual environment. Let's read over their menu offering.

Katie smiles with anticipation and shows off her healthy meal. Let's take a closer look at the next photo below !

This is the cashew creamy cheese (not real cheese - as it is vegan, "cashew based") with onion & chive on crisp mango bread. Yum !

Here is the Bombay salad with lentil croquettes topped with a curry-coconut sauce with mixed greens (they added some kale per my request), sprouts, red cabbage, carrots and tomatoes. Delicious !

Here is one of their delicious wraps which are normally wrapped with a collard green leaf or you can pay for a sprouted grain tortilla instead.

Dessert time - all vegan and guilt-free! Also served was this young Thai coconut in the husk which are freshly cracked open before serving with its refreshing chilled clear natural sweet liquor.

The store front in Sherman Oaks, CA. There is also a location in Culver City, CA. as well. Be sure to stop in and treat yourself to some delicious casual style organic and raw food dishes. You can also find their products at Whole Foods, Erewhon and other natural organic and raw foods markets throughout California. Your body will thank you !

Axe Sunday Brunch - Venice, CA

2009-08-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

Organic Theme Park takes you to a Sunday Brunch at Axe Restaurant in Venice, California. Chef and owner, Joanna Moore has created a relaxing and minimalist designed vegan organic restaurant now in its 10th year on Abbot Kinney Blvd. The name Axe (pronounced ashay) is a salutation from Yoruba (where Nigeria is today) that means "go with the power of the Gods and Goddesses."

Sshhh! There's no name outside the building . . .don't let it intimidate you from entering.However, I do suggest reservations as guests line up outside!

Here is Axe's simple Sunday brunch menu. I love Axe's principles which embraces local organic farmers, seasonality of produce and earth friendly sustainability.

So what is Axe's Sunday brunch specialty? An absolute must is an order of their 9 grain pancakes with berries!

Of all my travels, this is the "holy grail" of vegan organic pancakes. Also served with genuine maple syrup!! These 9 grain pancakes have a wonderful nutty texture with the berries mostly hidden under. Perfection !!

Another great dish is their rice bowl with tofu, bean sprouts, carrot, cucumber, onion, cabbage, basil, mint with sesame dressing.

Here Kelli shows off her minimalist organic omelette of parmesan, goat cheese, scallion, spinach and basil.

Go early and don't forget to make your reservations for Sunday brunch at Axe!

Le Palais Gourmet's Matcha Tasting Event

2009-07-31T17:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Santa Julia Organic Wines

2009-07-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

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!

Flore Vegan Cuisine

2009-07-18T12:17:00.001-07:00

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 !

Turmeric - The Spice For Longevity

2009-07-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Cinnamon Power

2009-07-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Brain Food - Walnuts

2009-07-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Kreation Organic Cafe - Santa Monica, CA

2009-06-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

When in Santa Monica, California, be sure to stop for breakfast or lunch at Kreation. It's a great organic sidewalk cafe that is also a certified green business. While small, clients were waiting for this healthy dining alternative.

Their homemade Hummus is a must - garnished with organic California walnut oil and fresh parsley (bring on the omega 3's).

Their menu features an abundance of superfoods like turmeric, pomegranate, acai, quinoa, blueberries and flax. Definitely, a restaurant to support and enjoy when in Santa Monica.

Julie & Julia

2009-06-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Advanced screenings of "Julie & Julia" are now playing at Organic Theme Park ! This is the first film based on a blog by Julie Powell who began documenting her on-line daily experiences cooking each of the 524 recipes in Julia Child's iconic cookbook,
"Mastering the Art of French Cooking." Sure to be the must-see movie of the summer for foodies, "Julie & Julia" starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams . . . opens August 7th !

Brentwood Farmers' Market

2009-06-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Beautiful day to check out the Brentwood, California, Farmers' Market.

Our kind of "checkerboard" - all superfruits!

Love this sign and selection!

Mmmm . . . some early dapple pluots !

Even all natural vegetarian soup from The Gourmet Soup Kitchen !

Akasha Restaurant, Culver City - California

2009-06-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

Join me on a V.I.P. visit to Akasha, an organic restaurant in Culver City, California. Chef & owner, Akasha Redmond, began to realize her dream restaurant while catering to the stars using healthful ingredients. Her culinary credentials include - author, "Hollywood Dish;" a twenty-year plus history producing events at the Sundance Film Festival, cooking at the Golden Temple vegan restaurant to being hand-picked as private chef to Barbra Streisand.

The main dining room has great scale with beautiful light and even an outside area for al fresco dining. While it looks empty - don't let it fool you as we just entered before lunch. The celebrity crowd devotees also include Brad Pitt and Ed Norton who recently held court.

The menu is varied . . . and even organic pizza's - I loved the "La Quercia Prosciutto" with oregonzola, figs, carmelized onions, arugula and olive oil. The grilled salmon nicoise salad was amazing too. Wonderful all organic comfort food like sweet potato fries with ginger sea salt.

There's even an artisan bakery with desserts & pastries made with organic flours, sweeteners, and superfoods like acai and goji berries. Definitely make Akasha a must organic dining experience when in Southern California!

Japanese Melon Green Tea

2009-06-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

You know Summer is coming with the arrival of new fruity loose teas that can be enjoyed iced down or warm. Le Palais Gourmet with its flagship store in Beverly Hills, California, has debuted this wonderful, Japanese melon green tea called, "Midori Sencha." It is certified organic and given a special distinction with a gold and white, "Special Reserve" label.

Not only is the loose green tea beautiful with orange and yellow flower petals set against the tea leaves, but the aroma has a sweet yet subtle fragrance that comes through even when steeped.The liquor color is pale green with no bitterness! Le Palais Gourmet describes this tea as using the finest lightly steamed organic Japanese Sencha and blended with two kinds of Japanese melons. It is truly amazing!

Joan's On Third

2009-06-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

Join me on a V.I.P. tour of one of my favorite foodie destinations in Los Angeles, "Joan's On Third." I love their mascot out front by the olive trees to greet you as you stroll past the sidewalk cafe to enter inside . . .

For you cheese mongers, you'll feel at home with this beautiful display of fromage with "Joan's On Third" chalkboard welcome sign above!

On the right of the front entrance, cue up for their selections of pastry and other delectables! While not all organic - still a visual treat!

I love their patriotism!

Our kind of people - lot's of fellow foodies and an attractive staff sure to help you with your purchases. You can dine in or outside (inside is fun to enjoy the flowers, aromas and visual delights). If you're lucky, you may see "Joan" who's gourmet market & cafe is a labor of love and now an L.A. institution.

Cranberry Orbs of Health

2009-06-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

So you don't like cranberry sauce and want a way to sneak this superfood in your diet? Just float them in Spring water and enjoy. Cranberries are rich in polyphenols (a potent antioxidant) and research indicates they may inhibit the growth of breast cancer and reduce the risk of gum disease and stomach ulcers. They contain the highest levels of polyphenolics among all fruits and vegetables.

Whole cranberries are most beneficial to your health. I love this brand, Stahbush Island Farms which I purchase at Whole Foods in their frozen freezer section.

Just drink some and enjoy the tart crunch with your Spring water each day to protect against cancer, stroke and heart disease. You'll enjoy their natural unsweetened tart flavor! Cheers!

Organic Theme Park Guest - Alice Waters

2009-06-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

A special video snacking treat for you today as we visit Alice Water's iconic restaurant CHEZ PANISSE in Berkeley, California.

An interview with Alice Waters who we credit as one of the first chefs and entrepreneurs to embrace local sustainable agriculture and cooking with "in-season" fresh ingredients.

Organic Premium Matcha

2009-06-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Found - Organic Certified Premium Matcha ! It is so new and fresh, Le Palais Gourmet hasn't posted it yet on their website. You're the first to know! High quality matcha is made from shade-grown tea leaves (gyokuro) and stone-ground into a fine, bright green powder. Matcha tea is a superfood as it has one of the highest amounts of antioxidants available on earth. Unlike other teas which are steeped and then removed, matcha tea (the powder) is actually ingested into the body.

As you can see in this caddy, the beautiful and vibrant color. In the foreground, is the bamboo matcha scoop (chashaku) which is used to place a tiny amount into the matcha tea bowl.

Here you can see the dry organic matcha powder placed into the bowl.

Here is a beautiful yet simple bamboo tea whisk (chasen) used for whisking the matcha.

Hot Spring water is added (never boiling so as to retain the nutrients and optimum flavor) and whisked for few seconds. The purpose of the bamboo whisk is to remove any lumps remaining in the liquid and any on the sides of the tea bowl. This is beautiful daily ritual.

Now, we are ready to drink this amazing organic certified premium matcha from Japan!

A Farmers' Market In Beverly Hills?

2009-06-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

Yes! Let's go! Now in its 15th year, the Beverly Hills certified Farmers' Market is open Sunday mornings at the 9300 block of Civic Center Drive (9A - 1P). There's even this fun mascot featured on the Beverly Hills Farmers' Market produce cloth bag by artist Gary Baseman. (If you are interested in this bag, post a comment and we will contact you with details.)

As you can see, it was a glorious day with the gilded dome of the Beverly Hills City Hall in the far distance.

I was so thrilled to see so much certified organic produce . . . this sign brought music to my ears! There's an exclusive section devoted to certified organics which makes shopping a breeze.

Just look at this honey display!

I stopped here and picked up some amazing organic white peaches . . . the fruit just fell of the stone nut and packed with flavor.

Check out the organic strawberries! There are themed events which change each Sunday such as a pie bake "piesta" (I wonder if there will be any organic certified pies? - could be a great excuse to indulge!).

M Cafe - A Macrobiotic Destination

2009-06-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

Let's stop for lunch at one of my favorite cafes in Los Angeles, M Cafe with locations in Beverly Hills, Culver City and the Melrose District (near Hollywood). M Cafe offers a unique menu of macrobiotic dishes with no refined sugars, eggs, dairy, red meat or poultry. Macrobiotics stresses the importance of whole, natural foods eaten in season and as minimally processed as possible.

I love their two salad fresh combo duo of scarlet quinoa and sesame soba noodles. They also serve an amazing kale-lemonade!

So, pull-up a chair in this relaxing euro cafe setting and join me at one of my favorite lunch stops in Los Angeles - M Cafe!

Hawaiian Organic Honey

2009-06-06T07:11:00.000-07:00

Honey . . . a gift from nature. Think of all the work, our planet's endangered bees do for a single drop of honey. Some wonderful artisan organic honey from Hawaii has been earning rave reviews. In the mystical Ohi'a forest, high on Mauna Loa's slopes, finicky bees gather nectar from the Ohi'a Lehua blossom at its peak ripeness. This single floral honey has a thick and creamy texture, light & delicate and can be perfectly paired with your teas, herbals, yogurt, etc.

Rather than reaching for bleached white cane sugar, use healthier organic honey instead. There are many subtle flavors which are influenced by the micro climates where the honey is produced. It's also a pleasure to use a honey dipper spoon which reduces spills of nature's precious liquid gold.

Say Cheese !

2009-06-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

Our V.I.P. tour continues today at The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills!

Check out the Spring picnic baskets in their window! Let's go inside!

When you walk in the door, you'll be over-powered by the melange of cheese aromas!

Beautiful cheese displays to tempt you at every glance . . .

Be sure to ask for samples and say hello to Norbert, the owner of this marvelous cheese store! So when you visit Le Palais Gourmet (see 6/4/09 post) for your tea, be sure to stop here at The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, only a block away.

Tea Mecca

2009-06-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

For tea lovers an absolute must visit is Le Palais Gourmet in Beverly Hills, California. With over 250 loose teas and herbals (many of which are certified organic) and a beautiful expansive minimalist setting, it is truly "tea heaven."

Just take a look at all the cans of teas and herbals on the walls ! You can purchase your loose teas by 1/4 pound minimum. Typically, the prices start around $12 and go up to $160 per 1/4 pound for a tea called Gyokuro (a rare shade grown green tea). Le Palais Gourmet specializes in green teas with frequent shipments from Japan. They have just received the new Spring '09 harvest from Japan (Shincha) which are eagerly awaited by tea connoisseurs around the world.

Amazing displays and beautiful gifts always inspire and are hard to resist ! While not a tea room, there is a tea bar which seats six and you can take tea-tasting classes on Saturday mornings (be sure to call and register in advance as they are typically booked). With proximity to major restaurants up and down Canon Drive, you can make a day of it. Don't forget to stop at the Beverly Hills Cheese Store which is a block away!

Glorious Apples !

2009-06-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

Resist the urge to peel an organic apple! Why? A study by Cornell University found that apples, especially their peels have high levels of polyphenols. Further, one serving of a red apple with its peel has the same antioxidant activity as 1500 mg of vitamin C. Cornell's studies on apples have also shown them to inhibit the growth of liver, colon and breast cancer cells. Apples may also decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes and asthma. One of my favorite daily rituals is eating a Gala or Fuji apple with some almond butter. Pure heaven !

Don't Judge A Strawberry By Its Color !

2009-06-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's strawberry season! Like the picture taken above at my local farmer's market, these strawberries are hypnotic in color and perfection. Warning! Don't fall for it! Why? These strawberries are NOT organic. They are full of pesticides! Strawberries are low lying fruit and as they typically lay on the ground while growing, they are also soaking up pesticides. Only buy organic! If I can't find organic strawberries during the off-season, I'll buy frozen organic strawberries and place them in a glass container in the fridge (there is no loss of nutrients in frozen fruit). Also, if you enjoy strawberry jam or jelly, look for the organic label on the jar. Now, that you know how to shop for strawberries, include them in your diet everyday. According to the USDA's analysis of antioxidant capacity, strawberries came in second to blueberries. They are also rich in dietary fiber, manganese and contain more vitamin C than any other berry!

Organic Italian Red Wine Discovery

2009-06-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

One challenge I have found being an organic foodie, is finding wines that have been produced organically without pesticides. I also want the nutritional benefits of resveratrol which has been found in high amounts in the skins of red and purple grapes. Resveratrol has been shown to prevent the damage in cells that leads to the beginning of the cancer process. It has also been shown to slow the growth of many kinds of cancer (colon, lymph, liver, leukemic, stomach and breast cancer cells). I found this inexpensive Italian red wine, Tommolo - bottled by Chiusa Grande - Montepulciano (the grape) d'Abruzzo (the region). It is a fruity, dry wine with soft tannins.

No pesticides in my Italian red wine! Bring on the organic resveratrol benefits!

Silver Needle White Tea

2009-05-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite morning rituals is enjoying a pot of organic white silver needle tea. Look closely at the above photo of this rare tea. Notice there are no tea leaves! It is only individual tea buds plucked this past Spring from the famed Fujian province of China. There is no processing - simply plucked by hand and allowed to dry. Why is this tea so expensive? It's extremely rare (especially when organically certified as the above) as it is only plucked once a year over a two to three day period. Another reason - the world demand. Not only does it taste sublime, it contains triple the antioxidants of green tea! Additionally, it has natural collagens which are great for your skin! It is essential that no sweetener of any kind is added. I like to store my tea in a Japanese made washi cannister as it will keep the tea fresh for two years and makes my daily tea preparation a beautiful experience.

As the white silver needles are so fluffy, I use a tablespoon (not a teaspoon) per cup (6-8 oz of Spring water). Use a strainer basket and place the silver needles inside for easy removal. This teapot I have owned for about seven years. It is made in Japan and is made by hand of cast iron and are called tetsubin. I love these teapots as they will retain the heat for approximately 40 minutes (unlike glass for only 20 minutes). These teapots have been made for hundreds of years and go back to the time of the samurai. Do not buy any iron teapots if made in China as they may not be made of pure iron. Ask to make sure, it is made in Japan. Expensive at first but they are nearly indestructible and you'll enjoy it for a lifetime.

Use a timer! For this pure white tea, I like to steep it in under-boiled Spring water for five minutes. It is important to use a timer as it's a common mistake to over-infuse tea -resulting in a bitter flavor. Also, we can be distracted with another task - time flies!

After five minutes, remove the infusion basket containing the silver needles from the tea pot. If you leave it in, your second cup will become increasingly bitter. Also, you can stretch your tea budget by re-steeping this pure white tea up to three times. There will be no caffeine released on subsequent steepings, only the first.

Now, enjoy every drop of this sublime tea! Also, don't forget to make a second pot and keep nourishing your body with another internal antioxidant rinse!

Miraculous Quinoa

2009-05-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

Quinoa is a miracle seed that I recommend that everyone add to their diet. But how? There are many easy ways to start. Did you know that quinoa originated from South America? It contains all 9 amino acids and is a complete protein providing powerful energy. Just a quarter cup of quinoa contains other vital nutrients such as 20% of your recommended daily value of iron and magnesium (a mineral that can reduce migranes by relaxing blood vessels). Let's make a delicious quinoa-oatmeal breakfast dish.

Boil a cup full of quinoa for about 10 minutes until you see the seed open pop open and get fluffy.

Reduce the heat and add in some organic dried plums (also known as "prunes") for their powerful antioxidant benefits.

Now, add in the muli-grain instant organic oatmeal, walnuts and cinnamon.

The finished cooked combination of quinoa, oatmeal, prunes, walnuts and cinnamon.

Just add some organic blueberries, strawberries and plain yogurt. We've also added some ground flaxseed on top. Enjoy the nutritious benefits of this quinoa oatmeal dish every morning!